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- 7th ONSEN Gastronomy Walking in Nagato and Tawarayama Onsen
7th ONSEN Gastronomy Walking in Nagato and Tawarayama Onsen
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Last updated:
Nov 22, 2021
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About the writer:
Nagato Tourism Convention Association
Gather at Tawarayama Onsen where the air is clear.
On Saturday, November 13, the 7th ONSEN Gastronomy Walking in Nagato Tawarayama Onsen was held in the Tawarayama Onsen district of Nagato City.
The morning of the day was cold, with temperatures below 10°C. Participants, well-protected against the cold, arrived at Tawarayama Onsen one after another. While implementing infection control measures, the reception desk was open for registration.
After the registration, each participant will do preparatory exercises, check the course, and take a commemorative photo.
There were approximately 100 participants in this event. They were divided into five groups to avoid density and started at different times.
The day was very cloudy, and blue skies finally opened up at the start of the second group.
It all starts with the famous "Tawarayama Gastro Plate".
The first gastropoint, Onsenkaku, is reached while passing through the old-fashioned Tawarayama hot spring resort area.
We had just started, so "Gastropoint already?" but as we entered the building, we were amazed.
We enjoyed the famous "Tawarayama Gastro Plate" in a very luxurious setting with magnificent autumn leaves spread out before us.
list of articles (e.g. in a magazine)
- crushed sesame seeds boiled in water and chilled like tofu
- smoked deer
- lotus root deep-fried tofu
- dessert
- wild tea
- local sake
Aiming for a gem of a dish while feeling the autumn breeze.
After enjoying the specialties, go to the Kawachiiyu souce of spring, the only naturally gushing hot spring in Tawarayama Onsen that can be visited.
This source of spring water is utilized in the day spa " Hakusaru no Yu" (White Monkey's Hot Spring).
Benefits of Tawarayama Onsen
For more information, please see " The "Onsen Power" of Tawarayama Onsen, the Yokozuna of the West, is its "Reducing Power" and "Hydrogen Power".
The participants smiled as they listened to the explanation of the benefits of Tawarayama Onsen and looked forward to the hot springs even more after reaching the goal.
Leaving the hot spring resort area, we proceeded through the peaceful satoyama, feeling the slightly chilly autumn breeze.
The streamers marking the gastro-course and the smoke billowing out of them are now in view.
You have arrived at the second gastro point, the "Fukuoji" mountain cafe.
Since the course map said "the day's delicacies to look forward to", the guests were looking forward to what they would be able to eat.
One of them was the "baked sweet potato," which was served freshly prepared in turn, and the participants happily enjoyed the baked sweet potato.
list of articles (e.g. in a magazine)
- Punica granatum
- kaki
- baked sweet potato
- eddo
- pickles
- wild tea
- local sake
Harvesting, mountain roads, yuzukichi juice, and
After leaving the Fuku Prince's Mountain Cafe, the next thing prepared for us was the "Yuzukichi Migi Experience" to harvest Nagato Yuzukichi, an original citrus fruit of Yamaguchi Prefecture.
The skin color of "Nagato Yuzukichi" changes from green to yellow from fall to early winter.
Participants asked the staff, "Which one should I harvest?" and "Let's compare them," and harvested different yuzukichi, enjoying the "yuzukichi harvesting experience" in their own way.
Incidentally, the staff explained that it is green with sourness if used for cooking, and yellow with sweetness if used for drinks and desserts.
After getting their souvenirs, participants went to the 1.5 km mountain trail area. Some of them started using trekking poles.
Yuzukichi Juice" was waiting for us at the water point we reached. It quenched my dry throat.
Feel "Autumn in Tawarayama" with all five senses
Just before noon, the clouds that had covered the sky gradually cleared, and the ribbons that mark the course were swimming pleasantly.
The tour continues onward and upward through the autumnal landscape of Tawarayama, with its colorful mountains, magnificent persimmon trees, and silver grass swaying in the wind.
The third gastropoint we reached was Sainenji Temple, which is famous for its autumn foliage.
