<strong>Japan's best foodie destinations: </strong>"Japan has one of the richest and most diverse ranges of food found anywhere in the world," Paul Christie, the CEO of Walk Japan food and culture tours, tells CNN Travel. So where's a food obsessive to go for an epicurean adventure through Japan? Christie points travelers to a few of his favorite destinations.
Japan's best foodie destinations: "Japan has one of the richest and most diverse ranges of food found anywhere in the world," Paul Christie, the CEO of Walk Japan food and culture tours, tells CNN Travel. So where's a food obsessive to go for an epicurean adventure through Japan? Christie points travelers to a few of his favorite destinations.
From Walk Japan
<strong>Kunisaki and Beppu, Kyushu Island: </strong>Located on the eastern edge of Kyushu Island, small coastal towns such as Kunisaki and Beppu are famous for their quaint streets and <em>onsen</em> (hot springs) -- sometimes used to steam noodles, seafood and vegetables.
Kunisaki and Beppu, Kyushu Island: Located on the eastern edge of Kyushu Island, small coastal towns such as Kunisaki and Beppu are famous for their quaint streets and onsen (hot springs) -- sometimes used to steam noodles, seafood and vegetables.
From Walk Japan
<strong>Kunisaki and Beppu, Kyushu Island:</strong> For homemade noodles, Christie recommends Kaya-no-ki, located opposite beautiful Fuki-ji Temple on the Kunisaki Peninsula. Here, you'll find lovingly crafted noodles, mixed with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers.
Kunisaki and Beppu, Kyushu Island: For homemade noodles, Christie recommends Kaya-no-ki, located opposite beautiful Fuki-ji Temple on the Kunisaki Peninsula. Here, you'll find lovingly crafted noodles, mixed with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers.
From Walk Japan
<strong>Hiroshima, Honshu Island: </strong>"The soul food in Hiroshima is without a doubt okonomiyaki savory pancakes," says Christie. "Each restaurant creates its own style, but the essential ingredients include batter and shredded cabbage, along with toppings like pork, prawns, white cabbage, dried bonita flakes and Worcester sauce."
Hiroshima, Honshu Island: "The soul food in Hiroshima is without a doubt okonomiyaki savory pancakes," says Christie. "Each restaurant creates its own style, but the essential ingredients include batter and shredded cabbage, along with toppings like pork, prawns, white cabbage, dried bonita flakes and Worcester sauce."
Courtesy David Pursehouse/Creative Commons/Flickr
<strong>Izu Peninsula, Honshu Island:</strong> With its shallow coastal waters, dense forests, fertile volcanic soil, and towering inland mountains, the Izu Peninsula produces some of Japan's best surf and turf.
Izu Peninsula, Honshu Island: With its shallow coastal waters, dense forests, fertile volcanic soil, and towering inland mountains, the Izu Peninsula produces some of Japan's best surf and turf.
From Walk Japan
<strong>Izu Peninsula, Honshu Island: </strong>It's really nature at its best here, with meals covering everything from spider crab and squid to sea bream, lobster, mushrooms, dried bonito flakes, and fresh horseradish.
Izu Peninsula, Honshu Island: It's really nature at its best here, with meals covering everything from spider crab and squid to sea bream, lobster, mushrooms, dried bonito flakes, and fresh horseradish.
From Walk Japan
<strong>Izu Peninsula, Honshu Island: </strong>In addition, the peninsula is known for its free-flow of natural spring water, which often makes its way into locally made sake and craft brews, such as Baird Beer<strong>.</strong>
Izu Peninsula, Honshu Island: In addition, the peninsula is known for its free-flow of natural spring water, which often makes its way into locally made sake and craft brews, such as Baird Beer.
From Baird Beer
<strong>Izu Peninsula, Honshu Island: </strong>In many dinner settings, you'll be invited to grate your own wasabi at the dinner table.
Izu Peninsula, Honshu Island: In many dinner settings, you'll be invited to grate your own wasabi at the dinner table.
From Walk Japan
<strong>Kawagoe, Honshu Island:</strong> Just 30 minutes northwest of Tokyo, Kawagoe is an easy day trip for those short on time. The Edo-era castle town will charm you with old-world architecture and temples, but don't get too distracted. Remember: We're here for the food.
