Sushi, celebrated worldwide as a hallmark of Japanese cuisine, is more than a meal—it’s a cultural experience in its own right. The exquisite harmony of vinegared rice and fresh seafood reflects craft honed over centuries and a distinctly Japanese sense of aesthetics. For travelers considering a trip to Japan, tasting authentic sushi offers a rare chance to feel the depth…
Sushi is loved around the world as a defining Japanese cuisine, but many people are unsure about how to eat it properly and about the associated etiquette. For visitors to Japan in particular, there are a number of helpful rules to know—how to behave at a sushi bar, the order of eating, how to use chopsticks, and more. This guide…
Oshiruko (sweet red-bean soup) is one of Japan’s quintessential winter sweets. Beloved at sweet shops and at home, oshiruko is more than just a dessert—it’s a special part of Japanese culture and seasonal sensibilities. For visitors to Japan, it offers a perfect way to experience a uniquely Japanese food tradition. This article explains oshiruko in an easy-to-understand way for first-time…
Imagawayaki (thick pancake sweets) is a beloved Japanese wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). This hockey puck-shaped, thick treat features a crisp, golden exterior and a soft interior filled with sweet anko (red bean paste) or other fillings. A favorite since the Edo period (1603–1868), imagawayaki remains popular at festival stalls and shops. Known regionally as ōbanyaki (large pancake sweets) or kaitenyaki…
Yōkan (a traditional Japanese sweet made of bean paste, agar, and sugar) is a quintessential Japanese wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), made by solidifying anko (red bean paste) with kanten (agar). Its smooth, dense texture and rectangular shape are iconic. Said to have originated in the Kamakura-Muromachi period (1185-1333), Zen monks created it as a meat substitute using anko and kuzuko…
Senbei (rice crackers) are iconic Japanese rice snacks, primarily made from uruchi-mai (non-glutinous Japanese rice) and shaped into thin, crisp treats. It features a range of flavors, from savory soy sauce and salt to sweet varieties, with distinct regional characteristics. Made through baking or frying, senbei are a beloved national snack and popular tourist souvenir. For a deeper dive into…
Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets with over 2,000 years of history, embodying Japan’s unique culinary cultural heritage. Crafted to reflect the changing seasons and complement tea, their elegant appearance and refined sweetness captivate both locals and tourists. Today, varieties like mochi-based, steamed, baked, and molded sweets offer diverse seasonal flavors. This article explains wagashi’s essentials, types, and selection tips for…
Anpan is a quintessential Japanese sweet bread, featuring soft dough filled with sweet anko (red bean paste). A portmanteau of an (bean paste) and pan (bread), it has been beloved since its creation in the Meiji era. Sold at bakeries nationwide, it comes in varieties like tsubu-an (chunky red bean paste), koshi-an (smooth red bean paste), and shiro-an (white bean…
Japanese snacks captivate people worldwide with their unique flavors and vast variety. From time-honored wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) to modern Western-style confections, Japan’s rich food culture has created a diverse snack world. Exploring these treats offers visitors a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. This article covers the characteristics, popular genres, and souvenir selection tips for Japanese snacks. Characteristics and cultural…
In Japanese sushi culture, toro (fatty tuna) remains a beloved, exceptional ingredient. Its melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich flavor captivate sushi enthusiasts, making it a rare cut of maguro (tuna). However, toro is divided into the grades of chūtoro (medium fatty tuna) and ōtoro (extra fatty tuna), each with distinct characteristics and flavors. This article explains toro’s basics, the differences between…
Ōtoro (extra fatty tuna) is renowned as one of the most luxurious ingredients in Japanese high-end sushi. Sourced from the tuna belly, this exceptional cut captivates food connoisseurs with its rich fat and melt-in-the-mouth texture. Globally famous, this rare cut, comprising only a small fraction of a maguro (tuna), is a hallmark of Japanese culinary culture due to its beautiful…
Chūtoro is one of the most beloved ingredients in Japanese tuna sushi and sashimi culture, a balance between akami (lean meat) and ōtoro (extra fatty tuna). Its exquisite balance of both flavors makes it truly appealing. With sushi’s rising popularity among international visitors to Japan, more people are captivated by chutoro’s deep flavor and texture. This article explores chutoro’s essential…
For international travelers visiting Japan, tasting maguro (tuna) served as sushi or sashimi is a must-try culinary experience. However, did you know that maguro varies greatly in name, flavor, and price depending on its cut or type? In Japan, maguro’s various cuts are meticulously classified, each prepared to highlight its unique characteristics. This article covers essential knowledge for fully enjoying…
Sake, Japan’s national drink, reveals remarkable depth and regional diversity. Much like wine, its flavors are shaped by local ingredients and time-honored brewing traditions. Exploring Japan’s varied sake-producing regions offers an immersive experience that both connoisseurs and curious newcomers will appreciate. This guide highlights three distinguished sake regions—Kyoto, Niigata, and Hiroshima—detailing what makes their brews unique and where you can…
In Japan, there are countless places to enjoy a drink suited to every mood and occasion. Whether it’s a casual bar to stop by after work, a sophisticated hotel lounge, a lively karaoke session with friends, or a refreshing drink at a summer festival food stall, each setting offers its own unique charm. In cities especially, different kinds of drinking…