Schools of nishin, or Pacific herring, enter Japan's cooler northern waters in spring. Once a lucrative part of local economies, the fish remains a staple ingredient in various Japanese dishes.

Schools of nishin, or Pacific herring, enter Japan's cooler northern waters in spring. Once a lucrative part of local economies, the fish remains a staple ingredient in various Japanese dishes.

Ise-ebi is the king of Japan's crustaceans. With its elegant flavor and warrior-like appearance, the high-end food is a must on festive occasions. Feast your eyes on delectable local cuisine.

Ise-ebi is the king of Japan's crustaceans. With its elegant flavor and warrior-like appearance, the high-end food is a must on festive occasions. Feast your eyes on delectable local cuisine.

Wakasagi—small, 10-cm fish—are the star of Japan's winter fishing season. Drill holes in an icy lake for some line fishing, and meet fishers who are passionate about conservation efforts.

Wakasagi—small, 10-cm fish—are the star of Japan's winter fishing season. Drill holes in an icy lake for some line fishing, and meet fishers who are passionate about conservation efforts.

Fukinoto signals the coming of spring. Shaped like a lovely bouquet, the mountain veggie offers a stimulating bitterness that people wait all year to enjoy.

Fukinoto signals the coming of spring. Shaped like a lovely bouquet, the mountain veggie offers a stimulating bitterness that people wait all year to enjoy.

Mentaiko is cured and spiced pollock roe, with a deep flavor provided by kombu and katsuobushi broth. Discover the secrets of a beloved food that spread from Fukuoka to the rest of Japan.

Mentaiko is cured and spiced pollock roe, with a deep flavor provided by kombu and katsuobushi broth. Discover the secrets of a beloved food that spread from Fukuoka to the rest of Japan.

Koya-tofu: a freeze-dried food made from tofu. It absorbs flavors like a sponge, making it ideal for a huge variety of dishes. We dive deep into this protein-packed superfood.

Koya-tofu: a freeze-dried food made from tofu. It absorbs flavors like a sponge, making it ideal for a huge variety of dishes. We dive deep into this protein-packed superfood.

Japan has a number of carrot varieties resulting from selective breeding. Discover carrots grown beneath the snow and savor an array of dishes from French to Japanese.

Japan has a number of carrot varieties resulting from selective breeding. Discover carrots grown beneath the snow and savor an array of dishes from French to Japanese.

Known to the world as panko, Japanese breadcrumbs are made by breaking apart fresh loaves of bread. Experience Japan's crunchy, juicy and truly unique fried food culture.

Known to the world as panko, Japanese breadcrumbs are made by breaking apart fresh loaves of bread. Experience Japan's crunchy, juicy and truly unique fried food culture.