Articles for the theme Japanese Food and Drink

Articles

Original melon pan at Kagetsudo

Street food in Asakusa: Indulge in culture and cuisine

One of the most iconic locations in Eastern Tokyo is Asakusa, largely cited as the main hub of Tokyo’s “Shitamachi.” Shitamachi refers to one of the two major historic districts of Tokyo, and the n

Kanazawa, Japan

The Food Specialties to try in the Japanese Alps

Within the literal heart of Japan exist a series of mountain ranges that bisect the main island of Honshu.

Aomori apples

The food specialities to try in Tohoku

Bridging Japan’s major hub of Kanto and the most northern island of Hokkaido, the Tohoku region boasts some of the main island of Honshu’s most celebrated attractions, its unique culinary culture e

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Japanese Food Glossary

Here is an A-Z glossary of Japanese food words and phrases.

Sukiyaki hot pot

Japanese Nabe

In Japanese, nabe (pronounced "nah-beh") simply means pot. Nabe ryori (pot cooking) has become a generic term for meals cooked in a pot - vegetables, meat and noodles or rice cooked at the tab

Café à Tokyo

Kissaten, Japanese retro cafes

In the land of green tea, there is no shortage of coffee enthusiasts or "Kissaten", coffee shops. Imported to Japan in the late 1800s and the first cafe opened in the early 1900s.

Tsuke-men_001

the tsukemen

Tsukemen are the ideal dish for anyone who cannot do without noodles during the hot and humid summers of the Japanese archipelago.

Kaiseki Ryori

Kaiseki ryori, Japanese gourmet cuisine

Japanese cuisine is renowned around the world and one of its most refined and sought-after expressions bears the name of Kaiseki ryori , the Japanese gourmet meal comprised of several cour

Avec son enveloppe croustillante et son intérieur moelleux, le melon pan est un en-cas apprécié à tout moment de la journée

The Melon Pan, the Japanese brioche

By its round and generous shape, the melon pan invites you to indulge. Its cracked appearance looks like a melon, but does it taste like it?

Higashi

Wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets

The term wagashi refers to traditional Japanese sweets. Usually small, the size of just a few mouthfuls, they come in many shapes, textures and using various ingredients.

Les dango

Dango: the kawaii mochi balls

The dango is a small ball of mochi served in a skewer.

Un okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki: A Japanese Omelet

A cross between an omelet and a pancake, cooked with numerous ingredients and drizzled with a thick, savoury sauce. Okonomiyaki is a typical treat of Osaka, Hiroshima and Tokyo. 

Plateau sushi

How to cook sushi?

Sushi is an iconic Japanese delicacy and comes in countless forms today.

dorayaki

Dorayaki, the Japanese "sponge cake"

Dorayaki is perhaps one of the most well-known and popular Japanese pastries.

Du kara-age servi avec du chou et du citron

Karaage, Japanese fried chicken

Karaage (fried chicken) is one of the great classic Japanese dishes which is very popular. You will find this dish on menus in an izakaya or for sale in a konbini.

Des mochi colorés

Mochi, the traditional Japanese dessert par excellence

Very popular in Asia, mochi is a traditional pastry made from sticky rice.  It is also paired or filled with anko (red bean paste) and other ingredients.

Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu, Japanese breaded pork

Tonkatsu, a Japanese culinary specialty, is a very common Japanese dish, which consists of a piece of fried breaded pork. It is found in different forms in all types of restaurants.

Tonkotsu (Hakata) ramen

Râmen, the famous Japanese noodles

It was love at first sight for the Japanese and the Ramen: A love story that started over a century ago. Served directly at the counter, ramen is king with its undisputed flavors!

Katsudon

Donburi: the unique Japanese dish

Rice and a garnish: this is a simple, hearty, and accommodating dish that can be served universally from one end of the to the other. What are these toppings?

