Leading motivations of foreign tourists to visit Japan 2023

According to a survey conducted in departure lobbies of Japanese airports and seaports in 2023, for 83.2 percent of foreign tourists, eating Japanese food constituted a motivation to come to Japan. According to the survey, experiencing Japanese cuisine was the most common reason for foreign visitors that motivated them to come to Japan, followed by shopping-related activities.

 Characteristics of traditional Japanese eating experience

Globalization has contributed to the diversification of food. Today, dining out in metropolitan areas in Japan offers a broad variety of choices, from traditional Japanese food to Western-style junk food. One defining aspect of the traditional Japanese dining experience might be its group-oriented character. The gastronomic setting, which includes the arrangement and utilization of furniture and tableware, the presentation of food, and the eating customs enable and facilitate communal eating. Busy modern life and changes in social structures challenge traditional eating customs. Solo dining is on the rise, and many employees state that they do not have enough time to lead a healthy food life.

 Noodle dishes 

  Two fundamental types of noodle dishes exist, namely Japanese style udon and soba, as well as Chinese style ramen. Udon and soba enjoy nationwide popularity, as attested by the annual sales figures of udon and soba shops. Soba and udon dishes can be served in manifold ways and often feature a simple broth and toppings. Udon noodles are slightly thicker and have a different consistency than soba noodles. Typically, udon and soba dishes are simple, light, and are relatively bland in flavor. Ramen is an import from China but has been “Japanized” like many other cultural imports have. The annual sales figures of ramen indicate that ramen also enjoys nationwide popularity. There is a huge variety of ramen dishes with countless local specialties that have been developed. Ramen typically consists of a strong-flavored broth with various vegetables and meat and sometimes boiled eggs.