Experiencing Japanese Food

 

There are many reasons to travel to Japan but Japanese food often tops the list for our travelers. With a focus on fresh & seasonal ingredients, beautiful plated designs, and a fusion of innovative and traditional cooking styles, meals in Japan can, and should be, a highlight of your trip. Japan offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, from refined kaiseki to vibrant street food. Weaving different aspects of Japanese cuisine into an itinerary is one of our favorite parts of crafting a memorable trip. Below are just a few examples of food based experiences we recommend to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese food

The Art of Soba Noodles

A perfect ratio of ingredients and skill are required to concoct the subtle and clean flavor of Japanese soba buckwheat noodles. A soba-making master will guide you through the steps and help you create a lunch to remember while simultaneously giving you a skill to take back home to friends and family. From farm field to plate, each bowl of soba comes from the Japanese countryside with love.

More interested in ramen? Head out on a ramen crawl or meet up with a chef to learn all the steps to do it yourself, starting from the dashi

Osaka street food

From north to south, venture out on a unique walk through the streets of Osaka, known as “the nation’s kitchen.” Osaka is a place where the aesthetics of the Showa era and working class run strong, where the conversation and drinks are free flowing, and where delicious comfort food in its many Osaka-specific varieties abounds. Learn the history and dynamics of the downtown while enjoying local fare, and watching the area transform as the sun sets and the neon lights glow.

Not visiting Osaka? Take an evening food tour through Tokyo or Kyoto instead

Learn to Make Sushi

A skilled sushi chef will guide you through the intricate process of preparing sushi. Learn how to select the freshest ingredients, cut the fish with precision, and roll the sushi rice into perfect cylinders. You’re guaranteed to impress all your friends and family with your new skill when you return home!

If you’re interested in visiting the iconic fish markets of Japan, this class can be paired with a visit to Tsukiji Market.

Cooking in a Local Home

Food is an integral part of life in Japan and every family has recipes passed down through the generations. Gain special access to a local family’s home and join them for dinner. Learn to cook local recipes and have a casual place to discuss everyday life with real Japanese people. You can also learn to appreciate the difference between dishes eaten at home and those common in restaurants.

Eat like a Monk – or a Sumo Wrestler

Shojin Ryori is the traditional meal prepared and eaten by monks in Japan. It has a long history of techniques, traditions, and flavors, but remains innovative. The image below may look like sushi with fish but it’s actually a vegetable! Choose to meet with a master chef to learn the ways of Shojin Ryori or sit down to a meal inside a temple complex.

Another option to dive into an intersection of culture and food is to experience a sumo meal. After attending silent training at dawn, take a tour through the stable kitchens followed by a brunch consisting of homemade chanko nabe hot pot stew. During brunch, you will get the chance to ask about and hear story upon story of the sumo wrestler lifestyle

Breweries, Distilleries, and Tastings

Immerse yourself in the world of Japanese alcohol, where the taste and serving style vary with the seasons. Visit a local sake brewery to see this ancient process in person or choose to do a tasting experience, focusing on the subtle shifts in flavor and the artistry of the ceramic sake cups and bottles. If whiskey is your thing, Japan is home to some of the world’s most famous. Get an in-depth view to whiskey creation at a distillery or embark on a whiskey tasting journey with a master in the trendy whiskey bars of Tokyo.

For those seeking an even deeper experience, we recommend diving into the world of Shochu, a typical drink rarely found outside of Japan.

Fine Dining

We would be remiss to not mention the option of visiting a fine dining establishment in Japan. Tokyo has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world and Japan itself is second only to France. Expect impeccable service, a refined ambiance, and a symphony of flavors that showcase the best of Japanese cuisine.

No matter what combination of food based experiences you decide to include on your Vaya Japan adventure, it’s sure to be a recipe for success. Kanpai!

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