Whether you already have a weakness for California Rolls or want to try something new during a vacation – try considering some of the Japanese restaurants scattered about the United States. Before getting down to the nitty gritty of hot spots for Japanese cuisine, beginners should first know that Japanese food goes beyond the sushi and raw fish typically associated with the culture.
About Japanese Cuisine
Japanese cuisine often blends staple foods (like rice and noodles) with soup and other dishes made with fish, vegetables, meat, and tofu. When adding flavor, cooks typically use soy sauce, dashi (soup and cooking stocks), and miso (thick paste used for sauces and spreads). Generally, Japanese dishes are low in fat, but also high in sodium. A standard Japanese meal may have been prepared using a variety of cooking techniques, such as steaming, grilling, using heavy amounts of vinegar, and deep-frying. Sometimes, dishes are served raw (called sashimi).
Japanese cooking embraces the use of beans, rice, seaweed, shellfish, crab, eggs, flour, and mushrooms. A vital component also includes noodles. Popular selections include soba (thin and made with buckwheat flour) and udon (wheat noodles with a thick consistency). Served hot or cold, soy and cooking stocks are often used to add flavor to the noodles. 
Common Dishes
It is not uncommon to find the following dishes listed on a Japanese menu:
- Ochazuke: Hot green tea or dashi poured over cooked white rice.
- Onigiri: Balls of rice with a filling (like fish, pickles, seafood, or miso).
- Zosui: Soup containing rice stewed in stock and flavored with miso or soy (often containing egg, meat, seafood, vegetables or mushroom).
- Sushi: Vinegared rice topped or mixed with various fresh ingredients (oftentimes fish or seafood).
- Anpan: Sweet buns filled with red bean paste.
- Tempura: Deep-fried vegetables or seafood in a light, tasty batter.
- Teriyaki: Grilled, broiled, or pan-fried meat, fish, chicken or vegetables with a sweetened soy sauce glaze.
- Nikujaga: Beef and potato stew with sweet soy flavoring.
Popular Japanese Restaurants
Sakagura (New York, New York) – Known as one of the top sake bars in the United States, Sakagura is located in the basement of a Midtown East office building, serving up lunch and dinner. Address: 211E 43rd Street B1F
Sushi House (Atlanta, Georgia) – Interested in Japanese Fusion Sushi? This is the place to seek out when you wish to dine on tantalizing beef, chicken, and shrimp entrees. Specialty rolls, like the "Happy Sumo" are quite popular. This restaurant is also found in Orlando, Florida. Address: 2221 Peachtree Rd NE #E
Ichiza (Las Vegas, Nevada) – From stir-fried Pork n Nappa to Fire Roasted Eggplant appetizers, Ichiza also provides a satisfying menu filled with fried rice bowls, egg tofu, and unforgettable noodles. Address: 4335 Spring Mountain R. Suite 205.
Matsuri (Baltimore, Maryland) – With seasonal and daily specials, guests can savor the taste of Sashimi, Robata, and Japanese Noodles all in one place. The SushiBar Combos of the restaurant are also a hit. Address: 1105 S Charles St
Sushi O Sushi (Chicago, Illinois) – Guests not even interested in fish can't resist the Playboy Roll. On Friday and Saturday, nights are reserved for "Sake Bombs," where guests wine and dine until 2 in the morning. Also, keep in mind that this restaurant is closed on Mondays. Address: 346 W Armitage Ave
Thanks to Morguefile members, reverendb (top) and sideshowmom (mid) for the use of their photos for this article.