Traditional 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.
-
Yubeshi (ゆべし)
Yubeshi (ゆべし) is a traditional Japanese sweet. It has a long history and has changed a lot over time. This article explains what Yubeshi is, where it came from, and how it became a popular sweet in Japan. What is Yubeshi? Yubeshi is a... -
Nozawana (野沢菜)
Nozawana is a beloved regional pickle from Nagano Prefecture that has long been a staple in the cold winters of Japan. Known for its crisp texture and rich, tangy flavor, it carries deep ties to local tradition and home-style cooking. Fr... -
Tai Chazuke Ureshino (鯛茶漬けうれしの)
Tai Chazuke Ureshino is a beloved Japanese dish that blends tender sea bream with rich sesame sauce and fragrant green tea, creating a comforting yet elegant meal with deep historical roots. Originating from a centuries-old restaurant in... -
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... -
Tenyose (天寄せ)
Tenyose is a traditional Japanese dish that reflects the beauty of seasonality and regional culture, especially in the Suwa region of Nagano. Made using agar, this delicate jelly-like food often served during festivals and special gather... -
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... -
Hiya shabu (冷しゃぶ)
Hiya shabu is a light and refreshing Japanese dish that's perfect for hot weather. Made with thinly sliced meat that's quickly boiled and served cold, it's a cooler twist on the traditional shabu-shabu. With its simple preparation and cl... -
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...