Have you ever noticed that the quality of things in and from Japan is usually so much better than in other parts of the world? How do they accomplish this? The answer is simple but takes a lifetime of commitment to achieve. They specialize in one very specific area. So it is no surprise that when a chef has studied and mastered a specific type of dish that they have a passion for, they open a restaurant that also specializes in that type of food.
The specialized options are endless and vary by region. These restaurants are influenced by the style of their community, the local and seasonal items that make their food special. The chef has likely devoted their life to that food and it is all they do and all they ever want to do. In many cases, it is literally what they were born to do. Families in Japan maintain secret and traditional recipes for many generations. They are building on the wisdom and experience of the past while striving for perfection over profit.
Our tours aim to bring small groups to these perfect dishes. The only thing these locations don’t have is much of anything else. A restaurant with variations on the pinnacle of ramen only sells ramen. There is often no ability to accommodate food restrictions like gluten-free, vegan, halal, etc. when at these specialty restaurants. If you are able, I would always challenge even the pickiest of eaters to try everything. This level of expertise may cause you to find a new favorite.
Even if you are forced to skip a dish you will never go hungry in Japan. Bento boxes, vending machines, and convenience stores have more than got you covered.
