5 Ways To Eat Off The Beaten Path in Japan
Japan is a foodie paradise. Beyond sushi and tempura there is a wide variety of amazing traditional cuisine in addition to unique variations of international favorites.
With a deep culinary tradition and a diverse geography there are flavors and cuisine based upon region, season, and local taste. Japan has no shortage of highly acclaimed restaurants, cafes, and vendors to satisfy your tastes, but to truly immerse yourself in the variety of food and traditions that Japan has to offer it is best to look deeper.
Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are amazing, but like most big cities around the world they only give a glimpse at the heart and soul of culture.
To see and discover a different side of Japan I connected with Kitchhike to explore Japan off the beaten path. Kitchhike connects travelers with local chefs and cooks for a unique experience and genuine cuisine straight from their kitchens. Here are 5 trips to discover a deeper side of Japan.
1. Fish Markets
This past spring my parents and I ventured north of Tokyo to Ibaraki prefecture and stopped at the local fish market for a lunch. While sushi has always been a family favorite we were surprised to try a variety of different dishes.
Using the fresh catch from the morning we enjoyed sashimi to calamari as our guests fed us until we were stuffed. No California rolls on the menu here. The experience and overall hospitality left a strong impression on my parents and I'm sure their friends will get tired from hearing this story over and over.
2. Glamping In Hokkaido
Japan is mostly covered with breathtaking mountains, rivers, and lakes. For outdoor enthusiasts and backpackers the simplicity and flavor of Japanese mountain cooking is a treat and there are also a wide variety of wild vegetables, mushrooms, and edible plants to enjoy.
In Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan, we tried Japanese campfire cooking using local organic produce and mountain vegetables. For me there really isn't anything better. Being outside and cooking over fire is one of life’s simple pleasures.
3. Visit A Farm
For such a small country I was surprised to see how vibrant the farms are. They often feel out of place and inspired by completely different cultures but offer a unique variation of international cuisine.
For something out of the ordinary we visited a farm with German inspired cabins, clydesdale horses, and irish chickens. Somehow the mix worked with inspiration from traditional Japanese cooking and fresh picked ingredients from around the world.
4. Go to a BBQ
Nearly every culture loves a good bbq and Japan is no different. While many bbqs fares aren't so different from western or korean style, in Kyushu we learned how to cook using bamboo. This unique and fun way to cook while giving everything a subtle bamboo flavor.
Japan has a distinct wet season in the early months of summer and we cooked under the protection of an outdoor kitchen. Over the fire we fried chicken and vegetable tempura under the sound of the pouring rain.
5. Traditional Home Cooking
There’s nothing really quite like having a home cooked meal, no matter where you are. Taking time to prepare, cook, and enjoy time together with new friends is an essential part of life and part of the magic of traveling.
Visiting a mountain home we cooked using a traditional style hearth to grill local trout and mountain boar. It felt like a scene from a black and white Kurosawa samurai film when life was a little simpler, but the food is always amazing.
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