I n Har mony with the Seasons SETSUBUN RISSHUN 4th February text & coordination/ Rieko Ido, photo/ Hajime Watanabe 文とスタイリング＝井戸理恵子、 写真＝渡邉肇
Af ter ous ting the Oni, sardine heads and holly leaves, which are considered as the Oni-deterrents, are hung in the doorway. It’s also customary to eat a kind of rolled sushi called Eho - maki while facing toward the luck y direction of that year.
こ よ
鬼が無事祓われ、立春の日を 迎えると、鬼の嫌う の頭やト ゲがある柊の葉を軒先に飾り、 その年の恵方と呼ばれるよい方 角を向いて、恵方巻きと呼ばれ る海苔巻きを食べる習慣があり ます。
節 分 立 春 2 月 4 日
み を 楽 し む
According to the Japanese calendar, Spring starts on the day of Risshun/ Setsubun (which this year falls on 4th Feb). It is said to be the day when the temperature hits its annual low, then starts rising rather than falling, thus it’s thought to be the real beginning of the new year. The dates of many traditional seasonal events are calculated from this day. Setsubun is regarded as the day to chase away the Oni (an ogre), which represents evil spirits and misfortunes. Chanting “Oni wa soto, Fuku
wa uchi...(Evil out, Luck in...)”, people throw roasted soy beans at a person wearing an Oni mask, symbolizing the ridding of bad luck from their homes. This ritual is derived from a ceremony “Tsuina” which was performed in royal court. 日本の春は「立春 ( 毎年変わるが、今年は２月４日
)」と呼ばれる日から始まります。いわゆる「節分」という 行事の翌日、寒さが極まりもうこれ以上寒くならず、温か くなっていく、という節目の日を新しい年の始まりと考えま した。行事の多くがこの日から数えて何日目というように 起点の日ともなっています。
そこで春を迎える前にやっておかなければならないこと。
それが「節分」の日の「鬼祓いの儀式」 。鬼とは災厄をま
とめてひとつのモチーフにしたものです。「鬼は外、福は内」 と云いながら、 った大豆を鬼の面を被った人にぶつけて は鬼を外に追い払います。宮中で行われていた「追儺（つ いな）」という儀式が元になっていますが、今では各家々で も行われるようになりました。
Rieko Ido Conducting research into Japanese customs and knowledge from ancient times, and applying technical analysis of these findings to modern lifestyle. Kokugakuin University graduate. Teaches at Tama Art University.
井戸理恵子
國學院大學卒業。日本古来の知見を工学的に検証し次世代に繋 がる「技術」を模索、現代の衣食住を発展させる提案をしている。 多摩美術大学非常勤講師。
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ing t s e er
gs t n i d n I Fin
ら 外国人か い 白 見た面 ！ ！！ 日本語
今日の単語
W or d of th e d a y
まいりました
Pronounciation
Mairimashita
発音
どう し
Form 型
Meaning 意味
けんじょうご
動詞 ／謙 譲語
rm Verb / humble fo rm) fo e lit po e th of (one e past tense of Mairimashita is th is used as one It . iru the term ma for “come” ms of the polite ter mble form that hu a th wi ” “go d an iority. It is more shows your infer your politeness ow sh to often said or heading to a at ive when you arr particular place.
今どき の言葉
Today’s Broken Japanese
B ダッシュ Bi
da
in
Japanese Language
Discover new interesting Japanese words and phrases from a Japanese learner’s point of view with the aid of a Japanese teacher. Let’s get started! ☺
T o d a y ’s Learner:
Conductor Aki Loves exploring how culture affects language differently around the world and works as copywriter & editor. Also has a postgraduate certificate in TJFL (teaching Japanese as a foreign language).
