Japanese food? It’s not just food; it’s an adventure! Every dish tells a story, from your first sushi bite to slurping the last bit of ramen broth: centuries of tradition perfected over generations. I’ve always been hooked on Japanese food. The fresh ingredients, those fantastic flavors, and how beautiful everything looks… I have been fascinated from the start.

Ever since I was a kid, Japan has been my dream. The culture, the history, and especially the food… There’s something fresh about it: such a perfect balance of flavors and a beautiful presentation. I used to dream of tasting all of it someday. And guess what? That dream came true in 2016! I moved to Nagano prefecture to teach English.

Nagano is gorgeous. Mountains everywhere! The people are so friendly, and it’s just so peaceful. It quickly felt like home. But the best part? The food! Everywhere you turn, there’s something new to try. Today, I’m sharing eight of the most amazing dishes I discovered.

Japanese Food #1: Sushi

(The Art of Freshness)

Sushi- it’s a Japanese dish, right? I knew I had to try it when I first landed in Japan. Like most newbies, I grabbed some pre-made sushi from a convenience store (hey, I was hungry!). And guess what? Even that was good! The rice was perfect, a little vinegary, the fish was fresh, and that wasabi gave it the right punch.

Later, one of my students in Matsumoto told me about this cool conveyor belt sushi place called Genki Sushi. I had to check it out. Wow! You order on a touchscreen, and your sushi arrives on a little conveyor belt. So fresh, and the textures were amazing. Whether it’s a conveyor belt or a fancy restaurant, sushi in Japan is something you have to try!

Sushi in Japan is more than raw fish- it’s an art form. Chefs treat the ingredients with genuine respect, pay close attention to detail, and are proud of their work. It’s a whole experience.

Tip: Even if you’re in a smaller place like Matsumoto and your favorite sushi spot is closed, don’t worry! Just pop “sushi” into Google Maps and check out the top-rated places nearby. You might discover a hidden gem that blows your mind.

Japanese Food #2: Ramen

(A Warm Hug in a Bowl)

Ramen in Japan is pure comfort food, especially on a chilly day. Everywhere you turn, there’s another ramen shop, each with its unique recipe. I had some fantastic ramen in Matsumoto at a place called らぁめん 鶏支那屋 (Ramen Torishina-ya). Their Tonkotsu shoyu was incredible – creamy, porky broth with a hint of garlic, chewy noodles, and fresh toppings. Seriously, it was the perfect bowl.

Love ramen? Who doesn’t? But it’s a calorie bomb! High in sodium and fat. Treat yourself, but keep it in check. Lunch or early dinner is the sweet spot. Late-night ramen? Your digestion (and sleep) might not thank you.

Japanese Food #3: Tempura

(The Crispy Delight)

Tempura is seriously impressive- crisp on the outside and delicate on the inside. I had some unforgettable tempura in Ueda, Nagano, at a place where the chef just kept bringing out incredible stuff. Shrimp, squid, fish, you name it, and all sorts of veggies like eggplant and lotus root are all fried in this super light, airy batter. It was so good!

Ever wonder why tempura is so darn good? It’s all about letting the food’s natural flavors pop. That shrimp? Sweet and juicy. The squid? So tender with a little squeeze of lemon. And those veggies? Crispy on the outside, perfectly tender inside. Then you dip it in that fantastic sauce- pure umami goodness!

One of my chef students told me that making tempura is a real art. The oil has to be just right to get that perfect crisp without being greasy. In Nagano, there are tons of places where you can chill out and watch the chefs work their magic, whipping up tempura right in front of you.

Japanese Food #4: Mochi

(A Sweet Tradition)

Mochi! That chewy, sweet rice cake! It’s a Japanese treat you’ve probably seen around, especially during New Year’s and cherry blossom season. But honestly, people enjoy it all year long. Imagine a soft, pillowy cloud of sweet rice with a slightly sticky, almost marshmallow-like texture. Some mochi are filled with a smooth, sweet bean paste called anko, while others are dusted with a delicate coating of sweet powdered sugar. The flavor is subtly sweet and satisfying, and the chewiness is fun! I had my first mochi at work. Our excellent Japanese managers would bring it in whenever they visited our school. They were so sweet and wanted us to experience some Japanese culture.

Japanese Food #5: Udon

(Thick, Slippery Noodles of Comfort)

Udon! Those thick, chewy wheat noodles swimming in a flavorful broth- talk about comfort food! Whether it’s a hot bowl on a chilly winter day or a refreshing cold dish in the summer, udon hits the spot anytime. The noodles themselves are so satisfyingly chewy, and the broth? Packed with flavor. It’s just good, simple food.

I stumbled upon this tiny udon place near the station in Nagano, and let me tell you, it was a hidden gem. The udon was thick and chewy; it had the best texture! And the broth was just fantastic; rich, savory, with a hint of sweetness… total comfort food. I topped it off with some crispy tempura for some crunch and a splash of soy sauce. Perfect. Just perfect!

Japanese Food #6: Soba

(The Art of Buckwheat Noodles)

Soba noodles are made from buckwheat, which gives them a slightly earthy, almost nutty flavor. You can have them hot in a broth, like udon, or cold with a dipping sauce. What I love about soba is how simple it is. It feels fancy and down-to-earth all at once.

Soba in Japan is a big deal. Think freshly ground buckwheat flour, giving the noodles a deep, rich, and satisfying flavor. Some places even hand-make their noodles, so every bite is packed with texture and taste. You must try soba if you’re ever in Nagano (or anywhere in Japan). It’s especially good with some seasonal veggies or a light dipping sauce.

Japanese Food #7: Katsu

(A Crispy, Golden Delight)

If you love anything crispy and fried, you have to try katsu. It’s a breaded and deep-fried pork or chicken cutlet, the ultimate comfort food. You can find it everywhere in Japan, from little diners to fancy restaurants. The magic is in the texture: perfectly golden, crunchy outside with a juicy, tender inside. It’s so good!

I finally got to try katsu for the first time at a canteen on the way to Kamikochi in Nagano. Oh my gosh, the crust was perfectly crispy- that satisfying crunch with every bite. And inside, the meat was so tender and flavorful! It usually comes with a mountain of shredded cabbage, a side of rice, and this rich, tangy sauce that ties everything together. It’s such a simple meal, but it’s so good. It just hits the spot every single time.

Japanese Food #8: Onigiri

(The Perfect Snack)

Onigiri! Those little rice balls wrapped in seaweed are simple but seriously satisfying. Think of them like a Japanese sandwich, but you’ve got perfectly seasoned rice instead of bread. Inside are yummy things, like tuna, tangy pickled plum (umeboshi), or flaky salmon. Perfect for a quick snack or a light meal, they’re a staple for everyone, from school kids to busy office workers.

I’m a big fan of Onigiri. They’re perfect for grabbing at a convenience store when I need a quick bite. An onigiri, whether salty-sour umeboshi or savory salmon, always satisfies me between lessons.

Japan’s food scene is incredible! Every region has its special dishes and flavors, so there’s always something new to try. Each dish tells a story about Japan’s history, culture, and the amazing care they put into their food.

So, what are you waiting for? If you haven’t checked out the Japanese cuisine yet, now’s the time! Whether you’re exploring Nagano or elsewhere in Japan, a world of deliciousness awaits. This article has given you a little taste of what’s out there and made you hungry for adventure! I hope you enjoyed this! Do you have questions or comments? Could you leave them below? Thanks for hanging out! Voila! Until next time!