Handn blog Traditional Japanese cuisine is known for its diverse flavors that change according to the region and season. For foreign tourists, experiencing traditional Japanese food is a wonderful way to understand the depth of Japanese food culture. This time, we introduce representative traditional dishes you can enjoy across Japan and recommend spots for each. We will explain the characteristics and ways to enjoy each dish in detail to provide you with a delightful dining experience.
Features
“Kappo Yoshizen” is a highend kaiseki restaurant in Kyoto where you can savor the essence of Kyoto cuisine. Kyoto cuisine is characterized by delicate and elaborate presentation and the use of seasonal ingredients. At “Kappo Yoshizen,” they offer kaiseki cuisine, carefully crafted to bring out the beauty and flavor of the ingredients.
Recommended Points
Seasonal Ingredients: Enjoy the taste of the season with course meals that change monthly, using seasonal ingredients.
Beautiful Presentation: The beautiful presentation of the dishes is also a feast for the eyes.
Reservations and Enjoyment
Due to its popularity, it is recommended to make a reservation at “Kappo Yoshizen.” Kaiseki courses are served in a flow that highlights the flavors of the ingredients. You can also enjoy traditional Kyoto tableware and utensils at each stage of the meal.
Note: Private rooms cannot be used solely by foreign guests (without an interpreter). Due to the absence of staff who speak foreign languages, we cannot provide adequate service. However, counter seats are available.
Features
“Moritaya” is a longestablished sukiyaki specialty restaurant with its main store in Shijo, Kyoto. Sukiyaki is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish where meat and vegetables are simmered in a sweet and salty sauce. At “Moritaya,” you can enjoy sukiyaki made with highquality Japanese beef. The interior has a calm atmosphere, providing a luxurious experience.
Recommended Points
HighQuality Japanese Beef: The use of highquality Japanese beef offers a perfect blend of tender meat and sweet and salty sauce.
Simple Cooking Method: Enjoy the simplicity of simmering meat and vegetables.
Reservations and Enjoyment
It is recommended to make a reservation due to the popularity of “Moritaya.” Sukiyaki is typically enjoyed by dipping the meat in raw egg, which may be unusual for Americans. While it may require some courage to try, you may find it surprisingly delicious.
Features
“Shabutei” is a longestablished shabushabu specialty restaurant in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, where you can enjoy shabushabu made with highquality Japanese beef. Shabushabu is a Japanese hot pot dish where thinly sliced meat is briefly cooked and then dipped in sauce. The interior is calm, allowing for a relaxed dining experience.
Recommended Points
HighQuality Japanese Beef: Enjoy the tenderness and umami of highquality Japanese beef.
Abundant Ingredients: The dish includes fresh vegetables and tofu, offering a healthy and balanced meal.
Reservations and Enjoyment
“Shabutei” is a popular restaurant, so reservations are recommended. In shabushabu, you can enjoy a variety of ingredients by cooking them in the hot pot and dipping them in sauce. Enjoy the rich flavors with local vegetables and tofu.
Features
“Tempura Miyashiro” is a tempura specialty restaurant in Nakameguro, Tokyo, where you can enjoy authentic tempura made with fresh ingredients. Tempura is known for its light batter and crispy texture, and this restaurant offers tempura made with fresh seafood and vegetables. The simple and calm interior allows you to fully enjoy the tempura.
Recommended Points
Fresh Ingredients: Fresh seafood and vegetables are used, resulting in light and crispy tempura.
Simple and HighQuality: The simple cooking method enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
Reservations and Enjoyment
Reservations are recommended to enjoy a smooth dining experience at “Tempura Miyashiro.” Tempura is best enjoyed with simple seasoning like salt or tempura dipping sauce. Eating the tempura hot, right after it’s fried, brings out its maximum flavor.
Features
“Sobadokoro Sarashina” is a soba specialty restaurant in Gifu Prefecture that offers authentic Shinshu soba made with local buckwheat flour. Shinshu soba, made with buckwheat flour grown in Nagano’s clear streams, is known for its rich flavor. The restaurant’s calm, naturesurrounded atmosphere allows you to enjoy a leisurely meal.
Recommended Points
Local Buckwheat Flour: Enjoy the rich flavor of buckwheat flour grown in Nagano’s clear streams.
Handmade Soba: The handmade soba by skilled artisans is known for its smooth texture and deep flavor.
Reservations and Enjoyment
“Sobadokoro Sarashina” is popular among tourists, so reservations are recommended for a smooth dining experience. In addition to soba, seasonal tempura and dishes made with local vegetables are also recommended. To enhance the flavor of the soba, enjoy it simply with soba dipping sauce.
Features
“Asakusa Oden Otafuku” is an oden specialty restaurant in Asakusa, Tokyo, where you can enjoy traditional oden. Oden is a dish where ingredients are simmered in a flavorful broth, making it perfect for cold seasons. The homely atmosphere of the restaurant allows you to enjoy a heartwarming meal.
Recommended Points
Flavorful Broth: The ingredients simmered in a carefully prepared broth have a deep flavor.
Variety of Ingredients: A wide variety of ingredients are available, each with its own rich taste.
Reservations and Enjoyment
“Asakusa Oden Otafuku” mainly has counter seating, so reservations are recommended for a smooth dining experience. Oden can also be enjoyed as a light snack with drinks. Enjoy the flavors of the broth with the ingredients.
Features
“Obanzai Kaiseki Hyakuzuki” is an obanzai specialty restaurant in Kyoto where you can enjoy Kyoto’s homestyle cooking. Obanzai is a collection of small dishes, capturing the essence of traditional Kyoto home cooking. The warm and nostalgic flavors are its charm.
Recommended Points
KyotoStyle Miso Soup: A light miso soup filled with vegetables and tofu.
HomeStyle Cooking: Enjoy the warmth of Kyoto home cooking.
Reservations and Enjoyment
“Obanzai Kaiseki Hyakuzuki” is loved by locals, so reservations are recommended for a smooth dining experience. The obanzai set includes various small dishes, enjoyed with miso soup. Enjoy a relaxed dining experience with the warmth of Kyoto cuisine.
Traditional Japanese cuisine varies by region, allowing you to experience the culture and history through food. Visit these recommended spots across Japan to enjoy the heartwarming traditional flavors of Japanese cuisine.
