Recommended sushi restaurants in Japan

Tokyo　Osaka

Aichi　Fukuoka　Hokkaido　Kanagawa　Kyoto

Akita　Aomori　Chiba　Ehime　Fukui　Fukushima　Gifu　Gunma

Hiroshima　Hyogo　Ibaraki　Ishikawa　Iwate　Kagawa　Kagoshima

Kochi　Kumamoto　Mie　Miyagi　Miyazaki　Nagano　Nagasaki　Nara

Niigata　Oita　Okayama　Okinawa　Saga　Saitama　Shiga

Shimane　Shizuoka　Tochigi　Tokushima　Tottori　Toyama

Wakayama　Yamagata　Yamaguchi　Yamanashi

Recommended sushi restaurants in Tokyo,Japan

Recommended conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Tokyo,Japan

Recommended sushi restaurants in Osaka,Japan

Recommended sushi restaurants in Osaka,Japan

Characteristics of Japan’s Cuisine

The Charm of a Traditional and Innovative Island Nation, Japan
Japan, an island nation located in East Asia, consists of 6,852 islands with a population of approximately 125 million people, with Tokyo as its capital. Roughly 70% of the country is mountainous, featuring distinct seasons, beautiful natural landscapes such as Mount Fuji, cherry blossoms, and hot springs.
As the world’s third-largest economy, its main industries include manufacturing and services, with pop culture elements like anime, manga, and games being popular worldwide. Traditional cultures include Kabuki, Noh, tea ceremony, ikebana, and calligraphy, with 25 registered World Heritage Sites.
Despite facing challenges such as an aging population and economic slowdown, Japan continues to work towards the future through innovation and social security system reform.

An Island Nation Nurtured in Nature and Culture
The Japanese archipelago, characterized by its mountainous terrain and surrounded by sea, has been significantly influenced by its geography in developing rice cultivation and forming its maritime character.
From ancient times through the Yayoi, Kofun, Nara, and Heian periods, Japan has developed its unique culture while incorporating elements from the continent. The Edo period saw peace under a policy of seclusion, which was transformed by the Meiji Restoration into a modern nation-state. This was followed by the Russo-Japanese War and the Pacific War, leading to present-day Japan.
Facing contemporary challenges such as an aging population and economic slowdown, Japan preserves its traditional culture while embracing technological innovation and continuous challenges towards the future.
Japan’s history and geography have shaped the unique spirituality and values of its people, including harmony with nature, diligence, perseverance, and collectivism, which serve as pillars supporting Japanese society.
Japan aims to continue merging tradition with innovation, contributing globally.

The Diverse Appeal of Japanese Food Culture Through the Five Senses
Japan, blessed with abundant natural beauty through the changing seasons, has developed a rich and diverse food culture.
Rice is the staple food, enjoyed in various forms like sushi, donburi, etc., with a wide use of seafood, vegetables, and meat. Japanese cuisine features cooking methods that highlight the flavors of ingredients.
Famous Japanese dishes include the delicately flavored “kaiseki cuisine,” seasonal “kaiseki meals,” and casual “set meals,” with globally popular originals like sushi, tempura, and ramen.
Japanese food culture, appreciated through all five senses, emphasizes beautiful presentation, the aroma of seasonal ingredients, gentle flavors that respect the ingredients, delicate textures, and the soothing sounds of dining.
With a growing health consciousness, fermented foods and vegetable dishes are gaining attention, alongside popular regional cuisines.
Registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Japanese food culture, while preserving tradition, continues to evolve by incorporating new ingredients and cooking methods.

Experiencing the Art of Japanese Sushi Culture
Sushi, representing Japanese food culture, combines vinegared rice with seafood or other toppings, dating back to the Yayoi period.
In the Edo period, nigiri sushi sold at food stalls became popular among the common people. Since then, various forms of sushi like Edo-mae, Kansai, and box sushi have developed, each with regional characteristics.
Sushi’s appeal lies in the harmony between the fresh taste of seafood and the acidity of the rice, also being a visually stunning dish.
Sushi’s popularity has grown internationally, with sushi bars and Japanese restaurants proliferating worldwide.
Sushi is more than a meal; it’s a symbol of Japanese food culture and an edible art form, evolving while respecting tradition.

The Diversity of Japanese Specialty Products
Japan offers a wide array of regional specialty products.
Enriching the food culture:

• Brand rice like Niigata’s “Koshihikari”
• Fruits such as Hokkaido’s “Shiroi Koibito” and Shizuoka’s “Mikans”
• Premium meats like Kagoshima’s “Black Pork” and Matsusaka beef
• Traditional drinks like Shizuoka’s “tea” and Kyoto’s “Uji matcha”
• Seafood like Saga’s “Yobuko squid” and Hokkaido’s “ikura”
• Traditional vegetables like Kanazawa’s “Kaga vegetables” and Kyoto’s “Kyoto vegetables”
  Enhancing life through crafts:
• Traditional ceramics like Ishikawa’s “Kutani ware” and Gifu’s “Mino ware”
• Beautiful textiles like Kyoto’s “Kyo-yuzen” and Kanazawa’s “Kaga yuzen”
• Intricate woodworks like Fukui’s “Echizen lacquerware” and Akita’s “Namahage” masks
• Traditional metalworks like Ehime’s “Iyo ironware” and Niigata’s “Tsubame-Sanjo” products
  Others:
• Local gourmet like Kumamoto’s “Ikinari dango” sold at Kumamoto Airport
• Souvenirs like Okinawa’s “chinsuko” and Hokkaido’s “Shiroi Koibito”
  These products reflect Japan’s climate and culture, ideal for memories or gifts.
  With the rise of online shopping, it’s easier to access these regional specialties.
  Japanese specialty products play a role in sharing Japan’s charm globally, evolving while incorporating new techniques and designs.