Victoria Ng
How to use
from Singapore
Like many Japanese words, mairimashita is not just polite; you can use it in many different situations and with a variety of implied meanings. Whether politely announcing your presence upon arrival at a business meeting or at traditional Japanese game meets such as Shogi or Judo, you can use it as a way to show respect to your superior or opponent. You can also use it to express yourself in a laidback manner, to show how nonchalant you feel about a particular situation. In this case, it would be similar to “oh well” or the singlish expression, alamak.
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mairimashita
Sounds like Sasuke from Naruto…
ただいま、参りました。 Ta da i
ma
mai ri ma shi ta
I have only just arrived . When you want to show how nonplussed you feel…
いや∼、 i
yaaaaa
まいりましたよ∼
ma i ri ma shi ta yooooo Well, I did not quite care for it anyway...
Popular amongst youngsters, the term means “really in a rush” or “come super quickly”. The term originated from one of the most famous games in Japan where the player had to press the “B” button (and a directional button) to make the main character run speedily. Hence, teens started to use the term to describe when they are in hurry. The term is quite flexible in its usage and it can be a noun or a verb depending on the context. When you are late meeting your friends, use this expression so people understand that you are trying to get there ASAP, like Mario!
sshu
る。 Bダッシュで向かって ru tte
de mu ka sshu Bi da ! (I am heading in high speed) dash B with I am heading
B ダッシュ中！
Bi da sshu chuu! I am B dashing now. (Rushing now )
When you lose the match and you show respect to your opponent.
まいりました。
mai ri ma shi ta I yield against you/ I accept defeat. (You are stronger than me). You can use this at the interview?
日々、 Hi bi
努力してまいりました do ryoku shi te ma i
ri ma shi ta
I try to make an effort everyday.
Illustration credit: www.irasutoya.com
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Uncover the many faces of Setouchi Region OKAYAMA
Stretching along the scenic coastline of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu is an area characterised by mild climate and a calm inland sea dotted with beautiful islands — The Setouchi Region. One of the world’s greatest archipelagos, it includes an estimated 3,000 isles and is home to worldfamous sites and iconic attractions. Be blown away by the best that Setouchi has to offer with our specially curated four-day itinerary, perfect for those on a tight schedule!
Day 1
HYOGO
HIROSHIMA
HIMEJI STATION
KANSAI AIRPORT
From Shin-Osaka Station To Himeji Station 29 min To Okayama Station 45 min To Hiroshima Station 1hr 30min
From Tokyo Station To Himeji Station To Okayama Station To Hiroshima Station
3hrs 03min 3hrs 10min 3hrs 56min Shinkansen
Soak In History and The Arts There is no better way to begin exploring the area’s historical buildings than with the elegant Himeji Castle (姫路城 ). Otherwise known as the White Heron Castle due to its appearance, the grand structure is both a national treasure and a world heritage site. More than 400 years old, the castle has over eighty buildings within its compounds connected by a labyrinth of paths and numerous gates. Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum
Found in Osafune (長船町 ), an old town located within Okayama Prefecture, the Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum (備前長船刀剣博物館) is a dream come true for history buffs or fans of samurai. Here, you can watch master craftsmen practicing the art of sword-making; from shaping and polishing of the blade to painting of the sheath.
©Himeji City
Regarded as one of the top three landscape gardens in Japan, Okayama Korakuen (岡山後楽園) was constructed over a period of 14 years during the Edo Period. Once used as a place for entertaining important guests by the feudal lord Ikeda Tsunamasa, the garden has been open to the public since 1884. Ponds, rice fields and even a crane aviary can be found on its premises.
