Japan
Yakizakana
焼き魚
Whole fish or fillets grilled over charcoal or flame, often served with grated daikon.
eastern-asia
Japan
Explore 264 foods connected to Japan, from everyday staples to rare local specialties.
264 foods12 leading categories2 Essentials guides
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The local shortlist
Tokyo Essentials
10 editor-selected foods for understanding the place through what people eat.
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Traditional foods from Japan.
264 foods in this view. Filter by category, type, rarity, or search every recorded name.
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Kyoto, Japan
Yatsuhashi
八橋
Kyoto's thin, cinnamon-flavored mochi, folded around red bean paste, sold as souvenirs.
Yokohama, Japan
Yokohama Iekei Ramen
家系ラーメン
Thick noodles in a blend of creamy tonkotsu and soy broth, topped with spinach and chashu.
Japan
Yuba
湯葉
Yuba, the skin lifted from simmering soy milk and eaten fresh or dried, is a named Kyoto and Nikko delicacy with dedicated producers and temple-cuisine standing.
Hokkaido, Japan
Yubari King Melon
夕張メロン
Yubari King melon, sold in gift boxes and at record auction prices, is the emblem of Japan's luxury-fruit culture and is bought as itself.
Kyoto, Japan
Yudofu
湯豆腐
Kyoto's simple hot pot of silken tofu simmered with kombu, served with soy-based dipping sauce.
Kyushu, Japan
Yuzukoshō
柚子胡椒
Yuzukosho, the fermented paste of yuzu peel, chilli and salt, is a named Kyushu condiment bought by the jar and now used worldwide.
Japan
Yōkan
羊羹
Yokan, firm sweet bean paste set with agar and sliced from a block, is one of the foundational wagashi forms.
Japan
Zaru Soba
ざるそば
Cold soba on a bamboo mat with a cup of concentrated tsuyu, wasabi, and scallions for dipping.
Japan
Zaru Udon
ざるうどん
Chilled udon served on a bamboo mat with a concentrated soy-dashi dipping sauce.
Sendai, Japan
Zunda mochi
ずんだ餅
Zunda mochi, mochi under a bright green paste of mashed young edamame, is Sendai's defining sweet and a named regional omiyage.
Kansai, Japan
Zōni
雑煮
New Year's soup with mochi rice cakes, varying dramatically by region (clear Kanto vs miso Kansai).