Foodie Experiences in Japan
Japan is a country where food is taken seriously, and it’s no surprise that it is a foodie's paradise. In Japan, you may taste the freshness and authenticity of the cuisine, and there are several opportunities to learn about the secrets of Japanese cuisine through cooking classes.
There are some experiences that you should not miss:
Make your own sushi
Sushi is a traditional Japanese cuisine made of vinegared rice with various fillings and toppings. You will learn about the history of sushi and observe a professional chef prepare fresh fish during the sushi-making class. The master will show you the skill to shape the sushi rice with perfect pressure, place the topping, and squeeze the sushi to ensure it is exactly right.
Ramen making class
Ramen is a bowl of noodles and broth which is a signature Japanese dish. Eating ramen is so many overseas travelers’ to-do list when they visit Japan. It is considered as “fast food”, so you are expected to eat in a timely manner and then make room for the next customer. You can learn how to make the noodles, mix the soup, roast the chicken, and add the toppings during the ramen cooking class.
Catch your own fish
The Zauo Fishing Restaurant is located at Namba, Osaka's most famous tourist destination. It is designed to look like a galleon and has a large fishing pond with live fish for you to demonstrate your fishing skills. After that, your fish will be carried away and cooked to order.
Steps to catch your fish:
1. Rent the fishing rod
2. Target the fish you would like to catch and start fishing!
3. Give the caught fish to staff
4. Choose your preferred way to cook:
．Sashimi ．Grilled Fish, Boiled Fish
．Deep-Fried Fish ．Sushi
Matcha Experience
The Japanese tea ceremony is a significant cultural activity in Japan that promotes well-being, mindfulness, and harmony through the ritualistic and ceremonial process of preparing, serving, and drinking tea. It is used to create bonding between the host and the guest, as well as to gain inner peace, and it is also considered as a meditation activity.
Wagashi making class
Wagashi are traditional Japanese desserts that are often gifted for special occasions and served with a cup of green tea or matcha during tea ceremonies. They are beautiful handcrafted creations made with uniquely Japanese plant-based ingredients like rice cakes, rice flour, chestnuts, and red adzuki beans.
Catch your noodles
The flowing bamboo noodles bring you a unique eating experience in summer. The somen is a thin white noodle made from wheat flour. The noodles slide down from a sliced bamboo pipe filled with pure, local running spring water. All you have to do is catch it, dip it into the sauce and eat! It is served in 15 minutes, one session by one session, with approximately 10 people. You may enjoy your meal while listening to the sound of the waterfall in front of you.
Incredible black eggs
Owakudani, also known as the Valley of Hell, is an active volcanic valley. Dozens of regular chicken eggs are boiled in the 80-degree natural hot springs and steamed for another 15 minutes. The eggshells then become black due to the sulfur in the water. According to local myth, eating one egg will extend your life by seven years.
Exploring the fish markets
If you enjoy sushi, seafood or cooking, you should go to the fish markets. Japan is surrounded by waters, and the country is home to numerous fishing ports and major fish markets. They each have their own distinct characteristics, such as the tuna auction at Toyosu Fish Market and freshest crabs in Nijo Fish Market, which you must visit if you visit Japan.
Discovering Japanese Wine
Sake, also known as Japanese rice wine, is made by fermenting rice and can be served hot, chilled or at room temperature. Sake can be added to any kind of Japanese dishes to give it a richer flavor. It also helps to reduce the high blood pressure and reduces the risk of cancer.