I was recently discussing a trip to Japan with a friend who is interested in visiting the country, but took it off their destination bucket list because, “the idea of eating sushi is a deal breaker”. Like many people, my friend believed eating in Japan would mean eating sushi. But if you are on the fence about visiting Japan because you have the idea that traditional Japanese cuisine is only sushi, let me debunk some myths for you.
I like to think of myself as a self proclaimed foodie and love the idea of introducing people to new foods. There is no better place to challenge your views of food than Japan. Think you know Japanese food? Prepare to have your taste buds and assumptions completely transformed—one bite at a time!
If you really want to dive into the culture of Japan, there is no better place to start than with the food. Understanding traditional Japanese cuisine can transform your travel and culinary experience. You’ll find chefs who have studied traditional techniques for decades to perfect their craft. The result is a combination of balanced ingredients and flavors that will have you wondering why you took so long to explore them.
Traditional Japanese Cuisine
What if I told you there is a wide array of traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi only scratches the surface? The depth and variety of Japan’s culinary heritage spans from humble home-cooked meals to Michelin-starred dining experiences. Let’s go back in history a bit to set the stage. Starting with rice.
Rice farming has been central to Japanese agriculture since 300 BCE, which is one of the reasons why it is a cornerstone of many Japanese meals. At nearly every restaurant I’ve visited in Japan, rice was somehow a part of the meal. Even when, according to my western views, it didn’t make sense. I would encourage you to gain a better understanding of the heritage behind each dish to enriches your culinary experience.
But let’s not get stuck on rice. In this section, I will explore five traditional Japanese dishes or aspects of the cuisine that debunk common myths and highlight authentic flavors.
Ramen: A Hearty, Complex Dish
Ask to see the pantry of any college student in the US and you will likely find ramen. At least back in my day, that’s what you’d find.
But ramen is so much more than this cheap packaged dried noodles that you find for cents on the dollar in the grocery store. It’s an art form with diverse regional variations (e.g., tonkotsu, miso, shoyu, and shio).
In Japan, the art of putting together a ramen noodle dish is almost magical. It starts with the wheat noodles, a rich broth based in soy or miso and finished with toppings like egg, green onions. I found one of the best ramen meals of my life in Tokyo.
If you are in Japan, research and visit famous ramen streets or districts like Tokyo’s Ramen Street. Steer clear of tourist traps serving mediocre versions of the dish and make your way to a local neighborhood where they take pride in the preparation of this local favorite. Experiment with different broths to discover unique flavor combinations and don’t skimp on toppings like tempura. Speaking of tempura….
Tempura: Light and Crispy Perfection
Tempura highlights the skill of Japanese chefs with its delicate batter and emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Visit a traditional tempura restaurant to see the precision in frying techniques in action.
My favorite is shrimp tempura but you’ll find all types of ingredients that have been battered and fried to perfection. From seafood such as squid to vegetables like pumpkin, asparagus, eggplant, mushrooms, and even tender sansai spring greens such as fuki.
Stop by any food market and you’ll see stacks of tempura on display tempting you to try. Just know that the best tempura has a freshly mixed batter and is fried quickly. So make sure you are getting the freshest version to try for yourself.
Finally, the dipping sauces. The sauces and condiments served with tempura varies depending on the location. The most common is a dipping sauce made from dashi broth, mirin, and soy sauce. Another common sauce consists of ponzu which is a citrus and soy-based sauce.
Yakatori: Grilling Done Right
Yakatori is one of the most famous street foods you can find in Japan. It’s primarily a skewered chicken grilled over a charcoal fire and dipped in a flavor filled sauce. Depending on the vendor, it could include all parts of the chicken including the innards.
In today’s environment, you might also find some non-chicken skewers such as shishito peppers, cherry tomatoes, or shiitake mushrooms.
You’ll be hard pressed to wander into a street market and not find yakitori. It’s inexpensive and typically eaten right off the stick. You can find it in some restaurants. And in Tokyo, I saw a ton of places that only served yakitori.
Kaiseki: The Art of Japanese Haute Cuisine
If you are looking for a deeper dive into traditional Japanese cuisine, I would recommend you head straight over to a Kaiseki restaurant.
Kaiseki is a multi-course meal that emphasizes balance, seasonality, and presentation—showing that luxury can be rooted in tradition. Book a meal in one of these restaurants for a full Japanese experience. Pay attention to the progression of flavors and textures in each course.
This is where you go when you are looking to fully explore the artisans in actions. It’s not just about the food, the presentation and ambiance contribute to the overall dining experience. I found this amazing one that was buried beneath this office complex. Once we made our way down the stairs and saw the amazing space, we knew we were in for a treat. Of course we ordered away too much but finished every morsel and rolled out of there stuffed.
Sushi: Beyond the Basics
I couldn’t end this post without talking about sushi. You have not experienced sushi until you have had it in Japan. There are so many varieties to explore from traditional nigiri and sashimi to regional specialties like chirashi.
The sushi makers here spend years perfecting their craft. And you can taste it in every bite. The precision involved in slicing the fish and preparing the rice takes time to get right. Don’t bother asking for soy or extra wasabi. The chef told us that we had everything we needed.
Most sushi restaurants in Japan are very intimate. Typically the chef and apprentice at a small counter. Big venues are uncommon especially if you are looking for something that is not a tourist trap.
Japanese Beverages
Since we are talking about Japanese cuisine and culture, it would feel wrong to leave out some of the traditional beverages you’ll find here. Japan is mostly known for sake. Sake is Japanese rice wine made by fermenting rice that has been polished to remove the bran. And there is an art to serving it (see video).
There are far too many types of sake for me to cover in this post. Some are designed to be enjoyed hot and quite a few are served cold. Discuss your preferences with your server or if you are in a fancier establishment, a “sake sommelier”.
The Japanese are also known for their love of whisky. Of course we know that whisky originated in Scotland, not Japan. The first Japanese whisky, Suntory Shirofuda (white label), was released in 1929 and over the years they have worked tirelessly to perfect the craft. Today, Japanese whisky is renowned for its high quality and unique flavors. Distilleries like Yamazaki and Yoichi produce some of the world’s most sought-after whiskies. Make it a point to try at least one while you are there.
My Perspective
Traditional Japanese cuisine is very diverse. It spans everything from street food to high-end dining. No matter where you dine, you’ll find a true appreciation for delivering quality. The heritage and culture run deep in Japan. Every dish tells a story of tradition and regional identity. The more you explore the more you will learn about the culture of this country. Learn more about experiencing the food in Japan in my post “A Foodie in Japan.”
Take the opportunity to explore local street markets and food stalls in cities like Osaka or Fukuoka. Then pop into Tokyo or Kyoto to sit down at a true Kaiseki restaurant and let the chefs guide the way. Either way you won’t be disappointed,
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FAQs About Traditional Japanese Cuisine
Q: What makes traditional Japanese cuisine unique?
Traditional Japanese cuisine is unique because it emphasizes seasonality, balance, and presentation, using techniques that have been refined over centuries to create both visually stunning and deeply flavorful dishes.
Q: Are traditional Japanese meals expensive for travelers?
While some high-end dining experiences can be costly, many traditional Japanese meals, especially street food and local izakayas, offer authentic flavors at affordable prices, making them accessible to all budgets.
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