From Beginning To End A Culinary Journey Through Kansai
National Geographic Traveller (UK)|Food #11 Spring 2021
This region of western Japan straddles the country from the Sea of Japan in Northern Kyoto to the Pacific Ocean, including Awaji Island — the nation’s mythical birthplace. It’s a land of wild mountains, terraced rice fields and rocky, ria coastline — and it’s where the story of Japanese food began.
Ben Weller
From Beginning To End A Culinary Journey Through Kansai

To learn about Japanese cuisine, one must look to the past. But one must also look to Kansai, for this is where the story starts. This land, stretching across the west of Japan’s main island of Honshu and encompassing 10 prefectures, used to be known as Miketsukuni, meaning land of royal provisions. For centuries it was the emperor’s breadbasket. Food here was so bountiful and so delicious it was fit not only for the royal family, but for the gods.

It’s a reputation that continues today. In the fields, low-hanging sea mist provides the cover and warmth for delicate tea leaves and rice stalks to flourish. Rainfall filters through the mountains, collecting nutrients and minerals before flowing out to sea, feeding marine life and creating some of the best fishing grounds in the world.

The abundance and quality of the region’s produce: mackerel, spiny lobster, rice, wild mushrooms and boar — has fostered rich culinary traditions. From soy sauce and miso to sake and green tea, much of what’s now considered distinctively Japanese was first created in Kansai, and the techniques for producing, growing or catching these products have, in many cases, continued unchanged for centuries.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Food #11 Spring 2021-Ausgabe von National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Food #11 Spring 2021-Ausgabe von National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER (UK)Alle anzeigen
Annette Arjoon-Martins
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

Annette Arjoon-Martins

RAISED BY HER INDIGENOUS GRANDMOTHER IN GUYANA, SOUTH AMERICA, ANNETTE BUILT A FEMALE DRONE UNIT TO MONITOR MANGROVES

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 2024
The Amazon to the Andes
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

The Amazon to the Andes

THIS AUTUMN, PADDINGTON HEADS TO PERU ON THE BIG SCREEN - FOLLOW IN HIS PAWPRINTS FOR AN EPIC FAMILY ADVENTURE

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Serra de Tramuntana
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

Serra de Tramuntana

MAJORCA'S MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGE IS EVERY BIT AS BEAUTIFUL AS THE ISLAND'S COASTLINE - AND YOU CAN HIKE STRAIGHT FROM YOUR HOTEL

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 2024
CRAFTING PERFECTION
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

CRAFTING PERFECTION

Carlsberg's old brewing district has been redeveloped, offering creative new ways to enjoy Copenhagen

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 2024
HOTEL AWARDS 2024
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

HOTEL AWARDS 2024

IT'S BEEN AN EPIC YEAR FOR HOTEL OPENINGS, REVAMPS AND EXTENSIONS, AND WE'VE SCOURED THE GLOBE FOR THE BEST OF THEM. WHETHER YOU WANT TO TUNE INTO THE JUNGLE FROM A TREEHOUSE, SLEEP IN A PIECE OF HISTORY OR WATCH THE SUN SET OVER MOUNTAIN PEAKS FROM YOUR BED, YOU'RE GUARANTEED A MEMORABLE STAY FROM OUR WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP

time-read
3 Minuten  |
November 2024
MALDIVES
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

MALDIVES

An archipelago of 1,192 coral islands and 26 turquoise atolls looping across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is home to resorts that cater to every imaginable taste, from barefoot escapes to designer digs. The most convenient to reach are located in the South Malé, North Malé and Vaavu atolls, within speedboat distance of Velana International Airport, while more remote atolls are accessible by seaplane or domestic flight. With easy access to the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa and Raa are especially popular. Those around the Equator, including Gaafu Alifu, offer a splendid sense of isolation, abundant marine life and brilliantly starry night skies.

time-read
5 Minuten  |
November 2024
TRANSYLVANIA
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

TRANSYLVANIA

The central Romanian region of Dracula fame makes for an intriguing autumn break - sink your teeth into its crafts and culture after discovering its turreted castles.

time-read
7 Minuten  |
November 2024
Audio adventures
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

Audio adventures

FROM OVERTOURISM TO HOW THE OLYMPIC GAMES AFFECTS HOST CITIES, HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST PODCASTS THAT EXPLORE THE WORLD

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 2024
NICE
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

NICE

Historically a place where monarchs and aristocrats would escape the winter in favour of warm Mediterranean climes, this southern French city is at its best in the off season

time-read
9 Minuten  |
November 2024
BELFAST
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

BELFAST

In the Northern Irish capital, the healing and uniting powers of music and art are being used to reconcile the past, look to the future and bring communities together

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
November 2024