Like other parts of the world, Japanese cuisine offers a wide variety of tastes and specialties. Rice-based or noodle-based meals are quite common, as is seafood, and the ever-popular yoshoku. Japanese food has a decidedly other-worldly influence based in Buddhism, and as a result, accentuates pure, clean flavors. You will notice that in Japanese food, spices are rarely used in their dishes. Because of the impact of Buddhism on its food, Japanese cuisine is prepared with five different colors, namely yellow, black, red, white and green; and flavors like sweet, spicy, salty, bitter and sour. Apart from its preparation, Japanese food is believed to create a sense of balance and synchronization in its highly artistic and stylized presentation. Indeed, Japanese food is as enjoyable to look at as it is to eat. The food here is prepared seasonally. For example, you will get mandarin oranges during winter, and cherry-blossom rice is common during spring season. Abalone, cucumbers and bamboo shoots are often featured in dishes during the month of September.

Sensitive and Symmetrical

A typical Japanese meal may start with noodles, and may also include rice balls, Sukiyaki, Okonomiyaki , Yakisoba, Wasabi, domburi, Goyza, Sushi, Miso, Udon, Torisuki, Onigiri, fried rice, Kayu or Tofu. Seafood dishes include Yakizakana and Sashimi. Noodles are regularly used in soups and salads and are served during lunch. Soba, Udan, Somen, Ramen are some of the Noodle dishes. Tempura is a familiar type of Japanese frying. Japanese eat their meals slowly, never rushed—and the food is eaten with Hasi, or chopsticks. There is however, etiquette related to eating with chopsticks: Avoid pointing with your chopsticks at someone, do not play with them, and do not wave them in the air while eating. Also, avoid “spearing” your food with your chopsticks.

Shoeless, Seat-Less

While eating Western food, you can use knives and forks, or if you just can’t handle the Hasi, you can even request it for use with Japanese fare as well. A spoon is used with certain Japanese dishes like donburi, or Japanese style curry rice. Ceramic spoons are used while eating soups. Don’t be surprised to find tables that are low to the ground with cushions on a tatami floor, instead of chairs, while visiting certain restaurants or private homes. But if you can’t quite make it down to ground-level, don’t worry, most restaurants are also equipped with Western style tables and chairs. Traditionally, you will also remove your shoes if you enter a restaurant, or before moving to a seating area.

Tipping may be Too Much

In most of the Japanese restaurants, as you first get settled into your seat, you will be served with a glass of water or a cup of tea free of charge, which is later refilled as needed. Before eating, you are also presented with an oshibori , which is a small wet towel for cleaning your hands. The check is customarily presented upside down in the restaurant. If you leave a tip, you may just find yourself being chased by a staff member, who will dutifully inform you that you have paid too much. Tipping is not expected—although it is always appreciated if you simply and politely say that you truly enjoyed the meal.