Une table de petit déjeuner

Breakfast in Japan: between tradition and new trends

Whether taken with the family or alone, on the go or in a restaurant, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Taiyaki, a popular snack at festivals

Taiyaki, Japanese waffles

For the Japanese, this fish-shaped cake, commonly sold as street food, in the shape of tai (sea bream) traditionally filled with red bean paste evokes the f

Les daifuku sont traditionnellement garnis de anko mais la couleur du mochi peut varier

Daifuku mochi, the delicious Japanese pastry

Round, soft and sweet, daifuku "great happiness", is one of the most represented in the world of wagashi, traditional Japanese pastries.

Sashimi

The Art of Sashimi

As simple as it can appear to the naked eye, sashimi is a complex culinary art.

Tsukimi ramen

Udon noodles, typical Japanese dish

But where do these thick, springy noodles come from that are so hard to eat with chopsticks?

Les Uji soba au thé.

Soba, buckwheat noodles

Along with ramen and udon, soba is the most consumed noodles in Japan, forming an integral part of many dishes.

Miso soup

This soup is a central element of Japanese cuisine: having a meal without miso soup is almost unthinkable in Japan.

Bouteilles de saké

Sake: the alcohol of Japan

Sake is not only one of the most consumed drinks in Japan, but it is also one of the oldest. From religious rites to feats, sake is an essential part of Japanese culture.

Unagi, the Japanese eel

Eel is not consumed much out of Asia, being a rather fatty fish. However, the Japanese make it a finger-licking good: unagi is often eaten grilled and brushed with a delicious sauce.

Eating Japanese crab

If you're in Japan during winter, you'll no doubt admire the snowy temples and enjoy the various festivals, but make time to try the local specialties! Crab is a staple in winter dishes.

Tofu

Tofu, a Japanese soy specialty

Whether it's cut into small cubes in miso soup or fried, wrapped around inarizushi, tofu is a very common ingredient in Japanese cuisine.

daikon

Daikon, the Japanese winter radish

In Japan, it is quite common to see a pair of vegetables, leeks, and daikon, in a shopping basket at a supermarket.

Le gyoza, délicieux ravioli japonais

Gyozas, Japanese dumplings

Gyoza is one of the most popular dishes in Japan, a country with a huge culinary culture. Gyoza is also already very present around the globe.

Nabe avec du crabe

Winter culinary specialties made with Zuwai crab

There are several varieties of crabs in Japan and winter is the best season.

Bento

The Bento: the Japanese lunch box

Compact, aesthetic, and healthy, the bento is the essential asset for a healthy and delicious lunch. The box containing a balanced meal can sometimes appear to be a real work of art.

Onigiri on the shelves in a konbini

Onigiri: the essential rice balls

Onigiri (rice balls) also called omusubu, are to the Japanese what sandwiches are to the French: a practical, inexpensive snack that sticks well.

Takoyaki : petits soufflés de pieuvre cuite, spécialité d'Osaka.

Takoyaki: A Specialty of Osaka

Osaka is known for its many delicious dishes and street foods, the most famous undoubtedly being takoyaki! This is a must-try dish when you visit Japan. 

 

Ramen

Where to take cooking classes in Japan?

Maki, Tempura, or even Okonomiyaki, all these dishes are emblematic of Japanese cuisine.

Doraemon chigiri-pan

Kawaii cakes and sweets

As the country that invented kawaii, Japanese cakes and sweets often come in adorable little animals or famous anime characters.

Different types of sushi

You probably already know nigiri sushi and makizushi (often just called "maki").

Family restaurants

Originally created to satisfy a varied clientele, family restaurants are very popular in Japan. What are they and where can you find them?

La Strawaberry Mania débarque au Japon

Strawberry: seasonal specialties

Although strawberries can also be found during summer in Japan, the strawberry season traditionally extends from January to April.

Matcha soba noodles

Cooking with tea

Whether it's consumed ceremonially, or simply bought in a can from a vending machine or konbini, tea is an essential part of daily life in Japan.

Sakura Taiyaki

Cherry blossom specialties

The change of season is always a good time to discover new products in Japan and spring is no exception.

Eating seafood, Japanese style

In Japan, fish isn't just eaten raw with rice. A Japanese man eats an average of 70 kilos of fish a year, so thankfully there are many ways to prepare it.

Kaitenzushi restaurant chains

There's no sushi master meticulously preparing fish in front of you, nor eye-watering bill when you're done.

