JapanFood and Drink

Japanese cuisine is renowned worldwide, with sushi and sashimi just a tiny part of the culinary landscape. Washoku or traditional Japanese cuisine emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and the art of presentation, showcasing and appreciating nature and the changing seasons.

What is Japan’s traditional cuisine?

Rice is the staple food in Japan, and the country is very proud of it. Try not to dip it in soy sauce while eating sushi, for example. Like many aspects of life, the Japanese table is about balance, from breakfast to dinner, with side dishes including fish, pickles, and broth-cooked vegetables. Miso soup is another fixture. Beyond that, expect a lot of variety from region to region. Nigiri-zushi, tempura, and soba are all Tokyo inventions and fixtures. A kaiseki dinner in all its balanced glory is a must in Kyoto, while Osaka is all about simple, delicious combinations, including takoyaki (octopus balls fried in batter), and okonomiyaki, a shredded cabbage pancake that can include a wide variety of ingredients.

What is the dining etiquette in Japan?

It’s acceptable to eat or drink in public while on your trip to Japan, as long as you sit down somewhere instead of walking with your food. Bringing your own bento box to enjoy on inter-city trains in Japan is very normal, but don’t eat or drink on public transit. Don’t whittle your chopsticks or stick them upright in your bowl, and never pass food with them. Feel free to slurp your noodles. It shows appreciation.

What is the drinking etiquette in Japan?

Pour others their drinks before pouring your own, and toast with the word kanpai (or kampai, both are correct). Japan takes its tea as seriously as its rice. Make time on your Japan trip to partake in the famous Japanese tea ceremony; an elaborate ritual containing many formal steps. Participating in one is a great way to learn about this reverence for tea while appreciating its many nuances. Contrary to popular myth, there’s no authentic temperature to serve sake. It depends entirely on the type of sake being served.

Does Japan cater to dietary restrictions?

While you will find an abundance of international culinary options while visiting Japan, you may have difficulty with dietary restrictions on your journey. Japanese cuisine abounds with fish and meat, and while many restaurants may remove the actual protein to accommodation diners, they often use meat-based broths or other non-vegan ingredients in their cooking. Furthermore, pork and shellfish are staple ingredients, making for limited halal and kosher options. It's best to ask your travel agency about options in Japan for most any dietary requirement. To help with communicating your needs during your Japan vacation, it also helps to have them written on a card to show your server, since menus (including picture menus) will not always be clear about ingredients.

What do meals typically cost in Japan?

Japan offers many inexpensive restaurants serving practical, affordable, and delicious meals costing around 1,000 to 3,000 YEN (US $7 to US $20). For a mid-range meal for two with a drink, budget around $7,000 YEN (US $50). In Tokyo, you can pay as little as 1,000 YEN for a Michelin-starred curry, or up to 55,000 YEN (US $375) for an omakase sushi degustation at the famous Sukiyabashi Jiro (booked exclusively through your hotel concierge).