Okayama Korakuen
Day 2 Rejuvenating Power Spots
Kick off your second day with a relaxing stroll around the perfectly preserved canal area of Kurashiki (倉敷), the “town of storehouses”. Many of them have since been converted into museums, cafes and boutiques, with Ohara Museum being one of its most impressive pitstops. The private museum features Western art and is the oldest in Japan, founded by renowned collector Magosaburo Ohara. Sensuijima
Kurashiki
Stop by to recharge at Taichoro (對潮楼). Offering a million-dollar view of the nearby Bentenjima and Sensuijima through the veranda, visitors may be surprised to find a statue of Maria Kannon housed here. Made to look like the Buddhist Bodhisattva Kannon during the Edo Period (as Christianity was banned at the time), the statue is actually that of Virgin Mary. 08
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SHINOSAKA STATION
Taichoro
End the day with a trip to Sensuijima (仙酔島), found in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima. This power spot located within the Setonaikai National Park is surrounded by pristine blue waters and rich greenery. Drink in the scenic sights on the island, where you can spot natural phenomena such as the Goshikiiwa (五色岩 , five-coloured rocks) and sea fireflies.
Day 3
The 60-kilometer-long Shimanami Kaido (しまなみ海道) highway links Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture to Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture, and is the world’s longest series of suspension bridges. This bicycle-friendly route extends over six smaller islands in between, so cyclists can stop to admire and photograph the sublime views of the Seto Inland Sea along the way.
Glimpse into The Past Jump back in time with a visit to Saijo Sake Town (西条酒の街), a small area where you will encounter some of the world’s most prestigious and oldest sake breweries. A total of eight breweries dot the streets in this neighbourhood; stop by each one to learn more about their traditional brewing processes, sample unique sake and purchase some sake-related souvenirs!
Saijo Sake Town
Shimanami Kaido
Saijo Sake Town
Day 4
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum ( 広島平和記念資料館 ) was opened in 1955 with the aim of advocating world peace and to push for the elimination of nuclear weapons. A grim yet powerful reminder of the destructive nature of man-made weaponry, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial or Genbaku Dome( 原爆ドーム) was the only structure left standing after the atomic bombing in 1945. The site has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Genbaku Dome
Picture-perfect Island Adventure Slightly over 500 meters above sea level, Mt. Misen (弥山) is a sacred mountain and the highest peak on Miyajima. You can either hike up the mountain via its three main trails (Momijidani is the shortest but steepest while Daisho-in offers the best views) or take the ropeway, which cuts through the lush forests of the area. Stop by the Reikado (Hall of Spiritual Flame) to see the fire lit by the legendary Kōbō-Daishi when he began worshipping there.
Mt.Misen
Nearby the Five-storied-Pagoda, there is Toyokuni Shrine, called Senjōkaku (千畳閣), literally translated as the “pavilion of a thousand mats” as the building is roughly the size of one thousand tatami mats. Commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the three unifiers of Japan, the sparse hall was built for chanting Buddhist sutras for fallen soldiers but was never fully completed.
With more than 1,400 years of history, Itsukushima Shrine (嚴島神社 )’s star attraction is the “floating” torii gate. Since ancient times, people have revered the island as goddesses — the great torii serves as the boundary between the spirit and human worlds. Contrary to popular belief, the base of the torii is not buried in the seabed but stands by its own weight. Held secure by custom-made wedges driven into intersections to absorb movements and keep the six pillars and roof stable, it does not move even during typhoons or earthquakes.
©Itsukushima Shrine
Superb souvenirs from Setouchi Aside from tasty snacks, why not bring home a pair of quality jeans from Okayama Denim? Made in an area with a long history of producing textiles, the superior durability and attention to detail in each pair will make this a purchase you will never regret!
http://visithiroshima.net/
www.okayama-japan.jp/en/
www.himeji-kanko.jp/en/
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Setouchi City:
Setouchi City Tokyo Tokyo
Osaka
legendary swords, stunning Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum: The Home of the Japanese Sword.
