Traveler’s tips: how and what to eat in Japan

Nowadays Asia becomes more and more popular travel destination and thousands of tourists turn their heads to Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong and spend their vacations there. It’s no wonder why there is a heightened interest towards abovementioned countries – completely different culture, system of values, way of life and exotic cuisine. For sure, Asia is worth your attention.
In tourists' ratings Japan occupies honorable first place among the other Asian countries. Quite often newcomers face the same problem as they arrive in Japan - a food problem.

Certainly, in the central districts of Tokyo you can find the cuisine of almost all countries. Also you can visit numerous fast foods. But did you come to Japan to eat the same meals you can get in your country? I guess you would like to try something authentic, the food you'll never find in your local sushi bars. If so, bravely pass through central streets with elite restaurants; don’t buy bento (a food set in plastic box) and move towards small cafes, yakitori and sushi bars where food is tasty and inexpensive.
The first problem you might face is the absence of English menu. Then look closely, there might be a menu with pictures of dishes so you just point to the one you like and get it. Very often cafes have a special showcase with the dishes replica and prices. In this case go to this showcase, make a photo of the dish with your cell phone then go back and show this picture to the waiter. It’s easy!
The second problem lies in the name of dishes. Sukiyaki can taste completely different depending on the region of Japan. So be sure you know what you’re going to eat.
In the next part I’ll tell you, how Japanese eat meat and raw fish.