Eating in Japan

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We’ve been eating and eating in Japan and it’s been getting better and better. Well, except for the big orange (paint ball-ish) fish eggs.

Before eating in Japan, you say “itadakimasu” (“I gratefully receive”), and then “gochisosama (deshita)” (“Thank you for the meal”) after finishing the meal. Well, we don’t say that, but one should.

When drinking beer, wine or sake, it is customary to serve each other, rather than pouring your own. Periodically check your friends’ cups and refill their drinks if their cups are getting empty.

Do not start drinking until everybody at the table is served and the glasses are raised for a drinking salute, which usually is “kampai”. Avoid using “chin chin” when drinking a toast, since in Japanese this expression refers to the male genitals (OOPS).

Tempura shrimp and veggies with soba. Notice the fresh wasabi in the bottom left with sharkskin grater.
Tempura shrimp and veggies with soba. Notice the fresh wasabi in the bottom left with sharkskin grater.

 

Tonkatsu, Japanese version of wiener schnitzel. Delicious.
Tonkatsu, Japanese version of wiener schnitzel. Delicious.
No, not JJiro's (who dreams of paying $300+ for sushi?) but damn good
No, not Jiro’s (who dreams of paying $300+ for sushi?) but darn good.

 

 

Savory egg custard appetizer
Savory egg custard appetizer

 

The art of presentation has been quite unlike anything we've ever seen before.
The art of presentation has been quite unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.

 

Japanese feasts include many courses and individual dishes.
Japanese feasts include many courses and individual dishes.

 

Including Octopus tentacles.
Including Octopus tentacles.

 

Or the whole (tiny) octopus
Or the whole (tiny) octopus

 

So many intricate details
So many intricate details

 

Mark was enthralled with this fish shaped like a fish
Mark was enthralled with this fish shaped like a fish

 

The hotplates have been amazing
The soups have been amazing

 

Lots of raw fish...
Lots of raw fish…

 

... and cooked fish
… and cooked fish

 

And when you’re full up to your eyeballs of Japanese food, beer and sake, you can always turn to good old Japanese snack food.

 

Squid Jerky
Squid Jerky

 

Or not…

Mountain Trek guide Kirkland tries out the squid jerky
Mountain Trek guide Kirkland tries out the squid jerky

 

Or how about this..

Ahhh, YES.
Ahhh, YES.

Now we’re talking!!

7 thoughts on “Eating in Japan”

  1. OK – how many times has Mark asked you what the right thing to say is pre and post meal and then gone on to call everyone male genitals???!!! What fantastic pictures Shauna thanks for sharing. Cracked myself up this morning thinking about you maybe trying to tell the pirate joke to your Japanese friends and guides with the fuzzy emphasis on “r” and “l”!!…. So this pilot warks into a bar…

    Reply

    • hahaha, luckily our guides have been Americans who have lived in Japan for 20-40 years… Not sure that will help my joke get any more laughs, but at least it won’t be “LOST IN TRANSLATION” ba-dump-bump

      Reply

  2. The pictures are beautiful. The food is all so unique. I hope it tastes as good as it looks.

    The explanation on refilling cups is interesting – I have a friend and she is from China and when we go to lunch she refills my cup. I now understand where it comes from.

    Reply

  3. Love the tradition of pouring your companions drinks. But, does that make for more drunk companions?!?! Beautiful pics!

    Reply

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