Japan has a rich and diverse culture that is as unique as the people themselves. As a country, it is very different from other countries in the world, with its own cuisine, traditions, language, and lifestyle. When you go to Japan, you will be shocked at how much they love their food, which can sometimes be quite exotic.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular Japanese foods so that you can experience them when you visit Japan. So without further ado, click here are the top five Japanese foods:

1. Ramen

Ramen is one of the most popular dishes in Japan. It’s not just any old ramen noodle, either. It’s a specialty dish that uses a variety of ingredients including pork, eggs, vegetables, and seaweed. The best way to make sure your ramen is authentic is to ask for the “original style” of ramen; that means that it contains no toppings like ketchup or mayonnaise.

There are two main types of ramen: tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen and shoyu ramen; each type can come in all sorts of flavors. Tonkotsu ramen tends to have more flavor than the shoyu version, but both are delicious! You might want to opt for a bowl of miso ramen instead of the regular kind, as well.

2. Sushi

Sushi is a staple part of every meal in Japan, and there are many styles of sushi you can try out during your trip. Some of the most common include nigiri (which means “on a plate”), sashimi (raw fish), maki-zushi (rolls), and temari (dough balls).

Some of the most popular sushi rolls include unagi (eel), tako (octopus), and ika (squid). If you’re looking for something a little bit different, you might enjoy trying tokage (deep fried tofu pouches); you can find these at most convenience stores.

3. Tempura

Tempura is another popular Japanese food that you should try if you haven’t already. It’s basically deep frying battered foods in oil. It originated in Japan, but it has since become popular throughout Asia. There are many varieties of tempura, but some of the most common are shrimp tempura, chicken tempura, and vegetable tempura.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to try udon noodles topped with tempura. They are usually served with an assortment of dipping sauces.

4. Yakitori

Yakitori is a grilled skewer of meat, poultry, seafood, or vegetables. This dish originated in Japan, where skewers were used as a form of entertainment by street vendors while selling their wares. Nowadays, yakitori is eaten on its own or as an appetizer.

You can choose to eat yakitori by itself, as an accompaniment with rice, as part of a bento box, or even as a snack. Whatever option you choose, you’re bound to leave satisfied.

5. Kaiseki

Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal that consists of multiple small plates. Most restaurants offer a kaiseki menu, but you might also see it listed as an option on the regular dinner menu. In addition to small dishes, kaiseki meals often contain a variety of seasonal ingredients including mushrooms, bamboo shoots, sea plants, fruits, and vegetables.

There are lots of different kinds of kaiseki dishes, but some of the most popular options include omakase (chef’s choice), sukiyaki (grilled beef), yakisoba (fried noodles), and kushiyaki (grilled chicken).

Many restaurants use a special set of chopsticks called ochazuke (rice porridge) to cleanse the palate after eating. Ochazuke is made with steamed rice flavored with soy sauce and bonito flakes. It’s traditionally served with a scoop of miso soup.

The next time you travel to Japan, give these Japanese foods a try. They’re sure to impress your taste buds!