Page 59 - Japan’s Cultural Treasures

anything from wine to chocolate to something unique from your home state. The Japanese
are fond of American products, especially items they may never have seen before. It needn’t
be anything elaborate, just a small gesture for your new Japanese friends. Sharing your family
photos also adds to this unique cultural interaction.

Safety & Security

As you travel, exercise the same caution and awareness that you would in a large American
city. Don’t be overly nervous or suspicious, but keep your eyes open. If you are venturing out
after dark, go with one or two other people.

Carry a one-day supply of cash in your pocket. Carry most of your money, and your passport,
in a travel pouch or money belt under your shirt. Replenish your pocket supply when you are
in a safe and quiet place, or in our vehicle. Don’t leave valuables unattended in your hotel
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(for which you can set your own personal number). Please utilize them.

Pickpockets may create a sudden distraction. In any sort of puzzling street situation, try to
keep one hand on your money belt. If an encounter with a local turns out to be long and
complicated and involves money or your valuables, be very careful. Con artists sometimes
target travelers.

Cuisine in Japan
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Generally, only one type of cuisine is served in a given restaurant—for example raw seafood
is served in a sushi bar, while tempura is featured at a tempura counter. There are, of course,
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some of the main cuisines.

• Kushiage: Kushiage foods are breaded and deep-fried on skewers and include chicken,
beef, seafood, and lots of seasonal vegetables (snow peas, green pepper, gingko nuts,
lotus root, and the like). They’re served with a specialty sauce and slice of lemon.

• Okonomiyaki: This cooking style originated in Osaka after World War II. It is a sort of
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Worcestershire sauce.

• Robatayaki: Robatayaki refers to restaurants in which seafood and vegetables are cooked
over an open charcoal grill. All types of food ingredients are on the menu; the cooking
distinction is that all foods are grilled.

• Sashimi & Sushi: Sashimi is simply raw seafood, usually eaten alone (without rice), and
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comes in many varieties, and is also served with wasabi and dipped in soy sauce.

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