Japanese food is one of the highlights of a trip to Japan. From sushi and miso soup to seasonal dishes, there are many different foods to enjoy.
Japanese food culture is also connected to sustainability. Examples include traditional fermented foods, new seaweed cultivation techniques, and the reuse of by-products from food production.
We will introduce Japan's sustainable food initiatives, along with the destinations you can visit and the delicious foods you can enjoy during your trip to Japan and general sustainable tourism tips in Japan.
1. Discover Japan's Fermented Food Culture
Miso
If you have travelled to Japan before, you have probably had miso soup at least once.
Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made by fermenting soybeans with koji (a fermentation starter) and salt. It is known for its rich umami flavour, which gives food a savoury taste.
But miso is not just used for soup. It can also add a rich flavour to sauces and vegetable dishes, making it a useful ingredient for people who want to eat less meat.
Plant-based meals can have a lower carbon footprint than meat-based meals. However, the environmental impact of miso itself depends on how it is produced and transported.
Want to learn more about miso? Sano Miso Kameido Main Store in Tokyo is worth visiting.
Established in 1934, the shop sells around 70 varieties of miso from different regions of Japan. The taste, colour and aroma can vary depending on the ingredients and fermentation methods.
The shop also has a miso soup café called Ajien, where you can enjoy miso soup made with their miso.
Visitor Information
Location: Kameido, Tokyo
Access: About a 3-minute walk from JR Kameido Station, which is approximately 9 minutes by train from Akihabara Station.
Shop hours: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
Café hours: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (last order)
Official website: Sano Miso Kameido Main Store
For vegetarian and vegan travellers: Although miso is generally made from plant-based ingredients, miso soup often contains fish-based dashi (stock), such as bonito. Make sure to check the ingredients before ordering.
Amazake
Amazake is a traditional Japanese drink. It has a naturally sweet taste and can be enjoyed either hot or cold.
Amazake made from rice koji is generally non-alcoholic, and its sweetness comes from the process of breaking down rice starch into sugar. However, some amazake is made with sake lees (sake kasu) and may contain alcohol, so it is important to check the label.
One example is Shiraso Brewery in Tochigi Prefecture, which makes amazake using Koshihikari rice grown in its own fields.
The brewery also works with a snack manufacturer called Sokan to produce shochu, a Japanese distilled spirit, using sweet potato offcuts left over from snack production.
This is known as “food upcycling”, where ingredients that might otherwise be wasted are used to make something new.
2. From the Ocean to Your Plate
Seaweed
Seaweed is used in many Japanese dishes: nori is used for sushi and rice balls, wakame is often added to miso soup, and kombu is commonly used to make dashi.
Seaweed is also important for the environment because it provides habitats for fish and other marine life. However, rising sea temperatures are affecting seaweed beds in some parts of Japan.
One Japanese company working on this issue is Sea Vegetable. The company is developing methods to grow seaweed both on land and in the ocean and is also introducing lesser-known types of seaweed as food ingredients.
In November 2024, Sea Vegetable started a joint demonstration project with Panasonic to explore how robotics and IoT technology could be used in seaweed cultivation.
You can learn more at Sea Vegetable.
3. Behind the Scenes: How Ajinomoto Reuses By-products
Food manufacturers are also working to reduce waste.
For example, Ajinomoto, a Japanese food company known for its umami seasoning, reuses by-products from amino acid production as materials for fertiliser and animal feed at its factory in Indonesia.
This is an example of a “circular economy”, which focuses on making better use of resources and reducing waste.
Small Ways to Travel More Sustainably
You do not need to make big changes to your travel plans to be more mindful about sustainability. Even small choices when eating and shopping can help.
Here are a few things you can do during your trip:
Try local food. Japan has a concept called chisan-chisho, which means locally produced and locally consumed. Visiting local markets and trying regional dishes is a good way to support local producers. You can also visit local izakayas (Japanese-style pubs), which often have regional specialities on their menus.
Choose seasonal food. Japan has different ingredients depending on the season. For example, bamboo shoots are popular in spring, while sanma (Pacific saury) is a well-known autumn fish.
Avoid food waste. Try to order only what you can finish, especially when eating at restaurants that serve several dishes.
Learn about local food. Visiting food producers or joining a cooking experience can be a good way to understand how Japanese ingredients are grown and prepared. Another option is to visit an antenna shop, a store commonly found in major cities that sells regional food products and specialities from different Japanese prefectures.
Visit Blue Flag Beaches. If you are planning to visit a beach in Japan, you might come across the Blue Flag certification.
Blue Flag is an international environmental award given to beaches that meet certain standards for water quality, environmental management, safety and environmental education.
One example is Shobuta Beach in Shichigahama, Miyagi Prefecture, which received Blue Flag certification in 2023.
The surrounding coastal area is also known for seafood and seaweed. If you visit during the summer swimming season, you can enjoy the beach and explore the region's local food.
It is worth knowing that Blue Flag certification is about beach management. It does not necessarily mean that the seafood caught in the area is sustainable.
Visitor Information
Location: Shichigahama, Miyagi Prefecture
Swimming season: Usually July and August
Access: From Sendai Station, take the JR Senseki Line to Tagajo Station, then a local bus and a short walk. The journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on connections.
Tourism information: Shichigahama Tourism Association
The swimming season and bus schedules can change each year, so it is worth checking the latest information before visiting.
Explore Japan's Food Culture with TokudAw
Trying Japanese food is one thing, but learning how it is made can make the experience even more enjoyable.
At TokudAw, we offer hands-on food and cultural experiences, including traditional cooking activities, gohei mochi making, fermented food experiences and organic farming experiences.
Wanping, our nutritional scientist, can also help curate Japanese nutrition education experiences for group travellers. These can be tailored to your group's interests, offering opportunities to learn more about Japanese food and nutrition during your trip.
Want to learn more about Japanese food culture during your trip? Have a look at our Gastronomy & Cultural Experiences.
FAQs
Can I bring miso or seaweed home as souvenirs?
Miso and dried seaweed can be good souvenirs from Japan, but whether you can bring them home depends on your country's import regulations.
Some food products may need to be declared or inspected when entering your home country. Check the customs and biosecurity requirements before purchasing and keep products in their original packaging.
Do I need to speak Japanese to join a food experience?
Not necessarily. Some activities offer English support, while others are mainly conducted in Japanese.
It is best to check the language options before booking. Having a translation app on your phone can also be helpful when visiting local markets or small shops.
Are Japanese food experiences suitable for families and groups?
Many food experiences, including traditional cooking and hands-on activities, can be suitable for families and groups.
However, age restrictions, accessibility and dietary requirements can vary depending on the activity. TokudAw can help arrange experiences based on your group's interests and needs.