“3 countryside tours to explore the food and culture in Nara, Kagawa and Mie” by TimeOut Uncover three Japanese gastronomy hotspots in this article.

Aitoen

Aitoen” is a farm that has won awards in a number of competitions, including the “World Famous Tea Award”. Why not enjoy the relaxing hospitality while listening to the stories of the owner and his wife on the veranda of the old folk house “Kotori” or on the terrace of the deck overlooking the Oi River?

Tsuchiya Farm Sky Terrace

This tea farm is located in the Orokubo district, which is 600 meters above sea level and is one of the highest areas in the town of Kawanehon, and is the highest certified producer of the Chagusaba farming method, a World Agricultural Heritage Site. The tea fields on the steep slopes are truly tea gardens in the sky, with views of the magnificent nature. On the open-air terrace overlooking the tea fields and surrounded by the sky and the mountains, you can relax and enjoy the delicious Kawane tea while listening to the sounds of nature.

KADODE OOIGAWA

A hands-on food park to showcase the “Green Tea, Farming and Tourism in the Oigawa Basin. Tea Marche, a unique green tea experience and menu with tea; Vegetable Marche, a fresh produce experience; Da Monde, a buffet restaurant to enjoy local produce with a view of steam engines and retro trains; Tea and…, a café to enjoy fruit in a casual way; a children’s park called “Chamekke”. We have a cafe where you can enjoy fruit in a casual atmosphere, a children’s park called “Chamekke” where families with children can enjoy leisurely fun, and a TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER called “Ooi Navi” that introduces sightseeing spots in the Oigawa Basin. This is a facility where you can enjoy eating, drinking, shopping, and experiencing to the fullest.

Okuōikojō Station

Okuoikojo Station is located on a peninsula-like area on the left bank of Lake Sekke, formed by the construction of the Nagashima Dam. The two sides of the peninsula are separated by the Rainbow Bridge, which was built on the Igawa line, giving the station a mystical appearance as if it were floating on the lake.

Yoichi Wagyu

Yoichi Wagyu is trademarked, A5 Wagyu beef made in Ohtawara, Tochigi. Touted as the “Home of great Wagyu Beef, Ohtawara’s wagyu beef is of the highest quality and full of umami.

Oteiyama Ryokuchi Park

The stunning greenery of Tochigi Yamizo wood and the rice paddies around Nasunogahara can be seen from the summit of Mt. Otei (Elevation: 512.9 meters). Also, on sunny days, you can see Mt. Tsukuba and Mt. Fuji.

Daioji Temple Zazen Meditation Experience

Daioji Temple has been recognized as a national valuable cultural resource for almost 600 years and has a cathedral with a thatched roof, which is uncommon in Japan. With a thatched roof cathedral, which is rare in Japan, Daioji Temple has a long history of over 600 years and has been designated as a national important cultural property At the temple, you can experience Zazen, a sitting meditation where you can look within and replenish your mind.

Tentaka Brewery (Brewery Tour & Tastings)

With the perfect climate for sake-making, soil, and subterranean water, Otawara’s sake has won several awards at international competitions. At Tentaka Sake Brewery, you can tour the brewery and enjoy samplings.

Enjoy seasonal shellfish! [Todai Dyaya]

Todai Dyaya is a tourist attraction on Cape Irago, at the point of the Atsumi Peninsula. Freshly gathered shellfish are lined up in the aquarium at the storefront, and you can taste live, seasonal shellfish such as Atsumi Peninsula’s famous gigantic clams and rock oysters. Seafood set lunches and seafood bowls cooked with seasonal local fish are also available.