Flavours of Japan: Traditional Dishes and Culinary Customs

Theresa Wilson
Sep 12
6 min read

Japan’s culinary world is a delicate dance between tradition and innovation, between the seasons and the senses. Food here is rarely just sustenance — it’s a reflection of history, geography, and philosophy. A single bite can tell a story that spans centuries, from the influence of ancient trade routes to the creative twists of modern chefs.

Imagine the bustle of a Tokyo morning market, the air fragrant with grilled fish and steaming rice. Picture the quiet clink of porcelain teacups in a Kyoto tea house. Hear the sizzle of yakitori skewers turning over hot charcoal in an Osaka night market. This is Japanese cuisine: a feast not just for the palate, but for every sense.

In this Savoring the World series installment, we’ll explore the flavors, dishes, and customs that make Japanese dining so unique — and discover ways to bring a taste of Japan into your own kitchen, no passport required.

A Harmony of Flavours and Seasons

Central to Japanese cuisine is the philosophy of shun, the celebration of ingredients at their very peak. It’s not just about eating seasonally — it’s about truly honoring the short window when a particular ingredient is at its best.

In spring, the nation bursts into pink with the arrival of sakura. Chefs incorporate cherry blossom essence into mochi, teas, and delicate wagashi (Japanese sweets). Young bamboo shoots, known as takenoko, appear in soups and rice dishes, bringing a tender crunch and a reminder of renewal.

Summer is bright and refreshing. Sōmen, ultra-thin noodles, are served chilled and dipped in a light soy-based broth — a cooling meal on humid days. Fresh seafood like uni (sea urchin) and iwashi (sardines) are enjoyed simply, often paired with chilled sake.

Autumn is the season of warmth and earthiness. Markets brim with matsutake mushrooms, roasted chestnuts, and kabocha (Japanese pumpkin). Dishes like nabe (hot pot) invite friends and family to gather around bubbling broth, cooking vegetables and thinly sliced meat right at the table.

In winter, hearty comfort reigns. Bowls of miso soup and steaming ramen keep the cold at bay. Rich stews, grilled mackerel, and ozoni (a mochi soup served at New Year) bring both nourishment and tradition.

By aligning meals with the rhythm of nature, Japanese cuisine teaches us to pause, appreciate, and savor — a lesson that transcends geography.

Signature Dishes to Savor

1. Sushi and Sashimi

Sushi’s elegance lies in its restraint. At its best, it’s about perfect rice seasoned with vinegar, paired with fish so fresh it barely needs seasoning. From nigiri to maki rolls to the artful platters of sashimi, these dishes demonstrate the Japanese commitment to letting ingredients speak for themselves. An omakase experience — where the chef chooses each piece for you — turns sushi into a conversation between diner and chef, built on trust.

2. Ramen

If sushi is elegance, ramen is soul. Each region puts its own spin on this beloved noodle soup: Hokkaido’s miso-based broth with a pat of butter and corn, Hakata’s rich and creamy pork bone tonkotsu, Tokyo’s soy-based shoyu ramen. The magic is in the broth, simmered for hours until every spoonful is layered with depth and comfort.

3. Tempura

Light, crisp, and surprisingly delicate, tempura is proof that deep-frying can be refined. Vegetables like sweet potato, pumpkin, and green beans, along with prawns or white fish, are coated in cold batter and fried quickly for a texture that shatters at first bite. Served with grated daikon and tentsuyu dipping sauce, it’s a dish that balances indulgence and subtlety.

4. Okonomiyaki

This savory pancake is part street food, part comfort food, and entirely fun. Whether you prefer the Hiroshima style (layered with noodles) or the Osaka style (ingredients mixed into the batter), okonomiyaki invites creativity. Watching bonito flakes “dance” from the steam of the pancake is as much part of the enjoyment as eating it.

5. Kaiseki

Considered the pinnacle of Japanese dining, kaiseki is a multi-course meal where every element — flavor, color, texture, even the serving ware — is carefully chosen. Originating from the tea ceremony, kaiseki is a journey through the senses, with each course designed to complement the season. Dining kaiseki-style is less about fullness and more about art and balance.