Iron sand, magnolia wood, ray skin and silk threads are only some of the raw materials that are transformed into both a deadly weapon and a work of art at the hands of seven different types of artisans. In Japan, swords have always been considered true treasures, and although they are no longer wielded in battle, they are currently sought after by collectors, offered as presents to shrines or simply acquired as an amulet to avoid bad luck. One of the proudest traditions among the five different schools of sword making in Japan is Bizen Osafune, where around half of the existing swords designated as National Treasures were made. The
There are three essential elements to Japanese swords: their use, their beauty and their spirit. The use refers to its ability to cut; its beauty can be judged by its appearance, whether or not its style or shape is beautiful. These two elements are probably the same for swords made in other countries. However, only Japanese swords have a spirit. When I became a sword smith I understood the importance of the spirit. In order to preserve our katana, we have to teach the next generation the
area flourished due to its strategic location and the abundance of iron sand in the surrounding mountains, which is used to make steel clusters (the raw material to forge swords). The Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum in Setouchi City, Okayama prefecture exhibits a variety of masterpieces and is the only place in Japan that
importance of not just the use and the beauty but also the spirit.
offers a demonstration on a regular basis of the
– Yokoi Shouji/Sword smith
old method of forging a sword by hammering and folding an iron clump, on the second Sunday of
Basically, they are said to be works of art, but from our point of view, that’s just the result. People look at them and think they are
each month. You can also order your own custommade Japanese sword at the museum.
just works of art because they are no longer used as swords, but we
The museum is also the only place in Japan where
make them capable of serving their purpose, as if they were actually
visitors can take a peek into the ateliers of all seven
going to be used. We ensure that they can fulfill their functionality.
kinds of artisans that create Japanese swords in a
It is precisely because of this functionality that they are beautiful.
single place. From the forge where sword smiths
– Yukinori Hashimoto/Hilt maker
give the blade its shape to the polisher with his eight different kinds of whetstones, to the collar blade maker, the scabbard maker, the scabbard lacquerer, the engraver and the hilt maker. Only after seeing the artisans deep in concentration can you truly understand why Japanese swords have achieved a worldwide reputation as the ultimate weapon.
Photo by Takemi Nishi
Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm (last admission 4:30pm) Admission: General admission is 500 yen, discount available for students and seniors. Access: From Okayama Station, take a 30-minute train ride on the JR Ako line to Osafune Station and then a 7-minute taxi ride to the museum. URL: https://www.okayama-japan.jp/en/spot/1073 10
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Access: Oku and Osafune Stations in Setouchi city can be easily reached in approximately 30 minutes by train on the JR Ako line from Okayama Station, which is just an hour away by Shinkansen from Kyoto and 35 minutes away from Hiroshima, while flying from Tokyo takes about an hour.
landscapes & romantic islands.
Ushimado
Ushimado Shrine sits on the top of a hill next to the beach and is often visited by couples wishing for success in their love life.
Facing the Seto Inland Sea, Ushimado has a long histor y as a ship-making town that made it a prominent port in the
A visit to Ushimado would not be complete without a stroll around its
area. Today, however, it’s known for its
picturesque streets, filled with historical buildings such as Honrenji
stunning landscape of deep blue waters
Temple, which used to welcome Korean diplomats on their way to Edo
dotted with dozens of small islands,
(Tokyo) and was recently registered in UNESCO’s Memory of the
earning the area the nickname “The
World Programme, or the old wooden tower that served as a lighthouse
Aegean Sea of Japan”.
for passing ships. Some of the beautiful wooden buildings that served
T he cl i m at e r e se mble s t h at of t he
as warehouses or living quarters for the merchants of Ushimado back
Mediter ranean, creating the perfect
in the Edo period have now become trendy cafés offering the perfect
conditions for olive growing. Ushimado
opportunity to take a break from your tour.
Olive Garden, located on top of a hill,
Access: From Okayama Station, take a
boasts breathtaking views of the idyllic
25-minute train ride on the JR Ako line to Oku Station and then a 20 min bus
landscape from its observatory, while a
ride to Ushimado bus stop.
wide variety of olive based cosmetics are for sale in the souvenir shop.
