Foreign tourists are surprised by the authenticity of Japanese food in Japan!

A survey by Norinchukin Bank found nearly 90% of tourists from various countries, especially China and France, said the Japanese food they experience in Japan is much different (almost 90%!) from what they have at home.

The Norinchukin Bank surveyed 1,200 tourists from the US, UK, France, China, and South Korea who visited Japan in the past decade. (Survey method: online and in-person, August-September 2023)

Sushi reigns supreme! Over 68% of tourists enjoyed sushi, and it was also voted the “most delicious dish.”
Other popular eats include tempura, steak/yakiniku (grilled meat), and unagi (eel).
Tourists are wowed by the taste, presentation, and variety. Over 40% said these aspects were surprising or impressive.
Big difference from home cooking: Nearly 90% of respondents said Japanese food in Japan is significantly different from what they experience back home, with Chinese and French tourists reporting the biggest difference.

Even after experiencing authentic Japanese cuisine, sushi remains the most desired dish for future trips. Over 58% said they’d want to have sushi again on a future visit to Japan.