"Umami" is a term distinct with Japan. Umami means savory. Everywhere you go in Japan, be it a street food or a restaurant, you will definitely taste umami in its finest. Through the years, the Japanese developed layering its flavors. Since Buddhist people are usually vegetarians, the Japanese learned to cook without meat by enriching its flavors. Their food is umami heavy since they use a lot of soy sauce, condiments, dashi (cooking stock), and the like. 

While we were in Japan, we decided to focus on street food finds. We were also able to stumble upon local restaurant gems. So, what did we eat? Here is a preview. 

What is it? Considered to be a Japanese snack, takoyaki or octopus balls is made out of wheat flour batter with diced octopus or tako, tempura scraps, green onion, pickled ginger cooked in a special pan. The takoyaki is brushed with takoyaki sauce, sprinkled with aonori (green seaweed) and dried bonito flakes (katsuobashi).

Love it or Hate it? Love it! This street food find surely hits a spot and we both wished we ate more than a dozen! It was served really hot. The sauce complements the taste of the batter itself, and its somewhat sweet. In each bite you can taste the seafood goodness of the octopus. What's not to like with that?!

Fushimi Inari-taisha is a Shinto shrine. It is well known for the thousand of Torii gates that lines up the path to the shrine. The gates are donated by different businesses in Japan. A Torii gate is a traditional Japanese gate found in the entrance of any Shinto shrine. Fushimi Inari is the god of crops and agriculture.

Why is it impressive? Colors make us happy and so will you! The Torii gates that lined up the walking trail path to Mount Inari were just pretty amazing. The most interesting about these gates is that the gates signify how big or small the donation was. Along the path, you will first see small gates and as you walk along, bigger gates will appear. On each Torii gate, the name of the individuals or companies is written at the back of the gate. The donation costs 175,000 to 1,300,000 yen. Pretty expensive, huh?  

Tip: The good part about visiting this shrine is there is no entrance fee! 

Tucked in a small area down by the mountains is Arashiyama. Arashiyama shouldn’t be missed! Since it is further away from the city, people tend to miss it. Arashiyama has the Japanese vibe you are looking for, from Japanese traditional shops, ryokans (traditional Japanese guest houses) and the quaint Japanese restaurants that serve kaiseki (vegetarian Japanese meal).

Why was it worth it? The town’s backdrop is set on a beautiful landscape - mountains, trees and a river flowing in between. You will specially enjoy this area during spring and autumn, wherein nature is dancing with colors. We really enjoyed the spring season in Japan and sakura was just inexplicable. Best appreciated while walking in the heart of Arashiyama, the romantic bridge called Togetsu-kyo or the Moon Crossing Bridge.

In Arashiyama, you can find the famous Sagano Bamboo Forest. While you are there, don’t miss this place. The bamboo is so high and it almost covers the sky. 

Why is it worth it to see? As soon as you step into the forest, you really can’t help but admire the bamboo stalks grow towards the sky. The lighting in the forest is so pretty with a little sun coming through. The ambiance and the light seem to conjure drama of a magical land.

Tip: From the station, it is at least a 10-15 minute walk or you can always hire rickshaw pullers to tour you around. Don’t get disappointed if it’s packed with tourist, they come and go in batches.