Touring the islands of Ushimado from The Hotel Limani & Spa Ushimado’s idyllic landscape can also be enjoyed from the water. Visitors can rent a yacht and explore the area at their own pace, or head over to The Hotel Limani & Spa. From there, both guests of the hotel and general tourists can make use of the speedboat service that takes passengers from Ushimado to Kuroshima, an uninhabited island famous for its Venus Road, a stretch of sand that appears on low tide connecting Kuroshima Island, Nakanokojima Island and the nearby Hatanokojima Island. The Venus road and a heart-shaped rock found on the island give it a romantic atmosphere, making it popular among couples.
The Hotel Limani & Spa itself is a great option for spending a few days, featuring a Greek-inspired architecture of white and blue elements and an elegant colonnade adorning the pool. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the sun setting behind the many little islands of the Seto Inland Sea and indulge in authentic Greek cuisine. Thanks to the hotel’s mostly foreign-born staff, the language barrier is not a problem for visitors who don’t speak Japanese.
The Hotel Limani & Spa Address: Okayama, Setouchi, Uchimadocho, Ushimado 3900 URL: http://www.limani.jp/ WAttention Los Angeles
Information: http://www.city.setouchi.lg.jp/journey/ (in Japanese)
http://www.i-setouchi.org/ (in Japanese)
https://www.okayama-japan.jp/en/
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芸
Winter Activities Winter Wonderland Welcome! Renowned for its seemingly endless snowy winters, Tohoku offers an expansive variety of cold-weather activities ranging from exciting snow sports to relaxing hot springs and fine sake tasting tours, along with other expeditions that cater to a broad range of interests. Follow us as we take you through a list of must-dos in the winter wonderland that is Tohoku!
Yukimi Onsen For many, taking a dip in an onsen (hot spring) surrounded by snow-capped mountains while watching snow fall gently is a tranquil experience bordering on the heavenly. This is called yukimi onsen, meaning enjoying snow views while soaking in an open-air hot spring. In Japan, it is common for people to do this in order to relax their bodies and minds, and to socialize with family and friends. Although stripping down naked in front of total strangers might sound daunting for some first-time visitors, the tradition (hadaka-notsukiai) goes back centuries; it is thought to break down boundaries between individuals, thus allowing relaxed, peaceful conversation. Matsukawa Onsen Matsukawa is a charming, secluded hot spring town tucked neatly inside Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Established in the Edo Period, the water has a light, milky appearance because of its high sulfur content and is said to boost blood circulation, thus helping to heal many ailments. There are a couple of ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) where guests can enjoy oldstyle open-air baths with scenic views for free. Visiting is a soothing and unforgettable way to experience the traditional appeal of rural Japanese culture. Access: 90 minutes from Tohoku Shinkansen Morioka Station by bus
Sukayu Onsen
Nyuto Onsen Akita Prefecture’s Nyuto Onsen is one of the most unvisited in Japan due to its remote location. Surrounded by lovely beech forests and an abundance of seasonal scenery, it is blessed with a mineral-rich spring that has been helping to heal the ailments of locals for more than 350 years. There are seven traditional inns that offer outdoor baths with views of unparalleled beauty, especially in the winter when piles of snow blanket the mountains surrounding the isolated area. If you are in the market to experience the true peace and quiet of rural Japan, this is a blue-chip choice!
Sukayu Onsen, famous for its giant mixed-gender bath, is located on a 925-meter high plateau on Aomori Prefecture’s Mt. Hakkoda. Every winter, visitors from Japan and abroad come seeking moments of supremely blissful relaxation and reflection at this picturesque hot spring hideaway. The main bath, sen-nin-buro, received its name from its massive size and features an old, large cypress cabin with a timeless atmosphere. If you are looking for a genuine, traditional Japanese public bathing experience, this is the perfect spot! Access: 70 minutes from JR Aomori Station by bus
Access: 45 minutes from JR Tazawako Station by bus
Recommended Yukimi Onsen
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▪ Tsuta Onsen: Towada-shi, Aomori One of the most popular hidden onsens in Japan. Feel the spring water well up from the bottom of the bathtub. ▪ Zao Onsen: Yamagata-shi, Yamagata Discovered more than 1,900 years ago, the onsen is located in one of the most famous mountain resorts. ▪ Naruko Onsen: Osaki-shi, Miyagi Naruko Onsen consists of five areas: Naruko, Higashi Naruko, Kawatabi, Nakayamadaira and Onikobe. With more than 370 hot spring sources available, visitors can fully enjoy the experience of traditional Japanese bathing.
