Love Japanese food? Us too.
When we think about taking a holiday to Japan, we’re already dreaming of the steaming bowls of ramen, the fresh sushi, and the crispy tempura that we’ll be feasting upon.
Beyond these classic dishes, however, there’s a lot more to Japanese cuisine.
READ MORE: Why Vancouver should be top of the list for your next foodie holiday
Japanese food is legendary. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The art of Japanese cuisine – washoku – is officially recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Property.
Despite this, many of the country’s food regions and flavours aren’t often part of a classic tourist’s itinerary.
READ MORE: The payment mistake that can cost you hundreds when travelling overseas
Asian city named ‘number one’ destination for foodies
Venturing outside of Tokyo and Osaka, there are endless options for food-loving tourists to explore. Here are the must-try dishes in Japan, each from a different region.
READ MORE: ‘You don’t need to go to Europe – or even Fiji – to find a slice of la dolce vita’
There are great street food options all around Japan. (Getty)Beef and pickles (Kumamoto Prefecture)
We’re not talking about a Quarter Pounder. In Aso, the region’s grass-fed Akaushi beef is tender and delicious, paired perfectly with local pickled takana, which is grown in volcanic ash soil and packed with flavour.
Citrus (Ehime Prefecture)
Ehime is Japan’s top producer of mikan citrus fruits, a unique variety of satsuma mandarin, typically sweet and seedless, which are trending on TikTok for their jelly-like texture. Pick your own in Yawatahama, enjoy juice fresh from the tap, or try them in everything from fruit sandwiches to parfaits.
Hakata ramen is creamy and packed with noodles. (Getty)Ramen (Fukuoka Prefecture)
This region is famous for Hakata ramen, a tonkotsu-style version with a milky pork bone broth and firm, thin noodles.
If you’re a foodie, Fukuoka is a must-visit. Head straight to the nightly street food stalls at Tenjin and Nakasu, beloved by locals for both the flavoursome food and the social vibes. Popular picks to try include Hakata ramen (of course), grilled chicken yakitori, goma saba (a mackerel dish with sesame), or local oden hot pot.
More noodles (Hokkaido Prefecture)
Ramen is also the order of the day in Sapporo, where travellers can taste some of the best noodles in Hokkaido in one tiny strip of street food stalls known as Ramen Alley.
Miso ramen is iconic here, but the region is also well known for its jingisukan, a grilled mutton dish with vegetables, soy sauce, and sake dipping sauce.
Ramen Alley in Sapporo is a must-visit. (Getty)The country’s best wagyu (Mie Prefecture)
Whilst less globally renowned than its wagyu rival Kobe beef, many Japanese locals consider Matsusaka beef as the country’s best. In the area around Matsusaka Station you’ll find restaurants dishing up the local specialty in every manner imaginable, from sukiyaki (thinly sliced beef simmered in a soy-based broth and dipped in raw egg) and yakiniku (grilled with mixed dipping sauces) to shabu-shabu, teppanyaki and sashimi.
Sweet octopus and eel (Aichi Prefecture)
Himaka Island is a small and cozy island known for its super-soft octopus with a slightly sweet flavour. Enjoy it boiled, raw, deep fried, or in a hot pot. Another local fave is grilled eel (unagi) atop white rice with an eel glaze – particularly good in summer.
You can’t beat a simple, warming bowl of udon and broth. (Getty)Simple udon (Kagawa Prefecture)
No visit to Kagawa Prefecture is complete without slurping down a bowl of Sanuki udon noodles. Simple and heartwarming, the dish is usually served with egg yolk or niboshi (dried sardines).
Smoky seafood (Kochi Prefecture)
For a dish that will have you feeling like you’re stepping back in time, Kochi Prefecture’s katsuo no tataki will hit the spot. Featuring bonito, a fish from the tuna family, which is seared over a straw fire to imbue a smoky flavour, the fish is served in thick slices with raw ginger and garlic, then dipped into a soy sauce and citrus dressing.
Don’t eat directly from the communal platter. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Japan table manners to be aware of:Do feel free to slurp your noodlesDo try your best to finish all your mealDo bring the serving dishes to your mouth, not vice-versaDo break food into manageable pieces before bringing it to your mouthDon’t disregard how food is served or disassemble a dish – plating is intentionalDon’t put your elbows on the tableDon’t eat directly from the communal platter (put some onto a smaller plate to enjoy)
The best places to visit in Japan – besides Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka