books festival, cookeryFrom the traditional dishes served at rural hot-spring ryokan inns, to Buddhist temple tea ceremonies, to the restaurant-filled high-rise madness of Tokyo, Japan expresses itself through its food. This guide takes you on a journey through all of Japan's culinary life. We go beyond the familiar sake and sushi, covering the essentials dashi (stock), bento boxes and soba noodles, and the exotic fermented soy beans, matsutake mushrooms, and fish that still wriggle as they slide down your throat, Itadakimasho! Let's eat!

    * the essential guide to the culture of food and drink in Japan
    * celebrating the seasons with Japan's calendar of festivals
    * an exploration of the regional influences that make up Japanese cuisine
    * shopping and eating out in Japan as well as understanding the menu
    * the definitive culinary dictionary, a quick reference glossary and useful phrases for every food and drink occasion
    * tantalising photography and recipes