Japan

Japan offers one of the world's most refined food cultures, with a focus on seasonal ingredients, careful preparation, and beautiful presentation. For tourists, the variety can be overwhelming — from sushi counters to ramen shops to izakayas to convenience stores that serve genuinely delicious food.

Most Japanese restaurants are extremely accommodating to tourists, but allergies and dietary restrictions can be tricky to navigate because of language barriers and the prevalence of soy, wheat, and seafood in nearly every dish.

Slurp your noodles — it's a compliment to the chef. Pour drinks for others, not yourself. Tipping is not customary.