A Culinary Adventure: Awaji Island's Super Local-Individual Food Tour
As part of our monthly cultural exchange events in our small town on the tiny island of Awaji, I decided to switch things up this time and focus on sharing a dining experience. After all, some friends from America and Singapore were making their second visit to my island, and you can bet I was thrilled!
I absolutely love connecting people and involving them in local activities while they travel. There's something amazing about doing something meaningful for both yourself and the local community during your travels. It forges a strong connection with the locals, and friendships tend to last longer than just those fleeting travel moments. The return of these two friends is proof that there's real meaning in continuing these events!
This time around, we explored a local vegetable shop, had Japanese friends teach us the art of making Japanese tsukemono, hosted a Japanese cooking workshop, and wrapped up the day with a small party in a traditional Japanese house called Hook Awajishima.
About Awaji Island: Nestled in the Seto Inland Sea, Awaji Island is a haven of culture and tranquility in Hyogo, Japan. Though recently emerging as an attractive tourist destination within Japan, it stands in contrast to the nearby big city of Kobe. Life here in the countryside unfolds at a relaxed pace, with tight-knit communities preserving rich traditions. The main industries, such as agriculture and tourism, seamlessly blend, offering visitors a taste of the island's warm hospitality. The culinary scene is a treat, featuring renowned Awaji onions, fresh seafood, and delectable Awaji beef. Fun fact: I used to avoid onions like the plague until I moved to Awaji. Also, I adore how conversations flow naturally when I visit local places like shrines, buses, or restaurants.
Our Day Unfolds:
1:30 PM: We kicked off the day at S BRICK, a former spinning factory now turned into an art museum. We attended a playful party event where an indigo dye artist painted funny patterns on our faces using traditional Japanese indigo dyeing methods. No need to wait until Halloween for some creative face paint!
3:00 PM: Our next stop was the local market, Michi no Eki, to gather ingredients for our workshop and dinner. I love this kind of shop because you never know what treasures you might find. It changes every day or season, depending on the local harvests. I even stumbled upon rare vegetables, popular in my home country Vietnam but not in Japan and never found in a regular supermarket. And the best part? They were so cheap! Unfortunately, the staff told us that January isn't the season for yuzu, a citrus fruit often added to Japanese dishes as an accent. A bummer, but at least we now know where to find out what's in season.
4:00 PM: With all our supplies in tow, we headed to Hook Awajishima, a traditional Japanese house. Guided by the Japanese owners, we learned how to use kombu seaweed, one of Japan's main sources of umami, and yuzu – a highlight of our dish, tsukemono. Yes, we nailed it! And to top it off, we had a fantastic dinner with other local Japanese and foreigners in this chilled-out place. What could be more fantastic?
What's incredible about Hook is that the house was built over 100 years ago and was reformed last year in 2023 by a young couple who moved from Osaka to settle down on the island. They envisioned it as a gathering place for people, both from inside and outside of Awaji. They started their project by organizing an exhibition in the house before it was reformed. Then came events, workshops, and even demolishing parts of the house to make chairs from the removed wood, and painting the walls. Though the reformation isn't complete yet, it's already something special. We were over the moon that we could finally organize our event here.
Highlights of Our Activities:
Culinary Delights: Cooking traditional Japanese dishes with locals and mastering ingredients like kombu seaweed and yuzu.
Arts and Crafts: Indigo dyeing on our faces – a quirky yet delightful experience.
Local Insights: Learning about Awaji's history and culture at S BRICK and a beautifully restored traditional house.
Historical Immersion: Learning about Awaji's history and culture at S BRICK and a beautifully restored traditional house.
True Connections: "We are finally really connected with the local friends!" said my friends.
Late dinners and laughter aside, I think the success of this event lies in the connections formed. Cooking, sharing, and exploring Awaji together have planted the seeds for future collaborations. Who knows what exciting ideas will sprout next? Stay tuned, and maybe, one day, it's your turn to join our unforgettable Awaji adventure! 🍲🎨
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