TOKYO - Just west of Tokyo lies an oasis ripe with greenery, delicious food, and unique experiences. Okutama is a popular destination for Tokyoites (and beyond) seeking a peaceful escape from city life.
Today’s journey sees Shizuka exploring the best of Okutama, first stop: a wasabi farm by a pristine river! Shizuka meets the owner of the qasabi farm, David Hulme, a former journalist from Australia who moved to Okutama in 2014 after chasing a story about a wasabi patch he stumbled upon deep in the woods. Okutama was appointed a wasabi-producing region by the shogun, with wasabi grown in the area referred to as ‘Shogun wasabi’ or ‘Okutama wasabi’.
David reveals some interesting information about the farming process then proceeds to grate some fresh wasabi for our host to try! Shizuka tries the fresh wasabi on its own and with some roast beef before moving onto the next stop of this Okutama adventure…
Dorapo Blue is a quaint cafe owned and run by Hashizume Sadayasu. This beloved local business offers a cafe-style menu including items like coffee, homemade cakes, and desserts, along with hearty Japanese meals–all of which are made by Hashizume-san himself. Shizuka takes a seat at the counter and orders some Dorapo Blue specialties: coffee with freshly whipped cream, a keema curry set, and homemade pumpkin cheesecake. With one more stop to go, our host finishes her meal as the journey continues.
Located right by Okutama Station is Tamado, a restaurant serving tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet). She receives a warm welcome from Kawamura Shuhei, the owner, before moving into a tatami dining room to choose her final meal for the day. After perusing the menu, Shizuka settles on a supersized rolled omelet set, fine sake, and rice topped with bonito flakes and pickled plum.
