Here are some of the best Japanese dishes to try besides sushi and ramen:
## Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu is a delicious panko-breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet. It's often served with shredded cabbage, rice, and a tangy tonkatsu sauce. Some of the best places for tonkatsu are Maisen and Tonki in Tokyo.
## Yakitori
Yakitori refers to grilled skewers of chicken, vegetables, and other ingredients glazed with a savory tare sauce. It's a popular izakaya (Japanese pub) dish. Look for yakitori specialists like Yakitori Ton Ton in Tokyo.
## Okonomiyaki
This savory Japanese pancake is filled with cabbage, pork or seafood, and topped with okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. Osaka and Hiroshima are famous for their regional okonomiyaki styles.
## Yakiniku
Yakiniku is the Japanese version of Korean barbecue where you grill bite-sized meat pieces at your table. It's an interactive and flavorful dining experience, especially at places like Yakiniku Jumbo in Tokyo's Koreatown.
## Tempura
Light and crispy tempura features vegetables, seafood, and other ingredients dipped in a delicate batter and deep-fried. Tempura specialists like Tsunahachi near Tokyo's Shinjuku station are renowned.
So while sushi and ramen are iconic, be sure to also sample some of Japan's other delicious specialties like tonkatsu, yakitori, okonomiyaki, yakiniku, and tempura on your visit.