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1. Sushi – The Iconic Taste of Japan
When visiting Japan for the first time, trying authentic sushi is an absolute must. Sushi is not only a symbol of Japanese cuisine but also a culinary art form that reflects the country’s deep respect for seasonality, freshness, and presentation.
In Japan, sushi comes in various styles. The most well-known is nigiri, which features a slice of raw fish pressed onto a small bed of vinegared rice. You’ll also find maki (rolled sushi), temaki (hand rolls), and chirashi (scattered sushi served in a bowl). Sushi can be enjoyed at a range of establishments—from high-end omakase experiences where chefs prepare each piece in front of you, to casual conveyor belt sushi restaurants (kaiten-zushi) that are fun and budget-friendly.
One of the highlights of sushi in Japan is the incredible freshness of the seafood. From fatty tuna (otoro) to sweet shrimp (amaebi), and from sea urchin (uni) to eel (unagi), the quality is hard to match elsewhere. Regional varieties also offer unique experiences, such as Hokkaido’s rich seafood selections or Tokyo-style Edomae sushi.
Prices can vary widely. At a conveyor belt sushi spot, a plate might cost around ¥150–¥500 (approximately $1–$3.50 USD), while a full omakase course at a renowned sushi restaurant can range from ¥10,000 to ¥30,000 (about $70–$210 USD).
For first-time visitors, popular places to try sushi include Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo, Nishiki Market in Kyoto, or any local sushiya (sushi bar) recommended by locals. Don’t forget to enjoy it with a side of pickled ginger, wasabi, and a touch of soy sauce. And remember—it’s perfectly acceptable to eat sushi with your hands!
Sushi is more than just food in Japan; it’s a cultural experience. Tasting it where it all began will give you a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and tradition that go into every bite.
2. Ramen – Soul-Warming Noodle Soup
Ramen is one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods, and it’s a dish you absolutely must try during your first visit to the country. With its rich, flavorful broth, springy noodles, and a variety of toppings, ramen offers a deeply satisfying meal that warms both the body and soul.
There are many regional varieties of ramen throughout Japan, each with its own unique ingredients and preparation methods. The four major types of ramen broth are:
- Shoyu (soy sauce) – A clear, brown broth with a tangy and savory flavor, often considered the most classic style.
- Miso – Made with fermented soybean paste, miso ramen is hearty, slightly sweet, and especially popular in Hokkaido.
- Shio (salt) – A lighter, clearer broth with a delicate, salty taste, often served with seafood-based stocks.
- Tonkotsu (pork bone) – A rich, creamy, and cloudy broth made by boiling pork bones for hours, commonly found in Fukuoka.
Each bowl is typically topped with ingredients like sliced pork (chashu), green onions, bamboo shoots (menma), soft-boiled eggs (ajitama), seaweed, and sometimes corn or butter, depending on the region. Ramen shops take pride in their recipes, often perfecting their broth and noodles over years.
Ramen is widely accessible across Japan. You can enjoy a delicious bowl for as little as ¥800–¥1,200 (around $5.50–$8.50 USD), making it both affordable and incredibly tasty. Some famous ramen chains include Ichiran, Ippudo, and Ramen Jiro, but don’t hesitate to step into a local shop recommended by locals—you might discover a hidden gem.
For a more interactive experience, many ramen shops have ticket vending machines at the entrance. Simply choose your ramen type, add your favorite toppings, pay, and hand the ticket to the staff. It’s efficient and makes ordering easy, even without Japanese language skills.
Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo or the colder regions of Hokkaido, a steaming bowl of ramen is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. It’s more than a meal—it’s a culinary journey into the heart of Japanese street food culture.
3. Tempura – Crispy Perfection in Every Bite
Tempura is a quintessential Japanese dish that combines simplicity with elegance. Lightly battered and deep-fried to golden perfection, tempura features seafood and vegetables that retain their natural flavors while achieving an irresistible crisp texture. For first-time visitors to Japan, enjoying freshly made tempura is an experience not to be missed.
The secret to excellent tempura lies in the batter—typically made with ice-cold water, flour, and sometimes egg—and the technique. Skilled chefs ensure the batter is mixed just enough to maintain a light texture, and ingredients are fried quickly at a precise temperature. This results in a delicate, airy coating that enhances the flavor without overpowering it.
Common ingredients include shrimp (ebi), white fish, squid, mushrooms, sweet potato, eggplant, lotus root, and green beans. These are usually served with a dipping sauce called tentsuyu, which is made from dashi (soup stock), soy sauce, and mirin. Grated daikon radish often accompanies the sauce to add a refreshing contrast to the fried items.
