Latest Posts - Japanese Food Guide

Part of a large round bamboo container/basket can be seen (similar to what you'd see at a yum cha or dumpling restaurant) and it is filled with immaculately-presented inari sushi (inarizushi) that have been placed in circular rows following the shape of the container. It's partially sitting on a wooden turntable (Lazy Susan) with three inari sushi placed directly in front of it. The table is covered in a table cloth with a pink floral design.

A Guide to Inarizushi: Japan’s Sweet and Juicy Inari Sushi, the Fast Food of Samurai

Inarizushi, also known as Inari Sushi, has been a staple Japanese food since the Edo period when it was a popular fast food for feudal lords and samurai.

A young Japanese woman wearing a red yukata and a large pink flower accessory in her hair receives a plastic bag containing her okonomiyaki order from a stall vendor at a Japanese summer festival. It is already evening and her male companion can be seen next to her also wearing traditional Japanese summer festival garb.

9 Delicious Treats to Try at Japanese Summer Festivals

Japanese summer festivals provide a fantastic opportunity to try some classic Japanese summer treats as well as all-year-round festival favorites.

Yoshoku does not mean Western food. In this article, we'll explain the true meaning of yoshoku. Pictured is a plate of Napolitan ketchup spaghetti (pronounced Naporitan in Japan), a yoshoku dish.

Yoshoku Origins Revealed: 6 Supposedly Western Foods Invented in Japan

Yoshoku does not mean “Western food”. Here we’ll explain the true meaning of yoshoku and the surprising history of some popular yoshoku dishes.

A square watermelon with a gold ribbon around it and the official Zentsujisan square watermelon sticker on top sits on a purple display cushion at the highest point in a high-end supermarket fruit display. The price next to it says 19,800 yen before tax (21,384 inclusive of tax).

Japan’s $200 Square Watermelons That Only Look Good Enough to Eat

Why are square watermelons so expensive? What’s the purpose of an inedible fruit? Here is your complete guide to the Japanese square watermelon.

Japanese rice ball fillings: Manicured hands hold out a triangle-shaped Japanese rice ball with a rectangular piece of seaweed wrapped around it and a bite taken out of the top showing the tuna filling.

A Guide to Onigiri Fillings: Everything You Need to Know About Japan’s Ubiquitous Rice Ball

Your informed guide to onigiri, including popular and special onigiri fillings and styles, so you’ll know exactly what to grab next time you’re at the konbini.

Dried rice koji that has been broken up into chunks and arranged on a bamboo mat. To the right is a clear glass cup with a handle which is filled with amazake (white in color). The rice is clearly visible in the liquid. Behind it all is some green foliage aesthetically placed on the table.

A Guide to Amazake: Japan’s Non-Alcoholic Sweet Fermented Rice Drink

Amazake is a sweet traditional Japanese fermented rice drink. Learn about amazake culture, the types on offer, where and what to buy, and how to make it.

10 Most Confusing Food Names in Japan: Eating Your Way Through Wasei Eigo

Wasei Eigo is special “made-in-Japan English” that will no doubt leave you perplexed on your travels in Japan. Here are 10 of the most confusing food names!

Popular Japanese snacks: A range of Japanese supermarket snacks in a cane basket - from cookies to chocolate, chips and rice crackers.

Popular Japanese Snacks to Snag From the Supermarket that Aren’t Pocky or Kit Kats

The world of Japanese snacks is rich in variety. Here are some of the most popular Japanese snacks commonly available at the supermarket.

The aftermath of suikawari: A whole watermelon sitting on a wooden surface. The watermelon has been cracked open in a haphazard manner. The pink flesh can be seen between the top and bottom halves and some of the flesh and juice is spilling out towards the top left of the image.

Suikawari: Japan’s Summertime Watermelon Piñata You Need to Take a Swing At

Looking for a fun activity involving food for your next summer get-together? Then look no further than the Japanese watermelon game of suikawari!

Mirin is being poured from a clear glass vessel into a small clear glass bowl. It's a light golden-y color similar to a white wine. Its viscosity can be seen as it is poured and by how it settles in the bowl.

What is Mirin: A Guide to Japan’s Signature Alcoholic Condiment

If you like Japanese food, then knowing about Hon Mirin is a must. Here we delve into Japan’s signature sweet alcoholic condiment, and why and how to use it.

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