Advice about Eat and Drink
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Stuff on Seaweed!
I'm a huge fan of seaweed. Here are some interesting varieties I picked up at the local station market.1. “Kuki Wakame” – seaweed stems (top left)- fantastic in salads with ume or ponzu dressing2. “Tororo Kombu” – pickled, shredded kombu kelp (top right)- used in soups, on udon or soba n…(110 words)
Emmie
Nori-maki Senbei (rice cracker in laver)
Although there are a variety of Senbei (rice crackers) with different seasonings and foods in Japan, Nori-maki Senbei is probably the best and most popular one. Soy source slightly scorched and laver provide you with pleasant aroma. Enjoy a pleasant crispy feeling of laver too!(45 words)
OKAKI-sun
Local Trucks and shops near stations
Keep your eyes peeled. especially for seasonal items- the little trucks that park around back alleys and side streets usually offer good deals. Also near most train stations you can find fruit and veggie stands- later in the day they often run specials of things that they need to move that are gett…(103 words)
LShannon
Watch out for green tea farms on Shinkansen
You can enjoy drinking tea, as well as watching it grow! Shizuoka-prefecture is the top producing area for Japanese tea, and you can see tea farms from Shinkansen. One hour from Tokyo on the bullet train, you may easily locate those farms on both sides of the railroad. Even if you don't know wh…(113 words)
ToshiA
Tokyo and Shinagawa station, "All that shellfish"
"品川名物貝づくし" ("shinagawa meibutsu kai zukushi")Actually, I never had it, but I can tell it must be good.5 kinds of cooked shellfishes on rice and veges.Sold at Tokyo and Shinagawa Station, 930 yen.(32 words)
Moo Moo
Eat the Best Ramen Noodles in Japan
You can see here that we have ordered Jumbo Ramen with Nori (seaweed) as one of the best toppings. Floating quietly in the hot and tasty soup is the Onsen or boiled soft egg. If you cut it open with your chopsticks the soft yellow yolk will flow out into the ramen soup and add that last amazing tas…(90 words)
Unagi can be a year-round power builder
I recently went to a Unagi restaurant in Hamamatsu and they served slightly browned (just so it is not raw) Unagi or Eel. There were toppings included like Yuzu-kosho (citrus and pepper), ginger, wasabi and radish. The taste was absolutely amazing. This would be good for a year-round delight so don…(72 words)
masayuki.ike
Make sure in Japan to drink tea at a restaurant
Today, we stopped in at a beautiful little Sushi Shop in Ginza in Tokyo. The warm tea that came out right at the beginning prepared our palate perfectly for the lovely fish to come after. It was a truly perfect experience. We would recommend that when you come to eat sushi you make sure to prepare …(76 words)
The Real Sushi Experience, Don't Miss Out!
I always went to "kaiten sushi" because it was easy, you can calculate expense based on color and design of the plates and you could see what you are ordering as you take a plate off the conveyer belt. I still go to kaitenzushi when I want a scrumptious meal of sush (I want to eat a lot) or when I …(351 words)
Eggs Abound
You can guarantee that in Japan, they have exhausted the best ways to eat certain seafood at certain times of the year, and of course paired with other foods. Fall is the season that is likely most anticipated by the seafood-loving Japanese populace. Just as it is the time of major vegetable, a…(140 words)
KurtisW
Just use your hands
I feel as though a lot of people who eat sushi treat it with a bit too much reverence. All though sushi is a misleadingly complex topic, both for the chef and the customer, in the modern day, it is just meant to be enjoyed rather than over-analyzed.If you have reservations or concerns that sush…(325 words)
KurtisW
Tokyo, Shibuya, Kyoto, Osaka..Everywhere in Japan! Kaiten sushi is cheap and reasonable!
