Things I didn't try early on (and probably won't again): Ayu

It has been amazing to see my kids grow up here, and how that has really expanded their palates from what I was used to as a kid. I am still a fairly picky eater, and certain things just give me the heebie jeebies. My kids, however (and my daughter in particular) are much more game to try new things. I remember when my daughter was about 4, being presented with ayu for the first time at a gathering with some local friends in the summertime. She wolfed it down.

I have tried it at an annual festival here in Niigata after already having lived in Japan for about 6 years at that point, but it's not something I would personally be going back for in a hurry. There's something about it being cooked whole that makes it harder for me to eat than other types of fish where it's just a filet!

Are there foods you have tried here that have been a once and once only experience?