{"id":19600,"date":"2024-05-23T12:19:46","date_gmt":"2024-05-23T10:19:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=19600"},"modified":"2024-06-04T09:56:30","modified_gmt":"2024-06-04T07:56:30","slug":"japanese-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japanese-food","title":{"rendered":"Japan travel guide: Japanese food region by region"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As an island nation set apart from its neighbors, Japan has developed a <strong>unique culinary tradition<\/strong>. During your stay in Japan, food is one of the best ways to get an insight into the local customs and way of life.<\/p>\n<p>Food is often <strong>elevated to an art form in Japan<\/strong> \u2014 special attention is given to textures and colors, garnished, and even the plates the food is served on. Get ready to experience dishes that are not only packed with flavor, but are also visually spectacular.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>This guide will help you start planning your <strong>Japanese culinary adventure<\/strong>. Find out about the specialities you must try when traveling around the different <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\">regions of Japan<\/a>!<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Japanese_cuisine_by_region_Local_specialities_to_try\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> Japanese cuisine by region: Local specialities to try<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Hokkaido_A_taste_of_Japans_northernmost_island\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.1<\/span> Hokkaido: A taste of Japan\u2019s northernmost island<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Tohoku_Serving_up_Japans_best_rice\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.2<\/span> Tohoku: Serving up Japan\u2019s best rice<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Kanto_Fine_dining_and_street_food_in_Tokyo_and_beyond\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.3<\/span> Kanto: Fine dining and street food in Tokyo and beyond<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Chubu_Dishes_sourced_from_the_sea_and_mountains\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.4<\/span> Chubu: Dishes sourced from the sea and mountains<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Kansai_Eating_in_Kobe_Kyoto_and_Osaka\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.5<\/span> Kansai: Eating in Kobe, Kyoto, and Osaka<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Chugoku_Okonomiyaki_fugu_and_Hiroshima_oysters\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.6<\/span> Chugoku: Okonomiyaki, fugu, and Hiroshima oysters<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Shikoku_From_simple_seafood_to_the_best_udon_dishes\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.7<\/span> Shikoku: From simple seafood to the best udon dishes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Kyushu_Tasty_ramen_crispy_noodles_and_refreshing_soups\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.8<\/span> Kyushu: Tasty ramen, crispy noodles, and refreshing soups<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Okinawa_Health_food_that_support_longevity\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.9<\/span> Okinawa: Health food that support longevity<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Best_food_markets_to_experience_in_Japan\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.10<\/span> Best food markets to experience in Japan<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Japanese_cuisine_by_region_Local_specialities_to_try\">Japanese cuisine by region: Local specialities to try<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Traveling around with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/jr-pass-vs-jr-regional-passes\">Japan Rail Pass or Regional Pass<\/a>? You\u2019re in for a treat! Discover delicious new dishes at every stop and find out more about the local customs and traditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Hokkaido_A_taste_of_Japans_northernmost_island\">Hokkaido: A taste of Japan\u2019s northernmost island<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_19602\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19602\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-19602\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/donburi-meshi-japanese-food-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Donburi, japasene food.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/donburi-meshi-japanese-food-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/donburi-meshi-japanese-food-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/donburi-meshi-japanese-food-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/donburi-meshi-japanese-food.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19602\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Urchin donburi &#8211; Photo by karins<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Native seafood<\/strong> is abundant on the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/snow-season-japan\"> northernmost island of Hokkaido<\/a>. Specialities include red and blue king crab, queen crab, and horsehair crab.<\/p>\n<p>The best way to sample local seafood by ordering a bowl of <em><strong>donburi meshi<\/strong><\/em>, a rice dish topped with sea urchin, scallops, and\/or salmon roe.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ramen is also popular<\/strong> in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hokkaido-shinkansen\">Hokkaido<\/a>, as it is throughout much of Japan. The type of ramen available will depend on which city or area in which you are staying. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hakodate-travel-guide\">Hakodate<\/a> ramen has a salted broth, Asahikawa ramen is soy-sauce based, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sapporo-travel-guide\">Sapporo<\/a> has a garlicky miso ramen.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Tohoku_Serving_up_Japans_best_rice\">Tohoku: Serving up Japan\u2019s best rice<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_19686\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19686\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-19686 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/kiritanpo-japanese-food-800x532.jpg\" alt=\"Kiritanpo, a traditional japanese dish.