The Japan Series: 15 Things I Ate In Japan

It’s been 3 months and I still can’t stop thinking about my trip to Japan! I love travelling, seeing beautiful scenery and discovering a new culture, but there’s nothing I enjoyed more in Japan than eating the food. Here are some of my favourites that I can’t wait to have again on my next visit!

1. Strawberry tanghulu

A sweet and juicy strawberry covered in a crackly sugar coating.

2. Salmon and tuna donburi at Nishiki Market

Our first meal in Japan and it definitely lived up to my expectations.

3. Takoyaki at Nishiki Market

A ball-shaped snack filled with perfectly cooked octopus.

4. Salmon and tuna sashimi from a Daimaru department store

I didn’t find out that Japan was known for having such high quality tasting sushi in their department stores until we accidentally walked into one.

5. Conveyor belt sushi in Osaka at Kura Sushi

Finally checked this off of my bucket list. The unlimited green tea is definitely a plus!

6. Yakiniku in the Dotonbori area of Osaka

The cozy (and very comfortable) atmosphere where diners sit on the floor at sunken tables.

7. McDonald’s

We tried the Japanese menu items that we’d never see back home.

8. Convenience stores

7/11 and Family Mart were my favourite places to grab breakfast. An onigiri a day, makes the depressies go away.

9. Vending machines

Japan’s known for their iconic vending machines. They’re at almost every corner and they can have cold drinks, hot food, or the famous Sriracha machine. We tried a new drink practically every time we found a machine.

10. Pink strawberries and grapes at Tsukiji Fish Market

Japan has some of the sweetest and juiciest fruit! We just had to try them. It might have been the most we’ve ever spend on fruit, but we absolutely don’t regret it.

11. Onigiri at Tsukiji Fish Market

You should have seen the line for this kiosk! The onigiri is made fresh and they also sold delicious tuna rolls.

12. Tamago at Tsukiji Fish Market

The tamago (egg) is made right in front of you while you wait in line. Seeing it being made only made me more excited to finally try it. It’s sweet, light and piping hot!

13. Tuna sashimi at Tsukiji Fish Market

The lean and fatty tuna cuts I got gave me the best tuna tasting experience. Tuna back home doesn’t compare!

14. Tuna, ikura (salmon roe) and uni (sea urchin) donburi at Tsukiji Fish Market

My absolute favourite thing that I ate on the trip. It was my first time having uni and nothing compares. This bowl definitely ruined me for any future donburi.

15. Ramen in Tokyo

We had this as a late night dinner after a long day of sightseeing. It was so good, we even went back the next day on our last night! The crispy fresh gyozas (Japanese dumplings) are the best side to enjoy it with.

This definitely wasn’t everything I ate on the trip. There are so many more foods I can’t wait to try on my next visit!