Panther Travel
Japan
Why Visit Japan
Known as one of the most developed countries in the world for its industries and cutting edge technology, Japan is at the same time a treasury of traditional cultures, architecture, arts and performing arts, with 11 World Heritage sites. Fashion, entertainment and animation are newer cultural fields in which Japan takes an active role. There is so much to see in Japan!
Amazing things to eat
Little Okinawa
The food and drink of Japan's southernmost prefecture are so distinctive they could be a totally different cuisine. The Okinawa archipelago is far closer to China than to Tokyo and the influences are marked. Little Okinawa is a welcoming, long-time (yes, and very compact) bastion of this subtropical culture, and it serves all the island exotica. Start with umi-budo, seaweed resembling miniature grapes, and jimami-dofu, a tofu-like custard made from peanuts. Continue with goat sashimi and pig's ear (crunchy, but served with a nice vinegar-sharp sauce). And don't miss the goya-champur (scrambled egg, tofu and bitter gourd) and rafutei, pork belly soft-simmered till you can cut it with a chopstick. Wash it all down with shots of awamori, a fiery liquor that can pack a wallop.
• 8-7-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku, +81 3 3572 2930, little-okinawa.co.jp, starters from £4.50; stir-fries from £7; noodles from £6.50. English menu. Open noon-1.30pm, 5pm-3am Mon-Fri, noon-1.30pm, 4pm-midnight Sat and Sun
• 8-7-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku, +81 3 3572 2930, little-okinawa.co.jp, starters from £4.50; stir-fries from £7; noodles from £6.50. English menu. Open noon-1.30pm, 5pm-3am Mon-Fri, noon-1.30pm, 4pm-midnight Sat and Sun