Top 10 favourite Japanese Food Experiences

Japanese cuisine is renowned for being one of the best in the world, for good reason as it really is one – of the many – perfect creations in Japan! Food is an integral part of the country’s unique culture, and is respected and celebrated to such a degree that in many instances it becomes ritualised. Huge amounts of dedication and thought go into every stage, from the preparation, the cooking, the serving and, of course, the consumption.

Chefs are regarded as artisans and referred to as ‘masters’ by many, so it is unthinkable to cancel a restaurant reservation in Japan and miss out on such a great experience... Even the simplest of dishes are of a high standard – everyday sushi, ramen, katsu curry, to name a few –  yet the total respect for food really comes to life within its delicacies, such as smooth sake and fine dining establishments.

You are bound to experience these on an Ampersand tailor-made holiday – choose between eating at a Michelin starred sushi restaurant and enjoying ‘kaiseki’ dinners (gourmet multi-course meals made from seasonal ingredients) – the latter of which are usually a real highlight of a traditional 'ryokan' stay, or better still - both!

Here are our top 10 favourite Japanese food experiences to inspire you and entice your taste buds...

1). Pufferfish (‘fugu’) at Gora Kadan, Hakone. Chefs of this delicacy are required to have a license to serve this potentially life-threatening, poisonous fish.

2). A food blog about Japan would not be complete without ‘nigiri’ sushi. (Kanazawa)

3). Chilled beer from Sapporo, Hokkaido - the ideal evening refreshment.

4). A ‘kaiseki’ multi-course dinner at the very traditional Tanabe Ryokan, Takayama

5). Pork ('Tonkotsu') Ramen. This dish can be found all over the country, from cheap and cheerful to Michelin star standard. Our favourite ramen restaurant is Ippudo, Tokyo, which can be easily found in all the major Japanese cities.

6). Delicately fried shrimp ‘tempura’, served in a warm ‘soba’ noodle soup at Arashiyama, Kyoto.

7). Fresh ‘sashimi’ - just one of the many parts of Gora Kadan’s (Hakone) exquisite ‘kaiseki’ dinner - fresh fish accompanied by grated wasabi and a shiso leaf.

8). Kaiseki pudding, courtesy of Ryokan Kurashiki, Kurashiki – sliced Matcha cake with a local Aurora grape and sweet Japanese pear, crafted with the up most care and presented with a seasonal maple leaf.

9). The speciality of Hiroshima – ‘Okonomiyaki’ – a savoury pancake made with noodles. Prepared right in front of you on hot plate. 

10). Colourful ‘sake’ bottles on Pontocho, Kyoto

For more information or to start planning your tailor-made holiday to Japan please contact us:

info@ampersandtravel.com // +44 (0) 207 819 9770