Food & Culture
Discover the rich culinary traditions and cultural experiences that make Japan unique

Sushi
寿司Vinegared rice combined with various ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, and occasionally tropical fruits. Sushi is one of Japan's most iconic dishes and comes in many forms including nigiri, maki, and temaki.

Ramen
ラーメンA Japanese noodle soup dish with Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth, often flavored with soy sauce or miso, and topped with ingredients such as sliced pork, dried seaweed, and green onions.

Tempura
天ぷらSeafood or vegetables that have been battered and deep fried. The batter is light and airy, creating a delicate and crispy coating. Tempura is typically served with a dipping sauce called tentsuyu.

Okonomiyaki
お好み焼きA savory pancake containing a variety of ingredients. The name is derived from the word okonomi, meaning "how you like" or "what you like", and yaki meaning "cooked". It is often referred to as "Japanese pizza" or "Japanese pancake".

Takoyaki
たこ焼きBall-shaped Japanese snack made of a wheat flour-based batter and cooked in a special molded pan. It is typically filled with minced or diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion.

Soba
蕎麦Thin noodles made from buckwheat flour, either served chilled with a dipping sauce or in hot broth as a noodle soup. Soba has been a staple of Japanese cuisine for thousands of years.

Udon
うどんThick wheat flour noodles served either hot in a broth or cold with a dipping sauce. Udon has a chewy texture and can be topped with various ingredients such as tempura, tofu, or vegetables.

Mochi
餅A Japanese rice cake made of mochigome, a short-grain japonica glutinous rice, and sometimes other ingredients such as water, sugar, and cornstarch. The rice is pounded into paste and molded into the desired shape.

Matcha
抹茶Finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves. It is special in two aspects of farming and processing: the green tea plants are shade-grown for about three weeks before harvest, and the stems and veins are removed during processing.

Wagyu Beef
和牛High-quality Japanese beef known for its marbled appearance, tenderness, and rich flavor. Wagyu literally means "Japanese cow" and refers to specific breeds of cattle that are genetically predisposed to intense marbling.
Etiquette Tips
Important customs to know when experiencing Japanese food and culture
Dining Etiquette
- •Say "itadakimasu" before eating and "gochisousama deshita" after finishing your meal.
- •Never stick your chopsticks upright in rice as this resembles a funeral ritual.
- •Slurping noodles is acceptable and even appreciated as it shows you're enjoying the food.
- •Pour drinks for others, not yourself. It's customary for people to pour each other's drinks.
- •Tipping is not customary in Japan and can sometimes be considered rude.
Cultural Etiquette
- •Remove your shoes when entering homes, traditional restaurants, and certain cultural sites.
- •Bow when greeting people. The depth and duration of the bow indicates the level of respect.
- •Be mindful of volume. Speaking loudly in public places is generally frowned upon.
- •When visiting temples or shrines, follow specific purification rituals and be respectful.
- •Present and receive items with both hands as a sign of respect.