I am starting a four part series on the 10 things (and then 10 more, another 10, and yep 10 more after that) you will miss from Japan. Why? Because I totes miss Japan already, and it’s only been less than two weeks since I’ve been back from my fourth trip to the land of the rising sun. And plus this will be a good list for anyone who’s planning to visit Japan, yes, start your wanderlust now.
The first 10 will be focusing on FOOD. Because… FOOD.
1. Soft serves & convenient store ice cream
We don’t care whether it’s winter or summer, ice cream is for all season – and Japan has some of the best ice cream and flavours in the world. They offer ice cream in many different shapes and forms too, from mochi to wafer to soft cookies to soft serve to… ah, they’re endless!
My pick: Yuzu soft serve from Nakano Broadway and seasonal Haagen Dazs flavours from your nearest convenient stores.
2. Cheap Japanese fast food
People always assume that Japan is expensive. Well, yes, it can be expensive if you were to eat in traditional establishments or five star hotel restaurants. But you don’t have to do that to get yummy meals! In fact, all you need is your spare change and some knowledge of Japanese (or just look at pictures, really) to score yourself a good meal from one of the popular Japanese fast food chains.
There are even places to get your udon/soba fix for a mere ¥300-500 (with additional toppings depending on your budget of course).
My pick: Yoshinoya for its new (seasonal?) sukiyaki menu, perfect for winter! And Coco Curry for kare rice.
3. Good looking and good quality food
Because they care about their food so much that they make them look good and taste even better! So yes, I did mention the cheap food above, but if you want something a little special, you would need to pay a bit more. Take a good katsu meal, for example, and you’d be set back for about AU$20-30. But the crumbs, the side dishes, the presentation and the taste… they were all worth the price!
My pick: Tonkatsu Maisen in Aoyama for really good katsu and Menya Musashi in Shinjuku for delicious ramen (or tsukemen).
4. Weird flavoured snacks
I love going to convenient stores and airport omiyage (souvenir) shops, because I know I’d always find something interesting and downright bizarre. Like the newly updated Calbee prawn snacks that is now a little more upper class: lobster bisque flavour. And of course, the amazing flavoured Kit Kats such as rum & raisin or pudding for the classy, or wasabi and chilli for the more adventurous.
My pick: Kit Kat citrus flavour or the houjicha flavour.
5. Green tea parfait
Japan really is the land of green tea, so what does one do when visiting Japan? Eat heaps and heaps of green tea parfait of course! They come in many different forms, but they are all delicious! Usually adorned with kasutera (sponge cake), glutinous rice balls and red beans, they are stuffed with heaps of ice cream to make it uber delicious. Just looking at these photos make me want to go back to Japan right now.
My pick: Gion Tsujiri, try the Honten in Kyoto or if you’re in Tokyo, just visit Daimaru Tokyo Station.
6. Vending machines everywhere
I mentioned this to my friends on Facebook on my first day in Japan: you will never go thirsty here. And I think it’s true. We’ve seen vending machines lined up so that we can choose pretty much any drink we want. And we’ve also found vending machines in the oddest places in the middle of nowhere. So dehydration won’t be an issue, how awesome is that?! It should be like this everywhere.
My pick: This is a tough one. Just pick any! If they taste good, that’s awesome. If they’re not that great, well at least you tried! ;p
7. Themed restaurants that are both cheesy and awesome
Japan loves their themed anything, from restaurants to food parks to theme parks. I always try to visit one when in the vicinity, because why not right?! I’ve been to a Hello Kitty (and friends) theme park where all the food in the food court looked so kawaii. I’ve been to Alice in Wonderland restaurant where the waitresses looked so adorable I wish I could be them. And yes, a couple more, but let’s not brag shall we… It’s making me really miss Japan! LOL.
My pick: Ninja Kyoto Restaurant & Labyrinth where a ninja magician entertained us during our meal.
8. Ready-made convenient store food
You know what’s perfect for breakfast? Convenient stores in Japan seem to get it right. Food, ready made, affordable, and rather yummy too. We’ve got sushi, onigiri, and even omurice from the fridge section. And then there are also bread options, like sandwiches, chocolate bread, or melon-pan. Plus let’s not forget the hot food options, like chicken karaage and hot meat buns. I can’t get enough.
My pick: Almost impossible to pick from so many different varieties, so why don’t just choose one item for breakfast each day!? On a cold day, the meat buns would really warm your heart and soul. On a hot day, pick ebi sushi or something!
9. Festival foods
One thing I love about Japan is that there’s always a festival no matter what time of the year you visit. And one thing I love about festival is the food, of course! The rows of food stalls waiting for you to devour their nice-smelling, awesome-tasting food. One thing I must have when at festivals in Japan is the ame ringo (candied apple, or any other form of caramelised fruit). I… LOVE… IT.
My pick: It’s obvious, I just mentioned it. Ame ringo.
10. Options for cakes & desserts
Walk into any high-end department stores and visit one of its basement floors, you’ll find plenty of dessert and omiyage options to choose from.
Cakes from well-known French patisseries and local delicacies that will make you drool… Or, pay $20+ for a melting chocolate ball ala Pierre Herme in its boutique store in Aoyama, Tokyo. I did say plenty of options, but yes they can get quite pricey! I came back to Melbourne with a sweet tooth thanks to two weeks of luxury desserts in Tokyo.
My pick: Sadaharu Aoki. I’ve never tried anything that wasn’t exquisitely delicious.
Now, take me back to Japan… please?!
Which Japanese food experience would you love to try? Comment below!
Vending machines everywhere is something I got used to and never got over with. Back in my own country I still check out vending machines only to discover that it’s either broken…or it’s conveniently sold out for weird reasons.
I think we were really too spoilt for choices in Japan!