in Tohoku Snow Activities
Gliding over or schussing through high-quality powder is the ultimate delight for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Tohoku, just a few hours away from Tokyo by shinkansen (bullet train), is the perfect destination for those who ache to spend some serene or invigorating time hitting the slopes. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, there are myriad other tantalizing activities on offer to meet every particular fancy. Zao Onsen Ski Resort (Yamagata) At Zao Onsen Ski Resort, you can enjoy magnificent views of windblown juhyo (fir trees) heavily coated with thick, sparkling snow. These legendary “snow monsters” are often grotesquely shaped due to the extreme velocity of the northwest winter Siberian monsoon cutting through. January and February are the best times to see for yourself the weirdest and wildest—even scariest!—of snowscapes in all of Japan. Access: 40 minutes from Yamagata Shinkansen Yamagata Station by bus
Appi Kogen Ski Resort (Iwate) Iwate Prefecture is proud home to several popular winter destinations, including the ever-so-famous Appi Kogen Ski Resort, one of the largest in Japan with 20-odd trails and a total length of 45.1 km. A vacation here, however, is not as exclusive to skiers and snowboarders as one might assume: Appi Family Park, for example, offers gentle slopes for sledding and tubing—as well as a snowman-making area open to “Frosty builders” of all ages! Access: 50 minutes from Tohoku Shinkansen Morioka Station by JR Hanawa line or bus
Snowmobile Night Cruise (Zao Onsen Resort, Yamagata)
Ura-Bandai (Fukushima) Skiers, snowboarders and sightseers never get enough of the silky, microfine snow at Ura-Bandai Kogen. Aside from thrilling, well-groomed trails designed to satisfy anyone from “bunny trail” novice to “black diamond” expert, there are also scenic backcountry fields for fans of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The views from the slopes are absolutely breathtaking—like scenes lifted straight off the canvas of a classic landscape painting!
See ghostly trees illuminated in magnificent colors every night during the peak winter season. The stark contrast of brilliant white, mystical black and rainbow hues creates a fantasy world you will not want to miss. Hop on the resort’s snowmobile, which is equipped with heating, and experience this amazing spectacle—at minus-10 degrees Celsius sometimes!
Acces: Urabandai Kogen: 30 minutes from JR Banetsusai Line Inawashiro Station by bus
Recommended Ski Resorts
▪ Onikobe Ski Resort : 40 minutes from Naruko Onsen (Miyagi) by city bus Located in Naruko onsen village, the ski resort has eight slopes for different levels and a snow park for kids. ▪ Nekoma Ski Resort: 2 hours from Tohoku Shinkansen Koriyama Station by free shuttle (available during ski season,reservation required). The ski resort attracts a great number of skiers with its fine powder snow and a beautiful view of Mount Bandai’s lakes and marshes.
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Tohoku Cuisine A Cultural and Traditional Feast
What better way to warm the body and soul on freezing cold days than with delicious “comfort food”? The long, harsh winters in Tohoku have given rise to some nourishing, hearty recipes that are a direct reflection of the culture’s traditional local sensibility. Consistent food supply insecurity in the area resulted in a long history of food preservation by drying, curing and other forms of practical preparation. Here is a selection of Tohoku specialties that will tickle your taste buds while also filling your belly.
