Discover Japan with Jason Boull & Charlie Orr - Food in Japan (Part 1) Sushi, Ramen & Why Japan Is a Foodie Paradise

In Episode 3 of our Japan mini-series, Jason Boull and Japan specialist Charlie Orr dive into one of the most exciting parts of any trip — the food.

From sushi and ramen to okonomiyaki and regional specialities, we explore why Japan is widely considered a true foodie paradise. Charlie shares insider tips on how not to feel intimidated when eating out, why smaller specialist restaurants are often the best, and how doing a food tour early in your trip can completely change your confidence.

You’ll also discover:

• Why Japan’s seasonal food culture runs deeper than most countries
• How to approach unfamiliar dishes (including cow tongue and eel!)
• Why rotating sushi bars are both authentic and incredibly affordable
• The magic of Osaka — “Japan’s Kitchen”

If you want to experience Japan properly — not just tick boxes — Boullies Travel can design your trip with the right pacing, the right regions, and the right food experiences built in.

📍 Chapter Guide (Part 1)

• 00:43 – Welcome to Episode 3: Food in Japan
• 01:09 – Charlie’s latest trip: Tokyo & Kyoto food focus
• 02:11 – The importance of seasonality in Japanese cuisine
• 03:52 – Why Japan is a foodie paradise
• 05:52 – How the UK lost seasonality (and Japan didn’t)
• 08:00 – “Try it first, ask what it is later” – overcoming food fear
• 09:10 – Cow tongue & eel: perception vs presentation
• 11:55 – Why a food tour early in your trip is a game changer
• 13:10 – Small specialist restaurants vs big menus
• 15:47 – Iconic dishes: sushi, ramen, tempura & how to experience them
• 16:16 – Kaiten sushi (rotating sushi belts) explained
• 17:52 – Regional ramen: Fukuoka’s Hakata style
• 19:19 – Okonomiyaki: Japan’s misunderstood “pancake”
• 21:28 – Why insider knowledge makes a huge difference
• 23:10 – Hidden food districts under Tokyo’s train tracks
• 23:18 – Convenience stores: why 7-Eleven is part of the culture
• 25:40 – Vending machines: myth vs reality