Ask chefs where they think has the most advanced food culture in the world, and many of them will point to Japan. With a focus on quality produce like nowhere else, a dedication to pure, clean flavours and some of the most interesting ingredients in existence, a life-changing meal is never too far away when you're in the country. Visiting places such as the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo has become a bit of a foodie pilgrimage for those obsessed with quality, while hallowed gastronomic sushi restaurants serve bitesized morsels of unmatched clarity across the island. However, while sushi is the most well-known Japanese food, there's so much more to experience – ramen, for instance, has grown a cult-like following other dishes can only dream of, while kaiseki, izakaya and donburi are sub-categories of Japanese cooking which each focus on different dishes and cooking techniques.
Whether you're planning a food-focused trip to Japan and want to know more about what's on offer, or you fancy cooking more Japanese food at home, we've got all the guides, recipes and insights you need about one of the world's most exciting cuisines below.
Hiroshima's cuisine is centred around incredibly fresh oysters, beautifully floral sake and stacks of okonomiyaki pancakes – but there's plenty more to get your teeth stuck into. Take a look at our Hiroshima food guide for more.
Home to the world's most famous meat, Kobe is the best place in the world to experience the luxury that is Wagyu Kobe beef. Chris Osburn takes a tour of the province to discover how the product came about and some of the other culinary delights Kobe offers.
Japan is home to some of the most amazing ingredients in existence. Often unique to the island and used in ways that simply aren't seen in any other country, these products are responsible for making Japanese cuisine as famous as it is today. Our flavours of Japan series uncovers some of the more iconic ingredients found in Japan, with recipes that showcase their incredible flavours.
Whether you fancy trying your hand at sushi, want to recreate some of the beloved fast-food-style dishes of the country or fancy dipping your toes into izakaya-inspired cooking, our collection of Japanese recipes offers a true taste of this incredible part of Asia.
