Osaka Strengthens Its Culinary Leadership with Autumn Events and Culinary Experiences
Japanese cuisine, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, is increasingly attracting Spanish travelers. Osaka has been nominated by Condé Nast Traveler España as a finalist in the «Best International Tablecloth» category at the Hotel&Mantel Awards, solidifying its position as Japan’s culinary epicenter.
Autumn, known as shokuyoku no aki or «the season of appetite,» brings a calendar full of culinary events in Osaka. The Osaka Gourmet Expo is held until October 13 at Osaka Castle, followed by the Bar Festa Ibaraki from November 14 to 23, and the Ramen Expo 2025, which will energize weekends in November and December. The city is renowned for its signature dishes such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, along with a wealth of award-winning restaurants.
Traditional Culinary Experiences
Ichiba: Markets and Morning Freshness
Japanese markets offer a sensory spectacle that begins at dawn, where it is possible to enjoy sushi or grilled seafood for breakfast. Notable markets include Shiogama in Miyagi (home to the largest number of sushi restaurants in Japan), Omicho in Kanazawa (with a three-century history and seafood from the Sea of Japan, such as nodoguro), and Karato in Yamaguchi, where sushi pieces and miso soup with pufferfish can be purchased.
Yatai and Izakaya: Nighttime Socialization
The Nakasu and Tenjin districts in Fukuoka are illuminated with small food stalls (yatai) offering ramen and chicken skewers in an intimate setting. Japanese taverns (izakaya) serve as spaces for socializing after the workday, with highlights being Susukino in Sapporo, the Dekonaru Yokocho alley in Takayama for Hida beef, and establishments near the Hirome Ichiba market in Kochi for tasting katsuo-no-tataki.
Ekiben and Amagoya: Tradition on the Move and at Sea
Ekiben (train meal boxes) turn every journey into a culinary tour, with each station offering its version made with local products. In Toyama, Masu No Sushi maintains a century-old tradition with strips of trout sashimi on rice in a cedar box. The amagoya (shelters of the ama divers) in Toba and Shima allow visitors to enjoy freshly prepared oysters, abalone, and scallops, while the divers share their millennia-old history.
Statistics on Spanish Tourism to Japan
In 2024, a total of 182,300 Spanish tourists traveled to Japan, representing a 57.3% increase compared to the previous year and a 40% rise compared to 2019. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), present in Spain since March 2017, promotes the country as a tourist destination and has 26 global offices for the development of new destinations and itineraries.
