Located on the island of Shikoku, Kochi is rather out of the way for many which are what deters tourists from visiting. But what this humble area in Japan treated us to was nature in its most pristine form and its fascinating yet exciting drinking culture.

Kochi is blessed with beautiful and abundant nature such as the Shimanto River, Niyodo River and the Kuroshio coastline. From clear-blue lakes to autumn leaves and silhouettes depicting a never-ending sea of mountains, Kochi truly impressed us from leaf to pebble.

And when it comes to eating and drinking, these folks are anything but simple. Drinking alcohol is a huge deal here and eating good food is more of a lifestyle here rather than a necessity—something we can definitely resonate with. Bonito, a close relative of tuna and mackerel, is also hugely popular here and can be found in literally every restaurant and izakaya.

We had a lovely opportunity to go on a 5D4N adventure through Kochi, seeing and experiencing all sorts of fun things, eating amazing food and even getting hands down to make our own paper and harvest our own sea salt. For the curious traveller, here are 12 reasons why Kochi has to be on your next Japan itinerary.

TOSAWO SHOTEN

Specialising in soba, Tosawo Shoten is an excellent place to begin your trip proper as their delicious yet modest bowls guarantee comfort that nicely combats the cold, and gives diners a proper introduction to some of the prefecture’s local delicacies.

Unlike the soba dishes we’re used to, we had ours in a soupy broth made using a light dashi and further intensified with whitebait—a predominant ingredient used in many of Kochi’s esteemed dishes—with a few slices of fishcake added. This type of broth is commonly used in udon rather than soba.

KOCHI CASTLE

Kochi Castle is one of the few remaining original castles in Japan to have survived both the Edo and Meiji eras and is worth a visit to gain a deeper understanding of Kochi’s history. Much of the castle itself has been demolished but it still remains pretty well preserved nonetheless, in fact, Kochi Castle is one of the only 3 castles left in Japan that still has its main gate fully untouched.

A rather interesting concept, the design of the castle isn’t in any way straightforward. Having been designed by the lord’s wife back in the day, the design of the castle was largely intended to confuse and mislead invaders, which explains its many awkward and random structural placements. Kochi Castle is located just a short walk away from Kochijomae tram stop.

HIROME ICHIBA MARKET

When visiting Kochi, it is paramount to pay a visit to Hirome Ichiba at least once (or thrice) for a meal. Similar to the hawker centres we have back home, this unique market located in Kochi’s city centre that houses over 60 stalls, many of which are either hole-in-a-wall restaurants or izakaya. The vibe and energy here is amazing and literally everywhere you turn, you’re likely to see locals socialising, eating, drinking (a lot) and having a swell time.

Many stalls there serve beer, sake, and shochu in addition to food, so having a drink together with your finger food of fancy is highly recommended.

The food options here are plenty with bonito being one of the more prominent items on display. We went for a pretty good selection of fan-favourites which included grilled Shimanto Pork, Bonito, Tuna Sashimi as well as a local river ebi that’s deep-fried and enjoyed as a beer accompaniment.

YASUI VALLEY – HIRYUU WATERFALL, NIYODO RIVER

A treat for the senses for any nature lover, the Niyodo River is something to definitely check out. The water takes on a blue-hue which is partly influenced by the naturally bluish rocks at the base of the river and the water itself is crystal clear.

Walking through the forest and toward the Hiryuu Waterfall, the experience was one filled with tranquillity and relaxation. Coupled with the autumn breeze on our backs and surrounded by the multicoloured autumn foliage, appreciating nature never felt better. During the summer, many people drive down here for picnics and barbecues and even make it a point to take a dip in the river.

MIYANOMAE PARK – COSMOS FESTIVAL

At Miyanomae Park during autumn, bask in a sea of pinkish beauty at the Cosmos Festival, a celebration of the flowers of the region in full bloom. During the festival, there are also food tents set up, allowing you to get your fill of some local cuisine as well as a series of performances for visitors.

Patronised heavily by young couples, this scenic spot is great for photos and would make for the perfect backdrop for a gorgeous couple photo for the ‘gram’.

TAISHO-KEN – UNAGI RESTAURANT

Just a short drive away from Miyanomae Park is 106-year-old unagi-centric restaurant Taisho-ken. The restaurant is currently run by 4th generation owner, Mr Masahiro Wada, who makes it his life mission to perfect the art of serving proper unagi cuisine the way his family has been doing it for over a century now. He claims that he is still far from achieving that, but we beg to differ.

Choosing the lunch set allows you to savour unagi in 3 different varieties—grilled, slathered with tare and served over rice, cooked within a tamago, and in a salad. Grilled to perfection and glazed in that perfectly balanced tare, we dare admit that their unagi is one of the best that we’ve had. Make no mistake, making the trip down for a meal here is well worth the journey, the time and the price.

