In the past, Kansai flourished as a "center of culinary" because of its background and history as the capital of Nara and Kyoto, attracting diverse food ingredients from all over the country.
Kansai is still characterized by a diverse food culture rooted in the local climate, such as dashi (soup broth), Japanese food, fermented foods, and sake brewing, which have been handed down from generation to generation.
Dining at a table while experiencing the "Winds of Gastronomy" of the region's climate, customs, atmosphere, scenery, and character is the real pleasure of a Terroir journey.
We would like to introduce three special courses based on the concept of encounters with chefs who know the region well as well as the path of history.
Fukui
Kyoto
Shiga
Since the Asuka and Nara Periods, some 1,400 years ago, the area has been offering foodstuffs rich in regional color to the Imperial Court (the Emperor) in Kyoto, and is called "Miketsukuni (lands of royal provisions)".
The trip began in Obama City in the Wakasa region of Fukui Prefecture, one of these "Miketsukuni", which provided Kyoto with a variety of marine products.
Hyogo
Tokushima
The most popular sake rice used to make sake is Yamada-Nishiki, which is known for its mild taste.Production of Yamada-Nishiki is spreading throughout Japan, but Miki City in Hyogo Prefecture produces the largest amount in Japan and has a reputation for high quality, with some areas being designated as special A-class areas.
Nara
Wakayama
Since ancient times, the Japanese have benefited from fermented foods by incorporating them into their daily lives.The Kii Peninsula, the largest peninsula in Japan, is still strongly influenced by this custom, and offers a variety of gastronomic experiences unique to the region.
Kansai, the region that has been weaving the threads of its history since ancient times.In the Kansai region, where various cultures have bloomed, there are festivals and dances that have been passed down for a long time.
Let’s begin a new journey to discover the origins of festivals and dances in Kansai.
The cultural roots of Japanese food, tea ceremony, traditional arts, crafts, zen and other countless sensibilities can be traced to the Kansai region and the remarkable people who still uphold its customs. These Exclusive Expeditions will take you into the heart of Kansai to meet with Japan’s living treasures.