7 of the Tastiest Dishes to Try on a Trip to Japan

As I’ve said a million times before, Japan is a no-brainer when it comes to incredible food. No matter which part of this glorious country you visit, you’re going to be treated to a real culinary experience. Not only does it taste delicious, but the majority of it is pretty good for you too – there’s a reason they have the highest life expectancy in the world! If you’re planning a trip to Japan soon and want to know what to tuck into, you’re going to need this list.

1. Sushi

Okay, let’s kick off with the most obvious addition to this list – sushi! Japan is renowned for this raw fish delicacy but don’t fear if you’re not a fan of seafood – you’ll find a range of sushi in Japan, including veggie options. Trust me; this will be nothing like the stuff you get from sushi chains around the world.

2. Sukiyaki

The basics of this dish are meat and vegetables stewed in a pot. However, there are so many different variations depending on which part of the country you’re in. Make it your mission to try as many unique sukiyaki dishes as you can!

3. Yakitori

Chicken skewers grilled over charcoal, what could be better? If you browse the street food stalls of Japan, you’ll find plenty of yakitori on offer. If you are going to eat street food, make sure that you go somewhere that has big queues as you know it’ll be good. Plus, you don’t want to have to use your travel insurance for a trip to the hospital thanks to food poisoning!

4. Sashimi

Again with the raw fish! The level of freshness of real Japanese sashimi is what will make this dish really stand out for you. Add in some wasabi or ginger, and you’re in for a real taste sensation. Just avoid this dish if you’re allergic to shellfish or if you’re pregnant.

5. Gyutan Yaki

If I tell you what this is, you might be tempted not to try it. However, don’t let the fact that it is a grilled beef tongue put you off. Yep, gyutan yaki is a cow tongue, but you have to try everything once right?! The way that it is cooked makes this dish super soft, and it tastes just like steak.

6. Uni

I have spoken about uni before in my post about food to try in Hokkaido, but it deserves a place on this list too! If you have ever wondered what the umami taste is like, then you’ll experience it with this sea urchin dish. It’s a real taste sensation that you just have to experience.

7. Matcha cake

In Japan, matcha is everywhere – even in the desserts! Once you have finished all your savoury delights, try to hunt down any kind of cake made with matcha. This green tea powder is delicious, refreshing and will give you a little boost of energy to carry on exploring.

There are so many delicious dishes in Japan that it was hard just to pick seven. Are there any I have missed off this list? Let me know in the comments!

Thank you to Edward Compton for partnering with me on this post. Edward is a writer and travel blogger, originally from the south of England but now residing in New Jersey. For over 6 years, he contributed travel articles to various blogs and sites to inspire readers to explore out of their comfort zone.