\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/kiritanpo-japanese-food-800x532.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/kiritanpo-japanese-food-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/kiritanpo-japanese-food-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/kiritanpo-japanese-food.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19686\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kiritampo &#8211; Photo by Atsushi Hirao<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Tohoku region is located on the northern side of Japan\u2019s island of Honshu. Served by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tohoku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tohoku Shinkansen Line<\/a>, you can quickly travel between the main cities and <strong>try the range of culinary delights on offer<\/strong> throughout the region.<\/p>\n<p>Tohoku stands out for producing what\u2019s considered to be the <strong>tastiest rice in Japan<\/strong>. A unique way to try this is with a <em>kiritanpo<\/em>: toasted rice on a skewer.<\/p>\n<p>Prefer noodles? Then don\u2019t miss the <em>Wanko soba<\/em>. This <strong>famous noodle dish<\/strong> involves the server flinging the noodles into diners\u2019 bowls as each one is ready. The noodles keep coming until you\u2019re full, often 50 or more \u201cflings\u201d. Hope you\u2019re hungry!<\/p>\n<p>Finally,<em> sasa kamaboko<\/em> is a<strong> steamed fish paste<\/strong>. It\u2019s popular as a souvenir due to its strong regional association and easily transportable format.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Kanto_Fine_dining_and_street_food_in_Tokyo_and_beyond\">Kanto: Fine dining and street food in Tokyo and beyond<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_19612\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19612\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-19612\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fukagawa-meshi-japanese-food-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Fukagawa-meshi, traditional japanese food.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fukagawa-meshi-japanese-food-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fukagawa-meshi-japanese-food-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fukagawa-meshi-japanese-food-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fukagawa-meshi-japanese-food.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19612\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fukagawa-meshi &#8211; Photo by sasazawa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The megacity of <strong>Tokyo is located in the central Kanto region of Japan<\/strong>. As one of the world\u2019s most prominent food capitals, <a href=\"https:\/\/nearfarmag.com\/these-cities-have-the-most-michelin-starred-restaurants\/\">Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants<\/a> than any other city in the world.<\/p>\n<p>Tokyo isn\u2019t just for fine dining, you\u2019ll also find a <strong>vibrant street-food scene<\/strong>. Don\u2019t be surprised to find entire streets devoted to perfecting just one type of food!<\/p>\n<p>Some popular dishes to try when visiting Tokyo include <em>fukagawa-meshi<\/em>,<strong> leeks and clams served on a bed of rice<\/strong>. Another is <em>monjayaki<\/em>, a <strong>selection of your favorite toppings mixed into a batter<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond Tokyo, you will find <em>yuba<\/em>, a by-product of tofu, dried and filled or served like sashimi in Nikko or <em>namero<\/em>, a <strong>fish dish from Chiba that is served over rice with green tea on top<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Chubu_Dishes_sourced_from_the_sea_and_mountains\">Chubu: Dishes sourced from the sea and mountains<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_19617\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19617\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-19617\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/unagi-eel-japanese-food-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Unagi, traditional japanese food.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/unagi-eel-japanese-food-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/unagi-eel-japanese-food-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/unagi-eel-japanese-food-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/unagi-eel-japanese-food.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19617\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Unagi (eel) &#8211; Photo by Nattawit Khomsanit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Chubu region, in the heart of Japan and home to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/climbing-mount-fuji\">Mount Fuji<\/a>, offers a <strong>culinary landscape that reflects its geographic diversity<\/strong>. This region offers specialties that celebrate both the mountainous terrain and the sea.<\/p>\n<p>Chubu is <strong>known for its unique variations of miso<\/strong>, including the darker, richer Hatcho miso from Aichi Prefecture. This miso is often used in the region&#8217;s signature dish, <em>miso katsu<\/em>: <strong>breaded and fried pork cutlets in a thick miso sauce<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Another popular dish is <em>goheimochi<\/em>, <strong>skewered and grilled rice cakes brushed with a sweet miso glaze<\/strong>, commonly found at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/the-7-best-food-festivals-in-japan\">street festivals<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The region is also a major producer of <em>unagi<\/em> (eel), particularly from Lake Hamana in Shizuoka Prefecture.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Kansai_Eating_in_Kobe_Kyoto_and_Osaka\">Kansai: Eating in Kobe, Kyoto, and Osaka<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_19622\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19622\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-19622\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/sakura-mochi-japanese-food-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Sakura-mochi, a traditional japanese dish.