The amezaiku

Fish, tigers, birds or even pandas, these lollipops sculpted by Japanese craftsmen on sugar can take all possible shapes.

Japanese mushrooms

In Japan, there are many kinds of edible mushrooms.

Japanese sweets - dorayaki and sweet potato cake

Japanese Fall specialities

Renowned for its landscapes of gold and red, autumn is a beautiful season to discover Japan. Especially food-wise, since fall heralds the arrival of many delicious seasonal products.

Iwakuni-zushi or thousand leaf sushi

Originating in the city of Iwakuni, Iwakuni-zushi are a variety of sushi made in a large wooden box and mounted on several floors, making them look like mille-feuilles of rice.

Umibudou_Miyakojima

Umibudo

Umibudo, or "sea grape," is a culinary specialty of Okinawa prefecture. Its crunchy texture and finely iodized flavor makes it a unique dish sometimes called “sea caviar”!

A busy street lined with izakaya

Tabehodai and nomihodai!

In Japan, it is possible to eat and drink much at a given time for a reasonably modest sum.

Ishigaki beef

The other, lesser known star of beef in Japan is located almost 2,000 kilometers from Tokyo, on the island group of Okinawa.

Tofu in Japanese cuisine

Tofu is an extremely versatile ingredient, much appreciated by the Japanese and often used in their culinary specialties.

Fruit culture in Japan

In Japan, fruits are considered a special commodity and hold a special place in society.

Des bouteilles de saké

Choose sake

You might want to taste the local Sake, or even bring back a bottle as a souvenir! But how to choose among the many varieties of rice wine? Especially when the label is in Japanese...

L'enseigne de Torikizoku

Torikizoku, yakitori at low prices

With a busy and vibrant atmosphere and a menu specializing in chicken skewers at an unbeatable price: Torikizoku is sure to make your night a memorable dining experience! 

Kuro ninniku, black garlic

The true origins of black garlic are unknown. According to some sources, it originated in Korea more than 4,000 years ago. According to others, in Japan.

Japanese noodles

Like rice, noodles are a staple of the Japanese diet. They are often served in soup, fried, or eaten cold with a dipping sauce.

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Yamazaki Whisky Museum & Distillery Tour

Yamazaki Whisky Museum & Distillery Tour: the home of Japanese whisky is Yamazaki near Kyoto where you can visit the Yamazaki Japanese Whisky Museum and take a tour of Japan's oldest distillery

Making umeboshi plums by soaking in salt.

Umeboshi

Both natto and umeboshi are often mentioned among the most challenging Japanese specialties for the Western palate!

bouteilles-awamori

the awamori

 

Awamori is the traditional alcohol of the Okinawa archipelago. This drink, distilled using a unique method since the 15th century, is deeply rooted in the culture of the region.

Gomi Goshoku Goho: The principles behind Japanese cuisine

The Three Fives of Japanese Cuisine: Gomi Goshoku Goho

The three "fives" of gomi goshoku goho are fundamental to traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine.

Popular konbini candies

Feeling peckish? Make a stop at konbini (Japanese convenience store) to find something to nibble!

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Niigata Salt

Niigata salt: the coast of northen Niigata has become famous for its production of salt from the sea.

Japanese Kit Kats

Have you ever tasted a matcha tea-flavored Kit Kat? How about cherry blossom flavor? Sweet potato? If you can imagined a flavor, Nestlé have probably made it into a Kit Kat... in Japan, at least.

Un verre d'umeshu rokku bien frais.

Umeshu

Soft and refreshing, umeshu is THE Japanese summer drink. One year after its manufacture, this very popular plum alcohol is invading the terraces of Japanese bars.

Spring 2018: sakura-flavored food and drinks

Drinks, cakes, ice cream, there's no end to cherry blossom-themed foods this time of year in Japan. Here is the list of the biggest products for spring 2018.

katsuobushi supermarket

Katsuobushi

You may not know it by name, but if you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, you'll have surely tasted it.

Du konjac surmonté de miso en sauce.

The konnyaku

 

Consumed for centuries in Asia, konnyaku, pronounced "konjac", has for some years become synonymous with diet in the West. But what is it exactly?

