Japan is not only famous for its natural beauty and culture, but also for its delicious and unique cuisine. From sushi to ramen, Japan offers a variety of mouthwatering dishes. Here is a complete guide for those who want to enjoy culinary tourism in Japan.

1. Sushi: The Delight of Fresh Japanese Fish

Sushi is one of the most famous Japanese foods in the world. There are various types of sushi you can try, such as:
- Nigiri: Rice topped with slices of fresh fish.
- Maki: Sushi rolls with seaweed (nori) on the outside.
- Sashimi: Sliced raw fish without rice.

Best places to enjoy sushi:
- Tsukiji Outer Market (Tokyo) – Home to many famous sushi restaurants.
- Sushiro & Kura Sushi – Conveyor belt sushi restaurants with affordable prices.

2. Ramen: Flavorful Japanese Noodle Soup

Ramen is Japanese noodles served in a savory broth with various toppings. Popular types of ramen in Japan include:
- Shoyu Ramen: Soy sauce-based broth.
- Miso Ramen: Miso paste-based broth.
- Tonkotsu Ramen: Rich pork bone-based broth.

Recommended ramen spots:

- Ichiran Ramen – Famous for its individual dining booths and flavorful tonkotsu broth.
- Ippudo – Fukuoka-style ramen with a delicious broth.

3. Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki: Osaka’s Signature Snacks

3.1 Takoyaki
Takoyaki are flour-based balls filled with pieces of octopus, cooked in a special molded pan.
- Commonly found at Japanese street food stalls.
- Served with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.

3.2 Okonomiyaki
Known as the "Japanese pancake", okonomiyaki is made from flour, eggs, cabbage, and various toppings.
- Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki – Includes noodles as one of the ingredients.
- Osaka-style Okonomiyaki – All ingredients are mixed before cooking.

Best places to enjoy them:
- Dotonbori (Osaka) – Many stalls and restaurants serve takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
- Okonomimura (Hiroshima) – A dedicated area selling various types of okonomiyaki.

4. Wagyu: Premium Japanese Beef

Wagyu is Japanese beef known for its tenderness and perfect fat marbling. Some of the best types of wagyu include:
- Kobe Beef – World-famous beef from Kobe.
- Matsusaka Beef – One of the richest and finest wagyu varieties.

Recommended places to enjoy wagyu:
- Kobe Beef Steak Restaurant Mouriya (Kobe).
- Ishigaki Yoshida (Tokyo) – High-end restaurant offering premium wagyu dishes.

5. Matcha & Wagashi: Japan’s Signature Sweet Treats

5.1 Matcha
Matcha (powdered green tea) is widely used in Japanese food and drinks, such as:
- Matcha latte
- Matcha ice cream
- Matcha mochi

5.2 Wagashi
Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets typically served with green tea. Popular types include:
- Daifuku – Mochi filled with sweet red bean paste.
- Dorayaki – Pancake sandwich with red bean filling.
- Taiyaki – Fish-shaped cakes with various fillings.

Best places to enjoy matcha and wagashi:
- Uji (Kyoto) – Famous city for high-quality matcha production.
- Gion Tsujiri (Kyoto) – Offers authentic matcha-based treats.

6. Culinary Travel Tips in Japan

- Try dining at an Izakaya for an authentic Japanese dinner experience.
- Use an IC card or cash for small restaurant payments.
- Some restaurants have vending machines for ordering food.
- Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice—it’s considered rude in Japan.
- If you can’t eat something, just leave it on the plate without negative comments.

Japan offers a wide range of delicious foods that every tourist must try. By understanding the types of dishes and the best places to try them, you can enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience in the Land of the Rising Sun