Taste of Japan

🟣 Tokyo-Do-Must — Only-in-Tokyo experience. Tonkotsu is just the beginning. Discover the true depth of Japanese noodle culture with our local guide to 9 authentic ramen types you can easily find in Tokyo. From classic Shoyu and rich Sapporo Miso to evolutionary Tsukemen, find your new favorite bowl here! Last updated: 2026-05-31 Chashu Men at Manrai (Shinjuku) — A classic soy sauce ramen topped with a massive, thick-cut pork slice that is every meat lover's dream! 📍 Manrai (Tabelog English) Introduction When international travelers hear the word "Ramen," the first thing that comes to mind is likely a cloudy white pork broth paired with thin noodles—Tonkotsu ramen. Indeed, Tonkotsu is one of the most globally famous styles of Japanese ramen. However, in reality, Japanese ramen is incredibly diverse. Broths are made from various ingredients like pork bones, chicken bones, and seafood. The tare (sauce) that defines the flavor also comes in many varieti...

🟠 Local-First — Best experienced in its home region across Japan. Discover 5 unique seafoods you can only experience in Japan: truly raw mackerel, transparent squid, melt-in-your-mouth white shrimp, grilled crab paste, and ultra-fresh raw whitebait. Last updated: 2026-03-15 Introduction When you visit Japan, eating Sushi and Sashimi is probably at the top of your list. But if you only eat Salmon and Tuna, you are missing out on the true depth of Japanese seafood. Did you know there are certain seafoods in Japan that are physically, legally, or culturally impossible to serve in your home country? Thanks to Japan's unique marine environments, extreme freshness management, and traditional craftsmanship, there are rare delicacies you can only experience here. In this guide, we will introduce 5 unique Japanese seafoods you can't eat anywhere else in the world, and the fascinating reasons why . The Top 5 Unique Seafoods 1. Truly Raw Mackerel: "Goma Saba...

Nigiri sushi is the classic style of sushi made with a small mound of vinegared rice topped with fish, seafood, egg, or another ingredient. If you are wondering what “nigiri” means, this is the sushi style most people imagine when they think of Japanese sushi. But nigiri is only one part of Japan’s sushi culture. In this beginner-friendly guide, you will learn the difference between Nigiri , Maki , Gunkan , Oshi , Inari , and Chirashi — and how to enjoy them in Japan. Last updated: 2026-06-21 Quick Guide: Nigiri vs Maki vs Sashimi vs Gunkan If you are new to sushi, these four words are the most useful ones to understand first. Nigiri is the classic hand-pressed sushi with rice and topping. Maki is rolled sushi. Sashimi is sliced seafood without rice. Gunkan is a small “battleship-style” sushi wrapped with seaweed to hold soft toppings. Type What It Means Rice? Beginner Tip Nigiri ...