3 Things You Think You Know About Japan… Until You Visit

Think you already know Japan? These 3 things might surprise you once you actually visit. First, sushi. Sushi is popular all over the world, but the sushi menu in your country might look very different from the one in Japan. Rolls like the dragon roll were developed outside Japan, adapting sushi to local tastes. In Japan, you’ll find a wide variety of traditional sushi styles, along with creative modern options. So don’t expect every popular international sushi roll to be available everywhere. Second, hibachi vs. teppanyaki. Ever seen chefs cooking on a large, flat iron grill at a Japanese restaurant? That style of cooking is called teppanyaki, not hibachi. A traditional Japanese hibachi is actually a charcoal-burning heating device. The names might sound similar in restaurant culture, but they refer to very different things. Third, the taste of matcha. If you think matcha always tastes bitter or grassy, you might be surprised by the variety available in Japan. Its flavor depends on factors like the tea leaves, growing conditions, processing, and preparation. Higher-quality matcha can have a smoother, richer taste with sweet or savory notes, although some grassy bitterness can still be present. Sometimes, the real experience is very different from what you expect. #japan #japanlife #japaneseculture