 

5 Japanese winter drinks

In Japan in winter, cold and snow abound in most of the country. It's an opportunity to try some winter drinks that, as well as being typically Japanese, have the added benefit of warming you up.

Japanese citrus fruits

Yuzu, the yellow Japanese citrus fruit, is known around the world.

Bishu nabe, a stew made with sake

Japanese winter specialties

As the temperatures drop, what better than a good steaming dish to warm up? Discover the winter culinary specialties of Japan!

kakinoha zushi

Nara's kakinoha-zushi

Deer aren't the only cultural feature of Nara, which has much more to offer than just these kawaii animals. Relatively unknown outside Japan, this sushi from Nara is a culinary marvel!

kaitenzushi

Sushi

 

Fresh rice grains

Rice in Japan

Rice is a staple ingredient of Japanese cuisine, and has been cultivated for over 2,000 years in Japan. Look back on its history and its place in Japanese culture.

Mirin

Mirin is a must for Japanese cuisine. Whether used as a seasoning or for cooking simmered vegetables, this sweet rice wine brings a pleasant sweetness to Japanese dishes.

graines de sesame

Sesame in Japanese cuisine

The Japanese are the largest consumers of sesame, with nearly 160,000 tonnes imported each year from Latin America.

The top 3 ekiben in the JR East region

Traveling by train in Japan makes it easy to get around the country.

5 Japanese sweets you must try

Sugar has long been a rarity in the archipelago before exploding in modern times into a multitude of tastes, shapes, colors, to the delight of children and adults alike.

Sake Barrels in Japan

Sake

Sake is not only one of the most consumed drinks in Japan, but also one of the oldest. From religious rites to gastronomy, sake is a key element of Japanese culture.

Cooking of yakitoris

Yakitori

Yakitori, grilled meat skewers, are one of the most popular dishes in Japan, as well as abroad.

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Natto

Natto: Mito in Ibaraki is a natto capital of Japan and traditional wara natto (natto wrapped in rice straw) is its signature product.

Taro and Beni Imo

Beni imo, sweet potato from Okinawa

The Okinawa archipelago contains many treasures, both in landscapes and culinary specialties. One of them is a special local sweet potato called "beni-imo". What's so special about it?

Rice vinegar

Made by fermenting rice, rice vinegar (yonezu in Japanese)  is an essential ingredient in today's Japanese cuisine.

The manju

Manju is a very popular confectionery throughout Japan. It is available in hundreds of different versions.

Un enfant essayant de saisir des nagashi-sômen à Kibune.

Nagashi-somen

Do you find table service overrated at restaurants? Does ordering over the counter feel too restrictive?

Street food in Osaka

Osaka abounds with culinary specialties. The third largest city in Japan has an overwhelming appetite that makes it a true street food capital, ideal for cheap meals!

Furikake

Furikake is a nutritional condiment of seaweed and dried fish that the Japanese sprinkle on rice.

Castella

Castella is a sweet yellow sponge cake, known in Japan as a specialty of Nagasaki.

Edamame ready to be eaten

Soybeans

Soybeans are, along with rice, one of the staples of Japanese cuisine. Consumed in bean, sauce, curd or fermented paste form, soya is enjoyed as much for its taste as its nutritional qualities.

Umami

Now recognized as one of the basic tastes along with salty, sweet, sour and bitter, umami nevertheless remains a somewhat mysterious flavor of Japanese cuisine.

Dashi

Dashi is the basis of Japanese cuisine and is used in many dishes, such as miso soup, ramen broth, okonomiyaki, and Japanese pickles.

Nori

Nori, whose culture developed during the Edo era (1603-1868), is one of the ingredients that contributes to the legendary longevity of the Japanese people.

Eaters ramen counter

Restaurants in Japan

Arriving in Japan and finding yourself spoilt for choice in front of a dizzying array of different restaurants - it's a situation well known to visitors of Japan!

Glasses of High Ball a mix of Whiskey and soda.

Aperitif in Japan

The aperitif "à la française" does not have its equivalent in Japan.

