{"id":24373,"date":"2026-09-26T10:17:02","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T08:17:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.recalculandoviajes.com\/japanese-food\/"},"modified":"2026-09-26T11:43:38","modified_gmt":"2026-09-26T09:43:38","slug":"japanese-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.recalculandoviajes.com\/en\/japanese-food\/","title":{"rendered":"Japanese Food: The 2026 Guide with 10 Incredible Secrets to Enjoy its Cuisine"},"content":{"rendered":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\u00bb1″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.16″ global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.16″ background_size=\u00bbinitial\u00bb background_position=\u00bbtop_left\u00bb background_repeat=\u00bbrepeat\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.16″ custom_padding=\u00bb|||\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb custom_padding__hover=\u00bb|||\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.4″ global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

Introduction to Japanese food and our experience traveling through Japan<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Japanese food<\/strong> always had that air of mystery, simplicity, and elegance that we heard so much about before traveling. But the reality is that nothing prepared us for what we would experience when we stepped into Japan<\/a> for the first time as a couple of digital nomads. After more than eight years traveling and eating around the world, we can say without exaggeration that Japan was one of the destinations that surprised us the most, <\/strong> even with its gastronomy.<\/p>\n

We literally tried everything that came our way<\/strong>: from steaming ramen in a hidden local shop to matcha and black sesame ice creams that we never thought we would like. And the best part was discovering that Japanese food is not only delicious<\/strong>, but also accessible, varied, balanced, and deeply cultural.<\/p>\n

So in this complete guide, we tell you everything: how to eat in Japan, what you must try, where to eat cheaply, and what our favorite dishes were.<\/p>\n

\n

Several restaurants have dishes in a window display<\/strong> that simulate the food so you know what you are going to choose! Which was something that caught our attention quite a bit, well, among many other things he he.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=\u00bbads IATI primeros parrafos 5off (2026) – EN\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_module=\u00bb15677″ saved_tabs=\u00bball\u00bb locked=\u00bboff\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

\n

\ud83c\udf0d Travel Insurance: 5% Off with IATI Seguros! \ud83c\udf1f<\/h2>\n

Take advantage of this offer and travel safe.<\/p>\n

Get My 5% Discount<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.4″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

The essence of Japanese gastronomy: flavors, history, and culture<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Japanese cuisine is much more than sushi. It is a gastronomy built on respect for the product<\/strong>, seasonality, simple but delicate techniques, and a strong cultural bond with nature.<\/p>\n

The key role of rice, broths, and seasonality<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In Japan, rice is much more than a side dish: it is tradition, the basis of identity, and an essential part of the country’s history. To this are added broths like dashi<\/strong>, which are the backbone of many typical Japanese dishes.<\/p>\n

Seasonality is also key: eating what corresponds to each season is a way of honoring nature<\/strong>. That is why you will see that certain products only appear at certain times of the year.<\/p>\n

Umami: the most characteristic flavor of Japan<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If we had to describe Japanese food in one word, it would be umami<\/strong>, that \u00absavory\u00bb flavor that is neither sweet nor salty nor acidic, but something more. Umami is found in miso, kombu seaweed, shiitake mushrooms, and many of the sauces used daily.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.4″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

Where and how to eat in Japan: things that surprise the traveler<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When we arrived in Japan, one of the things that caught our attention most was discovering that many restaurants are hidden inside buildings. No huge shops on the street: just a small window, a photo of the dish, and a number indicating which floor they are on.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.recalculandoviajes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/gastronomia-japonesa-restaurant.jpg\u00bb alt=\u00bbJapanese gastronomy restaurant\u00bb title_text=\u00bbJapanese gastronomy restaurant\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.4″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.4″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

Restaurants inside buildings and fake food display windows<\/h3>\n

The famous plastic food replicas<\/strong> (shokuhin sampuru) are part of the Japanese landscape. They are in windows outside restaurants and are so perfect that they help you a lot in choosing what to eat. For those of us traveling without knowing Japanese, they are a gift from heaven!<\/p>\n

\n

\u00abFake\u00bb food:<\/strong> great for getting an idea of the dish\ud83d\udc47<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.recalculandoviajes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/gastronomia-japonesa-elegir.jpg\u00bb alt=\u00bbtypical Japanese food\u00bb title_text=\u00bbtypical Japanese food\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.4″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=\u00bbads Booking Banner Alojamiento – EN\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_module=\u00bb23016″ saved_tabs=\u00bball\u00bb locked=\u00bboff\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n


\ud83c\udfe8 Looking for Accommodation for your Trip?<\/strong> Compare Hotels, Apartments and find the best Deals HERE<\/span>
Check availability \u279c<\/span>
<\/a><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.4″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

Basic tips for eating typical Japanese food in Japan<\/h3>\n

Among other things:<\/p>\n