7 things you need to do when you come visit Japan
October 10, 2022
If you are considering or already decided upon visiting Japan, here is a list of what you should not miss out on when you come and visit.
6 dishes to take on a Hanami (Cherry Blossom viewing)
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If you are visiting Japan in April, you might be lucky enough to be able to see the Cherry Blossom. As the flowers are only in full bloom for a short period of time, many people try to take advantage of this period and go view the Cherry Blossoms, which is also referred to as Hanami. When people go on a Hanami, they also tend to have picnics under the Cherry Blossom tree with family and friends. If you are thinking of going on a Hanami, we have compiled a list of dishes that you should consider taking, especially if you want to take something that will give you a full Japanese Hanami experience.
1. Yakisoba (焼きそば) ～Cooked Japanese Noodles～
Yakisoba (焼きそば) is probably one of the most popular food to take to a Hanami. Literally meaning "Cooked Soba." Yakisoba is cooked using noodles, cabbage, bean sprouts, pork and etc which is then flavored with Japanese Bulldog sauce. Once the noodles are cooked, a number of garnishes are placed on top, such as aonori(dried seaweed), beni shoga (picked ginger), and katsuobushi (bonito fish flakes). If you take this dish to a picnic, there is no doubt that the people there will be delighted and will be digging into the Yakisoba.
If you want to cook Yakisoba at home, check our our recipe right here.
2. Onigiri (おにぎり) ～Japanese Rice Balls～
Onigiri (おにぎり) is a dish composed of rice that is fashioned into a triangle or a ball and filled with various fillings. If you have been to Japan, you will know first-hand that there is a large section in convenience stores dedicated to these Onigiris. There are a variety of fillings to choose from and the fillings are specifically chosen as they go well with the rice that covers it. Most significantly, it is highly popular since it is transportable, simple to consume, and doesn't require cutlery to eat it, making it the ideal dish for picnics or packed lunches. It is delicious and super easy to make yourself so consider giving it a try at making your own for a nice Hanami experience.
If you want to cook Onigiri at home, check our our recipe right here.
3. Yakitori (焼き鳥）～Grilled Skewers～
Yakitori (焼き鳥) is a type of skewer that is cooked on a grill. Yakitori is either cooked just using salt or cooked covered in a soy sauce-based sauce. Whenever there is some festivity or Matsuri going on, Yakitori tends to the people's dish of choice. If you take this dish, we guarantee that the people you are going on a Hanami with, will be fighting over the skewers. If you are taking some drinks to the Hanami, this dish is a must have because it just goes so well with each other. Just a word of warning, as the skewers are really sharp, make sure that you in a safe place.
If you want to cook Kushiyaki at home, check our our recipe right here.
4. Karaage (唐揚げ) ~Japanese ~
Karaage (唐揚げ) is the Japanese version of fried chicken and is regarded as one of Japan's comfort foods. In contrast to fried chicken of the west, it is marinated in a variety of sauces, including soy sauce and mirin, before frying, which gives it a particularly juicy and flavorful texture. Along with Yakitori and Yakisoba, Karaage is another savory dish that tends to be very popular dish of choice when going to a Hanami. If you are also making some Onigiri, you can also use some Karaage as a filling of the Onigiri (also remember to add some mayo!), which will make it taste like a completely different dish.
If you want to cook Karaage at home, check our our recipe right here.
5. Takikomi Gohan (炊き込みご飯）
Takikomi Gohan (炊き込みご飯) is a dish which is delicious, yet super simple to prepare. All you have to do is toss the rice, soy sauce, dashi, and your choice of meat, fish, vegetables, or mushrooms into the rice cooker and wait for the machine to finish cooking. It's that easy. It is important to note that this itself is not a main dish but rather a dish to compliment the main course, but considering how easy it is to cook, consider taking this dish if you are cooking for the Hanami.
If you want to cook Takikomi Gohan (炊き込みご飯) at home, check our our recipe right here.
6. Mitarashi Dango (みたらし団子) ~Dango with sweet soy-sauce glaze~
Mitarashi Dango, is a type of dessert in which Mochi is molded into a circular form and skewered on a bamboo stick. The Mitarashi Dango is then covered with a sweet soy sauce glaze before being cooked over burnt charcoal. It is one of the most popular dessert as the sweetness of the soy-sauce and the glaze and the soft and chewy texture of the Mitarashi Dango will please your taste bud and the taste is further enhanced as you keep chewing the Mochi. As it is cooked over burnt charcoal, it gives the Mitarashi Dango a nice burnt fragrance and aroma, which enhances the taste the soy-sauce glaze. Even if you are not going on a Hanami, Mitarashi Dango are sold in most convenience stores and supermarkets so we highly recommend that you try if you are ever visiting Japan. Going back to the original topic, Mitarashi Dango serves as a nice dessert to have at the end to your Hanami.
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