The World Economic Forum Travel & Tourism Development Index last month ranked Japan as the third most popular destination on the planet. The land of the Rising Sun ranks second for cultural resources such as archaeological sites and entertainment facilities and scores high for natural resources and transport infrastructure.
Experts say the best time to visit Japan is September to November, but the most affordable time is the shoulder season, June to August. And with the dollar going strong against the Japanese yen, your money goes further.
Once you’re there, Japan is a nation with a long and fascinating culinary history. Although Japanese food is world-renowned, sushi tends to be the one food people know the most.
But, for those who travel to Japan, there are a lot more interesting and diverse foods to sample than just sushi.
Japanese Dish Diversity Surprises Visitors
Despite varying levels of experience and familiarity, most visitors to Japan don’t take long to develop an appreciation for regional cuisine. While sushi takes the top spot among tourists’ most anticipated dishes, other mouthwatering options like Japanese BBQ and Shoyu ramen comprise the list.
Sukiyaki: Visitors Warming up to Hot Pot Meals
Sukiyaki is just one version of many hot pot dishes heralded by visitors. There are two distinct types of sukiyaki — one with ties to Osaka and the other more aligned with Tokyo. While the ingredients vary, those lucky enough to indulge will enjoy a rich, flavorful broth brimming with beautifully marbled beef, fresh vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms.
Thinly sliced, top-grade beef is the star of this dish, but its bold ingredients and sweet-and-salty broth propel this meal’s popularity. No matter which version hungry visitors opt for, their dish will have no shortage of flavorful, traditional Japanese ingredients.
Those with dietary restrictions can find vegetarian versions of sukiyaki, and the Just One Cookbook site has a recipe for sukiyaki that those eager to try without traveling can attempt at home.
Ramen Remains Popular Tourists Choice
Ramen, a classic noodle soup, is one of the more well-known Japanese dishes. Shoyu ramen, one of many ramen types found in Japan, starts with a complex but light broth typically developed from chicken or pork stock. The succulent dashi, or broth base, is enhanced with earthy kelp and paper-thin skipjack tuna shavings, often called bonito flakes. Chefs tailor their ingredient lists to utilize regional offerings and spotlight Japanese diversity, but Japanese pork belly is a near-universal ingredient.
Visitors quickly discover that not all noodles are the same. Most chefs implement medium-thin curly ramen noodles for this dish and top off the meal with bamboo shoots, green onions, and shaved seaweed. Unlike sukiyaki, sometimes prepared tableside, ramen recipes are often treasured secrets. Shops typically prepare these dishes away from the guest’s view.
Though most fans can’t refer to their favorite ramen spot’s recipe, those eager to make their own can try an authentic Shoyu Ramen recipe from Master Masamoto Ueda of Bizentei, a beloved Tokyo ramen shop.
Like Being the Chef? Try Yakiniku Japanese BBQ
Lesser known to tourists than sushi or soups, yakiniku, or “grilled meat,” is a customizable meal made tableside by its consumers. Fans of this dish can cook their grilled meals according to personal flavor preferences. This dish can accommodate countless preferences, allergies, or restrictions, as various meats, seafood, veggies, and vegan options are ideal for yakiniku.
Participants dip selected items into their yakiniku sauce and use the tabletop grill to prepare each piece for individual preferences. While this is a fun and social dish perfect for a night out with friends, yakiniku can be fun to make at home, as it requires little prep. Regardless of where dinner happens, this simple and versatile meal is a guaranteed hit, even for the pickiest palates.
Sushi Still Tops the List
Studies show that an overwhelming number of visitors to Japan reported picking sushi most frequently. Despite their enthusiasm and eager attitudes toward this dish, many respondents — namely those in Western countries like the United States, France, and Britain — reported that their experiences differed drastically from the sushi they ate in their home country. This quality discrepancy, alongside exceeded expectations, proves that Japanese cuisine has much more to offer than most visitors anticipate.
Offerings and Options Abound
Despite citing few options, a clear pattern emerges in Japanese cuisine — regional food is healthy, delicious, and beautifully presented. Aside from the top picks, endless incredible dishes await visitors to Japan. From globally popular offerings like tempura to those only known among locals, finding your favorite Japanese meal will surely be an incredible culinary journey.
