Welcome to another episode of TSL Travels. In this episode, we're heading to Tohoku!
And I'm really excited to discover this off the beaten path region of Japan. So, let 's go!
So, we are finally here at Tohoku!
And it was an 8-hour flight for us to get here.
I can't wait to start exploring this place but before we show you around, here's something you need to know about Tohoku.
The Tohoku region is located in the North-East of Japan.
And it consists of 6 prefectures in the north of Japan's largest island, Honshu.
With so many things to see, do and eat, we are going to show you why Tohoku is Japan's best kept secret.
So, we are here at Sansatei restaurant in Togatta Onsen where we're going to have a Kaiseki meal for lunch.
A Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese meal and it's something that I've never had before.
And this place is also an Onsen, so you can have your Onsen where you relax and then, you come here for lunch.
To me, that's the perfect way to unwind.
So, we are at the Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Kan which is a museum for the traditional Kokeshi dolls which you see around me.
Now today, many Japanese use it as children's toys but they also use them as good luck charms for their home.
So today, I'm very lucky because I'm going to be able to make my own Kokeshi doll.
But I really hope I'm lucky enough to make a decent one so let's see how it turns out.
Yes, I'm very excited but also a bit stressed.
Because what if it doesn't turn out nice.
What if I embarrass myself?
Fun fact, I used to be from a Chinese school right, so we had this compulsory calligraphy class.
I think it's long gone by now.
Thin line. Thick line.
Like no difference, eh.
Eh, ya'll must be supportive of me leh.
I talk to ya'll then I didn't see where my brush was going and then it ended up like....
that.
Need the Photoshop tool.
Oh my God.
So, we have arrived at the Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium where it's like a jellyfish paradise because they have so many different rates of jellyfish, about 50+ of them.
And they actually won the Guinness World Record because of that.
So, they're not just a museum for jellyfish of sorts, they also breed jellyfish here.
As you can see, they have a 1 day old, 8 day old and 15 day old jellyfish tank and it is super cute.
So, we are, right now, at Somaro Tea House in Sakata city and this place used to be a Maiko house that opened in 1808 and they restored this gorgeous building in 2000.
So, my agenda today is to have lunch and watch the Maikos perform right in front of me.
I'm so excited for that so let's go!
So, I just watched the Maiko's performance and it was beautiful.
You will just be sucked into their performance.
And I personally wish I understood Japanese because I would love to know what they were singing about.
And I think just watching them upclose.
It just really draws you in.
It just looks so porcelain and perfect.
And then, the costume, the colours, the embroidery, it's an art form, truly.
Okay, so we're here in Ginzan Onsen which is one of the prettiest Onsen houses in Japan.
As you can see behind me, they have the traditional Ryokans lineup along the street.
I know Japan has many Onsen houses but what makes this one so special is because they are actually the inspiration behind Spirited Away.
So right now, we are queuing for this famous tofu shop in Ginzan Onsen.
When you place both the fried one and fresh one in front of me, my eyes just went straight to this one because it looks so good!
It's like gold and glistening.
And it's nice and warm in my palms.
And it smells super good.
Oh my God.
Okay, super...
Super nice because...
the....
Wait, it came out?
No!
Yes!
It's super super nice because the exterior is crispy.
And the inside has actually absorbed the soy sauce but the flavour man, damn. It's really good.
So, we are at the car right now, heading to the field to pick some grapes.
And I can't wait to pick my own grapes because as you guys all know, Japanese grapes are different from the grapes in Singapore.
And I heard that we get 30 minutes to pick as much grapes as we want.
The grapes here slightly smaller in size.
This one is called a Delaware grape.
Okay, for this one, the skin, dislodges as well.
But it's super super soft and it's actually very sweet.
I think it will be really really shiok if you like pick a few and popped them all into your mouth at the same time.
Oh my God.
It's better than one Kyoho grape.
This is the best way to eat it.
Ah!
Gross!
So sweet!
Ew!
Okay, so we are here at Yamadera which is one of the most scenic temple sights in Japan because it's located in the mountains.
As with all things in life, you have to work for the good things.
And this is one of those examples.
Because you are going to have to climb 1015 steps all the way up.
And I remember my time in Petra.
It was only 880 steps.
And I gave up halfway and took a donkey.
1000 steps, I don't know if I can do it.
So, wish me luck!
Okay, I don't feel so bad about myself because look at her.
I haven't exercised for damn long, okay?
640 steps.
I don't even know how many more we have left. 500?
Okay, so one of the reasons why I think this wasn't so tiring is because there are a lot of nice views around you, everywhere you look.
We are now at Zuiganji Temple.
And fun fact, the founder of this temple is the same one as Yamadera's which we went to yesterday.
