The combination of flavors and lightness played up by the typical Japanese dish pleases the palettes of a lot of people in the United States, where concentrated, and often deep fried foods, have long had the lead in the market.

Sushi

Perhaps the most well-known of all Japanese dishes, sushi has risen to be particularly popular in posh areas of the United States. It is served in far too many variations to list completely in the capacity of this article. To be considered as sushi, however, the dish needs to contain rice that has been prepared with sushi vinegar. The most eaten form of sushi is going to be norimaki, or sushi rolls. These rolls are filled with sushi rice and various types of seafood rolled in sheets of dried seaweed. Norimaki routinely includes vegetables, as well.

There are so many excellent sushi restarurants in Tokyo, especially in Ginza. Here are a few best of the best:

• Ginza Kyuubei (Established in 1936)
• Sukiyabashi Jiro

Domburi

This dish is most simply a bowl of rice garnished with a particular type of topping. Many toppings are well-liked in Japan, many of which have successfully come across the Pacific and into American diners. One instance of this dish is oyakodon, which uses chicken, and egg alike, for its topping. Another kind of domburi, gyudon, is beefy in taste and more in demand in Japan as fast food. Those of you who are particularly outgoing tasters might like to try unadon, a type of domburi wherein eel strips are grilled and coated in a thick soya sauce and used to top the rice bowl.

Sashimi

This dish is sometimes mistaken for sushi by those of us still unfamiliar to the realm of Japanese cuisine. Although it is commonly presented artistically, the fact is that sashimi is raw fish, a truth which upsets the stomach of many a squeamish American. Various types of sashimi are furnished, the most popular known as tuna. Diners should pay designated attention to the scent when tasting this dish. The fish the chefs use to prepare sashimi must be remarkably fresh and for this reason, it should not have any fishy scent.

Tempura

This dish has also been quite popular around the globe and in Japan. Tempura is like a finger food, and has differing types of vegetables and / or seafood fried in a unique batter. The completed result is a delicious treat which is crisp without being heavy, as is usually the case with deep fried foods in America. The ingredients harnessed in tempura are too plentiful to possibly list and sometimes vary wildly from one restaurant to the next.

The four cuisines listed above will provide the novice gourmand with a particularly easy introduction to the world of Japanese cuisine.

Japanese embassies

Japanese embassies are situated in strategic locations in many countries all over the world.

They are meant to provide information regarding the country and provide service to both Japanese nationals and other nationals wishing to seek information about the country.

Japanese embassies in different locations have their own web sites from which any individual may garner basic information.

Japan has been a member of the UN since 1956.

See also

• Visiting Japan – visa requirements
• Travel information section of the Japan embassy
• Japan embassy important news and announcements
• Other information on the Japan embassy website

Japan has long been recognized as a popular tourist destination, especially for people in Western countries.

In this page, one could find all the information needed to acquire a visa to enter the country. Depending on what country one comes from, the requirements for an entry visa will differ.

The same thing applies to other types of visas, such as a working permit. This page also offers downloadable forms which can be used to send in an application for a visa to Japan.

In the United States, residents of Maryland, Virgina, and Washington DC can process their visa applications through the Japanese embassy web site. Residents of other states have to have their visa application processed through the nearest consulate or visa office.

One merely has to submit the following information:

• Purpose of visit
• Nationality and place of issue of passport.

The visa section has the following office hours:

Monday thru Friday, 9.30 am to 12.30 pm for drop offs and 9.30 am to 4.00 pm for pick ups.

Requirements for visas vary depending on the nature of the visa that one is applying for. There are varying types of visas available, from tourist to religious work. One can download comprehensive information, including the forms, from the web site itself.

Criteria for the issuance of a visa
There are general guidelines as to whether or not a person can be issued a visa. These are as follow:

• The applicant has a valid passport and can re-enter the country of his residence at any time.
• All the documents submitted should be authentic and complete.
• The activities that the individual will engage in while in Japan conform to the stipulations of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
• The individual does not fall under Article 5 of the mentioned Act.

This page includes the requirements for entering Japan on various circumstances.

More so, it offers information about the local culture, which can help many visitors get a glimpse of what is in store for them.

The travel information page also provides links to other resources which potential visitors can find helpful. This includes information on the food, acceptable behavior, accommodations, things to do, sights to see, and so on.

Cultural activities

The Japanese embassy web site also provides information with regard to cultural activities relating to Japan.

As of the moment, there are some upcoming events that one can look forward to.

Hisurebahana - Indigo Dyeing and Noh Mask

This exhibit has started and will end on the 27th of February. The exhibit features cloth indigo dyeing, which shows respect for the cherry blossoms and the carving of Noh Theater masks. Both activities are deeply entrenched in the Japanese culture. This exhibit will be held at the Japan Information and Culture Center at the Japanese Embassy in Washington DC. It is open to the public.

Holic and Tsubasa Chronicles

On the 28th of February, anime enthusiasts are in for a treat as the DC Anime Club and the Japan Information and Culture Center offers movie showings of two anime films. These are in Japanese with English subtitles.

As such, it is important to visit the Japanese embassy’s web site to keep updated on these matters.

From time to time, they release news advisories regarding their rules and regulations.

For example, they recently released an advisory on the exemption of visitors’ visas for nationals of the Republic of Korea and residents of Taiwan. These pieces of information could prove to be a godsend to many people.

One can find additional information on activities such as studying in Japan – how to go about it and the considerations.

One can also find information on activities that the Japanese embassy is undertaking in its host country.