【Cancelled】 Discover Japan: Tohoku’s Exquisite Escape – The Northern Flavors of Tohoku (Feb 5-8, 2024)
Explore Tour
Special Guest｜ Explore Our Gourmet Menu ｜ Reservations ｜ Iwate Tankaku Wagyu ｜ Rising Stars of Tohoku Cuisine
Exclusive Tohoku Local Gastronomy, Japan
This exclusive Tohoku local gastronomy experience is not to be missed!
Embark on February 7, 2024, on a rare culinary journey and indulge in the exquisite tastes nurtured in the snowy depths of Northern Tohoku. Enjoy the region’s finest ingredients, thoughtfully prepared by a renowned two-star Michelin chef from Washington DC, in a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience that celebrates the unique lifestyle and culture of this rich area.
Discover the Culinary Wonders of Northern Japan
Explore the Culinary Delights of Northern Japan.
Experience a journey of taste and tradition in the rugged winter landscape of Northern Grande Hachimantai. This exclusive winter gastronomy event in Iwate offers an immersion into the essence of local production and consumption. Nestled in a breathtaking landscape, enjoy the local delicacies in a private and luxurious setting, paired with the finest flavor combinations.
Special Guest
Chef Ryan Ratino (Washington D.C. “Jônt”)
We are pleased to introduce our special guest chef for the upcoming gastronomy event: Jônt DC is a unique dining experience located in the heart of Washington D.C. This restaurant features an exclusive 14-seat chef’s counter and offers a tasting menu using the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from around the world. Jônt DC represents a culinary adventure that focuses on ingredients and is operated by a team of young and inspired chefs.
The chef behind Jônt DC, a Michelin two-star restaurant, and Bresca, a Michelin one-star establishment, is one of the youngest to ever earn two Michelin stars. With a deep appreciation for Japanese food culture, this remarkable chef incorporates Japanese ingredients to create an exceptional dining experience.
At Jônt DC, the chef personally prepares and serves dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients, providing a unique and high-quality dining experience. Renowned for its exceptional cuisine, Jônt DC is definitely worth a visit. The upcoming gastronomy event, led by the talented Chef Ryan Ratino, promises an extraordinary culinary experience where the art and luxury of cuisine are taken to new heights.
Explore Our Gourmet Menu
Reservations
Deadline for participation
“Iwate Tankaku Wagyu: Pasture-Raised Japanese Red Beef”
Iwate Tankaku Wagyu, one of the four recognized types of Japanese Wagyu beef, originates from the Nambu cattle bred for agricultural work in the southern provinces of Iwate, Akita, and Aomori. During the Meiji era, these cattle were crossed with the Shorthorn breed to adapt better to mountainous terrains, leading to the creation of the modern Iwate Tankaku Wagyu.
Due to the influence of Yamase, a cold northeastern wind, rice cultivation was challenging in the northern coastal areas. Salt, a crucial product of the region, was transported on Nambu cattle along the “Salt Road” (Beko no Michi) to cities like Morioka and Hanawa. This route passes through Yamagata Village, the home of Iwate Tankaku Wagyu.
Even amidst the rising costs of feed, Yamagata Village Iwate Tankaku Wagyu is still raised on 100% domestic feed. Grazed in nature, alternating between mountain pastures in summer and lowland areas in winter, these cattle are known for their flavorful, lean red meat. Iwate Tankaku Wagyu, naturally bred, offers a unique taste that varies with age, with November and December being the prime months for its flavor.
For our special dining event, we will be presenting 30-month-old Iwate Tankaku Wagyu, carefully aged to enhance its flavor.
Rising Stars of Tohoku Cuisine: Meet the Chefs Behind the Feast
Chef Mr. SHIKAZAWA Yasuyuki （Ristorante SHIKAZAWA）
Chef Mr. HANADA Hideki （花秀 – Kashu）
Chef Mr. WAGA Yasutaka（日本料理 新茶家 – Shinchaya）
Chef Ms. ISHII Manami （Ikku）
Chef Mr. KUWAHARA Hiroharu （AZUMANESOKO_）
Mr. KUZU Yuki （Sakuya Juikuku.）
Worked at bars in Sendai and Morioka cities.
In 2001, opened ‘Sakuya Juikuku’ in Morioka.
Appointed as the Morioka Branch Chief of the Japan Bartenders Association and later became the Iwate Prefecture Head.
In 2023, received the ‘Best Bartender’ award.
During tenure, promoted the charm of bars in Iwate.
With the support of Shigeru Fujii, Secretary-General of the Nitobe Memorial Foundation, and Keishi Ootomo, a film director from Iwate, created the local cocktail ‘INAZO.’
Certified in ‘Morioka Living Story,’ actively promoting Morioka’s charm in the Iwate Bar Book.
Currently serving as the permanent secretary of the Tohoku Regional Youth Division of the National Association of Drinking Establishments.
