Embracing the local culture<\/p>\n
After spending eight days traveling and eating my way through Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, I hopped on a high-speed train<\/a> to Toyama Prefecture, about 120 miles northeast of Kyoto.<\/p>\n Off the bat, Toyama reminded me of the lush and scenic Pacific Northwest. And much like the PNW, there’s a strong local culture surrounding food, imbibing, and the arts \u2014 in fact, at a glass museum, I unexpectedly discovered an exhibit by renowned Washington-based glass artist Dale Chihuly.<\/p>\n During my three days in Toyama, food was a major part of the experience. My first omakase lunch included endless rounds of sushi courses with fresh seafood from Toyama Bay \u2014 I squeamishly devoured a head-to-tail deep-fried ayu sweetfish.<\/p>\n During my three days in Toyama, food was a major part of the experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n Provided by Tracy Block<\/p>\n The next day brought a field trip to a whiskey distillery <\/a>in Tonami, about 40 minutes west by car, which included a tour (I was surprised to hear they use barrels imported from Kentucky) and a Japanese whiskey-blending experience. While I’m by no means a whisky connoisseur, I enjoyed learning about the science.<\/p>\n I’ve spent many years indulging in Michelin-rated fine dining in Miami, but my final lunch at L’\u00e9vo in Nanto, a scenic hourlong drive southwest and a restaurant awarded two Michelin stars in 2021, was just as memorable. I hesitantly tried local black bear and soft-shell turtle \u2014 albeit delicious, the latter left me feeling a bit guilty.<\/p>\n Discovering the slow side<\/p>\n Next, we ventured to Kanazawa, 40 miles southwest of Toyama by high-speed train. Over five days in Ishikawa Prefecture, I slowed down and spent time with local artisans who were dedicated to preserving their crafts.<\/p>\n Want more Business Insider in your news feed?<\/p>\n \n Add BI in Google so our reporting is easier to find when you\u2019re searching for what matters.\n <\/p>\n In Kanazawa, I visited the house of a master instructor from the samurai line. I stood in awe, nervously holding a 200-year-old sword from the Edo period.<\/p>\n My inner Black Mamba (circa “Kill Bill”) kicked in when I was asked to get into uniform and wield one. I also went to a three-generation kimono workshop to see the makers behind the scenes, and I carefully but graciously tried on a vintage $30,000 kimono \u2014 it was one of the highlights of my trip.<\/p>\n From Kanazawa, I ventured to Kaga for my first traditional ryokan stay<\/a>, where sleeping on tatami mats instead of a mattress wasn’t as uncomfortable as I expected.<\/p>\n I also visited the homes of several local artisans. First, I met an artist and washi paper maker whose husband taught ikebana, the Japanese art<\/a> of flower arranging. Working with florals from the surrounding grounds was way more invigorating than visiting Trader Joe’s, my typical supplier. The duo reminded me of couples I might have crossed paths with during the years I lived in Colorado.<\/p>\n Tracy Block traveled to Japan for the first time and visited lesser-known parts of the country.\u00a0<\/p>\n Provided by Tracy Block<\/p>\n After Kaga, I ventured to nearby Nomi City, home to a porcelain master, whose daughter, Reiko, guided me through the more patient art of fine-line red painting. Even though I love arts and crafts, I much prefer coloring outside the lines.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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