100-yen Kaiten sushi place's Major chain stores -popular ”Kappa zushi" and "Sushiro". Low prices are the selling point of these stores, but they taste very good too. Personally Sushiro is my favorite. Their IT ordering system (tablet with user-friendly menu with real pictures) is fun and quick! T…(139 words)
EmiOnishi
Shabu Shabu is totally delicious..have to try it once you are in Japan
There are mainly sliced beef and pork in the the super market, they are used for cooking Shabu Shabu or Yakiniku. If you are kind of adventurous for the teste.. then you will definitely enjoy the soft texture and juicy taste of sliced meet when they are cooked in the boiling broth and dip in the de…(115 words)
JennyS
Ba-sashi
I think many have heard of "sashi-mi", or fine cuts of raw fish to be eaten straight, but the Japanese tend to eat other meats raw as well. Even chicken and beef will occasionally be eaten raw in very small quantities.One thing that was a kind of double surprise for me when I first came to Japa…(121 words)
KurtisW
Water, Water, and many drops to drink
Omizu (mizu if you're not using the honorific "O") is the Japanese word for water. If you're visiting Japan you can be assured that the water from taps is safe to drink wherever you're visiting. However, if you really insist on paying 100 to 200 yen for a bottle of water you'll find plenty of brand…(279 words)
Joe Peters
Water, water everywhere
Due to rainy seasons akin to visits by monsoons, typhoons and a goodly amount of snow, which remains in place until spring and then replenishes the water supply both above and under the ground, water for the most part is abunda. Unfortunately clear, potable water has been used for many other purpos…(115 words)
Mike's
Candies!
Some Japanese people always have some candies in their bags and pockets. They are good when you get tired and they can quench your thirst too. You can always give away a little sweet present too– one of very convenient communication tools. This is a well-known fact especially in Kansai area!(51 words)
OKAKI-sun
Graze the department stores
In the B1 of most department stores there are amazing prepared foods, breads, snacks, bento boxes, great to eat in a hurry OR to take home for a high quality already cooked meat. The Isetan in Shinjuku has one of the best b1 food areas in Tokyo, Also LOVE the one in the new Daimaru building in …(77 words)
LShannon
Cheese-flavor “Okaki” (rice crackers) for wine!
As many people enjoy cheese together with wine, some Japanese people 'mariage' (marriage) Okaki and wines as a good combination. Because we do have cheese-flavor Okaki! Once you try it, you cannot stop eating them while holding a glass of wine in your hand. They taste so good and addictive! As…(67 words)
OKAKI-sun
Gold Can Chuu hai
There is a shochu (hard liquor) maker in Japan called "Takara". They have products such as the takara cup, which is a small serving of Shochu in a plastic bottle. This company is generally not associated with higher quality liquors, and is for all intents and purposes, just a cheap buzz.They ha…(158 words)
KurtisW
Yayoiken
This is one of my favorites. Its kind of a fast food chain but if you are really hungry and a rice eater, this is the place to be! Set menus with -> 1 Dish + Unlimited Rice and Hot unlimited Tea -> priced from 600JPY to 100JPY + . about.http://www.yayoiken.com/menu/index.htmlSure shot a fill…(93 words)
idivilayil
Why Japanese people have been able to live close with nature.
If you go to a Ryokan a traditional Japanese hotel.I'm always amazed how Japanese people use small ponds, trees, plants to make space so as it feels more open then it really is.The Japanese believe so called gods live in many things.They put their hands together and bow to long living trees…(244 words)
Yuuki I
DAIKON - turnip for Hagrid
Daikon is a vegetable, that has the shape of a carot, but its dimension are tripled. It has the color and taste of turnit. Daikon can be used either as a vegetable, or as a seasoning. As a vegetable, you may find it in salad, used just as carrots can be, or cooked in pot-au-feu. You can grill i…(128 words)
Claire
Shio-Kara
When you start getting into what Japanese refer to as "O-tsumami", generally meaning snacks to have with alcohol, you start getting into some pretty strange food. But if you like these kinds of food, it isn't so strange at all.One notorious snack that turns many people away but others inhale, i…(126 words)
KurtisW
Matsuya, Speedy and Filling
It's a bit difficult to define "fast food" in Japan in my opinion. Is fast food a meal that is prepared really fast? Or is it take out? or does it generally refer to junk food? I would say that fast food is cheap, tasty, not necessarily the healthiest, and can either be take out or dine in.Mats…(191 words)
KurtisW
Age tofu..