But this is a very sacred and highly respected temple because it's one of the most important Zen Bhuddist temples in Japan.
Tohoku is the largest manufacturer of Sake because this region is one of the best places for water and rice.
And these two are the ingredients you need for a good Sake.
So, we are here at Asabiraki Sake Brewery to find out how it's being made.
This place has won the "Gold Place" 21 times, so let's go!
So, I'm here to try the Wanko Soba challenge.
It's like an all-you-can-eat Soba buffet.
And if you're ever in Iwate, you have to try this place because if not, it's kinda like going to Singapore and not having Chicken Rice or Chili Crab.
Alright, so my goal for this place is to eat at least 100 (bowls) noodles.
Let's hope I can do it. Let's go!
So, we are going to start the Wanko Soba challenge.
I'm never eating Soba ever again.
I think I'm going to vomit.
I also want to vomit.
What?
Wait ah! Wait, wait, wait.
No!
I want a plastic bag.
Oh my God, I want a plastic bag.
Melody, help me take a plastic bag.
Eh Jes!
*inaudible noises*
Oh my God.
I give up.
No, cannot!
Eh cannot!
If we puke, it doesn't count?
Last one, right?
Wooo!
Why?
I can't believe I did it leh.
You also ate 101.
Jeslene, you suck eh!
Hi loser!
Hello.
Shut up lah.
See ah!
Without Wanko Soba
With Wanko Soba
So, we just finished the Wanko Soba challenge and we did it!
We both ate 101 unexpectedly, okay?
But honestly, I thought we wouldn't be able to do it.
I thought Jes would be able to do it.
I think the key is to not stop like to just keep going.
Overall right, I think it's a very good experience.
After you see all the bowls in front of you and then, they present you with this thing,
like it's a very accomplishing feeling.
You have to try it. You're missing out if you don't.
So, we just checked in at Hoshino Resorts Aomoriya and I'm looking forward to my stay here because
unlike all the other hotels we've been staying at,
this one is actually a resort.
You will find Japanese culture activities.
So, I can totally immerse myself in the Japanese culture.
Let's go see what we can do here!
So, we are at Furukawa Fish Market in the Aomori prefecture.
And did you know that the Aomari prefecture actually has the reputation for having Japan's freshest fish.
And as someone who loves Sashimi, I can't wait to create my own bowl so let's go!
So, this fish market has a very unique system of ordering.
It kind of reminds me of the arcade with the tokens.
Your sashimi like your swordfish and your salmon will range from 1 to 3 tokens.
And it depends on how much the store wants to price it at.
So, I really enjoyed my lunch experience here.
I think it gave me a very different experience compared to Tsukiji market in Tokyo.
That was way more chaotic.
There were definitely also a lot more tourists.
This feels very authentic like where the locals will go to for lunch.
And if you're someone who loves sashimi like me,
this is perfect because it gives you the chance to customise your own Donburi.
So, we are here at the Kakunodate Samurai District
and this place is the best example of Samurai architecture in this country.
So, my mission for this place will be to try on a kimono and I'm going to explore this area.
This is such an intricate and beautiful process, just putting the whole kimono on.
It was very eye-opening.
Now, it's time to go walk around the Samurai town.
Oh God!
It's so scary.
I warned her already though because when I came in just now, I was like "What the-"
In Akita, they have the Namahage.
And every New Year's Eve, people will invite them to scare their children.
So right now, we will actually be experiencing this tradition.
And I really don't want them to come anywhere close to me.
Alright, we have come to the end of our 8-day trip in Tohuku.
And I must say it's been a very memorable and eye-opening experience for me.
I had so many firsts this trip and also of course, experiencing the cultural festivals and activities that are unique to this region,
that I otherwise wouldn't have the chance to do so.
So, my producer got me to choose two of my favourite activities.
I would say the Maiko Tea House because I've always wanted to see a Maiko and I finally got the chance to do so.
Second, it would have to be Wanko Soba.
I know my teammates, Jes and Peps, would probably disagree with me strongly on this.
But it's like an all-you-can-eat Soba challenge and to me, that is kinda like competitive eating which is something I have been wanting to try.
So, if you want to experience what I consider Japan's hidden gem, I think Tohoku is the best destination.
Especially if you're someone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of city life
or if you want to experience a less touristy side of Japan
or if you have been to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and you love Japan so much but you want to see a different side of Japan, this is your best option.
So with that, I would like to say a huge thank you to JNTO for making this trip possible.
And if you would like to find out more about Tohoku, there is a link in the description box below so do check that out.
And to you, thank you so much for watching.
If you like this video, don't forget to like, share and subscribe and watch our other videos over there.
Bye!