Japanese Cuisine Essentials: 5 Foods Foreign Tourists Can’t Miss

Have you ever wondered what makes Japanese cuisine so beloved by travelers from around the world? The rich flavors, unique ingredients, and meticulous preparation of Japanese food offer an unparalleled culinary experience. In this blog post, we will explore the top 5 must-try foods that capture the essence of Japan’s gastronomic delights. From the delicate artistry of sushi to the comforting warmth of ramen, these dishes are not only delicious but also provide a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and tradition. Join us on this culinary journey and discover why these foods are a must for any visitor to Japan.

Ranking No. 1

　寿司　（Sushi）

Sushi is the quintessential Japanese dish, loved worldwide for its simplicity and fresh flavors. From nigiri to maki rolls, sushi offers a variety of textures and tastes. Visitors can enjoy sushi at traditional sushi bars, conveyor belt sushi restaurants, or even at the famous Tsukiji Market in Tokyo.

SEE IT

Ranking No. 2

　ラーメン　（Ramen）

Ramen is a comforting noodle soup that comes in many regional varieties. Whether it’s the rich, creamy tonkotsu ramen from Fukuoka, the hearty miso ramen from Sapporo, or the classic soy sauce ramen from Tokyo, there’s a ramen style to suit every palate. Ramen shops are ubiquitous in Japan, making it easy for tourists to find a delicious bowl.

SEE IT

Ranking No. 3

　天ぷら（Tempura）

Tempura consists of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables. Its crisp texture and delicate flavor make it a favorite among tourists. Tempura can be enjoyed at specialty restaurants or as part of a meal set at traditional Japanese inns.

SEE IT

Ranking No. 4

たこ焼き（Takoyaki）

Originating from Osaka, takoyaki are savory octopus balls cooked in special molded pans. These bite-sized snacks are topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. They are a popular street food and can be found at festivals and food stalls.

SEE IT

Wagyu beef is renowned for its marbling and tenderness. High-end varieties like Kobe and Matsusaka beef are particularly prized. Tourists can savor wagyu in various forms, including steaks, sukiyaki, and shabu-shabu, at upscale restaurants and specialty steakhouses.

SEE IT

Sushi

Sushi, Japan’s most famous culinary export, is a must-try for any visitor. This dish features vinegared rice paired with fresh fish, seafood, and vegetables, often wrapped in seaweed. There are various types of sushi, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (sliced raw fish without rice).

• Where to Eat: For an authentic experience, visit Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo, home to numerous sushi restaurants and stalls. Additionally, try conveyor belt sushi (kaiten-zushi) for a fun and affordable option.

Ramen

Ramen is a hearty noodle soup dish with a variety of flavors, such as shoyu (soy sauce), miso (fermented soybean paste), shio (salt), and tonkotsu (pork bone broth). Each region in Japan offers its own unique take on ramen, making it a versatile and beloved comfort food.

• Where to Eat: Ichiran and Ippudo are renowned chains offering delicious ramen nationwide. For regional specialties, head to Sapporo for miso ramen, Hakata for tonkotsu ramen, and Tokyo for shoyu ramen.

Tempura

Tempura consists of seafood and vegetables lightly battered and deep-fried to perfection. The crispy texture and delicate flavor make it a popular choice among tourists. Tempura is often served with a dipping sauce and grated daikon radish.

• Where to Eat: Asakusa in Tokyo is famous for its tempura restaurants, such as Daikokuya Tempura, which has been serving this delicacy for over a century. Kyoto also offers excellent tempura dining experiences.

Takoyaki

Takoyaki are savory octopus balls, a beloved street food originating from Osaka. These small, round snacks are made from a batter filled with pieces of octopus, tempura scraps, green onions, and pickled ginger, then topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.

• Where to Eat: Dotonbori in Osaka is the best place to enjoy authentic takoyaki. The bustling street is lined with numerous stalls and restaurants specializing in this delightful treat.

Wagyu Beef

Wagyu beef, known for its exceptional marbling and tenderness, is a luxury dining experience. The most famous varieties include Kobe beef and Matsusaka beef, both prized for their rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Wagyu can be enjoyed as steak, in sukiyaki, or shabu-shabu.

• Where to Eat: Kobe is the ideal destination for sampling authentic Kobe beef at restaurants like Kobe Plaisir. For Matsusaka beef, visit Matsusaka city in Mie Prefecture, where you’ll find top-notch establishments like Matsusaka Ushi Yakiniku M.

Japan’s culinary offerings are as diverse as they are delicious. Whether you’re enjoying the freshness of sushi, the warmth of a ramen bowl, the crispiness of tempura, the savory delight of takoyaki, or the luxurious taste of wagyu beef, each dish provides a unique and unforgettable experience. Be sure to explore these iconic foods during your visit to Japan.

great-trip編集部

writer

Hello, I'm a new member of "great-trip" and I'm looking forward to meeting you! Welcome to "great-trip"! great-trip" is a website designed to introduce tourist attractions in Japan. This site will help you with your next trip by providing detailed information on various tourist attractions in Japan. The site provides easy-to-understand and friendly content so that even those new to planning a trip can find the information they are looking for with ease. great-trip" is operated with the hope of conveying the wonders of Japan's sightseeing spots to as many people as possible. We hope that visitors to our site will find travel enjoyable and appealing, and that we can help them find their next travel destination. As your travel plans progress, discover new aspects of Japan and create wonderful memories. Let's go on a great trip to Japan together! Discover your next travel destination with "great-trip". We look forward to seeing you soon!