Special coordinator Mr. KIKUCHI Hirohumi（H3 Food Design）
Born in Iwate in 1965, Mr. Kikuchi’s career spans prestigious hotels including ANA Tokyo and Four Seasons Tokyo, and a significant role at Hoshino Resorts. In Karuizawa, he developed bridal concepts and directed restaurant openings. In 2018, he founded H3 Food Design and coordinated the 2019 Sanriku International Gastronomy Conference sponsored by the Iwate Prefectural Government.
Included/Exclude
Included:
- Special Dinner by Chef Ryan Latino from Washington D.C. “Jont” at Northern Grande Hachimantai
- Local Guide
- Transportation Service (From JR Morioka Station)
- Accommodation at ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort (Classic Twin Room with Breakfast)
- Note: Prices vary for single and double occupancy rooms.
Not Included:
- Round-trip Transportation to Meeting/Disbanding Locations
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner on Day 1
- Lunch, Dinner on Day 2
- Lunch on Day 3
- Lunch and Dinner on Day 4
- Other Personal Expenses
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
Special Japanese Experience 3 Nights 4 Days Tour - February 5th, 2024 (Monday) to February 8th, 2024 (Thursday)
Travel Overview:
- Departure Date and Time: February 5th, 2024 (Monday) at 13:00
- Meeting Point: JR Morioka Station
- Disbandment Date and Time: February 8th, 2024 (Thursday) at 11:00
- Disbandment Location: JR Morioka Station
Detailed Itinerary: Enjoy Beautiful Snowscapes Along the Way
Day 1 Monday, February 5, 2024
- 13:00: Assembly at JR Morioka Station
- Travel by taxi or commuter bus (Approximately 1.5 hours)
- 14:30: Disband at ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort
Day 2 Tuesday, February 6, 2024
- ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen
Day 3 Wednesday, February 7, 2024
- 16:15: Travel by taxi or commuter bus (Approximately 0.5 hours)
- 17:00: Dinner - "Local Gastronomy of Northern Japan" at Northern Grande Hachimantai
- Experience a culinary feast featuring local ingredients from Hachimantai, prepared by young, talented chefs, including a two-star Michelin chef from the USA (Approximately 3.0 hours)
- 20:00: Travel by taxi or commuter bus (Approximately 0.5 hours)
- 20:30: Disband at ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort
Day 4 - Travel Day - Thursday, February 8, 2024
- 10:00: Assembly at Appi Kogen Resort
- Travel by taxi or commuter bus (Approximately 1.0 hour)
- 11:00: Arrival at JR Morioka Station, tour conclusion
ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort (5-Star):
Visit the Hotel Information Site: ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort
Features: As the first luxury hotel in the Tohoku region, ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort offers an opulent stay, welcoming guests with stunning views and comfortable amenities.
Cancellation Due to Failure to Reach Minimum Participation
Minimum Participation: 4 persons
This experience requires a minimum number of participants, set at 4 individuals. However, if the minimum participation is not met, the tour will not take place.
If it is determined that the tour will not reach the minimum participation, the following cancellation policy will apply:
- Cancellation Notice: Upon confirmation that the minimum participation will not be met, we will provide customers with the earliest possible notification.
- Refund: In the event of tour cancellation due to not reaching the minimum participation, the full amount paid will be refunded. The refund process will be conducted to the credit card or specified payment method used for the reservation.
With this policy, your payment is protected even if the minimum participation is not achieved. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
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- Agency Name: Appi Travel Co., Ltd.
- Registration Number: Travel Business Registration No. 2-235, Governor of Iwate Prefecture
- Address: 117-1 Appi Kogen, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan
- Travel Service Supervisor: Mikiko Ono
- Phone: +81 195 73 6228 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- E-mail: reserve
appi-travel.jp
For more detailed information, please refer to the following documents. (Japanese documents)
- 「安比トラベル募集型企画旅行取扱条件説明書」（PDF:2MB）
- 「旅行業約款募集型企画旅行契約の部」（PDF:2MB）
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- Company Name: Hachimantai DMO Inc.
- Location: 1-590-497 Matsuoyoriki, Hachimantai City, Iwate 028-7302, Japan
- Phone：+81 50 8890 5563
At Hachimantai DMO Inc. we offer special Japan experience tours to customers from both within Japan and around the world. Our mission is to provide our customers with a luxurious experience of the beauty, culture, and cuisine of Japan, especially in the northeastern region. Leveraging our regional expertise, we take pride in assisting in the creation of comfortable and memorable journeys.
With a priority on your safety and satisfaction, we promise heartwarming journeys through Japan with our professional staff. If you have any questions or special requests, feel free to contact us.
For reservations and inquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out to the following contacts:
Contacts: Hata, Sato
- Phone Number：+81 50 8890 5563
- Inquiries
- Business Hours：Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Closed on: Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, Year-end and New Year holidays (12/29-1/3)