Shojin ryori, the food of Buddhist monks

A special vegetarian, often vegan, diet is followed by monks and believers in areas influenced by Chinese Buddhism.

10 Japanese cooking utensils

If Japanese cuisine is considered special, the utensils for its preparation are too! Coming from a long tradition, they are made of fine materials and always of very high quality.

Japanese vegetables

How much do you know about the different vegetables commonly used in Japanese cuisine? Take a little time to learn more about these tasty foods.

Monjayaki

Culinary specialties of Kanto

Each part of Japan has its own culinary specialties.The Japanese take great pride in them and they are often mentioned in Japanesetravel guides.

Dagashi, Japanese candy

It's not just ramune that evokes the image of childhood and summer in the Japanese. Dagashi are also part of the Japanese food culture.

Ramune

Ramune (pronounced "la-moo-nay") is THE refreshing summer drink in Japan. But more than just a drink, it's a taste of childhood for many Japanese.

Japanese Pancakes

Soft, thick and sweet, Japanese pancakes are a more generous version of the famous recipe from the United States.

Sushi menu

Understanding a Japanese menu

You've finally found a good restaurant to eat at - but the menu is only in Japanese... and without pictures. Don't panic!

Southern specialties

Often reduced to sushi and yakitori, Japanese cuisine actually has many regional differences. Take a tour of the culinary specialties of southern Japan.

Japanese bakeries

Need a snack? Try a Japanese bakery! They are quite different from those found in the west. Surprisingly original, you'll soon get addicted to the quality and variety of Japanese bread.

Beer brands are increasing in Japan.

Japanese craft beers

With a consumption of about 40 liters per year per capita, beer has become the favorite drink of the Japanese in recent years.

Specialities of Hokkaido

Known for its open spaces, varied flora and fauna, winter ski resorts and its cool, dry climate in summer, Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, is a popular tourist destination.

Wasabi

Who doesn't know this famous green paste that comes with your favourite sushi? Mouth-burning wasabi is a symbol of Japanese cuisine.

Okonomiyaki

Kansai culinary specialties

With Osaka, the Japanese street food paradise, and Kyoto, kingdom of great cuisine, the Kansai region offers a variety of culinary delights.

Matcha tea

Does matcha tea need any introduction? This Japanese green tea, ground to a fine green powder full of flavor and energy, has already amassed thousands of fans worldwide.

Kaitenzushi

Like sushi? What am I saying, of course you do! We have what you need. Buckle up, we're headed to sushi heaven...

Japanese Seaweed

For centuries, edible seaweed has been consumed in Japan daily; and with good reason, because these "sea vegetables" have great qualities - they're tasty and nutritional.

Really!

McDonalds in Japan

McDonald's in Japan

Shrimp or soy sauce burgers, tofu nuggets, and bacon pie: at McDonald's in Japan, the menu is adapted to the Japanese palate.

Nabemono

The concept of nabemono contradicts the frugal image stew sometimes has: this hearty Japanese hotpot is cooked and served on the table in a large pot that everyone shares.

Tempura

 

Deliciously light and crisp, this famous Japanese way of frying was first made popular in Japan by Portuguese travelers.

 

Edamame

Boiled in their pods and eaten warm, edamame are a culinary treat not to be missed!

Azuki

One of the basic ingredients of traditional Japanese sweets is often one of the most surprising tastes for our western tastebuds...

Five Japanese Vegetarian Dishes

Rice, soybeans and vegetables, three staples of Japanese cuisine that make life easier for vegetarians in Japan!

A typical Japanese meal yet vegetarian

Vegetarian in Japan

In a country where eating meat is only quite recent, being vegetarian in Japan isn't so hard.

Natto

Natto

 

The Japanese are crazy about these sticky fermented soybeans! They are extremely beneficial to your health, yet hard to export outside of Japan.

 

Vegetarian Food in Japan

Japan cultivates a culinary tradition very focused on the use of non-animal products: seasonal vegetables, herbs, citrus, and soy, of course! A paradise for vegetarians.

Oden

This Japanese specialty is a dish that will make you love the cold.

Sanma fish served with all the trimmings is one of the most popular dish in the fall.

