10 reasons why Sally loves Japan

I love the clean flavours of Japanese food and exploring the country and its cuisine is one of my dreams.

Sally Lynch of Taste Trekkers is also infatuated with the country and is taking a foodies tour to Japan in April (8 - 19). It's a chance to really see Japan's food as Sal is the kinda gal who really gets behind the scenes to find the interesting stuff that will stick in your memory long after you return home.

I asked her 10 quick questions about Japan -

1. What was the strangest thing that you ate in Japan?

Whale sperm - it was really quite delicious. Creamy and "umami-ish"

2. What most excites you about Japanese food?

How closely it mirrors the season - from produce to plate garnishes and even packaging on bento boxes.

3. Your favourite dish and why?

So hard to choose just one! I can knock off 2-3 bowls of ramen a day as I am intrigued by the shops and the theatre of the staff and the regional variances. Mountain food is also up there.

4. Least favourite dish and why?

Fugu - such high expectations and it didn't rock my world at all.

5. Where are you most looking forward to visiting?

Kyoto with Jane Lawson - I just want to hang out with her and eat and hear stories about her time in Kyoto:-)

6. The strangest thing that you saw in Japan?

A business man on a train reading a very pornographic magazine quite openly - that is the face of contradiction that exists.