Take a tour to enjoy the unique dishes in Japan

Japan is considered one of the world’s capitals of dining. Japanese foods are unique and various, from the one of a kind - sushi to ramen. So if you are a food lover, or just simply you want to try Japanese cuisine, let’s find out these dishes.

Tempura

Tempura is a Japanese cooking method that involves battering and deep frying seafood or vegetables in oil. It’s similar to karaage except it uses a light batter made of cold water and soft cake flour. The batter is lightly mixed and kept cold with lumps to create a crisp and fluffy texture when fried.

Hiroshimayaki (Okonomiyaki of Hiroshima)

As the most famous food in the prefecture, the Hiroshimayaki, or Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, is unique from those found in other parts of Japan. Instead of mixing all the ingredients together, they are layered. In addition, the amount of cabbage used in the Hiroshima version is usually three to four times the amount used in the Kansai-Osaka style.

Udon

Udon refers to a type of thick noodle made with wheat flour. It’s typically served hot in winter or chilled in summer and is often topped with thinly chopped scallions, tempura, aburaage (deep-fried tofu), and kamaboko (fish cake). Like ramen, the type of udon broth and toppings used vary from region to region. Eastern udon tends to be darker brown in color while western udon is lighter. This comes from the type of soy sauce used.

Yokosuka Kaigun Kare

Yokosuka kaigun kare is a curry dish from Kanagawa named for the Japanese Imperial Navy, or kaigun, which was once stationed in Yokosuka City. The Japanese navy served a spiced beef curry thickened with flour that was modeled after British beef stew but eaten with rice rather than bread. The meal became popular throughout the local area and is still said to be eaten today by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force as part of their weekly meal rotation.

Ke No Jiru

Ke no jiru is a nourishing winter dish featuring a hodgepodge of diced vegetables, tofu, and aburaage fried bean curd in miso soup. It contains root vegetables like daikon radish, burdock root, and carrot as well as wild edible plants such as warabi (bracken fern). Ke no jiru gets its name from “kayu no jiru”, with the word “kayu” (rice porridge) gradually transforming into the word “ke” over time. The dish is eaten for good luck at the start of the new year.

Bara-yaki

Bara-yaki is a dish of grilled beef rib meat cooked on a hot plate or teppan surface over a massive bed of sliced onions. The dish was created in Aomori’s Towada City by local Korean immigrants and is flavored with a sweet and slightly spicy soy sauce, reminiscent of Korean-style barbecue. With its rich, yet down-to-earth taste, it’s no wonder that many people consider bara-yaki to be the “soul food” of Aomori.

Satsumaage

Popular across the country, Satsumaage is one of the most famous dishes of Kagoshima. It mostly consists of a paste of minced fish that is then deep fried. The type of fish used in the paste can vary but is often bonito, mackerel or sardines. Some other ingredients are also included in small quantities to add a bit of flavor, such as pickled ginger and vegetables.

Nabe

Nabe is a traditional hot pot dish containing broth, vegetables, meat or seafood. It is cooked together in an earthenware vessel. The dish is a classic Japanese comfort food and has been eaten in Japan for as long as earthenware cookware has existed. There are a number of different types of nabe made with local ingredients that vary by region. Some famous varieties include kani nabe (crab hot pot), which is often eaten in the winter, and the protein-filled chanko nabe eaten by sumo wrestlers.

See more: Get to know about Wagashi, the Japanese traditional sweets

Nikujaga

Nikujaga is a type of Japanese comfort food made with potatoes and meat braised in liquid, typically beef in the Kansai region of western Japan and pork in the Kanto area to the east. The dish is widely associated with home cooking, especially “ofukuro no aji” or “Mom’s home cooking”. It was created in the 1800s as a dish that emulated western-style stews and is often served as part of a larger meal of rice, soup, and side dishes or packed into a bento box for lunch.

Source Internet

Top man-made structures in Da Nang

From the hands of God to a fire-breathing dragon, artistic architecture abounds in Danang. Located in Central Vietnam, this coastal city doesn’t only have beautiful beaches on offer, but also stunning structural marvels that make it extra worthy of a visit.

Golden Bridge Hands

Ever wondered what it would feel like to stroll through the hands of God? Well, now you can, thanks to this incredible 150-metre-long walking bridge nestled in Danang’s Ba Na Hills, 1,400 metres above sea level. The gigantic hands, which appear to be emerging from the forested hillside, proudly hold a golden walkway that offers awe-inspiring views of the mountain landscape. It’s no surprise that the bridge has become a social media sensation, attracting visitors in their droves. Located 90 minutes from Danang’s city centre, the Golden Bridge Hands offer a truly sublime experience that makes it well worth the trip.

Dragon Bridge

Stretching across the Han River, the Dragon Bridge is undoubtedly one of Danang’s finest examples of architecture – and a great Instagram opportunity. As you might guess from its name, the bridge is shaped like a dragon flying across the water – although the resemblance to the mythical creature doesn’t end there. The dragon delights crowds by spitting water and breathing fire on weekends after 9pm. Don’t let that fool you into thinking the bridge is a mere gimmick, however. Dragons are a symbol of prosperity and power in Vietnamese culture, and thus the structure represents Danang’s growth into a thriving economic hub. Whether you view the dragon basking in the sunlight or illuminated at night, no visit to Danang is complete without a glimpse of this feat of engineering.