Seasonal Fall Dishes in Japan

A lot of effort is put into meals to reflect the change of seasons in Japan, and Fall is no different.

The sushi restaurant Gou, Fukuoka.

How To Eat Sushi

Here are a few simple tips on how to enjoy sushi.

Preparing a meal with workshops Mari in Tokyo.

Japanese Table Manners

Customs and habits during meals in Japan are sometimes very different from ours. So don't get caught out!

Matsutake mushrooms

Matsutake Mushroom Season in Japan

Matsutake Mushrooms 松茸 (literally pine mushroom), known as mycorrhizal mushrooms in English, is a very tasty species of mushroom in Japan.

Eaters ramen counter

Yatai

In Japan, it might be hard to find any burger vans or chicken shops, but why not visit a yatai instead, the original Japanese street food.

O-cha: Japanese green tea

Green tea is often misunderstood by westerners visiting Japan. Yet this is the most typical Japanese taste, which is found everywhere: in drinks, pastries, and noodles and more.

Tsukemono

Tsukemono are one of the key specialties of Japanese cuisine. You rarely find a meal that does not contain them in some form, including bentos. Get to know and enjoy them!

A konbini is a kind of 24-hour convenience store 24.

Konbini: 5 Specialties to Try

All those who have traveled to Japan know the famous konbini (convenience store), stores open 24/7 and ever-present in the Japanese urban landscape.

Drinks To Try This Summer

It is true that Japan is known for it's sake, as well as beer after work. But it is especially known for its millions of vending machines and soft drinks.

The depachika: a kitchen in the basement

In Japan, the basements of department stores are devoted to food. These floors offer a huge array of Japanese dishes, perfect for satisfying all your cravings!

6 Strange Japanese Dishes

Dishes featuring strange foodstuffs: unusual creatures, slimy or even still alive, Japanese cuisine is considered bizarre by some foreigners.

A bento garnished with tamagoyaki

Tamagoyaki

In Japan, the omelet has many variations. It can be thick, very thin or cut into strips. This dish is one of the basics of Japanese cuisine.

Four Amazing Japanese Sweets

Japanese cuisine is known for its subtlety and refinement. However, the Japanese also like to move away from classic and invent new culinary concepts, especially when it comes to desserts!

Matsuri Food Specialties

True celebrations of street food, Japanese matsuri give you an initiation into popular Japanese food, from takoyaki to cotton candy.

Kakigori: Traditional Shaved Ice

While it is possible to find the most eccentric of ice creams in Japan, some stand out because of their simplicity.

Fugu in Usuki

Fugu in Usuki: read a guide to eating fugu (blow fish) in Usuki in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan which is famed for this deadly delicacy.

Vegetarian Sushi

Vegetarian Sushi: as sushi becomes more popular all over the planet tremendous pressure is placed on surviving fish stocks.

The curry rice, curry most eat in Japan

Japanese curry

Curry is a culinary institution in Japan. But its fans are often unaware of its foreign origins: it was the British who made it popular in the archipelago.

Momo: The Peach in Japan

Momo: The Peach in Japan

Peach in Japanese is momo 桃, a word that is said to maybe derive from the phrase mami 真実 or true fruit, or from moemi 燃実 or burning fruit in reference to its flame-like coloring, or perhaps from th

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Sado Doburoku Sake

Doburoku sake is unfiltered sake traditionally made right after the rice harvest in autumn; Kaifu Hakko produces fine sake on Sado Island, Niigata.

Sayama Tea

Sayama Tea: read a guide to the history and harvest of Sayama Tea near Tokorozawa in Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo.

Making Mochi in Japan

Mochi: a traditional food eaten during the Japanese New Year’s celebrations, mochi was once a commonly produced food at home and was eaten by the samurai on the battlefield.

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Jigoku Mushi Cuisine

Jigoku Mushi: read a guide to the steamed hot spring cuisine of Jigoku Mushi found in Kannawa, Beppu, Oita.

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Sakai Japanese Knives

Sakai Japanese kitchen knives: read an introduction to the different kinds of Japanese knives produced in Sakai, Japan.

Umibudo Sea Grapes

Umibudo (sea grapes) is a type of seaweed snack harvested on the Okinawan island of Miyako.

