The amazing world of Japanese cuisine: Unique must-try foods for your next trip

Japanese food is amongst some of the most famous and loved cuisines around the world. With special delicacies and deliciously detailed treats, there is so much to explore.

Of course, we know you’ll be having your fair share of ramen, sushi, and udon, but make not to miss out on these delightful cultural foods on your next visit!

Sake

Sake is one of Japan’s most famous alcohols, also known as Japanese rice wine. The alcohol is made by fermenting domestically grown rice grains in water, yeast, and koji mold to create a smooth flavor.

There are a few different types of sake, with junmai-shu, which contains zero additives, and daiginjo-shu, which is known for its clean aftertaste, being among the most popular.

They are also commonly stored and served in ceramic sake sets, which come with a bottle and usually two small cups, often designed with a range of traditional patterns and symbols, which make a beautiful souvenir or gift.

Make sure to say ‘kanppai’ (cheers) before you drink!

So many beautiful sake sets to choose from

Miso

Made from combining koji mold, salt, and steamed grains such as soybeans and rice, miso is an incredibly unique and popular food throughout Japan among locals and visitors alike.

It’s the base of many soups and ramen dishes, and provides a savoury umami taste that mixes with earthiness and sweetness.

You can also buy instant miso to take home with you; simply add boiling water to the packet and you’re ready to enjoy!

Konpeito candy

Konpeito candy are tiny sugar candies in small, star-like shapes in a multitude of colors.

They come in fun packaging that you can often pick and choose from, with different colors having different flavors such as grape, orange, or green apple.

A super cute and fun gift for any sweet tooth, or even as decoration.

Kumi-ame candy

This candy is a fun and bright way to enjoy traditional Japanese sweets.

Made by stretching approximately 110 pounds of hot candy into small pieces only one inch in diameter, these candies have fun patterns and drawings inside each piece!

The designs range from faces to animals and flowers, and are such a great way to collect your favourite symbols of Japan during your trip.

Konpeito and kumi-ame candies

Tubed sauces and condiments

Japan loves efficiency and convenience. That’s why you’ll find a huge range of neatly packaged sauces and condiments in almost every convenience and grocery story throughout the country.

From everyone’s favorite kewpie mayonnaise to ginger or wasabi paste, these tubes are perfect as a packaged souvenir to bring the flavors of Japan home with you.

Dashi

Dashi is a broth made from stewing and simmering vegetables, fish, and dried ingredients such as dried mushrooms, kelp, or sardines.

It has a rich, savoury flavor known as umami, known as the fifth ‘basic taste’, which was founded in Japan over a century ago. The broth is a key ingredient in many beloved Japanese dishes, such as in tempura sauce, noodle broths, and soups.

Hungry for more?

Japan has so many unique foods and treats to try and explore. With hundreds of bars, cafes, and restaurants to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick just one place to go.

Book with TokudAw today to get the best local recommendations suited to your flavour palette, and get our private, in-house transportation to and from!