Up until a week ago, we were worried about how far the foliage would progress, but as if in time for the day of the event, the leaves were at their best.
Inside, there is a gradation with blue leaves, creating a special space that can only be seen at this time of year.
At this point, the "yoga experience," which has become a regular event at Gastro in Tawarayama Onsen, was held at the main hall of Sainenji Temple.
After resetting the body through slow breathing and movement, it is time for the long awaited "food".
Participants' eyes light up when they see the "shishi-jiru" made in a big pot and the "yakitori and deer sausage" grilled over a charcoal fire.
Surrounded by autumn leaves, we spent a relaxing time listening to the sound of fallen leaves rustling and rolling.
list of articles (e.g. in a magazine)
- rice boiled with chestnuts
- boar meat soup
- yakitori
- deer sausage
- wild tea
- local sake
Lively gastropoints appear!
After enjoying both food and foliage viewing to their heart's content, participants leave "Sainen-ji Temple" without any regrets.
Following the road on Prefectural Route 34, the splendid large ginkgo tree of " Nouman-ji Temple " appeared, and as we continued on, we heard lively sounds in the distance.
At the fourth gastropoint, the Township Community Center, we were greeted by a row of drums. The sound was that of drums.
The taiko team members who gathered for the event were members of the Yamaguchi African Taiko Team "Wasawasa," Petit Sekou Keita, a professional jembe player from Guinea, and Yu Iwata, a Nagato City Community Development Cooperation Volunteer.
A small musical concert was created by the sound of taiko drums, shouts, and hand clapping from the participants. The dish served together was "Tawarayama Oden," a specialty of the satoyama.
Both performers and participants enjoyed the collaboration of food and music while riding the rhythm.
list of articles (e.g. in a magazine)
- Tawarayama Oden
- wild tea
- local sake
Walking time healed by the scenery
After leaving the fourth gastro point, we arrived at the water point, where the participants were all saying "I'm full.
After a short rest, we set out again for the last gastro point.
As the sun began to set, the shadows lengthened, and the 1.5-kilometer flat walk was a relaxing, gentle landscape of Tawarayama.
The last gastropoint was the Towaburi River Park parking lot. The participants, who had been looking forward to walking through the Tawarayama dessert, were walking a little faster as they approached the point.
The items on the table were "Kurogoma Mochi" (black sesame rice cake) and "Nashi" (pear), both covered with a generous amount of kinako (soybean flour).
The "Kurogoma Mochi" was a dessert that many had never tasted before, and many people asked what it was.
One bite and the exquisite sweetness of the sweets was a delight to the taste buds.
list of articles (e.g. in a magazine)
- black sesame mochi
- apple pear
- citrus juice
Enjoy autumn in Tawarayama, completing a 9 km walk.
After enjoying the Tawarayama dessert, all that remains is to reach the finish line, reflecting on the day and the final leg of the walk.
Upon arrival at the goal, a large banner was raised, and the staff gave a warm round of applause and said, "Good job!
A commemorative photo at the finish line is also perfect.
After reaching the goal, participants will receive a "hot spring bathing ticket," an important part of this event, and "Sanen manju," a typical Tawarayama souvenir, as well as "onsen-no-moto," which allows participants to enjoy Tawarayama Onsen at home.
Near the finish line, vegetables, pickles, and other products produced in Tawarayama will be on sale, making this a fun-filled event from start to finish.
Let's hope next time.
This year again, visitors enjoyed "Meguru," "TABERU," and "TSUKARU," as the Gastro banner says, while feeling the autumn in Tawarayama.
At every gastropoint, participants and local residents interacted with each other, and greetings of "Good evening" and "Thank you" were exchanged upon arrival, and "Itterasai" and "Ittekimasu" were exchanged upon departure.
With an increasing number of repeat visitors, in some places we saw people reuniting for the first time in a year.
The food, scenery, hot springs, and of course, the "people" shine the brightest at this event.
I hope that next time we can take off our masks and smile at each other and enjoy the "ONSEN Gastronomy Walking in Nagato/Tawarayama Onsen".
