Tohoku Storm Chaser Food!
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At Japan Ski Tours, we think that skiing is about more than just skiing--especially when you're in a country famous for its culinary delights. As a company operated by guides who have years of experience living in Japan, we're excited to guide you to the best possible food in the evenings.
Some details on the food you'll experience on this trip:
Food philosophy We specialize in providing a local culinary experience that meets a variety of price points. We operate under the belief that well-known restaurants and chefs are easy to find and experience, while a true local experience is what is difficult and sought after. As guides to these areas with years of experience, we've talked to locals and found some great gems that we've gotten great feedback on. If you're looking for a high-end "resorty" culinary experience (such as Michelin-starred restaurants or food by famous chefs) just find where to go by asking the internet! If you want the local goods, come with us :). Also note that sometimes we have to deviate from our planned meals due to restaurant days off, unforeseen events, etc., so bear in mind that flexibility might be required. |
Day 1-4: Hachimantai Mountain Hotel buffet dinner
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No stay at the Hachimantai Mountain Hotel is complete without trying out their incredible hotel buffet.
The Mountain Hotel prides themselves in the quality and authenticity of their cuisine and it does not disappoint. Dinner includes at least a few familiar western cuisine options, but the focus is on an abundant choice of healthy Japanese foods including sashimi (raw fish), rice-based dishes, tempura, mountain vegetables, buckwheat and local noodle specialties, various assortments of miso soups and thin-sliced roast beef, just to name a few. As a hotel buffet, this meal can accommodate a variety of dietary needs. Price: Included in your trip price! Drinks not included. |
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Day 1-4: Yakitori (aka "Japanese chicken skewers")
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During the first 4 days based out of Hachimantai, we'll take the group our to a great local Yakitori joint. Yakitori is grilled chicken skewers made from bite sized pieces of meat from all different parts of the chicken, such as the breasts, thighs, skin, liver and other bits. Cooked to perfection over charcoal, yakitori is a popular, casual cuisine in Japan and is a must-have during your trip!
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Day 1-4: Yakiniku (aka Japanese BBQ)
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During the first 4 days based out of Hachimantai, we'll take the group to Yakiniku. Yakiniku literally means "grilled meat" and is a skier’s hardy meal dream come true. High quality raw meats are cooked as a community effort at charcoal grills embedded in the table. A huge variety of high-quality beef and pork cuts are available on the menu and are grilled by you and your comrades to perfection. Sides include veggies, bibimbap (Korean-style rice-based goodness), rice and salad.
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Day 5-7: Sushi!
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The seaport town of Aomori is famous even among Japanese for the quality of its sushi and is known especially for its locally sourced scallops. Join us at (arguably) the most delicious sushi experience in town and eat a great meal with various cuts of very fresh tuna, delicious salmon and pretty much any other living and edible thing you can grab from the nearby Sea of Japan.
Our sushi restaurant of choice is located within walking distance of our hotel, is small and family-owned. Exactly what is served depends on what has come in fresh from the ocean, but staples are scallops, tuna and salmon. Stats:
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Aomori Day 5-7: Traditional Aomori Izakaya with musical performance
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This dinner and musical performance has been said to capture the essence of the Tohoku spirit. With all our seats facing the center of the restaurant, we will be served sake, various local delicacies including sashimi, pickled vegetables, grilled fish etc. As we partake in our meal we’ll enjoy an outstanding performance of Tsugaru Shamisen, the regionally famous Japanese instrument. The experience can’t fully be encapsulated in writing and must rather be experienced.
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Aomori Day 5-7: Nebuta Festival Dinner & Show
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Experience the wonders of Aomori Prefecture's Nebuta festival at this dinner and show event. Nebuta is among Japan’s top three festivals and attracts 1 million visitors each year in the summer time, but this restaurant undergoes shows for its patrons by reservation, which of course we have sorted for you! Prepare to eat great food, drink great local sake, and the staff may even get you to put on a wig and get dancy!
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Please Note |
Dietary Restrictions
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PLEASE NOTE: The areas we're going on this trip are so remote and off the tourist track that it's almost impossible to find an authentic restaurant experience that is completely non-smoking. Most of the places we go aren't crowded but there's always a chance that someone sitting in our vicinity might light up a cigarette. Unfortunately, this risk is the price of admission for good food in this region and we ask for your understanding.
By default, we assume that everyone is attending each of our dinner reservations. If you don’t want to join us for certain meals, be sure to let your guide know at least one day in advance so that the restaurant doesn’t prepare a meal for an absent customer. Also note that sometimes we have to deviate from our planned meals because we can't make advanced reservations for everywhere we want to take you, so bear in mind that flexibility might be required. |
At JST we believe that skiing Japan and cultural experiences aren't mutually exclusive--that's why we try as much as possible to give you authentic food options. Unfortunately however, in Japan it's pretty much impossible to have an authentic culinary experience with dietary restrictions such as gluten intolerance and veganism; even pescatarians and vegetarians have a famously difficult time.
If you have dietary restrictions such as those listed above, your guide and selected restaurants will probably not be able to cater to your needs. This can be discussed with the guide but you should be prepared to eat grocery store food for most dinners. |
