Sometimes it’s not that the food isn’t delicious, it’s just you don’t have enough life experience to enjoy it yet.
root beer
American diner chain in Okinawa has a special offer that a lot of Japanese locals don’t know about.
Japanese cuisine is known for containing certain dishes that many westerners find hard to stomach, delicious as they may be. That includes sashimi (raw fish!) and natto (fermented soybeans!).
But what about the flip-side of the coin? Which western foods make Japanese people want to barf? The results may surprise you – or perhaps not. Here’s a list!
When living in another country it’s only natural to miss some of the tastes of home. In my case, the extreme rarity of root beer has been a source of sadness. Time to time I’ll come across a supermarket or import shop that carries it and am sure to pick up a can despite its often exorbitant price of around 200 yen (US$1.69).
The reason for the absence of the drink on the Japanese market is obvious though. Although root beer has its share of detractors even in its home of America, the sheer number of people who can’t stand the stuff in Japan is huge. What is it that makes root beer so overwhelmingly disgusting to Japanese people?




Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Cup Noodle pouch satisfies our never-ending need for instant ramen
Want an easy way to eat Christmas turkey in Japan? Mr. Sato finds it, tries turkey for first time
Cosplay makeup hack: How to bring anime sparkle to your eyes
Visiting the Kikyoya Shingen Mochi theme park takes some planning–but it’s a stop worth making!
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Cup Noodle pouch satisfies our never-ending need for instant ramen
Want an easy way to eat Christmas turkey in Japan? Mr. Sato finds it, tries turkey for first time
Cosplay makeup hack: How to bring anime sparkle to your eyes
Visiting the Kikyoya Shingen Mochi theme park takes some planning–but it’s a stop worth making!
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Bake and feast — We try the new bakeable Kit Kats!【Taste Test】
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Everything you wanted to know about the Ainu, with photos and video【Rocketpedia】
Tokyo adding new anti-littering fines in Shibuya and Harajuku, will require more trash cans too
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Starbucks Japan unveils new limited-edition drinkware and goods for spring