{"id":25010,"date":"2019-12-11T14:21:39","date_gmt":"2019-12-11T14:21:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=25010"},"modified":"2020-03-05T10:41:09","modified_gmt":"2020-03-05T10:41:09","slug":"tastes-of-tohoku","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2019\/12\/11\/tastes-of-tohoku\/","title":{"rendered":"Tastes of Tohoku"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25010&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25010\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25010&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25010&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25010%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25010\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F25010\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p>Every month, our\u00a0<em>Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveler<\/em>\u00a0<strong>Top Travel Specialist<\/strong> Amy Tadehara brings us insider knowledge on how to access semi-impenetrable experiences, avoid crowds, and find hidden delights well away from those tourist-worn pathways. This month she\u2019s giving us the run-down on Tohoku&#8217;s delicacies.<!--more--><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tohoku, the northern part of Japan\u2019s main island, has everything Japan is famous for, from cherry blossoms and sake to historical treasures, <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">onsen<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> hot springs and powder-covered mountain slopes. But where the region really excels is in its diverse and delicious regional cuisines, making it the perfect place for a gastronomic tour. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Nokke-don<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> in Aomori<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25056 size-medium-plus-size\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Aomori_Furukawa-Market_Nokkedon-2-510x510.jpg\" alt=\"Aomori Furukawa Market Nokke Don \" width=\"510\" height=\"510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Aomori_Furukawa-Market_Nokkedon-2-510x510.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Aomori_Furukawa-Market_Nokkedon-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Aomori_Furukawa-Market_Nokkedon-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Aomori_Furukawa-Market_Nokkedon-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Aomori_Furukawa-Market_Nokkedon-2-564x564.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Aomori_Furukawa-Market_Nokkedon-2-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Aomori_Furukawa-Market_Nokkedon-2-720x720.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Aomori_Furukawa-Market_Nokkedon-2-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Aomori_Furukawa-Market_Nokkedon-2-780x780.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Aomori_Furukawa-Market_Nokkedon-2.jpg 937w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In Aomori, head to the Furakawa Fish Market to make your own <em>nokke-don<\/em>, a rice bowl topped with fish and sea food. You will need to buy tickets and a bowl of rice, then off you go browsing through the market, topping up with fresh sashimi in exchange for a ticket. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Furukawa Fish Market<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> offers an authentic and fun way to have a meal, and the fish is the freshest I have ever tasted. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If raw\u00a0seafood\u00a0 is\u00a0not up your alley, Aomori is also famous for its apples. Pick your own or simply sample the wide array of apple-flavored goodies \u2013 from apple pies to sparkling apple cider.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While in Aomori, nearby Lake Towada is a must! Unwind on a guided canoe tour of the lake, stroll by crystalline waters and seemingly endless waterfalls along the wooded Oirase Gorge path or immerse yourself in the culture at the Towada Modern Art Museum. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Oysters in Matsushima<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25020 size-medium-plus-size\" title=\"Rock Oysters Matsushima\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rock-Oysters-510x340.jpg\" alt=\"Rock Oysters Matsushima\" width=\"510\" height=\"340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rock-Oysters-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rock-Oysters-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rock-Oysters-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rock-Oysters-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rock-Oysters-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rock-Oysters-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rock-Oysters-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rock-Oysters-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rock-Oysters-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rock-Oysters-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Rock-Oysters.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A short train ride from Sendai, the emerald waters of Matsushima Bay are dotted with over 200 pine-covered islets carved into intriguing shapes by years of wind and water. Enjoy a cup of tea at the Kanrantei Teahouse overlooking the bay and you\u2019ll understand why it\u2019s celebrated as one of Japan\u2019s &#8220;Three Most Scenic Spots&#8221;.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Matsushima is most famous for its oysters, which are at their best between October and March. An oyster hotpot cruise is a great way to see the best of the bay while sampling some of these ocean-fresh delights.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Also noteworthy are the Autumn Illuminations at Entsu-in Temple in early November, the natural beauty of the season is lit up spectacularly by thousands of LED lights, stroll the lantern lit paths around the temple leading to a still pond that reflects the array of lighted trees.<\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Wanko soba<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in Morioka<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25032 size-medium-plus-size\" title=\"wanko soba\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/IMG_6483-510x510.jpeg\" alt=\"wanko soba\" width=\"510\" height=\"510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/IMG_6483-510x510.jpeg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/IMG_6483-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/IMG_6483-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/IMG_6483-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/IMG_6483-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/IMG_6483-564x564.jpeg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/IMG_6483-1200x1200.