Washoku: Nature & Culture in Japanese Cuisine 2025

Japanese cuisine is a vital part of the nation's cultural identity and history, shaping traditions and the country's development over centuries. Now, this heritage is the focus of the Washoku: Nature & Culture in Japanese Cuisine exhibition, opening at Aichi's Toyota City Museum this January. Having already drawn almost a quarter of a million visitors at its Tokyo venue, this exhibition explores the world of washoku, Japan’s traditional cuisine, which was designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage over a decade ago.

This national tour offers a deep dive into Japanese cuisine from multiple perspectives, including the science, history, and culture that define it. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore diverse ingredients from Japan's unique natural environment, such as wild plants, vegetables, seafood, and mushrooms, learn about fermentation techniques, and the essential role of ingredients like dashi (soup stock) in Japanese cooking.

Among the highlights is a journey through Japan’s culinary history from ancient times to the present, featuring historical replicas like the meal served by Oda Nobunaga to Tokugawa Ieyasu, two of Japan's most influential feudal lords.

Ticketing Information

This is a ticketed event, with admission priced at 1900 JPY for adults, 1400 JPY for high school and university students, and free for those at junior high school age or below. Slight discounts are available for advance ticket purchases, which can be arranged at places like Lawson and 7-11. For more information, please visit the official event website here.