>Shabu-shabu is the Japanese epitome of self-cooked gourmet dining. Much like fondue, shabu-shabu is a social meal best enjoyed in the company of friends and family. While many do choose to indulge at home, by far the best shabu-shabu can be found in fine restaurants throughout Tokyo as well as the rest of Japan. The primary difference lies not only in unparalleled service and hospitality, but also in the use of stellar ingredients, often rare and always delicious.

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Centrally located on Japan’s main island of Honshu, Nagano prefecture’s well-deserved reputation as an area of great natural beauty makes it a popular travel destination. Surrounded by picturesque peaks, carpeted with wildflowers and blessed with fast-running rivers and pure mountain lakes, the startling diversity of Nagano’s natural settings is matched only by the plethora of sumptuous cuisine that the region has to offer. From fine traditional washoku to Japan-western fusion food and more, here are eight Nagano restaurant recommendations for exploring the region’s culinary richness.

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From top-notch farms to artisanal kitchens and into the waiting mouths of hungry patrons, Japan’s elite offering—premium kuroge wagyu Japanese beef—is fast taking its well-deserved place among Western high-end beef standards such as filet mignon and veal. While internationally recognized Kobe beef is one of the most highly regarded, flavorful and least easy to obtain outside of Japan, it is by no means the only kind Japan has to offer. Read on to discover the world of kuroge wagyu beef, and learn why these succulent cuts should be at the top of your list when deciding where to dine in Japan.

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Japanese alcoholic beverages run the gamut from bittersweet nigorizake (cloudy sake) to robust lager beers, subtle whiskys, and shochu that dances across the tongue. Drinking has long been an indelible part of Japan’s social fabric, and today it is common to see people raising their glasses in a gesture of “Kampai!” (cheers), savoring a quiet nightcap at a favorite haunt, or chatting over a glass brimming with a fragrant tipple. Once you discover the diverse range of beverage options—as well as the varieties of each—you will no doubt want to join them.

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The island of Okinawa is the unsung jewel of Japan, a crowning natural achievement sporting breathtaking azure skies and a deep blue sea to match. Pristine beaches above and stunning underwater creatures below offer an idyllic feast for the senses, to say nothing of the actual feasts to be had. Okinawan cuisine possesses a rich history and taste that is wholly unique to the island chain, one that must be tried to be believed. For enterprising epicureans in the know, all that remains is to make the trip across the Pacific—to discover this delectable treasure trove for themselves.

Continue reading 4 Okinawa Soba Restaurants Serving Up a Perfect Bowl of Noodles

For Japanese, the ubiquitous “yakiniku party,” may be the greatest social affirmation of group identity—the tiny, tender cuts of meat, each like a bite of heaven on the tongue, are simply much too good to be eaten alone. Yakiniku’s close cousin, teppanyaki—named for the flat iron grill upon which the ingredients are cooked—is an equally social cuisine that eschews an entirely meat centered approach to include fresh vegetables, seafood chicken and an array of exotic spices and sauce. In perhaps the ultimate expression of luxury, this inviting combination is typically cooked to order right in front of you by master chefs who transcend the boundary between cuisine and performance. Once you feast your eyes on these 5 Osaka teppanyaki restaurants, you’ll never want to cook meat for yourself again.

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An izakaya is Japan’s answer to a tavern or a pub, a casual dining establishment with reasonably priced food and accompanying drinks that is best enjoyed in groups. Like Shibuya restaurants in general, izakaya run the gamut from short-sleeved to sophisticated. Nowhere is the diversity of izakaya more apparent than in Shibuya, the city center most clearly embodying Tokyo’s flawless synergy of commerce and entertainment. There are several top quality izakaya all located within walking distance of Shibuya Station, making them ideal for after-work libations or for leisurely unwinding following a day spent shopping and sightseeing. Whatever your journey, here are 7 Shibuya izakaya that are well worth your time.

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Steeped in rich history, delicious cuisine, and incredible views of the flowering cherry blossoms, West Japan is also a region that features around two dozen historic castles, many of which are surrounded by picturesque sakura-filled gardens that are perfect for a day of leisurely relaxation. Furthermore, these famous attractions, when paired with the beautiful weather of March and April, can make for an amazing springtime sojourn from the city din of Tokyo and Osaka. If you would like to include hanami, history, and haute cuisine on your itinerary, then be sure to visit these five West Japan restaurants—each offering seating with lush views of sakura as well as nearby proximities to popular castles and sakura groves.

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When it comes to Japan’s northernmost prefecture, most epicureans likely envision refreshingly chilled ale, expertly braised cuts of succulent Genghis Khan mutton and delectable mountains of cheese and other dairy products. While the culinary prominence of Hokkaido’s meat and dairy products is undeniable, ignoring its teeming seafood culture would not only be cruel to your stomach, but would serve to discount those who have made it their life’s work. Nowhere is this dedication to craft, seasonal excellence and exceptional flavor more apparent than in the realm of sushi and sashimi, where master chefs effortlessly mold the ocean’s bounty to their whims for your pleasure. Come out of the cold with these 7 top-notch Sapporo sushi restaurant recommendations.

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When people talk about Fukuoka ramen, connoisseurs immediately understand that they are actually referring to Hakata, a Fukuoka city ward. A typical bowl of Hakata ramen starts with the soup broth, comprised of gelatinous stock made with bones from every part of the pig, creating a rich, bold flavor and distinctive, meaty aroma. The thin, straight noodles are served at a firm al dente due to their shorter cooking time, and as people in old Hakata could attest, one helping is never enough!


As ramen is so ubiquitous in Fukuoka, with a shop on nearly every corner, how do you distinguish between the average and the extraordinary? Here are 5 shops that rise above the fray, each rightfully considered the best ramen in Fukuoka.

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