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/sakura-mochi-japanese-food-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/sakura-mochi-japanese-food-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/sakura-mochi-japanese-food-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/sakura-mochi-japanese-food.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19622\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sakura mochi &#8211; Photo by K321<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Kansai, also known as Kinki, is where we find major destinations such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kobe-travel-guide\">Kobe<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a>, often referred to as \u201cthe kitchen of Japan.\u201d In this area, the term <em>kuidaore<\/em>, or \u201ceat until you drop,\u201d was coined.<\/p>\n<p>An <strong>Osaka staple is the <em>takoyaki<\/em> octopus balls<\/strong> served in a sweet sauce. There is even a museum devoted to the dish. In Kyoto, the Nishiki Market is filled with more than a hundred stalls and restaurants offering locally grown or produced foods.<\/p>\n<p>During the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">cherry blossom season<\/a> in Kansai, you\u2019ll find a delicate pink <em>sakura mochi<\/em> dessert unique to the region. It is <strong>wrapped in a leaf to resemble a real cherry blossom<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Chugoku_Okonomiyaki_fugu_and_Hiroshima_oysters\">Chugoku: Okonomiyaki, fugu, and Hiroshima oysters<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_19627\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19627\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-19627\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/okonomiyaki-japanese-food-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Okonomiyaki, a traditional japanese dish.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/okonomiyaki-japanese-food-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/okonomiyaki-japanese-food-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/okonomiyaki-japanese-food-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/okonomiyaki-japanese-food.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19627\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Okonomiyaki &#8211; Photo by AS Foodstudio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A regional speciality of Chugoku is <em>okonomiyaki<\/em>, a <strong>savory egg pancake filled with ingredients<\/strong> such as cabbage, pork, seafood, and noodles. Originating as a humble dish eaten out of necessity during World War II, <em>okonomiyaki<\/em> has evolved into a popular comfort food enjoyed throughout the region and the rest of Japan.<\/p>\n<p>Yamaguchi Prefecture is a <strong>premier destination for <em>fugu<\/em><\/strong>, or pufferfish. Skilled chefs meticulously prepare this delicacy, ensuring its safety for consumption \u2014 it makes for an adventurous Japanese dining experience!<\/p>\n<p>Another delicacy to try when in the Chugoku region include <strong>oysters in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hiroshima-travel-guide\">Hiroshima<\/a><\/strong>, harvested from the Seto Inland Sea.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Shikoku_From_simple_seafood_to_the_best_udon_dishes\">Shikoku: From simple seafood to the best udon dishes<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_19632\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19632\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-19632\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/udon-soup-japanese-food-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Udon soup, a traditional japanese dish.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/udon-soup-japanese-food-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/udon-soup-japanese-food-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/udon-soup-japanese-food-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/udon-soup-japanese-food.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19632\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Udon beef soup &#8211; Photo by AS Foodstudio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Surrounded by the sea, Shikoku Island offers a <strong>wide variety of seafood dishes<\/strong> that reflect its maritime heritage. Stunning dishes are created by using simple preparation techniques, enhancing the flavors of the fresh seafood \u2014 just try <em>katsuo no tataki<\/em>, flame-seared bonito with a flavorful broth.<\/p>\n<p>The Sanuki region of the Kagawa Prefecture is known as \u201c<strong>Udon Kingdom<\/strong>\u201d. The square-shaped noodles are part of the region\u2019s identity, and there are more than 500 restaurants specializing in this unique product. Enjoy these <strong>handcrafted noodles in hot soups or with cold sauces<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Kyushu_Tasty_ramen_crispy_noodles_and_refreshing_soups\">Kyushu: Tasty ramen, crispy noodles, and refreshing soups<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_19652\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19652\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-19652 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/sara-udon-japanese-food-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Sara udon, crispy fried noodles. A traditional japanese dish.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/sara-udon-japanese-food-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/sara-udon-japanese-food-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/sara-udon-japanese-food-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/sara-udon-japanese-food.