Typically known for its hot springs, Oita is now emerging as a popular destination among tourists who love to visit long-haul destinations where they can experiment with different cuisines and indulge in culturally rich foodie experiences.
One might even call Oita a gastronomic haven, with the huge variety of dishes and drinks available here. Visitors can kick-start their culinary trip at a low-key, 130-year-old restaurant named Tomoshu, which caters to every palate but is specifically known for nihonshu sake (Japanese wine) and soba buckwheat noodles.
If your clients are a fan of tasting local flavours, don’t let them miss out on trying shiitake mushrooms, which are thought to have been brought from China to Japan in the 9th century. Famously known as Oita’s heirloom mushrooms, these delicacies can be found in many of the prefecture’s dishes and are famous for their peculiar “umami” taste. These fungi are packed with flavour, offer a meaty texture and are usually found in soups or sauteed with veggies.