Kawagoe, Honshu Island: Just 30 minutes northwest of Tokyo, Kawagoe is an easy day trip for those short on time. The Edo-era castle town will charm you with old-world architecture and temples, but don't get too distracted. Remember: We're here for the food.
Mike Nakada
<strong>Kawagoe, Honshu Island: </strong>"Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) is a dish common throughout Japan, but the best of the best is here." Christie's favorite spot? Toraya, run by a husband-and-wife team.
Kawagoe, Honshu Island: "Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) is a dish common throughout Japan, but the best of the best is here." Christie's favorite spot? Toraya, run by a husband-and-wife team.
©JNTO
<strong>Takamatsu, Shikoku Island:</strong> "Sanuki udon noodles are an institution in Takamatsu -- eaten morning, noon and night by locals," says Christie. "The canteen-like environments of the family-run sanuki udon restaurants, which the local residents favor, belies the quality of this simple but delicious dish."
Takamatsu, Shikoku Island: "Sanuki udon noodles are an institution in Takamatsu -- eaten morning, noon and night by locals," says Christie. "The canteen-like environments of the family-run sanuki udon restaurants, which the local residents favor, belies the quality of this simple but delicious dish."
Courtesy Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
<strong>Yaeyama, Ishigaki and Iriomote, Okinawa Islands: </strong>Set aside from the rest of Japan, the southern Okinawa region is known for its unique culture and cuisine.
Yaeyama, Ishigaki and Iriomote, Okinawa Islands: Set aside from the rest of Japan, the southern Okinawa region is known for its unique culture and cuisine.
Banzai Hiroaki/Wikimedia
<strong>Yaeyama, Ishigaki and Iriomote, Okinawa Islands:</strong> Here, you're more likely to encounter lots of healthy soups, awamori (local liquor), umi budo (sea grapes), a gazillion variations of goya (a green gourd) and taco rice -- thought to be a result of US military presence.
Yaeyama, Ishigaki and Iriomote, Okinawa Islands: Here, you're more likely to encounter lots of healthy soups, awamori (local liquor), umi budo (sea grapes), a gazillion variations of goya (a green gourd) and taco rice -- thought to be a result of US military presence.
Jpatokal/Wikimedia
<strong>Yaeyama, Ishigaki and Iriomote, Okinawa Islands: </strong>A regional staple, goya champuru is a mish-mash of ingredients, usually centering around goya (a bitter melon), eggs, tofu and pork.
Yaeyama, Ishigaki and Iriomote, Okinawa Islands: A regional staple, goya champuru is a mish-mash of ingredients, usually centering around goya (a bitter melon), eggs, tofu and pork.
Banzai Hiroaki/Wikimedia
<strong>Kiso Fukushima, Honshu Island:</strong> An historic Edo-period post town, Kiso Fukushima now lures travelers for its mountain views, ancient architecture, and unique culinary traditions. "This little town (in the Nagano prefecture) is located deep in the mountains and a long way from the sea. The mountain setting, combined with a harsh winter climate where rice is difficult to grow, results in diet that is noticeably different to much of the rest of Japan," explains Christie.
Kiso Fukushima, Honshu Island: An historic Edo-period post town, Kiso Fukushima now lures travelers for its mountain views, ancient architecture, and unique culinary traditions. "This little town (in the Nagano prefecture) is located deep in the mountains and a long way from the sea. The mountain setting, combined with a harsh winter climate where rice is difficult to grow, results in diet that is noticeably different to much of the rest of Japan," explains Christie.
JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images
<strong>Takamatsu, Shikoku Island:</strong> Come evening, another snack to savor is takoyaki octopus dumplings. Though actually a specialty of Osaka, Christie says Hidamari restaurant is a not-to-miss experience. "It's a tiny restaurant hidden away down a side street in the middle of the city. The fact that this restaurant is more like a bar is not surprising as the owner also runs her own late-night establishment after closing," he says.<br />
Takamatsu, Shikoku Island: Come evening, another snack to savor is takoyaki octopus dumplings. Though actually a specialty of Osaka, Christie says Hidamari restaurant is a not-to-miss experience. "It's a tiny restaurant hidden away down a side street in the middle of the city. The fact that this restaurant is more like a bar is not surprising as the owner also runs her own late-night establishment after closing," he says.
©JNTO