The most famous Japanese cuisine worldwide, sushi and sashimi are must-try dishes when in Japan. Sushi consists of rice soaked in vinegar, wrapped with seaweed with either cooked seafood, egg, or raw fish. For those who could do without rice, sashimi gives the experience of tasting the ocean through bite-size pieces, made with precise knife skills. The freshness of seafood from locally sourced fisheries to the skill that each sushi chef possesses makes eating sushi and sashimi in Japan such a unique experience.

Enjoyed most popularly during the hanami season in Japan, dango is a sticky rice flour dessert served on a stick. This delicious snack is often seen in 3 colors; pink, white, and green. The three dangos represent a sakura tree and are a staple during a hanami viewing. The snack can also be found sold year round as it is a popular street food.

One cannot possibly visit Japan without trying at least one of their noodle dishes! Nothing beats ramen as the classic; from its springy noodles to the delicious hot broth paired with a slice of meat. For lovers of a thicker cut of noodles, udon should be your top choice. The chewy noodle adds to the experience! However, if you’re looking to cool off after a hot day, give soba noodles a shot instead. These buckwheat noodles are traditionally eaten with a cold dipping sauce, a Japanese staple to fend off the summer heat.

Traditional snacks that have survived since the Edo period, wagashi are sweet confections that are made with mochi, red bean paste, and fruits. Known for its beautiful presentation and symbolism of Japanese culture, wagashi is typically enjoyed with green tea. Wagashi flavors are also seasonal, therefore it is always a unique experience to try wagashi in Japan.

The blend of tea that defines its people, matcha is green tea ground up into a powder form to make a different, thicker, and more umami flavor. When in Japan, a traditional tea ceremony will allow you to experience the highest grade of matcha while understanding its cultural significance of it. You can also get matcha nationwide, from cafes specializing in matcha desserts to even matcha-flavored ice cream at convenience stores.

Small ball-shaped snacks made with batter and chopped octopus, cooked in a special pan and typically served with a savory sauce and mayonnaise.

A savory pancake made with a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, mixed with various ingredients such as pork, seafood, or cheese. It is often topped with a sweet and savory sauce and mayonnaise.

A dish consisting of battered and deep-fried seafood, vegetables, or other ingredients. The batter is light and crispy, and the dish is usually served with a dipping sauce.

A hot pot dish that involves thinly sliced meat, vegetables, and tofu, cooked in a boiling broth at the table. The cooked ingredients are then dipped in a sauce and eaten.