There’s so much to love about Japan, from its ancient temples to its futuristic cities; from its impeccably manicured Zen gardens to its zooming bullet trains. And then, of course, there’s the food. Japan is a standout destination for foodies, who flock to the island nation for its fresh, health-focused ingredients; diverse regional cuisine; and beautiful presentation.

When you dine in Japan, it’s about more than eating. It’s a truly cultural experience that connects you to rich local traditions and a history that spans thousands of years. Feeling tempted? Let’s explore six unforgettable ways to immerse yourself in the rich and varied flavors of Japan on your Seabourn cruise.

Traditional tea

It’s believed that tea first arrived in Japan from China sometime during the Nara to Heian Periods, between 710 and 1185. If you’re doing the math, that means that the Japanese have been sipping on tea for over 1,300 years—plenty of time to develop some meaningful rituals around the beverage.

In large cities and smaller towns throughout the country, travelers can experience a traditional tea ceremony. You can observe a full, traditional tea ceremony in a special tearoom or tea garden, or choose a more interactive experience, where the meaning of every step is explained and you can take part—and even don a traditional kimono, if you’d like.

True tea lovers will want to set aside some time to sip and savor the local tea culture, found in cities including Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Kyoto—the nearby town of Uji is known for having the highest quality Japanese matcha. Kanazawa’s Higashi Chaya District is famous for its traditional chaya, or teahouses where guests enjoy a tea ceremony and may also have the opportunity to be entertained by geisha who perform song and dance. Don’t miss the chance to stop into Hakuza, a local shop that boasts a lavish tea ceremony room covered from floor to ceiling in gold leaf.

High-tech treats

If traditional chaya represent the Japan of yesteryear, Japan’s colorful vending machines are a look toward the future. Unlike many places in the world, where vending machine fare is typically limited to packaged, processed snacks, in Japan, the sky’s the limit. In bustling cities across the country, you can’t go more than a few steps without seeing illuminated machines dispensing everything from ramen and udon to ice cream, coffee, gyoza, and even fish. Live like a local and enjoy a grab-and-go snack as you wander through the streets and alleyways of Japan’s most dynamic cities.

Multi-course kaiseki dining

Offered at traditional inns (called ryokan) and fine dining restaurants, kaiseki is the epitome of Japanese cuisine. A typical kaiseki meal is made up of seven to 10 small courses that may include appetizers, light soups, raw fish, a simmered dish, tempura-fried seafood, rice, and more. Pickled vegetables are often served as a palate cleanser, and the dessert course often features wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets, accompanied by green tea. Each kaiseki dinner is delightfully unique, with the chef making good use of fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients.

Fish markets

As an archipelago that spans more than 1,900 miles north to south, Japan has one of the longest coastlines in the world, and that means an incredible bounty of seafood. Visiting a local seafood market is a true feast for the senses. See the “catch of the day” come in and be quickly snapped up by individuals and chefs alike. Watch fishmongers bid on giant tunas. Marvel at massive crabs. Sample freshly sliced sashimi at nearby food stalls.

You can find these markets across the country. Tokyo’s markets are the stuff of legend and Kanazawa’s Omicho Market has been operating for more than 300 years. Not sure where to start? When you travel with Seabourn, you may have the opportunity to accompany your ship’s Executive Chef as they disembark in Nagasaki, Hakodate, Kushiro, or Kagoshima and source the very best local ingredients for use in onboard menus on our popular Shopping with the Chef excursion, a complimentary Seabourn Signature Event. Not only will you get a sneak peek at what’s for dinner, but you’ll learn invaluable tips and tricks for picking the freshest fare.

Sake tasting

Toast your time in Japan by sampling sake, Japan’s famous fermented rice wine. In Japan, sake is more than just a drink. It’s a symbol of celebration and appreciation for the culture. The best sake is said to come from the Niigata region of Japan. This area receives a lot of snowfall, resulting in pristine water that is used both for growing rice and in the production of sake.

One of the best ways to learn about sake is to visit a local sake brewery. Many breweries offer guided tours where you can learn about how it’s made and taste various types. True sake lovers can even visit the Gekkeikan Sake Museum in Kyoto or Tokyo’s Sake Plaza.

Looking for something a bit more casual? Pop into a sake bar or izakaya—a casual, local pub, and ask your server for a recommendation of their favorite. Many restaurants even offer sake flights where you can try sips of several types of sake, much as you would do a wine or beer tasting at a winery or brewery. Ask your server for a sample of shochu, another distilled spirit from Japan, which can be made from a variety of ingredients, including rice, barley, and sweet potato. The mold koji is added during the fermentation process to add some umami flavor.

Flavorful street food

The street food scene is nothing short of incredible in Japan—and it’s a great way to sample a wide variety of cuisine, while you explore on foot. Whether you’re wandering a vibrant market, enjoying a local festival, or just getting to know a new neighborhood, it’s easy to swing by an open-air food stall to sample local favorites. Popular savory bites include takoyaki, small round balls of batter filled with octopus, grilled and topped with sauce; okonomiyaki, a savory pancake that can include cabbage, meat, or seafood; yakitori, skewered and grilled chicken; or yakisoba, stir-fried noodles with chopped vegetables and meat.

Go on a culinary adventure with Seabourn

Taste everything Japan has to offer when you travel with Seabourn. Every itinerary is perfectly crafted to showcase what makes this country so special. For food lovers, every trip features opportunities for culinary-focused shoreside excursions, from learning how to make udon noodles to watching a fourth-generation master craftsman forge kitchen knives from red-hot steel. Best of all, we’ve added overnight stays in Osaka and Kanazawa to many of our upcoming trips, giving you plenty of time to savor every bite.

There’s no better way to explore the rich flavors and timeless traditions of Japan than with a Seabourn travel experience to the Land of the Rising Sun. Start planning your unforgettable cruise today.