Every region in Japan offers its own unique flavors.
Take a luxurious trip and enjoy the journey:
On your way to your next destination, step off of the bullet train, and savor the local delicacies!
In this issue, we’ll introduce you to must-try dishes from some of Japan’s most iconic cities!
Jingisukan
A famous local dish!
On a special pan, Jingisukan grills together tender lamb meat surrounded by vegetables.
A taste of the best lamb is waiting for you in Hokkaido!
Harako Meshi
Harako Meshi is one of Miyagi's local gourmet foods!
This luxurious dish of fatty salmon with generous amounts
of salmon roe is served on a bed of rice that’s soaked with the umami of salmon!
Edomae Sushi
Edomae Sushi is the origin of modern sushi.
Unlike standard sushi, red vinegar (akazu) is used and it features seafood that’s marinated or lightly grilled.
If you want to taste the roots of sushi with rich flavor and tradition, Edomae Sushi is a must-try!
Sauce Katsudon
Fukui’s take on katsudon may surprise even Japanese people!
Instead of the usual egg-covered katsudon,this version features thin,
crispy pork cutlet dipped in savory sauce and served over rice. Don’t miss it!
Hitsumabushi
Hitsumabushi is Nagoya’s signature eel dish—grilled eel
glazed with a rich sweet-savory sauce, served over rice.
When eaten, it is divided into four equal servings to enjoy in three different ways:
plain, with toppings, or with hot broth for a flavorful twist!
For the last serving, enjoy with your favorite version!
Kushikatsu
Kushikatsu, a classic Osaka specialty, is a simple,
yet tasty dish of deep-fried meat and vegetables on skewers.
Just remember the golden rule—no double-dipping in the shared sauce!
Sanuki Udon
Representing Kagawa, Sanuki Udon is known for its firm texture and unique broth.
The noodles are soft and chewy.
The simplest and most popular way to enjoy it is
with a warm broth and topped with chopped green onions.
*There is no bullet train line to Kagawa, but the Rapid Marine Liner and other trains are available. (JR Pass applicable)
Okonomiyaki
The local's soul food: Okonomiyaki!
The iconic style is made by pouring a thin layer of batter
with cabbage, pork, yakisoba noodles, and egg, then grilling it to perfection.
Don’t miss Okonomi-mura, a famous building packed with over 20 okonomiyaki restaurants!
Hakata Ramen
Hakata Ramen features a rich pork bone broth and thin noodles.
You can even choose the noodle's firmness,
and the "kaedama" system lets you order extra noodles—unique to Hakata Ramen!
Jingisukan
A famous local dish!
On a special pan, Jingisukan grills together tender lamb meat surrounded by vegetables.
A taste of the best lamb is waiting for you in Hokkaido!
Harako Meshi
Harako Meshi is one of Miyagi’s local gourmet foods! This luxurious dish of fatty salmon with generous amounts of salmon roe is served on a bed of rice that’s soaked with the umami of salmon!
Edomae Sushi
Edomae Sushi is the origin of modern sushi. Unlike standard sushi, red vinegar (akazu) is used and it features seafood that’s marinated or lightly grilled. If you want to taste the roots of sushi with rich flavor and tradition, Edomae Sushi is a must-try!
Sauce Katsudon
Fukui’s take on katsudon may surprise even Japanese people!
Instead of the usual egg-covered katsudon, this version features thin, crispy pork cutlet dipped in savory sauce and served over rice. Don’t miss it!
Hitsumabushi
Hitsumabushi is Nagoya’s signature eel dish—grilled eel glazed with a rich sweet-savory sauce, served over rice. When eaten, it is divided into four equal servings to enjoy in three different ways: plain, with toppings, or with hot broth for a flavorful twist! For the last serving, enjoy with your favorite version!
Kushikatsu
Kushikatsu, a classic Osaka specialty, is a simple, yet tasty dish of deep-fried meat and vegetables on skewers. Just remember the golden rule—no double-dipping in the shared sauce!
Okonomiyaki
The local’s soul food: Okonomiyaki!
The iconic style is made by pouring a thin layer of batter with cabbage, pork, yakisoba noodles, and egg, then grilling it to perfection. Don’t miss Okonomi-mura, a famous building packed with over 20 okonomiyaki restaurants!
Sanuki Udon
Representing Kagawa, Sanuki Udon is known for its firm texture and unique broth.
The noodles are soft and chewy. The simplest and most popular way to enjoy it is with a warm broth and topped with chopped green onions.
*There is no bullet train line to Kagawa, but the Rapid Marine Liner and other trains are available. (JR Pass applicable)
Hakata Ramen
Hakata Ramen features a rich pork bone broth and thin noodles.
You can even choose the noodle’s firmness, and the “kaedama” system lets you order extra noodles—unique to Hakata Ramen!
Expressing Gratitude Through Food
In Japan, there is a unique dining custom of saying special phrases before and after a meal.
Before eating, people say “Itadakimasu”, and after finishing, they say “Gochisousama deshita.”
These expressions carry two important meanings:
1. Gratitude to each person involved in preparing the meal.
2. Appreciation for each individual ingredient.
If you have a chance to dine in Japan, why not try using these phrases to show your respect and gratitude?
Travel Japan with the JR Pass!
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a fantastic money-saving option for travelers exploring Japan.
It offers unlimited rides on JR trains—including the bullet train—as well as JR buses and ferries, all within the validity period. Of course, we can also help you arrange your JR Pass, so feel free to inquire!
This time, we introduced some of the delicious local dishes you can enjoy across Japan.
Where would you go—and what would you eat?
We hope you’ll visit Japan and treat yourself to its amazing cuisine!
Traveling to Japan?
IACE TRAVEL has you covered!
From flights and accommodations to transportation and sightseeing, and more!
IACE TRAVEL can help from coordination and arrangements…leave it to us!
We look forward to hearing from you!
Inquiry Form(212) 972−3200
◀Check out the April issue
