This list of the best Japanese foods to try in Japan includes traditional and modern Japanese dishes that celebrate Japanese food culture.
Japan is a land of rich cultural heritage beautifully reflected in its food. Japanese cuisine has evolved over centuries, blending influences from various regions and cultures, all while preserving its traditional roots.
From humble street food stalls to the finest Michelin-starred restaurants, Japan offers a vast array of flavors, textures, and presentations that will leave a lasting impression.
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Best Japanese Foods to Try in Japan
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, here are some of the best Japanese foods to try in Japan, ranging from the traditional to the modern interpretations of classic dishes.
#1. Sushi: Japan’s Iconic Culinary Delight
No list of Japanese foods would be complete without sushi. This globally recognized dish comes in various forms, including nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls.
Fresh, high-quality fish like tuna, salmon, and eel are often the stars of the dish, with rice seasoned with vinegar providing the perfect balance of flavor.
In Tokyo, the Tsukiji Fish Market (now relocated to Toyosu) is famous for its fresh sushi, offering some of the best sushi in the world.
For an authentic experience, try sushi in a traditional conveyor belt restaurant or opt for high-end omakase (chef’s choice) dining, where the chef handpicks the best fish of the day.
#2. Ramen: A Comfort Food with Endless Variations
Ramen is one of the most popular Japanese foods, and for good reason. This comforting noodle soup has countless regional variations.
The rich, savory broth can be based on miso, soy sauce, or pork bone (tonkotsu), and the noodles are typically served with a variety of toppings such as sliced pork, green onions, bamboo shoots, and a soft-boiled egg.
While ramen has spread globally, there’s nothing like having it in Japan. Tokyo’s ramen shops are a must-visit, but you’ll also find excellent ramen in the northern region of Hokkaido, where miso-based ramen reigns supreme.
#3. Tempura: The Perfectly Crispy Fried Delights
Tempura is another beloved Japanese dish that features battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables.
The key to great tempura is the light, crispy batter and the use of fresh ingredients. Shrimp, squid, sweet potatoes, and seasonal vegetables are often featured in tempura dishes.
While tempura can be found at many restaurants, the best versions are often served in specialized tempura restaurants, where chefs prepare each piece of tempura to order, ensuring that it remains crispy and fresh.
#4. Kaiseki: A High-End Japanese Dining Experience
Kaiseki is the pinnacle of traditional Japanese cuisine, offering a multi-course meal that emphasizes seasonality, aesthetics, and balance.
The meal consists of several dishes, including appetizers, sashimi, soup, grilled fish, and a rice dish. Each course is carefully designed to reflect the season and is served in small, beautifully presented portions.
For a modern take on kaiseki, head to the two-Michelin-starred restaurant n/naka in Los Angeles, where Niki Nakayama, the chef and owner, brings a contemporary interpretation of this ancient cuisine.
In her Japanese cuisine MasterClass, she and her partner and sous chef Carole, teach techniques such as preparing sashimi, tempura, and perfect rice, ensuring that fresh ingredients are always the star of the dish.
#5. Natto: A Traditional Japanese Food with a Unique Flavor
Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. Known for its strong smell and slimy texture, natto is an acquired taste.
Many Japanese people enjoy natto as a breakfast dish, often served with rice and accompanied by condiments like soy sauce, mustard, or green onions.
If you’re brave enough to try it, natto offers a great source of protein and probiotics. It’s a staple in many Japanese households and one of the most famous, albeit polarizing, traditional Japanese foods.
#6. Okonomiyaki: The Savory Japanese Pancake
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake, often described as a Japanese-style pizza. This dish is typically made with flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and your choice of protein, such as pork, shrimp, or beef.
It’s cooked on a griddle and served with mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce (a sweet and tangy sauce), and bonito flakes (dried fish flakes).
Okonomiyaki is a popular dish in Osaka, and there are many okonomiyaki restaurants where you can cook your own pancake right at the table.
#7. Takoyaki: A Street Food Favorite
Takoyaki are ball-shaped snacks made from batter and filled with octopus, tempura bits, pickled ginger, and green onions.
These crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside balls are typically served with takoyaki sauce, a sweet and savory sauce, and bonito flakes.
Originally from Osaka, takoyaki can be found in street food stalls throughout Japan, making it an essential Japanese food to try when you’re on the go.
#8. Unagi: Grilled Eel for a Flavorful Meal
Unagi, or grilled eel, is a Japanese delicacy that is usually served with a sweet and savory soy-based sauce over a bed of rice.
The eel is first marinated in a rich sauce and then grilled to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
Unagi is particularly popular during the summer months in Japan, as it is believed to help replenish energy levels during the hot weather.
#9. Sashimi: Fresh, Raw Fish at Its Finest
Sashimi is a Japanese dish that consists of thinly sliced, raw fish or seafood. The focus is on freshness, and the fish is usually served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
Tuna, salmon, and yellowtail are some of the most common types of fish used in sashimi.
For the best sashimi experience, visit a sushi restaurant or a fish market where the fish is prepared right in front of you, ensuring that you get the freshest possible slices.
#10. Vegan and Vegetarian Japanese Food: A Growing Trend
In recent years, vegan and vegetarian Japanese food has become increasingly popular. While traditional Japanese cuisine features a lot of fish and meat, there are many plant-based options to explore.
Dishes like vegan ramen, vegetable tempura, and tofu-based dishes provide a satisfying and flavorful alternative for those seeking plant-based meals.
Vegan Japanese food culture has grown to include inventive versions of traditional dishes, making it easy for travelers with dietary preferences to enjoy the flavors of Japan.
#11. Japanese Desserts: Sweet Delights to End Your Meal
Japanese desserts are often lighter than Western sweets and tend to focus on subtle flavors. Some of the most famous Japanese desserts include mochi (sticky rice cakes), dorayaki (red bean-filled pancakes), and matcha-flavored treats.
Matcha, a finely ground powdered green tea, is used in many desserts and beverages, adding a unique earthy flavor.
For a truly indulgent experience, try a wagashi (traditional Japanese sweet) at a tea ceremony or a matcha dessert in Kyoto, where the matcha culture is deeply ingrained in the city’s culinary scene.
#12. Japanese Food Trucks: A New Trend
Japanese food trucks have been gaining popularity, offering a more casual way to experience a variety of Japanese foods.
From okonomiyaki to takoyaki, food trucks bring the flavors of Japan to the streets. They often serve unique twists on classic Japanese dishes and are a great way to sample a variety of foods in one place.
Whether you’re sampling traditional dishes like sushi and ramen or trying modern interpretations by chefs like Niki Nakayama, Japanese cuisine offers something for every palate. From the healthiest Japanese food to the indulgent and sweet, there’s no shortage of flavors to explore.
By trying the best Japanese foods in Japan, you’ll not only experience the culture through its flavors but also learn about the deep respect the Japanese people have for their ingredients, techniques, and food culture.
The diversity of Japanese cuisine, from famous dishes to lesser-known regional specialties, ensures that there is always something new to discover. With each meal, you’ll be treating yourself to a sensory experience that goes far beyond just taste.
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