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19652\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sara udon &#8211; Photo by Koarakko<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyushu-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Kyushu Shinkansen line<\/a> straight to Kyushu to enjoy its famous ramen made with a broth of boiled pork bones. This dish is often called <em>Hakata ramen<\/em> after the district of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fukuoka-travel-guide\">Fukuoka Prefecture<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nagasaki-travel-guide\">Nagasaki<\/a> in Kyushu is <strong>known for its <em>sara udon<\/em><\/strong>. Featuring crispy fried noodles in a savory sauce and topped with a medley of vegetables and proteins, <em>sara udon<\/em> delivers crunch and hearty flavors. In Miyazaki Prefecture, a refreshing dish awaits in the form of hiyajiru fish and miso soup.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Okinawa_Health_food_that_support_longevity\">Okinawa: Health food that support longevity<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_19637\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19637\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-19637\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/bitter-melon-japanese-food-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Bitter melon stir-fried with pork, tofu and egg, a traditional japanese dish.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/bitter-melon-japanese-food-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/bitter-melon-japanese-food-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/bitter-melon-japanese-food-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/bitter-melon-japanese-food.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19637\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bitter melon stir-fried with pork, tofu and egg &#8211; Photo by Koarakko<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The small islands of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/okinawa-travel-guide\">Okinawa<\/a> constitute Japan\u2019s southernmost point. The foods there are credited with outstanding health benefits, as Okinawans are some of the longest-lived people in the world. <strong>Purple sweet potato, bitter melon, and seafood<\/strong> are staples.<\/p>\n<p>The presence of American soldiers during World War II can still be felt in a sampling of taco rice, a dish of meat, salad, and salsa on rice. Okinawa also produces an alcoholic beverage called <em>awamori<\/em>, which has an alcohol content of up to 45 percent.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Best_food_markets_to_experience_in_Japan\">Best food markets to experience in Japan<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_19647\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19647\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-19647\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/street-japanese-food-market-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"Street food market in Tokyo, Japan.\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/street-japanese-food-market-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/street-japanese-food-market-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/street-japanese-food-market-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/street-japanese-food-market.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19647\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Street food market in Tokyo, Japan &#8211; Photo by E.J.Melian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>One of the best ways to experience traditional Japanese cuisine is by <strong>visiting a local market<\/strong>. There are interesting markets throughout Japan, often specializing in a few regional products.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some of the best markets to seek out during your stay.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Toyosu Market<\/strong> (Tokyo): Formerly Tsukiji Fish Market, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-toyosu-fish-market\">Toyosu Market<\/a> offers a glimpse into Japan&#8217;s seafood industry with its lively auctions and fresh seafood.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tsukiji Outer Market<\/strong> (Tokyo): Visitors can indulge in sushi, seafood, and traditional Japanese snacks while browsing through kitchenware and food-related souvenirs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nishiki Market<\/strong> (Kyoto): Known as &#8220;Kyoto&#8217;s Kitchen,&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nishiki-market-kyoto\">Nishiki Market<\/a> is a historic marketplace offering an array of traditional ingredients and Kyoto delicacies.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kuromon Ichiba Market<\/strong> (Osaka): Dubbed &#8220;Osaka&#8217;s Kitchen,&#8221; Kuromon Ichiba Market is a bustling marketplace renowned for its fresh seafood and street food delights.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sapporo Central Wholesale Market<\/strong> (Sapporo): Also known as Sapporo Nijo Market, this market in Hokkaido offers a wide selection of fresh seafood and local produce.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Add these markets to your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/10-days-japan-itinerary\">Japanese travel itinerary<\/a> and discover the unique flavors of each destination.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As an island nation set apart from its neighbors, Japan has developed a unique culinary tradition. During your stay in Japan, food is one of the best ways to get an insight into the local customs and way of life. Food is often elevated to an art form in Japan \u2014 special attention is given to textures and colors, garnished, and even the plates the food is served on. Get ready to experience dishes that are not only packed with flavor, but are also visually spectacular.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":19642,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[92],"tags":[],"acf":{"bread_1":false,"bread_2":false,"bread_3":false,"bread_4":false,"bread_5":false,"bread_6":false,"bread_7":false,"bread_last":false,"custom_guide":"","pageresume":"Experience Japan\u2019s culinary traditions as you travel around the country. 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