Because exotic ingredients, inventive tastes, a particular sense of history and culture have long been celebrated in Japanese cuisine, let's dive right in! Today we're going on a gastronomic tour of Japan!
There's no place better than here to try seafood if you're in East Asia. In Hakodate, a port city located on Hokkaido island and surrounded by the sea on all four sides, many visitors come for the food rather than the sights. Every day, there's a morning market with fresh fish goods and tiny booths where you can sample excellent seafood dishes like sashimi and kaisen don (a seafood rice bowl).
You can enjoy sushi in many different ways, from the budget-friendly kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) to the luxurious and traditional Edomae sushi. At kaiten-zushi restaurants, you can pick up plates of sushi as they go by on a conveyor belt, while at Edomae sushi restaurants, you'll be served fresh sushi rolls made right in front of you.
No trip to Tokyo is complete until you've indulged in the city's distinct miso soup. For the uninitiated, miso is a fermented paste created by soybeans cultured with koji bacteria. Though commonly made with rice or barley, every region in Japan boasts its own unique variation of the dish. In Japan, you can request a sample of the various types of miso available at different restaurants before deciding on the one you like best.
You simply cannot leave Tokyo without trying Monjayaki. This Japanese street meal is like no other, and you can find it in the Tsukishima area of Tokyo. The dish consists of a large crepe filled with meats, cabbage, and fish - all cooked to perfection. Trust us when we say that this is the best spot in Japan to try Monjayaki!
If you're a fan of wagyu beef, then Takayama is a must-see. Takayama is known for its excellent Hida beef, which comes from the northern area of Gifu prefecture. In order to be classified as Hida beef, Wagyu cattle must be raised in the province for at least 14 months and meet certain standards set by an official grading organization. The meat is recognized for its deep color, rich flavor, and melt-in-your mouth texture.
If you're ever in Japan's Alpine area, be sure to stop by the Miyagawa Morning Market from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. You'll find an array of delicious Hida beef dishes like sushi, croquettes, and skewered meat grilled over charcoal-and all for relatively cheap prices! Once you're done stuffing your face with food, take a walk around the market and check out some of the local souvenirs on sale while enjoying the fresh air coming off of the nearby Miyagawa river.
Takayama is also famous for its other regional dishes like Hoba miso and gohei mochi, which are both inspired by the region's rocky terrain and climate. For example, Hoba miso is a magnolia-leaf-based meal with ingredients like leeks, shiitake mushrooms, and Hide beef, giving it a flavorful smell. On the contrary, gohei mochi are rice cakes skewered on sticks before being covered in a combination of Miso paste, soy sauce walnuts and sesame mixture. It's then roasted over charcoal to give it that unique flavor..
Washoku, or "traditional Japanese cuisine," is still highly valued in modern-day Kyoto. This can be seen through kyo-kaiseki, a meal that epitomizes washoku. It consists of several small servings of local fish, seasonal vegetables, and rice presented on individual plates. What was once only served in royal courts is now available at any number of restaurants across Kyoto, such as En and Yoshikura.
With meals like Kushikatsu, Takoyaki, and Okonomiyaki, it's no wonder Osaka justification for being called Japan's best food city. If you're visiting Osaka, be sure to try these savory dishes! Octopus balls (or Takoyaki) are a must-have while in the city-though UNESCO probably didn't have them in mind when they honoured washoku. "Okonomiyaki '' is a batter pancake topped with different meats, shredded vegetables, squid, powdered seaweed, drizzled with mayonnaise, sweet brown and razor thin shavings of dried tuna. Originating in Saka , this dish has become just as synonymous with Asian cuisine as ramen and sushi. To sample these delights for yourself , head to the Dtombori neighbourhood next time you're in this food-obsessed city .
For those of you who truly savor and enjoy good food, we hope you appreciated our delectable tour of Japan! From the inventive use of ingredients to the exciting and enlightening culinary experiences, Japanese cuisine is like no other. We can't wait to show you more delicious dishes from this beautiful country!
