Divine Forest Forage

This immersive two-day gastronomic adventure begins with your arrival in Noshiro, a provincial coastal town reachable via Akita City and the picturesque 'Shirakami Resort Liner'. Settle into your accommodation, perhaps enjoying an Ekiben or dining at a recommended local izakaya, with leisure time to explore. Day Two commences with an 8 am pickup, leading to a scenic 40-minute drive to the Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Centre for a brief visit. You'll then journey into the Fujikoma region to walk with Kawata-san, a guide of over 30 years and a professional forager for Michelin-starred restaurants. During your forest trek, you'll forage for wild mushrooms and vegetables, crossing the Tsuribetsukoge Pass. Enjoy a bento box lunch at a local restaurant before an afternoon hike in the Yokokura region, where you'll discover and pick seasonal wild berries, watercress, tanishi, and strawberries, with refreshing water provided by natural forest springs. Return to Noshiro in the mid/late afternoon with your wild ingredients. In the evening, Mr. Kawata will join you at a local izakaya where Chef Narita-san will craft a delicious dinner using your foraged treasures, complemented by regional specialties like 'Hinaiji' chicken served as yaki-tori. Conclude your day with a leisurely 15-minute stroll back to your riverside accommodation and a relaxing soak in a special Hinoki (Japanese Cypress) bath.