|
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 Izakaya
are lively eating and drinking establishments, and are a popular place for the typically serious-at-the-office Japanese to unwind after a hard day of work.
Japanese Bento
are artistically prepared and nutritionally balanced quick meals that are usually sold in Japanese convenience stores as well as specialty bento shops called "bento-ya."
Japanese Ramen
is a noodle soup dish, originally derived from China, that has evolved into one of Japan's most popular foods, if not an outright obsession.
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.
Chankonabe
is the staple food eaten by sumo wrestlers in Japan to pack on the pounds they need to compete in the sumo ring. Refined and tasty variations of this dish can be enjoyed at chanko nabe restaurants in Japan.
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 Sweets and Desserts
include everything from traditional sweets like taiyaki and dango to imported sweets and desserts like cake, ice cream, candy and crepes, all of which have been refined into a uniquely Japanese style and flavor.
Traditional Japanese Sweets and Snacks
are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat. Often created in the shape of leaves, flowers, and other articles of nature, wagashi represents Japan's four distinct changing seasons and appeal to all five of the human senses.
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!
|
Become a Fan on Facebook!
Tokyo
That first visit to Tokyo can be overwhelming. In order to help you
navigate through this massive cultural mecca, our
Tokyo Guide provides you with just a small guide to our
favorite Tokyo destinations and attractions.
Kyoto
Kyoto
is a treasure trove of fascinating and culturally important temples, shrines, castles, arts, and artifacts for visitors to explore, many of which are National Treasures of Japan and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Yokohama
Yokohama
is an exciting port city full of fun attractions and sightseeing spots. You can very easily enjoy the best of what Yokohama has to offer on a day-trip from Tokyo, yet there is enough to see and do that you could easily make Yokohama your prime Japan travel destination!
Nikko
Nikko
is a popular tourist destination famous for the mausoleums of the Tokugawa shoguns, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as soothing onsen hot springs surrounded by a breathtaking landscape of wooded mountains, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails.
|
