Local Food in Japan is based on fresh, local ingredients, with minimal processing, highlighting instead the natural flavors of the food. Fish, rice, noodles, and vegetables are some staples that make up the basis of most Japanese diets. Some popular traditional dishes include sushi, ramen, tempura, soba, tonkatsu and okonomiyaki.
Japanese cuisine emphasizes variety and balance. This is achieved through the use of five colors (black, white, red, yellow, and green), five cooking techniques (raw food, grilling, steaming, boiling, and frying), and five flavors (sweet, spicy, salty, sour, and bitter). These principles can be found even in a single meal of one soup and three sides paired with rice.
Sushi is one of the most famous foods to come from Japan. It originated from the process of preserving fish in fermented rice. Today it’s made with vinegared rice and fresh fish. Tempura is a dish of battered and fried fish or vegetables. Special care is given to the way the ingredients are cut as well as to the temperature of the batter (ice cold) and oil (very hot) for deep-frying.
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Sasa zushi (笹ずし)
Sasa zushi is a traditional Japanese dish that holds a special place in the culinary culture of Iiyama City and the Joetsu region. Made by placing vinegared rice on bamboo leaves and topping it with various ingredients, this unique sushi... -
Tanabata houtou (たなばたほうとう)
Tanabata Houtou is a unique local dish from Japan closely tied to the summer festival of Tanabata. With its soft, chewy noodles and seasonal vegetables, it’s a comforting meal enjoyed during a special time of year when people celebrate t... -
Koi koku (鯉こく)
Koi koku is a traditional Japanese soup with carp in miso, creating a rich and comforting dish that locals loved for generations, especially in rural regions like Nagano. Known for its deep flavor and nourishing qualities, koi koku holds... -
Hiyashi tanuki udon (冷やしたぬきうどん)
Curious about hiyashi tanuki udon? This chilled soba dish, topped with crispy tempura scraps called tenkasu, originated in Gifu City and quickly became a regional favorite. Said to have been invented by a restaurant customer, hiyashi tan... -
Harikoshi manjyu (はりこしまんじゅう)
Harikoshi Manjyu is a humble yet beloved local dish from Nagano Prefecture, known for its unique texture, savory flavor, and deep ties to rural life in Japan. Often enjoyed as a simple snack by farmers, this buckwheat-based treat carries... -
Imo kenpi (いもけんぴ)
Imo kenpi is a beloved Japanese snack made from sweet potatoes, known for its crispy texture and sweet, satisfying flavor. Originally from Kochi Prefecture, this simple yet addictive treat has gained popularity across the country. In thi... -
Datemaki sushi (伊達巻き寿司)
Datemaki sushi is a unique and flavorful twist on traditional Japanese sushi, known for its sweet, rolled omelette that wraps around sushi rice and fillings. Especially popular in Choshi, this eye-catching dish blends sweetness and tradi... -
Fukaya negi (深谷ネギ)
Fukaya negi is a unique type of leek from the Fukaya region of Japan, known for its sweet, mild flavor and tender texture. This special variety stands out due to its long white stalks and the careful cultivation process that makes it a p... -
Chibaza pork (チバザポーク)
Chibaza Pork, a premium pork brand from Chiba Prefecture, celebrated for its tender texture and rich flavors. Raised in an ideal climate with careful attention to breeding and feeding methods, this pork stands out for its fine quality an... -
Okayama barazushi (岡山ばら寿司)
If you're looking to discover a sushi dish that's as beautiful as it is meaningful, you'll want to learn about a local favorite from western Japan. Okayama barazushi is a vibrant style of sushi made with fresh seafood from the Seto Inlan...