Food is more than just sustenance in Japan; it’s a window into culture, history and the rhythm of life. Indulging in its cuisine is an immersive way to learn about the country, and a Japan tour is the best way to do this with local knowledge at your fingertips. Whether you’re sipping a freshly made matcha or slurping up a bowl of noodles, there is so much to eat, drink and learn about food, tea and culinary traditions in Japan.
Tokyo
Culinary tradition meets modern creativity in Tokyo. From crisp tempura to fresh slices of tuna, seafood has historically been widely used due to its proximity to Tokyo Bay and the ocean. You’ll also find a range of dining options to suit any budget, whether you prefer upscale dining in Ginza or a cosy neighbourhood izakaya.
Kyoto
Kyoto is renowned for being the heart of traditional cuisine. A Japan tour allows you to experience refined traditions without the stress of finding hidden gems on your own. We highly recommend experiencing the timeless art of kaiseki – a multi-course dining affair that focuses on seasonal ingredients, carefully plated and inspired by art and nature. To quench your thirst, visit a tea house for a tea ceremony – an integral part of Kyoto. This tradition is all about mindfulness and ritual; the sweet bites and matcha are an added bonus.
Osaka
If you love to try as many snacky bits as possible, Osaka is the city for you! Known as the nation’s kitchen, it showcases the best of Japan’s street food scene – vibrant, unpretentious, and social. Head to the Shinsekai or Dotonbori areas and embrace kuidaore (Osaka’s ‘eat until you drop’ mantra). Tempt your taste buds with takoyaki (octopus balls), dango (sweet rice dumplings), and all sorts of kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables).
Hiroshima
Despite being smaller than the aforementioned cities, Hiroshima still has its own unique culinary traditions. It is most famous for its take on okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake with layered ingredients (instead of mixed together like other cities do). Hiroshima even has a multi-level building filled with tiny stalls dedicated to only selling okonomiyaki. Like Tokyo, Hiroshima is found by the sea however it specialises in seafood like oysters and eel, both enjoyed grilled.
A Japan tour with Globus and Cosmos is a thoughtful itinerary, allowing you to dive deeper while tasting and learning about its culture.
