Yamagata Food Experiences(14)

Experience the elegance of a traditional Japanese kaiseki dinner at the luxurious Daiichi Hotel in Tsuruoka. Enjoy the exquisite flavors and a relaxing overnight stay at the hotel, which features a rejuvenating hot spring bath with a view.

Experience the cultural activities and cuisine of beautiful Shonai! During this tour, you’ll visit Kamo Aquarium, enjoy a tasty lunch at a local farmer’s restaurant, and learn how to make e-rosoku candles, a traditional handicraft of the area.

Tsuruoka, recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, has a rich and diverse food culture. Come and learn how to make hinagashi, a Tsuruoka specialty that’s made of sweet bean paste and shaped to look like the area’s local specialties.

A once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey awaits. Trek up the holy Mt. Haguro and taste the traditional Buddhist cuisine, Shojin Ryori. Visit ancient shrines, explore the mountain forests, and taste wild local vegetables—all in one unforgettable day!

The Onodera family welcomes you to stay overnight at their 100-year-old farmhouse in Tsuruoka, Yamagata. The only UNESCO-designated City of Gastronomy, in Tsuruoka you can experience an early-morning harvest and a cooking class with seasonal produce.

Ever wondered how tofu is made? A versatile ingredient that’s beloved by vegetarians, during this workshop you’ll make your own tofu using local Yamagata soybeans, then enjoy a lunch where the ingredient makes a starring appearance.

With instruction from Chef Sawatari, the bilingual owner-chef of an upscale kaiseki restaurant in Yamagata, you’ll learn to make “takikomi gohan,” a rice dish that features abundant local vegetables from the region.

In the serene forest of Mt. Gassan, you’ll forage edible wild plants and mushrooms before returning to the lodge to prepare your bounty. Perfect for those who want to get in touch with nature in the peaceful mountains of Japan.

Join a pottery class in Hirashimizu, a peaceful Yamagata village that’s home to a variety of artisanal shops. Use regional pottery techniques to make your own dish, bowl, or sake cup! Then, join a sake sommelier for an in-depth workshop and tasting.

Curious about Japanese drinking culture? Join this bar-hopping tour in Yamagata to experience the local specialties and novelty drinks while learning all about Japanese dining etiquette (and the faux pas to avoid).

Learn the art of sushi from Chef Suda at his stunning coastal restaurant in Yamagata. First, watch a demonstration from the award-winning chef, before taking up one of his professional knives to try the sushi making techniques for yourself.

A theatrical experience, watch Chef Suda prepare a whole fugu and plate the sashimi in the shape of a crane. While pufferfish has a somewhat sensational reputation, when prepared by a licensed chef, you can be assured that there’s no danger here.

Visit Tsuruoka, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, for a regional sake tasting and food pairing. Known for its high-grade rice and pure flowing spring water, the region has a reputation for incredible Japanese sake.

One of the most premium varieties of wagyu, Yamagata beef is ultra-juicy and succulent. Join this hands-on BBQ dining experience and indulge in a special set course featuring a selection of nine delicious cuts of local wagyu beef.