Tempura can be enjoyed in various settings. High-end tempura specialty restaurants offer a refined experience, where chefs fry each piece in front of you and serve it immediately for peak texture and temperature. These meals can cost anywhere from ¥5,000 to ¥12,000 (approximately $35–$85 USD). More casual tempura dishes can be found in tempura bowls (tendon) at soba or udon shops for around ¥800–¥1,500 (about $5.50–$10.50 USD).
For an affordable and accessible option, chain restaurants like Tendon Tenya serve reliable tempura meals at budget-friendly prices without compromising on taste. Alternatively, visit traditional restaurants in Kyoto or Asakusa in Tokyo to experience tempura in a more historic atmosphere.
Tempura’s appeal lies in its balance—crispy yet light, flavorful yet subtle. It exemplifies the Japanese culinary philosophy of using seasonal ingredients, precise techniques, and beautiful presentation. One bite of freshly fried tempura, and you’ll understand why it remains a treasured part of Japan’s food culture.
4. Tonkatsu – Deep-Fried Pork Cutlet Delight
Tonkatsu is a beloved Japanese comfort food consisting of a thick, juicy pork cutlet that’s breaded with panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) and deep-fried to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, tonkatsu is both satisfying and approachable—making it an ideal dish for first-time visitors to Japan.
There are two main cuts used for tonkatsu: rosu (loin), which has more marbling and a richer flavor, and hire (fillet), which is leaner and more tender. Once fried, the cutlet is typically sliced into strips for easy eating and served with shredded cabbage, steamed rice, miso soup, and pickles. A thick, slightly sweet Worcestershire-style sauce known as tonkatsu sauce is drizzled over the meat or served on the side for dipping.
Tonkatsu is often enjoyed in specialized restaurants known as tonkatsu-ya, which pride themselves on their technique and the quality of their pork. In these establishments, the experience is elevated with artisan techniques like aging the pork or making the panko in-house. Meals at such places range from ¥1,200 to ¥2,500 (approximately $8.50–$18 USD), depending on the quality and cut of the meat.
For a more casual and quick option, tonkatsu can also be found in department store food courts, convenience store bentos, or fast-food chains like “Matsunoya” or “Wako.” These spots offer satisfying sets for as little as ¥700–¥1,000 (around $5–$7 USD), making it easy to enjoy this classic dish on any budget.
Some variations of tonkatsu include katsu-don (a pork cutlet served over rice with a soft-cooked egg and sweet soy-based sauce) and miso-katsu (tonkatsu with a rich miso sauce, especially popular in Nagoya). These regional twists add depth and diversity to the tonkatsu experience.
Whether you’re dining in a refined restaurant or grabbing a quick lunch, tonkatsu delivers a satisfying combination of crunch, flavor, and comfort. It’s a shining example of how Japanese cuisine can take a simple concept—fried meat—and turn it into an art form.
5. Okonomiyaki – The Savory Japanese Pancake
Okonomiyaki is a delicious and customizable Japanese savory pancake that’s especially popular in the Kansai and Hiroshima regions. The name literally means “grill what you like,” reflecting the dish’s flexible nature. For first-time travelers to Japan, enjoying freshly made okonomiyaki is both a fun and flavorful experience.
At its core, okonomiyaki is made from a batter of flour, grated yam, eggs, and shredded cabbage. From there, it’s cooked on a hot iron griddle (teppan) with a variety of fillings such as sliced pork belly, shrimp, squid, cheese, or even mochi. Once cooked to a golden brown, it’s topped with okonomiyaki sauce (a tangy, slightly sweet condiment similar to Worcestershire), mayonnaise, dried seaweed (aonori), and bonito flakes (katsuobushi) that dance from the heat.
There are two main styles of okonomiyaki:
- Osaka-style: All ingredients are mixed into the batter before grilling, making it hearty and evenly textured.
- Hiroshima-style: Ingredients are layered rather than mixed, and noodles (yakisoba or udon) are often added, resulting in a more complex, layered dish.
One of the best parts about eating okonomiyaki is the interactive element. In many specialized restaurants, diners cook the pancake themselves at the table or watch as chefs prepare it in front of them. This creates a lively, communal atmosphere that’s perfect for groups or solo travelers looking for a cultural dining experience.
The price of okonomiyaki varies based on ingredients and location. Expect to pay around ¥800 to ¥1,500 (approximately $5.50–$10.50 USD) for a standard okonomiyaki. Additional toppings or premium ingredients may cost extra, but it’s generally an affordable and filling meal.
To try authentic okonomiyaki, visit local spots in Osaka’s Dotonbori area or Hiroshima’s Okonomimura, a building filled with multiple okonomiyaki vendors. Chain restaurants like Chibo and Botejyu also offer quality options for travelers.
Whether you’re craving something savory, satisfying, or a bit indulgent, okonomiyaki delivers a unique culinary experience that perfectly showcases Japan’s creativity and comfort food culture.
Ultimate Packing List for a Fun and Stress-Free Trip from London to Osaka