Han River Bridge

The Han River Bridge is notable for being Vietnam’s first swing bridge, as well as for its important role in the stimulation of Danang’s economy. Designed by Vietnamese architects and built largely by the local population, the structure is an emblem of achievement within the city. It looks especially lovely when lit up in dazzling colours after dark, swinging open at 11pm on weekends where it captivates locals and tourists alike.

Lady Buddha

Buddha statues are a common sight throughout Vietnam but the tallest and most impressive is found at the entrance of Linh Ung pagoda atop Son Tra mountain. Measuring a whopping 67 metres in height, the Lady Buddha casts a protective gaze over Danang, with her striking white figure visible from almost any point in the city. Inside the statue are 17 floors, each one dedicated to a different Buddha. There’s also the chance to visit the statue’s head – provided you can cope with all the stairs.

Thuan Phuoc Bridge

At 1,850 metres long, Thuan Phuoc Bridge is Vietnam’s longest suspension bridge. It was opened for traffic in 2009 and has remained an integral part of Danang’s infrastructure ever since. The bridge has become a popular tourist attraction due to its clean, modern design and its appealing LED illumination system that makes it one of Danang’s most picturesque spots by night.

Tran Thi Ly Bridge 

Much like the Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge has won international awards for its innovative design. With an overall length of 731 metres, the cable-stayed bridge has simultaneously managed to reduce congestion in Danang and become an attractive landmark since its rebuilding in 2013. The bridge is designed to resemble a sailboat drifting down the Han River, reflecting the relaxed atmosphere of this seafront city.

See more: What to know about Golden Bridge, Da Nang

Source: Internet

The most beautiful places to visit in Nepal

From adrenaline-filled activities like mountaineering, kayaking and paragliding to serene strolls among medieval temples and hidden palaces, this country offers more memorable travel experiences than can be squeezed into a single visit. An overview of the best places to visit in Nepal.

Kathmandu

The country’s cultural capital, Kathmandu is the place where most adventures in Nepal begin, as all flights from overseas land in the city’s airport. A crowded metropolis of more than 1 million inhabitants, Kathmandu is a chaotic mix of tourist shops, trekking agencies, hotels, restaurants, religious sites and artisan workshops. The city’s famous Durbar Square is still undergoing restoration after the recent earthquakes, but there are many intact sites well worth exploring. Set atop a forested hill, the ancient Buddhist complex of Swayambhunath is a can’t-miss attraction that offers sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley.

Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit in Northwest Nepal offers hikers an outdoor experience nonpareil. Showcasing the varied landscapes of the Annapurna Region, the classic trek leads travelers high into the Himalayas, across plunging gorges, over desert plateaus and through lush subtropical valleys dotted by terraced farms. The trek also passes by many religious sites and quaint villages. Starting just east of Pokhara, the journey takes about three weeks to complete though many trekkers walk half of it by flying out at Jomsom Airport. There is also shorter but no less beautiful Annapurna Sanctuary Trek that takes around 8 to 12 days. It is one of the most popular treks in Nepal with lodges and tea stops at hourly intervals or less until the highest sections at least.

Bhaktapur

One of three ancient capitals in the Kathmandu Valley, beautifully preserved Bhaktapur experienced a fair share of damage during the 2015 earthquakes. Fortunately, most of the city’s temples and shrines, which are the main attractions in this place known as the City of Devotees, escaped unscathed. Less crowded and hectic than bustling Kathmandu, Bhaktapur invites leisurely walks through medieval squares, winding streets and pedestrian-only thoroughfares. The city’s Durbar Square, or “noble court,” features a must-see site known as the 55-Window Palace, a 15th-century structure that is now home to the National Art Gallery.

Pokhara

With its tranquil lakes, verdant shorelines and mountain views, Pokhara is a popular resort destination for travelers from around the world. Known as the gateway to the Annapurna region in northwest Nepal, the lakeside city offers respite to weary hikers, and provides opportunities for outdoor adventures too, ranging from leisurely paddle-boat rides to white-water rafting. The largest of Pokhara’s three lakes, Phewa Lake is lined with luxury hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. The lake also features an island with a temple dedicated to the goddess Barahi Bhagwati where ceremonies are held nearly every weekend.

Khumbu

Each year, the determination to trek to the summit of Mt. Everest brings thousands of adventurous travelers to Khumbu, the Everest Region located in northeastern Nepal. The journey begins at the Lukla airstrip where a clear two-lane trail eventually leads hikers to Everest Base Camp. Located primarily within the Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu is home to the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar where most expeditions to the mountainous peaks are staged. The country’s foremost Buddhist center, the Tengboche Monastery, is located in the Khumbu as well. There’s a variety of comfortable accommodations available at the monastery, many of which offer stunning views of the tallest mountain on the planet.

Nagarkot

Perfect for those who want to experience the beauty and majesty of the Himalayas without arduous physical activity, Nagarkot is best known for the views, and it offers of the mountains and the Kathmandu Valley. Perched on a high ridge to the Northeast of Bhaktapur, the village of around 4,500 inhabitants commands views of eight Himalayan ranges. In addition, there is a variety of appealing hotels in every price range in Nagarkot, many of which are located within walking distance of the Nagarkot view tower, known as the best place to visit in Nepal to view the sun rising over the Himalayas.

Read more: 7 unique souvenirs you can purchase when travelling in Nepal

Source touropa