HAMACHO – DINE AND BE ENTERTAINED BY A GEISHA

Geishas are a dying tradition in Japan and nowadays you can literally only find a number of actual ones that still exist—under the radar of course. Yet, over at Hamacho, a traditional Japanese high-class restaurant, a number of geishas are still allowed to perform, drink and interact with guests.

The food served here for 1 or 2 people is typically kaiseki, a massive platter of individual small components featuring a host of Kochi’s local delicacies and seasonal produce as well. But should you dine in a bigger group, they would serve a sawachi platter which is much larger.

Our behemoth of a platter comprised several types of fish, seafood and even whale. Fancy the opportunity to play games and drink with a real-life geisha? Feel free to express your interest to any of the staff and they will gladly come over to entertain you. However, language is a barrier so you may need an interpreter.

QRAUD: TOSAWASHI KOGEIMURA – PAPER-MAKING

Paper plays a big part in all of our lives—well, before computers and tablets anyway—but how often does anyone stop to wonder how the stuff is made? In Japan, paper-making is more than just a means of generating income, it’s an art.

If you’re someone artsy and enjoys getting hands-on, we reckon that paper-making will definitely be right up your alley. Over at hotel QRAUD Tosawashi Kogeimura Hotel, they offer a variety of workshops with paper-making being one of them.

KURE-TAISHO MARKET

Perhaps Kochi’s very own, smaller scale Tsukiji Fish Market, what this seafood market offers is truly a treat for any seafood or fresh fish lover. The concept is pretty much the same in that you go around selecting your item of choice and choose whether you wish to have it sliced in sashimi form or grilled with some light seasoning. There are also many other stalls selling grilled meat skewers and other types of tidbits.

Kure-Taisho Market has gained considerable popularity over the years with many people from all corners of Japan flocking over to have a taste of their bonito.

KUROSHIO TOWN – SALT HARVESTING

Salt is such a vital seasoning and is what makes food tasty. Yet, back home we never ever think about how salt is made since the majority of the time we depend on store-bought ones. Over at Kuroshio Town, residing along the vast and beautiful coastline are small family-owned facilities that devote themselves to the craft and art that is sea salt harvesting.

The particular place that we visited called Tosa no Shiomaru specialises in ‘sunshine salt’, which is naturally derived sea salt harvested using only sunlight and the coastal breeze—nothing else. The experience itself was a rather fascinating one as we were taught how about the fundamentals of salt as an ingredient and how different the effects and taste of salt can be depending on the amount of tampering it receives.

MUTEMUKA SAKE DISTILLERY – JAPAN’S FIRST CHESTNUT SAKE DISTILLERY

Everybody knows sake to be a rice-based wine and one synonymous with Japanese cuisine and Japan’s culture. At Mutemuka Sake Distillery in Kochi, they take a slightly different approach to making theirs, using locally grown chestnuts in addition to rice.

The flavour derived from Mutemuka’s chestnut sake is a lot more complex than regular, purer sakes in that it takes on a distinct nutty aroma coupled with a subtle savoury aroma. We had the pleasure of sampling a few varieties of their sake and of course, had to buy a few to take home.

CHIAKI NABEIYAKI RAMEN 

There are so many amazing flavours that one can unlock out of food simply by cooking it in a claypot. For one, its primary benefit is that it locks in heat in for a longer period of time, allowing food to stay hot longer and more importantly, lets the ingredients develop more intense flavours. The same can be observed in many Chinese dishes, and therefore comes as no surprise that cooking ramen in a claypot will guarantee one heck of a rich, multi-dimensional flavour profile.

You will find many places selling nabeiyaki (claypot ramen) all over Kochi but the one that we visited—which we strongly suggest you do too—is Chiaki Nabiyaki. The standard nabeiyaki comprises rather simply, tender yet firm egg noodles, bits of fish cake and an egg cracked over top right before serving.

As expected, the flavour was intense but balanced well enough such that it didn’t become difficult to gulp down and the egg stirred in not only thickened the broth but also added a heightened richness to the overall dish. A brilliant alternative to izakaya-style ramen and one that we highly recommend trying when in Kochi.

This post was brought to you by Kochi Tourism Board

As we are all prepping to close the year, there are many things to be thankful for, and it has indeed been a wonderful 2014. One of the best things to always practice and cherish is to travel, and for the past year, we had been to many countries and cities, learned about cultures and expressions that we were never exposed to, shopped a lot, and ate cuisines of all kinds.

And among them is one trip that we took in November, where our readers joined us on a tour around Japan’s coastal area and Osaka city. We saw the bests of Wakayama, Mie and Osaka, and experienced the ultimate Japanese hospitality. It was a fun-filled week, and we all had a ball of a time picking fruits, visiting shoyu factory and soaking in cave onsens.

