Japan is renowned for its rich culinary culture, and every region offers unique and delectable dishes. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try new flavors, these top 10 food destinations will make your trip unforgettable. A recent survey by Hankyu Travel highlighted the best prefectures for food travel in Japan, based on the preferences of 559 Japanese adults. Here’s a look at the most popular food regions:
Hokkaido (78.8%)
Famous Foods: Hokkaido is the northernmost prefecture of Japan and is famous for its high-quality seafood like uni (sea urchin) and ikura (salmon roe). It’s also renowned for its fresh dairy products, including ice cream and cheese, and crops such as corn and potatoes. The region’s cold waters also produce some of the best crab in Japan. Don’t miss soup curry (a spicier and thinner version of traditional curry) and Genghis Kahn (grilled mutton).
Fukuoka (28.2%)
Famous Foods: Located in Kyushu, Fukuoka is best known for Hakata ramen, a rich tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen with thin, firm noodles. The city’s yatai (street stalls) offer an atmospheric setting to enjoy it. Fukuoka is also famous for mentaiko (spicy cod roe), which is a must-try.
Okinawa (25.5%)
Famous Foods: Okinawa offers a distinct food culture with flavors unlike those found in other parts of Japan. Key dishes include goya champuru (bitter melon stir-fry), soki soba (noodles with pork ribs), and sata andagi (fried dough). You can also try spam musubi rice balls, a unique dish to this island prefecture.
Ishikawa (23.6%)
Famous Foods: Known for its excellent seafood, Ishikawa offers fresh crab and sushi. The prefecture’s Noto beef is also a local specialty, offering delicious beef without the premium price tag of Kobe beef. A trip to the Omicho seafood market in Kanazawa is highly recommended.
Kyoto (23.1%)
Famous Foods: Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, boasts dishes made from locally grown vegetables known as Kyo yasai. Popular Kyoto foods include yudofu (tofu simmered in kombu stock) and nishin soba (buckwheat noodles with dried herring). Don’t forget to indulge in the matcha (green tea) desserts produced from Uji tea, a town in Kyoto famous for its quality matcha.
Osaka (21.7%)
Famous Foods: Osaka, often called Japan’s food capital, is famous for street foods like takoyaki (octopus-filled dumplings) and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). Also enjoy Osaka-style okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) and, during autumn and winter, tecchiri (blowfish hot pot).
Toyama (20.9%)
Famous Foods: Toyama, located along Japan’s Sea of Japan coast, offers fresh seafood, including yellowtail (buri), which is especially sweet in winter. Don’t miss Toyama black ramen, a unique ramen with a dark soy sauce broth that’s a local specialty.
Kagoshima (18%)
Famous Foods: Kagoshima is known for satsuma-age (fried fish cakes) and kurobuta pork, which makes for excellent hot pots. The region is also a top producer of amberjack (kampachi) and is renowned for its sweet potato shochu, a local alcoholic drink.
Kagawa (16.4%)
Famous Foods: Kagawa, often called “Udon Prefecture,” is known for its sanuki udon, a chewy noodle dish. For something seasonal, try shippoku udon, a winter version made with sardine stock and vegetables. Many local udon restaurants open early for breakfast, making it a perfect start to your day.
Miyagi (15.8%)
Famous Foods: Miyagi, and especially its capital, Sendai, is known for gyutan (grilled beef tongue). Winter is the best time to enjoy oysters from Matsushima Bay and kinka mackerel. For a sweet treat, try zunda desserts, which are made from edamame beans.
These prefectures represent a diverse array of flavors and culinary traditions, making them ideal destinations for food lovers traveling through Japan. Whether you’re indulging in fresh seafood, savoring rich ramen, or trying something entirely new, each region offers its own unique taste of Japan’s rich food culture.
Related topics:
Why Airport “Worst Lists” Aren’t Reliable for Holiday Travel
Learning to Travel Comfortably as a 300-Pound Traveler: A Personal Journey
Why You Should Take Annual Leave, Even If You’re Not Traveling