Ishigaki Salt

Ishigaki Salt is a delicious and healthy sea salt harvested from the crystal clear waters of this beautiful Okinawan island.

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Western Food in Japan

Western Food in Japan: read a history of the introduction of Western provender in the Japanese kitchen: okonomiyaki, beef, sukiyaki

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Sasebo Burgers

Sasebo Burgers: read about Sasebo Burgers which started in the 1950s outside the US Navy base in Sasebo, Kyushu and have become a national food phenomenon.

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Shirouo

Shirouo: eating live fish. Read a review of a shirouo restaurant and the experience of eating live fish in Fukuoka, Japan.

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Eating Out In Osaka

Eating Out In Osaka: find recommendations for eating out and enjoying the nightlife in Osaka.

Japan's Traditional Food Styles

Japan's Traditional Food Styles: read an article on Japan's traditional food styles including kaiseki ryori and shojin ryori.

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Japanese Beers

Japanese Beer: The Big Four, Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, Suntory. Read an overview of the big Japanese brewing companies and their products.

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Raamen

Noodling around Osaka: read a feature on raamen noodles in the Japanese diet. Including how to make and where to slurp noodles.

Sake

Japanese sake. Sake is Japan's most famous variety of native alcohol. However, it is losing out in popularity to shochu. Learn how and where to find the best sake and how to drink it.

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Takoyaki and Osaka

Takoyaki (literally 'octopus bake') are delicious little hot savory wheat-flour balls on sticks with a piece of boiled octopus in the middle.

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Kirin Beer

Kirin Beer. Kirin Beer is considered the archetypal Japanese brew. Brewed though it is in Japan, Kirin Beer was actually began by an obscure Norwegian immigrant.

Seaweed in Japan

Nori Seaweed: read a feature on seaweed (nori) in the Japanese diet and the health benefits of seaweed and laver.

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Japanese Food - Fugu

Fugu. Information on fugu (blowfish) a poisonous fish eaten as a delicacy in Japanese restaurants.

Shochu

Drinking in Japan shochu: Read an article on shochu a distilled beverage which is increasingly popular in Japan.

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Japanese Food & Cuisine

A beginner's guide to food and eating in Japan: an overview of Japanese food and Japanese cuisine with sections on dining out in Japan, sushi, ramen and other dishes plus drinking and restaurants.

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Waribashi Chopsticks

Read an article on The Waribashi Conundrum: Japan and the use of disposable chopsticks.

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Japanese Food Types

Japanese food and cuisine: what to eat in Japan: see an explanation of the following dishes: donburi, izakaya, kaiseki, sushi, katsu, nabe, okonomiyaki, ramen, soba, udon, sashimi, tempura, yakitor

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Tea in Japan

Japanese Tea: read a feature on the history and political/cultural significance of tea in Japan through the ages.

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Drinking Culture in Japan

Read an article about the drinking culture in Japan and Japanese people's drinking habits. This covers beer, sake and shochu.

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Rice in Japan

Rice in Japan: read an article on present-day rice farmers and rice-growing techniques in Japan. The cultivation of rice has shaped the politics, geography, economy and culture of Japan.

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Soy Sauce

Read an article on soy sauce, an intrinsic ingredient of Japanese cooking, culture and cuisine.

Drinking in Japan - Sake, Beer, Shochu

Japan drinking: information on entertainment, nightlife and drinking habits and bars in Japan including beer, sake and shochu.

Michelin Guide Japan

Read about the Michelin Guide's reviews of some of Japan's best restaurants. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka all have three-star rated restaurants.

Aomori Apples Varieties & Tours

Aomori Apples: Aomori is known for its apples. These thrive in the cooler climate and extreme diurnal temperatures. 50% of Japan's apples grow here.

Kagami Mochi Rice Cakes

Kagami Mochi: The ushering in of a New yYear means that many in Japan will again partake in the eating of kagami mochi (mirror-shaped rice cakes).

Onsen Tamago Hot Spring Eggs

Onsen tamago are eggs placed in rope nets and left in the hot water of a hot spring for around 30-40 minutes to be poached by the low temperature heating.