Journey Across Japan: Discovering Unique Products

Jan 21, 2025

Hello! This is HIDEKI from JAPAN SAKURA BASE. Feel free to call me by my nickname, HIDESAN.

I’ve been traveling across Japan and around the world. So far, I’ve visited 41 countries and explored over 1,500 regions in Japan—that’s about 80% of the entire country!

Exploring Japan’s Local Culture

Japan is full of unique “local” treasures, and one of the highlights is its local gourmet scene. From casual, easy-to-enjoy B-class gourmet dishes to internationally popular ramen, there’s something for everyone.

When it comes to ramen, the variety is incredible. There are different soup bases such as tonkotsu (pork bone), miso, shio (salt), seafood, shoyu tonkotsu (soy sauce with pork bone), and se-abura (back fat). Additionally, each region has its own specialty ramen, like:

  • Onomichi Ramen (Hiroshima)

  • Sapporo Ramen (Hokkaido)

  • Hakata Ramen (Fukuoka)

Each offers a unique taste of its local culture.

 

The Joy of “Michi-no-Eki” (Roadside Stations)

Another must-experience aspect of Japan’s travel culture is “Michi-no-Eki,” or roadside stations. These are rest areas found along highways and major roads, and they’re popular as sightseeing spots for travelers.

You’ll find more than just restrooms and parking here. Many roadside stations also feature:

  • Restaurants and local produce markets

  • Dog parks

  • Playgrounds for kids

  • Camping sites and hot springs

  • Even ferris wheels at some locations!

Believe it or not, there are over 1,200 Michi-no-Eki across Japan. I personally visited 1,206 stations in just three months—quite the adventure!

 

Planning Your First or Second Japan Trip

For first-time visitors, famous destinations like Kyoto, Hokkaido, Tokyo, and Osaka are always popular. But if you’re on your second trip to Japan or looking for hidden gems, I recommend exploring off-the-beaten-path locations. Feel free to reach out to me for travel tips!

 

Discovering Kyushu and Its Local Curry Culture

Today, let’s focus on Kyushu, located in the western part of Japan. Kyushu consists of seven prefectures:

  • Fukuoka

  • Oita

  • Nagasaki

  • Kumamoto

  • Miyazaki

  • Kagoshima

Kyushu is connected to Honshu (the main island of Japan) by a bridge in Yamaguchi Prefecture, so you can cross by car, bullet train, or even on foot.

Buy it! ⇒ Kyushu Regional Curry Set - A Taste of Japan’s South

Kyushu is a treasure trove of local delicacies, and its curry culture is particularly noteworthy. At JAPAN SAKURA BASE, we’re offering a special curry set featuring flavors from across Kyushu. From Fukuoka’s spicy curry to Kumamoto’s black curry and Miyazaki’s chicken nanban-inspired curry, you can enjoy the taste of Kyushu from the comfort of your home. Don’t miss out on this unique experience!

 

Sharing My Travel Adventures

I’ll continue sharing my travel stories and insights about Japan here on this blog. Don’t forget to check out our official Facebook page for more updates and exciting content!

Until next time, this was HIDESAN! See you soon!

Official facebook⇒ https://www.facebook.com/japansakura1

 


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