Summer in Japan gets scorching and steamy. Mid-summer Temperatures often reach 95 F or higher depending on the region. Along with beer, watermelon and soomen (cold udon noodle), kakigoori (shaved ice) is a popular cold food that cools us down during summer.
If you think tempura is just another fried food – think again. This quintessential Japanese cuisine dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1867) and is perhaps second only to sushi as Japan’s culinary contribution to the world.
Often overlooked, Japanese vegetables are every bit as important to Japanese food culture as seafood and meat. Japan uses an abundance of root vegetables, leafy greens, and many others in its cuisine.
When people talk about Japanese food, ramen is usually at the top of the conversation. Tempura, sushi, sukiyaki are well-loved Japanese dishes, but for me, nothing beats a steaming bowl of ramen.
Unlike in South Korea or Bhutan, winter in Okinawa doesn’t take a lot of spicy hot-pot-type dishes to get through. That may be one reason why the subtropical island didn’t offer many spicy foods in the past.
If you are new to Japan, you might not be aware that culinary wonderlands are spread under the majestic façades of department stores.
Simply go to the entrance of most any local department store and take the escalator or elevator down to discover an incredible foodie heaven.
Japan, aka the nation of noodles, offers more than just ramen. In The Land of the Rising Sun you can taste virtually any type of noodle – hot or cold, white or grey, flour or rice, and with or without broth.
Clam digging, or Shiohigari, is one of many popular outdoor activities for all generations in Japan from April to the end of June. For me, it’s an annual rite to dig clams and cook the fresh catch of the day in the evening.
