ONSEN Gastronomy Walking in Nagato & Tawarayama

Satisfy your heart and stomach! Gastronomy Walking!

Recently, "ONSEN Gastronomy Walking in Nagato Tawarayama" was held at Tawarayama Onsen, a famous hot spring deep in the mountains! Gastronomy, translated into Japanese as "gastronomy," is the study of local cuisine and culture. This year's event was an opportunity to enjoy hot springs, nature, culture, and cuisine while walking!

First of all, when you register, you will receive a bamboo cup!
With this, you can drink the drinks available at each location.
Attach it to your backpack.

And before the start, we first took a commemorative photo with the drone!
The ANA drone team was there.

Soon you will be walking along the main road, Tawarayama Onsen Street!
Retro inns stand side by side.

Cross a narrow bridge.

A five-minute walk takes you to the first point, the source of the Tawarayama hot spring!
We were shown a valuable source of spring water, which is usually locked and cannot be seen.

The source has a slightly bluish tinge!

Red tile, Ishizhu-tile private houses came into view!
Ishu tiles have long been used in this area, and the red-tiled houses weave a very beautiful scenery in the green nature.
In the meantime, we reached the second checkpoint!

This was a farmer who grows rice for the famous sake Otters.
While listening to the story of a handsome hunter, you will enjoy "otters" with the famous "Senzaki fish cake" as a snack.

In bamboo cups, of course!

We will also walk along a path through the rice fields. The air is pleasant!
The rice fields and mountains stretching far out heal you.

Well, this time we arrived at another red-tiled house.

Just like in the world in Totoro, vegetables and fruits are freshly picked in the field in front of you!
A whole cucumber is served in its natural state.
I am impressed by the natural sweetness of the cucumbers, tomatoes and watermelons.

The farmer tells us a lot about the land and the vegetables!
The warm welcome, as if you were at a relative's house, will warm your heart.

At the midpoint of the course, we reached a mountain road.
We are climbing up a steep slope. A cute little scarecrow is cheering us on along the way.

It is a good season with beautiful greenery and flowers.
You can't help but stop and admire them.

Finally, we arrived at the summit!

Rice balls made with rice from Tawarayama were served!
I can't get over the presentation of wrapping them in bamboo bark, just like in an old tale.
Bamboo cups and bamboo skin lunch boxes! It's like stepping back in time!

The brother of the manly hunter, who was ahead of us, welcomed us back.
Demonstration of the mountain lion! Yoo-hoo!" he shouted in a nice voice.
Unfortunately, the wild boar did not return that day.
They say that some days, depending on the weather and other conditions, they do return!

Down the mountain, appetizers and soup awaited us this time!
To our surprise, the sake "Toyo Bijin" was served, which is said to have been drunk by President Putin, who came to Nagato City during the Japan-Russia summit meeting.

Gozas were also prepared for rest stops along the way.
Thanks to your attention to detail, I can walk hard.

The famous Tawarayama "Sanzaru Manju" (three monkey buns) were also brought in!
It's catering with a light truck.

There are many photogenic points in the rice paddies and among the bamboos!

The main dishes you have been waiting for include Nagato's specialty "Nagato Yakitori", "Sazae", "Ayu fish", and even a chestnut bento box!
We were seated in a nice restaurant-style setting in the woods.

Plus, shaved ice for dessert!
This is also made with Nagato Yuzukichi syrup from Tawarayama and topped with ripe blueberries.
It was an outdoor restaurant packed with Tawarayama products!

Finally, the last point! Crossing the river where Chiyo Falls flows.
The sound of the river was a cool place.

And with hearts and stomachs full, we are at the finish line!

This year's event was attended by 132 people, and everyone had a great time!
This event was a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy the best of Tawarayama.
This "ONSEN Gastronomy Walking" is also held in other parts of the country!
We encourage you to participate in future events.
Also, why not come to Tawarayama Onsen in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, to play and be healed.

▽Summer in Nagato is far from over!

▽The journey of Nagato begins here...

▽ Swim in the cobalt blue sea!