Scrumptious Winter: Iburigakko & Kiritanpo Hot Pot, Akita Prefecture Kiritanpo, mashed, steamed rice in the shape of a cylinder, is a specialty that is welded strongly on the identity of Akita Prefecture. In the past, kiritanpo was an easy-to-carry preserved food used primarily by hunters. Today, however, the delicacy is cut into bitesized pieces and served in a hot pot with chicken and a variety of vegetables.
Iburigakko, smoked radish, is one of the most famous pickled vegetables in Tohoku. Smoked with cherry blossom wood then preserved with salt and malted rice, the appetizer gives off a fabulous aroma and goes perfectly with any variety of sake.
Grilling kiritanpo over an open hearth.
Maitake Mushroom Hinai free range chicken
Shaved Burdock
Heart Warming, Soul Lifting: Imoni and Konnyaku, Yamagata Prefecture Imo, traditionally a staple food in Tohoku, is dense in nutrients and an ideal source of carbohydrates. The root vegetable is often cooked with meat and served in a thick soup for visitors, family and friends. In autumn, locals often gather near a river and enjoy imoni together, a tradition called imonikai. Konnyaku has been known as a “miracle food” in Japan since about 1,200 years ago. The jelly-like substance is said to have many significant benefits, such as detoxification and beauty enhancement, and is loved by all generations. In Yamagata, people like to have their konnyaku in a round shape and skewered on a bamboo stick. The savory snack is an essential part of festive activities in Yamagata.
Photos Photosprovided providedby byMiyagi MiyagiPrefecture PrefectureTourism TourismDivision Division
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Salmon Harvest: Delicacies Abound, Niigata Prefecture Murakami, dubbed “the Salmon City,” has a long history of catching and processing salmon. Over the centuries, the area has accumulated hundreds of homemade recipes that range from fermented, salted and sake-marinated salmon to salmon simmered in miso broth. When preparing fish, the locals make sure nothing is wasted: heads, bones and entrails are used either as main ingredients for stock or grilled to the perfect texture. During New Year’s season, many households hang rows of salmon upside down from the ceiling to dry; it’s a truly unique spectacle well worth seeing! Scallion
Mitsuseki Seri (Japanese parsley)
“Hizu Namasu” pickled salmon head with radish and salmon roe “Shake no Sakebitashi” sake-marinated salmon Kiritanpo
Konnyaku Noodles
Looks Great, Tastes Even Better: Kozuyu Soup, Fukushima Prefecture Originally developed for the samurai class, kozuyu later spread among the common people and has become a must for festivals, celebrations and momentous occasions in Aizu. In the past, fresh seafood was hard to come by in the landlocked region, so dried scallops and bonito were used to add flavor to the soup, which contains taro potatoes, carrots, shiitake mushrooms and tiny balls of wheat gluten called mamefu mamefu.
Freshest of the Fresh: Seafood from the Sanriku Coast
Ippachizushi Address: 1-10-11 Shinmachi Aomori-shi Aomori Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon. to Sat.), 11:30am to 9pm (Sun. & Holidays)
Sanriku refers to the three northeastern prefectures facing the Pacific Ocean: Aomori, Miyagi and Iwate. The Sanriku Coast is a bountiful fishing ground, supplying huge amounts of fresh, quality fish throughout the country for hundreds of years. In autumn and winter, fish and other sea creatures gorge themselves in preparation for the long cold season, enriching their flavor. As an example, Iwate’s donko hot pot
Make your own “Nokke-don (a rice bowl with toppings)” by adding the freshest seafood at Furukawa Fish Market
features locally caught white-spotted greenling that release an intense, robust flavor of the sea. Miyagi and Aomori also are known for juicy seafood dishes bursting with remarkable flavor and served with exceptional creativity. Every city located along the coast has a fish market or two, so take a chance to taste the freshest of the local specialties on the spot - or bring home some fantastic seafood as souvenirs!
Aomori: Tuna butchering demonstration at Oma Town Tuna Festival
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