Japan has many delicious and great things to try. Some of the foods are ones that originated from Japan, and some are foods that have come from other cultures. The foods described in this list are the kinds that have become a popular staple food in Japan and have become a part of Japanese culture although the origins may have come from elsewhere. With so many delicious options offered, the cuisine is something popular with locals and tourists alike. This list consists of the top five arguably most popular dishes in Japan that are enjoyed not only by the Japanese people, but also the tourists who travel there. These foods just might convince you to go to finally book that tour to Japan if only to try the food. 

1. Takoyaki

Takoyaki are octopus filled dough balls that are a popular Japanese snack and have become more popular in other countries as well. Although popularized in Osaka, there are takoyaki stands found all over Japan. Usually served steaming hot with some sauce, mayo, and dried bonito flakes scattered across them, supermarkets also sell them frozen, perfectly convenient for those late night cravings.This is the perfect comfort food for those who prefer a savory snack.

2. Ramen

Ramen is so popular among people of all ages and all socioeconomic backgrounds that is has become a staple food in Japan. A warm comfort food for people, it is enjoyed year-round all throughout Japan. Although possibly having originated in China, the Japanese have made ramen their own through their way of preparing it. There are many variations of it in Japan with many different flavors, and the soup bases and noodles also vary. If you ever travel to Japan, you'd feel the love the Japanese people have for ramen in the many restaurants and stands scattered everywhere.

3. Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is akin to a pancake in shape, preparation style and ingredients, but instead of just wheat flour, it is also stuffed with cabbage, eggs, and other vegetables. Octopus, squid, and pork are the most common ingredients added to okonomiyaki, although other meats are sometimes added or used in replacement. There are two main different kinds of okonomiyaki coming from Osaka/Kansai area and Hiroshima, and each have their unique way of preparing it. The Osaka/Kansai okonomiyaki is the more common and well-known style of the dish, and is also more commonly found all over Japan, but both are delicious variations that you should experience while in Japan.

4. Yakitori

Japan has a very prevalent bar culture, and because of this, there are also many enjoyable bar snacks. Yakitori is found in many izakayas, gastropubs, and consists of skewered pieces of chicken seasoned in different ways. All of the different parts of a chicken are used in creating different types of yakitori skewers, making it a treat for adventurous eaters as well. Yakitori is not only found in izakayas but also restaurants and food stands as well. Because of the way it is served, it is a convenient and filling meal for those who are in a rush as well.

5. Sushi

This one may not be a surprise, since one of Japan's best known dishes is sushi. However some may be surprised to know just how many different kinds of sushi there are, or shocked by how different the flavor is when the seafood is caught fresh from the ocean like a lot of Japan's is. Sushi consists of vinegar rice and fish, but the seafood choices are from all ends of the spectrum. Those who are feeling a bit more adventurous can branch out from the popular tuna rolls and try some sea urchin or eel. The many sushi restaurants and fish markets around Japan ensure that there is never a lack of places serving sushi in the country.