Japan is worth the trip for the food alone. From ramen to udon, here are the dishes to seek out across Japan.
Steaming bowls of ramen served with a glass of cold beer make for the quintessential Japanese comfort meal. Every region puts its own spin on the broth, from rich tonkotsu pork to lighter shoyu and miso varieties.
A crisp panko-breaded pork cutlet served with a ladle of rich, savory Japanese curry over rice. Katsu curry is hearty comfort food found in casual diners across Japan.
A teishoku is a balanced Japanese set meal built around rice, miso soup and a selection of small side dishes such as sashimi and pickles. It offers a perfect way to sample several local flavors in a single sitting.
A bowl of udon — thick, chewy wheat-flour noodles in a light dashi broth, often topped with spring onion. Comforting and mild, it's a Japanese staple eaten year-round.
