Narai-Nakasendo-Walk-Japan-Tour

Snacking on the Nakasendo

The Nakasendo (literally “The Way through the Mountains”) is an ancient highway that linked the cities of Kyoto and Tokyo. Dating back to the 7th century, the route was used at its peak during the Edo Period (1600-1868), as one of the Five Highways (“Gokaido”) designated by the Tokugawa shogunate. The advent of modernization in Japan starting with the Meiji…
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Kyoto Restaurant ‘Hatakaku’ – Botan Nabe (Wild Boar Hotpot)

Botan Nabe, or wild boar nabe ‘hotpot’, is a dish commonly found in cold, rural, mountainous regions of Japan today. It may surprise you to learn, however, that it was in fact invented in Kyoto by the founder of Hatakaku, a restaurant founded nearly 100 years ago, located just north of the Imperial Palace. I have been meaning to introduce…
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Wagashi: Kamishichiken Oimatsu Bitter Citrus Summer Jelly

Natsumikan is a bitter Japanese citrus fruit in season during the summer months. Several wagashi confection stores in Kyoto are quite famous for their chilled natsumikan jellies, in which the jelly is usually inside the hollowed out whole natsumikan fruit peel. They are a bit expensive but are quite a dramatic presentation so are often given as gifts. Natsumikan (lit.…
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Setsubun Wagashi: Oni-ni-Kanabo from Kyoto Confectionery Sentaro

At Setsubun, people in Japan are thinking eho-maki sushi rolls, grilled sardine and roasted soybeans to prevent misfortune and increase happiness. No one thinks of wagashi. Sentaro, a shinise confectionery in Kyoto, made their own unique and tasty Setsubun demon theme roll, but you don’t get sushi from a confectionery, it’s a wagashi roll! Its quite long and comes wrapped…
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Setsubun Foodie Customs: Kyoto Hisagozushi ‘Onimaki’ Ehomaki

Meet the ‘Demon Roll’ sushi for the day before spring — Kyoto-style. This makizushi is a very original, fascinating and extremely beautiful variation of the eho-maki (lucky direction roll) makizushi that is eaten by custom in Japan on Setsubun, February 3rd, the day before spring begins. Setsubun has some wonderful customs and they all seem to be food related. Two…
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