The EJG Japan Food Guide
Introduction to Japan Food Culture
Japan food is far more than simply sushi, sukiyaki, soba, tempura and teriyaki. In fact, you will be amazed and delighted to
discover that food in Japan is a melting pot of an astonishing array of tastes and cuisines from
around the globe, including Italian, Thai, Indian, Chinese, French, just to name a few, all of impeccable
quality that rivals their source countries.
And of course, in terms of quality, variety, and places to eat it, it goes without saying that the
Japanese food in Japan is delicious beyond description!
Consider this: it is estimated that there are over 100,000 restaurants in Tokyo alone, not to mention all
of the countless food stalls, markets, cafes, bakeries, bars, pubs, and even vending machines!
With such an incredible volume of food offerings, even in a densely populated area like Tokyo,
competition for the appetites, and yen, of customers is intense. Quite simply, if one vendor's food is not outstanding,
there are a dozen competitors down the street that are.
This fierce competition for consumers, coupled with Japan's renown emphasis on craftsmanship and attention
to detail, virtually ensures that Japan food experience will be unlike anything you have ever encountered.
In fact, you could easily plan your entire Japan travel itinerary around the country's food offerings,
and come home a very happy, albeit somewhat heavier, traveler indeed!
Are you starting to get hungry? Then let's polish off our chopsticks and dig right in and explore
Japan's unparalleled food culture!

Food in Japan
Contrary to the myth that Japanese food is little more than raw fish and some white rice,
Japan food is actually extremely diverse, and consists of an astounding variety of
flavors and ingredients.
Moreover, food in Japan if not just limited to Japanese food. Far from it.
You'll find that Japan food is in fact comprised of a melting pot of an unbelievable volume
and variety of international cuisines from around the globe.
Sushi
...the opportunity to experience this delicacy prepared authentically in its country of origin is reason enough to venture to Japan.
Japanese Soba
is a very popular noodle dish in Japan. Healthy, versitle, and inexpensive, soba can be served in a variety of ways hot or cold, and is a staple of the Japanese diet.
Japanese Udon
is a delicious and readily available staple food, making it an obvious food choice for any noodle loving visitor to Japan.
Okonomiyaki Japanese Pancake
is a popular and fun-to-eat food item in Japan at restaurants, festivals and home parties.
Japanese Takoyaki
are delicious grilled octopus dumplings. These octopus balls are a popular snack food in Japan
enjoyed at streetside food stands, food courts, sporting events, and festivals.
Onigiri Rice Balls
are a favorite picnic and snack food in Japan. Onigiri is a popular carry out food item in Japanese convenience stores, and is a common item found in bento boxed lunches.
Japanese Natto
are those infamously pungent fermented soybeans.
Sticky, stinky, stringy, and yet oh so healthy, there is no middle ground.
You'll either love natto or hate natto, but you can natto ignore it!
Japanese Bread
is a delicious and unexpected treat served up by charming little bakeries throughout Japan.
Japanese Cake
is not only a hugely popular in Japan, it is absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious as well!

Share Your Favorite Japan Food Item!
Do you have your own favorite out-of-this-world food item that you tasted in Japan? Write and share your own Japan food experience!
Write a paragraph or more telling us all about your Japan food experience. Tell us what is was, where you ate it, and where you can get it! If possible, add a picture too!
Be creative and have fun!!!

Keep checking back as we continue to update our guide to the foods of Japan with more
and more great Japanese food and dining info!

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