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/IMG_6483-900x900.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/IMG_6483-720x720.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/IMG_6483-1440x1440.jpeg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/IMG_6483-390x390.jpeg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/IMG_6483-780x780.jpeg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If all-you-can-eat\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">soba<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0noodles sounds enticing, you\u2019ll love Morioka. Head to a\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">wanko soba\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">restaurant and they\u2019ll continue to top you up with steaming noodles\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">until you manage to cover your bowl with a lid \u2014 inspiring many an eating competition! <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Besides noodles, Iwate Prefecture is known for its traditional crafts. Tour Iwachu Casting Works to see the how Nambu cast ironware is made, or visit the Kuji Amber Museum to have a go at making your own amber accessories.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Beef in Yonezawa<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25028 size-medium-plus-size\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/tajima-beef_21895958962_o-510x581.jpg\" alt=\"beef Yonezawa\" width=\"510\" height=\"581\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/tajima-beef_21895958962_o-510x581.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/tajima-beef_21895958962_o-264x300.jpg 264w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/tajima-beef_21895958962_o-495x564.jpg 495w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/tajima-beef_21895958962_o-390x444.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/tajima-beef_21895958962_o.jpg 571w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Along with Kobe and Matsusaka, Yonezawa produces some of the best beef in Japan. Japanese beef is known for its marbled texture, which results from the mineral-rich diet of rice straw that\u2019s fed to the cows. Try Yonezawa beef\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">teppanyaki<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">-style (expertly grilled while you watch),\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">shabu-shabu\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(dipped in a bubbling hotpot),<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0or char-grilled on your own tabletop barbecue.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While you\u2019re in Yamagata Prefecture, I recommend taking a river boat ride down the scenic Mogami River stopping along the way for a hot sake to warm you up. (Note: The Mogami River Boat Ride is for the people on the more adventurous side of life as it is narrated in Japanese only.) Then trek to nearby Yamadera, a mountain temple that extends high into the steep mountainside. Yamadera is perhaps best known for being immortalised by the famous poet Basho in his haiku about the stillness and silence of the area. This hike is not for the faint of heart as it takes over 1000 steps to get to the top &#8211; but the fantastic views alone are worth it! <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kiritanpo<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in Akita<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25034 size-medium-plus-size\" title=\"Kiritanpo Akita\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Webp.net-compress-image-510x383.jpg\" alt=\"Kiritanpo Akita\" width=\"510\" height=\"383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Webp.net-compress-image-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Webp.net-compress-image-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Webp.net-compress-image-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Webp.net-compress-image-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Webp.net-compress-image-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Webp.net-compress-image-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Webp.net-compress-image-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Webp.net-compress-image-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Webp.net-compress-image-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Webp.net-compress-image-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Webp.net-compress-image-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Webp.net-compress-image.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Originally a portable meal for woodcutters and hunters,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kiritanpo<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is made by forming mashed rice into cylinders on cedar skewers and toasting them over an open hearth.\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kiritanpo<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is often glazed with sweet miso or served as dumplings in soup, but I suggest heading to a restaurant where you can grill it yourself at your table.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While in Akita, check out the Nagabashiri Wind Caves (once used as a natural refrigerator for Tsugaru apples) or check out the Isedotai Site, a major archaeological site of Japan built roughly 4000 years ago by the Jomon people, the ancient ancestors of modern Japanese people. While these sites are accessible by local transport, having a rental car would make the experience more enjoyable!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Interested in traveling to Tohoku? Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japan-small-group-tours\/i-ans\/a-northern-soul\/\">Northern Soul Small Group Tour!<\/a><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For the more adventurous, why not try our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-nhs\/northern-highlights\/\">Northern Highlights Self-Guided Adventure<\/a>?<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Or let us tailor your vacation for you!<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><strong>Sign up to our newsletter <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/newsletter\/\">here<\/a> for more tips and inspiration. <\/strong><\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? 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Help us by sharing it! Every month, our\u00a0Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveler\u00a0Top Travel Specialist Amy Tadehara brings us insider knowledge on how to access semi-impenetrable experiences, avoid crowds, and find hidden delights well away from those tourist-worn pathways. This month she\u2019s giving us the run-down on Tohoku&#8217;s delicacies. Like this post? 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