Street Food in Japan

Japan’s street food scene is a vibrant contrast to its formal dining traditions, offering bold flavors, quick bites, and plenty of personality. You’ll often find these treats at matsuri (festivals) or in bustling neighborhoods like Osaka’s Dotonbori and Tokyo’s Asakusa.

Takoyaki — Crisp on the outside, molten inside, these octopus-filled batter balls are cooked in special cast-iron pans and topped with sauce, mayonnaise, and paper-thin bonito flakes.
Taiyaki — A fish-shaped cake that’s all about surprise fillings — red bean paste, custard, chocolate, or even sweet potato. Best enjoyed warm on a cool evening.
Yakitori — Skewered chicken pieces grilled over smoky charcoal, brushed with tare sauce or sprinkled with salt. The skewers range from familiar cuts like thigh and breast to adventurous options like skin or cartilage.
Yakisoba — Stir-fried wheat noodles tossed with pork, vegetables, and a tangy-sweet sauce, topped with pickled ginger for brightness.

Street food in Japan isn’t just about eating — it’s about atmosphere. The chatter of vendors, the glow of lanterns, and the mingling scents of grilled meat and sweet pastries turn a simple snack into an experience.

Culinary Customs and Dining Etiquette

Eating in Japan is a respectful, almost ritualized act. Customs aren’t about being strict — they’re about showing appreciation for the meal and the people who made it possible.

Itadakimasu — This phrase, said before eating, translates loosely to “I humbly receive.” It’s gratitude for the farmer, the fisherman, the cook, and even the life of the ingredients.
Chopstick Care — Never stick chopsticks upright in rice (a funeral symbol) or pass food from chopstick to chopstick (another funerary gesture). If sharing dishes, use the reverse ends of your chopsticks.
Slurping Noodles — Not only is it acceptable, it’s encouraged. It aerates the broth, cools the noodles, and signals enjoyment.
Presentation First — Meals are arranged with intention. Take a moment to admire before eating — it’s part of the dining experience.

These customs aren’t meant to intimidate — they’re an invitation to slow down and connect.

Savoring Japan from Home

Even if you’re thousands of miles from Tokyo, you can create your own Japanese food experience at home. Cooking a dish is just the start — you can build an entire evening around it.

Easy recipe to try: A simple bowl of miso ramen brings the flavors of Japan to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Intermediate recipe to try: Chicken yakitori skewers offer a fun, slightly more hands-on way to experience Japanese street food at home.

Make It a Full “Japan Night”

Set the scene: Use small bowls, chopsticks, and a simple table setting. Add a tea light or a small vase with seasonal flowers.
Play Japanese background music: Traditional shamisen, koto, or even lo-fi Japanese jazz can set the mood.
Watch a Japan travel video: While you cook or enjoy your ramen, press play on this immersive tour of Asakusa’s Nakamise-dori street food stalls. The sights, sounds, and bustling atmosphere will transport you straight to Tokyo, letting you experience Japan’s vibrant culinary culture from the comfort of your kitchen.
Pair with tea or sake: Finish the meal with a cup of green tea or a small glass of sake for a truly authentic touch.

With these touches, your kitchen transforms into a little corner of Japan — no boarding pass needed.

Japanese cuisine is a harmony of nature, flavor, and care. From the refined artistry of sushi to the cozy comfort of ramen, from the lively chaos of street food stalls to the calm precision of kaiseki dining, every meal carries with it history, gratitude, and joy. Whether you’re strolling under neon lights in Osaka or enjoying homemade ramen while watching a Japan travel video, the flavors of Japan have a way of making the world feel both vast and beautifully small.

Have you tried making a Japanese dish at home, or do you have a favorite you always order at a restaurant? Share your go-to Japanese flavors in the comments — I’d love to hear them! And if you share your culinary creations on social media, don’t forget to use #SavoringTheWorld.