Fried tofu some times simmered in think sauce served with garnishing..If not yet tried I definitely recommend you on this even if you are not a Tofu person.Should be available in most izakayas(35 words)
idivilayil
Radishes and such
Radishes are abundant; and one that especially comes to mind is the Daikon radish, also quite popular abroad. Daikon is a major staple of many Japanese dishes, the most prominent use being in soups, and as a topping called Daikon "oroshi".Miso soup, Japanese winter stews, and Oden will all make…(170 words)
KurtisW
You might want to tell them a list of your favorite sushi fish!
It is hard for anyone to learn how to order at a traditional sushi restaurant if you go there for the first time. Not all sushi restaurants can serve you in English either. I would recommend you to study online in advance and pick up your favorite sushi dish or bring their photos. Also, it is a goo…(89 words)
OKAKI-sun
Most popular sushi fish is tuna!
Tuna is very popular sushi fish in Japan. There are three kinds of tuna – re “Otoro (belly of tuna. Fatty tuna, Taste great!)”, “Chutoro (medium fatty tuna)” and “Akami (lean tuna)”. They are usually eaten with soy source (Shoyu, sometimes called “Murasaki” in sushi restaurants) and a little bit of…(95 words)
OKAKI-sun
People love to go to Shrines and Temples
One of the most popular is the Ise Shrine.If you ever get a chance to go to Mie-ken I strongly recommend it.In New Year Season I'd suggest to take public transport or if you go by car you should park your car one exit before the actual exit due to heavy traffic.They offer buses to take you …(229 words)
Yuuki I
Fried rice crackers are very popular!
Some rice crackers are fried in oil and they are called “Age-mochi”. They are well-seasoned with salt or soy source. Also, “Age-senbei” is also very popular. Cooked nonglutinous rice is flattened and dried before being fried.(36 words)
OKAKI-sun
Order only the seasonal cuts of sushi.
Most sushi restaurants have recommended sushi for the day (normally around 5) which are often displayed somewhere in the restaurant.(19 words)
Steve
Strawberries in winter of course!
I have always wondered why you find strawberries in winter only in Japan!Of course, you do need them to decorate your whipped cream Christmas cake. It is a must but it should not be the only reason!In Belgium, where I come from, strawberries are a summer time delicacy. You start picking the…(109 words)
Claire
Smoke
It is recently easy to find smoke-free cafés in Tokyo, because such smoke-free cafes increase in these days. Local governments made the regulations to prohibit to smoke on the road, so a lot of smokers try to find some spots such as smoke-free cafés. Therefore many cafes made a smoking sub-room or …(81 words)
Tommy
Set or by the piece - you can order sushi either way
If you're at the counter it's easy to see the case where the fresh fish is kept. If you don't know the names of the fish just point at what you want to eat and the itamae (sushi chef) will make that for you. Normally, you'll get two pieces, but you can ask for just one piece also.If you're …(311 words)
Joe Peters
the emergence of small market!
If you want to get local vegetables and products, you can get them at the "cooperatives" if you are not in any large city center and if you have a car. You can also shop at small markets: the posh (and expensive) one is located in Aoyama, close to the UN University. There is another one in Yurakuch…(137 words)
Claire
Gyouza Okoku `Kingdom of Gyouza`
Gyouza or chinese dumplings are well-known in Japan. You can find them in restaurants and super-markets. Those who Love gyouza or those looking for 100% vegetarian gyouzas or Eager (& hungry) first-timers, do visit Gyouza Okoku restaurant in Minami-Gyotoku, 6~10 mins walk from Minami Gyotoku statio…(91 words)
Samir Bodhe
Yatsuhashi
If you get a chance to visit Kyoto, you can find Yatsuhashi here and there at almost every souvenir shops. It is one of the best known regional products of Kyoto. Growing up in Kansai, there was a time I got actually a bit tired of this too popular sweets as a kid, but now I sometimes feel like…(134 words)
EmiOnishi
About ONIGIRI... and O CHA TSUKE
Well, the easy way is to get them at your closest and favorite combine store. But, you can prepare them yourself. All you need is:- rice- a sheet of dried alga or if you do not like it, some sesame- salt- something to put inside: basically, anything you like. Purist will use the salty and a…(290 words)
Claire