Local market:

At a local market where regional ingredients naturally gather, you will discover the everyday food culture of rural Aomori. This is not a tourist market — it is a place used by local residents in their daily lives. Walk through the stalls, see what people here really eat, and try small tastings along the way. Some flavors may be unfamiliar to you. Some may surprise you. And some, you may fall in love with.

My farmer friend’s production site:

Visit the fields and production sites of my farmer friends, depending on the season and availability. You may see rice fields, apple orchards, grape farms, Shine Muscat vineyards, leek fields, or other seasonal crops. As you listen to the farmers’ stories, you will begin to understand the local geography — the wind, water, soil, snow, and seasons that shape the food of this region. Stand in the fields, feel the breeze, and experience how the land itself becomes part of Aomori’s culture.

At the entrance, an ikebana flower arrangement is prepared just for you, marking the beginning of a warm and personal experience.

In this hands-on cooking class, you will cook together with local grandmothers who have spent their lives preparing seasonal dishes with local ingredients. They will share home-style recipes, family stories, and the wisdom passed down through generations.

Then, roll up your sleeves and prepare comforting local dishes such as seasonal vegetable miso soup, onigiri, and small side dishes. You will learn simple Japanese cooking techniques, including how to wash, cut, season, and shape ingredients in a way you can easily try again at home.

The meal will be served on traditional local tableware made by local artisans, allowing you to experience not only the taste of Aomori, but also its craftsmanship and sense of beauty.

Once the food is ready, we will gather around one table and share the meal together. Vegan and vegetarian options are available upon request, so everyone can enjoy the same dishes. Enjoy the flavors, stories, and laughter that connect people across cultures.