Japan is known for many things, from its beautiful scenery to its great and rich cultural background. Another major highlight is the culinary tradition of the island nation. It is known the world over as one of the best places for people to visit just for the food. It has a long history of delicious and healthy food choices. Your trip to Japan would be incomplete without trying some foods that are exclusive to or well made in, Japan.

Sushi

This is the most popular and well-known food to come from Japan. Everyone the world over has tried the Japanese food in their home country, but you must try it when you visit Japan yourself. You will find hundreds of shops that make sushi in the traditional way right in front of your eyes. You can also find the popular conveyor belt sushi restaurants throughout Japan. They are quick and easy ways to satisfy your sushi needs and get you many kinds of sushi for a cheap price.  It will be different from the kind you eat in your home country.

Udon

Udon is a popular food in Japan and can be found at almost every train station in the country. Udon is thick noodles served with or in hot or cold soup broth. Udon comes with a variety of sides, the most common being inari, fried tofu. Most areas of Japan will boast their own version of the traditional treat. Yaki udon is a popular choice during the summertime when it is common to see many people barbequing.

Tofu

Tofu is a common food in most Asian cultures and is one of the healthiest things a person could eat. It is soymilk curd that is usually cut into blocks. It is used in almost all Japanese cooking and generally is flavorless by itself. It is a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in many ways. One popular dish is mabudofu and it can be ordered in many Japanese restaurants.

Tempura

Tempura battered food is a popular treat that can be found in most restaurants and even convenience stores. Typically, you will find meats and vegetables deep-fried in tempura batter. They are great treats when you are walking around the cities and are especially popular during festivals.

Yakiniku

Yakiniku is a traditional Japanese barbeque that has you eating meat that you cooked yourself. The typical yakiniku restaurant will have small barbeque pits at each table, and you will order plates of meat and vegetable to cook yourself. You can cook each piece of meat to your liking and order as much as you want. Some places do all you can eat sets.

Yakitori

Yakitori are pieces of chicken cooked on skewers over coals. There are large and small yakitori restaurants scattered throughout every city. You will often see stalls or food trucks that sell these for passersby. They are a popular festival food and you can get them at all convenience stores. There are a large variety of flavors to choose from and they are the perfect food for people on the go.

Sashimi

Sashimi is raw fish served with soy sauce, vegetables, and other condiments. Typically served with wasabi, this dish is a popular meal that many Japanese eat as a luxury. There are different kinds of meats that are occasionally served as well, with the most popular being horse meat. You can’t eat it in every restaurant, and it will be more expensive than the average Japanese meal, but it is a must-try for any visitor to the country.

Ramen

Even though it isn’t a Japanese creation, it is a food that the Japanese people have made into a national staple. The soup and noodle combination is a popular treat known the world over. There are different kinds of broths and noodle types to choose from as well as toppings to put into your bowl. There are ramen stands and restaurants in every city, village, and town in Japan. You will hear many Japanese natives loudly slurping noodles in every restaurant since it is seen as a compliment to the chef.

Donburi

Donburi are rice bowls with different kinds of toppings. You can find these foods in most restaurants and in specialty shops that serve them exclusively. Oyakodon is the most popular with people and is a mixture of eggs and chicken on top of rice.

Natto

Natto is a national food that all Japanese people have eaten at some point. It is fermented soybeans with a strong smell but mild taste. It is served in many different ways and can be bought in every store. It is also a popular part of traditional Japanese breakfast. It is something that people either love or hate.

Oden

It is a traditional hot pot that most Japanese people eat during the cold months. It is different vegetables and fish cooked in broth. You can find these at every convenience store and in traditional Japanese restaurants.

Tamagoyaki

Tamagoyaki is rolled eggs and is served with most traditional Japanese meals. It can be made in different ways and can be found in all convenience stores. It is a delicious side dish for any meal.

There are more dishes from Japan that everyone should try. When you go to the local restaurants, try out their specialties and try to get something different from your usual diet. You never know what new foods you will come to like.