Ep 8. Japan

In the seventh season of the show No Reservations, the eighth episode is dedicated to Japan. Anthony Bourdain, the host of the show, visits various parts of Japan to explore the country's unique cuisine and culture. Known for his love of exploring new culinary experiences, Bourdain immerses himself in the local food culture and meets with local food experts to learn about traditional Japanese dishes.

The episode starts with Bourdain's arrival in Tokyo, Japan's capital city. He visits a traditional Japanese restaurant where he is introduced to the art of teppanyaki, a style of cooking that involves using a hot iron griddle to cook meat, seafood, and vegetables. Bourdain is impressed by the skill of the chef as he expertly prepares a range of dishes.

Next, Bourdain visits a local market in Tokyo where he samples various types of street food such as takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). He is amazed by the diversity of flavors and the freshness of the ingredients used in Japanese cuisine.

Bourdain then visits Kyoto, a city famous for its traditional architecture, temples, and shrines. In Kyoto, he visits a restaurant that specializes in kaiseki, a type of Japanese multi-course meal that is often served during special occasions. Bourdain is impressed by the meticulous preparation of each dish and the harmonious balance of flavors.

In addition to exploring the local food culture, Bourdain also visits various cultural landmarks such as the Fushimi Inari Shrine, a famous Shinto shrine that is known for its thousands of torii gates. He also visits a traditional Japanese bathhouse where he experiences the local custom of communal bathing, an important part of Japanese culture.

Bourdain also meets with local food experts such as a sake brewer, a wagyu beef farmer, and a ramen chef to learn more about their craft and the role of food in Japanese culture. He even tries his hand at making soba noodles, a traditional Japanese dish made from buckwheat flour.

The episode ends with Bourdain reflecting on his experiences in Japan and the importance of food in bringing people together. He acknowledges the richness of Japanese cuisine and the generosity of the people he met during his travels.

Overall, the episode on Japan is a fascinating exploration of Japanese food and culture. Bourdain's genuine curiosity and passion for new experiences make for an engaging and informative viewing experience that is sure to leave viewers hungry for more.