Enjoy Iya Valley’s Stone Tofu in Tokushima (Shikoku)
Perfect for tofu lovers! Enjoy feasting on stone tofu (iwadofu) and grinding tea leaves in this fun experience hosted by locals in Tokushima’s remote Iya Valley.
Highlights
Enjoy the rich soy flavor of iwa (stone) tofu, a regional dish of Tokushima Prefecture’s Iya Valley
Grind locally grown tea leaves with a stone mortar and make a fresh cup of tea
Explore a local supermarket stocking regional and common Japanese groceries
Experience Details
Iya Valley in Tokushima Prefecture boasts secluded gorges, historical villages and surprisingly chunky tofu. One of many regional culinary wonders, iwadofu or stone tofu, challenges the established notion that tofu is bland to prove it can be rich, flavorful, and thrilling to eat.
For one, stone tofu is heavy – one block weighs 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) – and has a rich, sweet taste of soybeans. Due to its weight, villagers would bind it with rope to maintain its shape when carrying it through the region's steep mountain roads. Thankfully, it is easier to keep and enjoy this delicious food in modern times — and you can easily do it in this experience!
You'll meet your hosts at Boke Mart, a local supermarket that stocks Iya Valley specialties and daily necessities. Here, all you'll have to do is break up the tofu briskly with your hands, add your favorite condiments, and enjoy it with your group! If you can't finish your meal, you can take home any leftovers. Afterwards, you'll use a stone mortar to grind green tea leaves cultivated in the nearby mountains and enjoy a fresh cup of tea.
Experience flow:
- Meet your hosts at Boke Mart
- Enjoy stone tofu: break up the tofu, add your preferred condiments, and enjoy eating with your group and hosts
- Use a stone mortar to grind tea leaves for a fresh cup of tea
- After the experience, feel free to enjoy more regional foods at Boke Mart at your own expense
Inclusions
Stone tofu and condiments
Tea leaf grinding experience
Exclusions
Transportation fees to and from the meeting point
Additional food and drinks available for purchase in the supermarket
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host in front of the Boke Mart at 7 Nishiiyayamamura Tokuzennishi, Miyoshi, Tokushima Prefecture. More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
This experience is not a cooking class.
If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please specify so at the time of booking.
This experience is recommended for groups of 4 guests or more.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 3 days before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
The gateway to Shikoku Island boasts fantastic festivals, lovely coastline, and some of the most adventurous pockets of the Japanese countryside.
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