Once again, we would like to thank all our readers who joined us on this tour, and it was our pleasure to meet each and every one of you! Not forgetting the people behind the planning and coordinating – Apple Vacations Singapore. Here are some of the highlights of our 8D6N tour to Osaka, Mie & Wakayama:

WAKAYAMA PREFECTURE

We started our trip with some days in Wakayama prefecture. Sitting along the coastal, the picturesque places we went to left great memories we have of Japan. It is quite unlike your usual city holidays where you would pack your itinerary with shopping and lavish dining. More than those, we were kept away from everything cosmopolitan, and experienced life in the countryside.

Kuroshio Ichiba is a seafood market in the West of Japan, and it is well-loved for its biggest catches. Here, we watched the tuna filleting show and were in awe of how trained the chef is with his knife. And we tasted the fresh tuna right after it was filleted.

Next, we went to Yuasa - one of the finest shoyu factories in the Arida region where shoyu (soy sauce) was first created - for an educational tour to learn more about the production of shoyu. The highlight, for gluttons like us, was trying the homemade shoyu soft serve.

The Wakayama Prefecture is famous in Japan for its fruits. In autumn and winter, persimmon is in season, so we made a trip to one of the local persimmon farms to pick and try some of the sweetest and freshest persimmons that we’ve ever had. It was such fun that everyone enjoyed.

Engetsuto, or more popularly known as round moon island, is a famous spot in Shirahama and a good pitstop to catch the sunset when you are travelling along the Wakayama and Mie coastal region. We were all marveled by this nature’s creation.

Other than that, we also had the chance to go to Sandanbeki and Senjojiki – two gorgeous vantage points – created by the erosion of waves over the years – that offer spectacular and breathtaking perspectives of the ocean.

This was what we loved about the entire trip – being so close to Mother Nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the city; suddenly the world seemed so small and your troubles are so far away.

An interesting stop on our Wakayama itinerary is Taiji Kujira Park – the largest whale museum in the world – where we got up-close and personal with whales and dolphins.

Our last stop in the Wakayama Prefecture was Nachi Waterfalls. Standing at 133-meter, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in Japan. Its sheer height is a magnificent sight to behold.

MIE PREFECTURE

During the journey from Wakayama to Mie, we took a quick break at Onigajo, which is also known as Demon’s Castle in Japanese. The skies were perfectly blue, the waves were calm, and it was a breezy morning that we would all remember.

After a long drive along the coastal route, we arrived at Ama Hut for lunch. Ama, for those who do not know, is Japanese woman shell diver that specialises in diving deep into the ocean to collect abalone, shellfish and pearls.

Needless to say, we had a terrific seafood lunch of abalone, Ise lobster, large clams, scallops and turban shells that was cooked right before our eyes by the friendly and hospitable ama divers.

Step back into time at Ise Jingu, which ranks among the most prominent shrines in Japan. Next to the entrance of Ise Jingu is Okage Yokocho - a lovely traditional street lined up with machiya (old wooden houses) that sell local snacks, crafts and little souvenirs.

When we came for our recce trip - to curate the best of Wakayama, Mie and Osaka – with Apple Vacations Singapore back in May, we did not have enough time at Okage Yokocho. So this time round, we made sure that everyone could walk around to explore the area. Boy, did we feast to our hearts’ content!

The next day, we headed to Iga Ninja Museum where we learned more about ninjas – from the way they collect information, to the weapons they use. And then it was back to the dazzling light of Osaka.

OSAKA, KANSAI

The magnificence of Osaka-jo. Standing tall on stone foundation since 1583, the castle is five stories on the outside, and eight stories on the inside. During April, it is the best period for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) too.

And lastly, it was time for us to go free and easy. Other than stuffing ourselves with Osaka’s popular street food - Kushikatsu, Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki – and wandering around Shinsaibashi (the city’s main shopping area), we also had lots of fun cafe hopping at Orange Street, and taking postcard photos at Dotonbori which is illuminated with neon signboards, together with its iconic Glico billboard. There are plenty of reasons for you to fall in love with Osaka.

This tour is specially curated by us and created for readers of ladyironchef so you won’t be able to sign up for it in the future. But the good news is Apple Vacations Singapore is constantly coming up with new exciting itineraries to explore new cities. The next time you are planning for your holiday, head down to their office, email enquiry@applevacations.com.sg or call +65 6533 5161 and the good people from Apple Vacations Singapore will be more than happy to recommend and help you plan for your holiday.

To find out more about the tours that Apple Vacations offers, go to www.applevacations.com.sg, like them on Facebook and Instagram.

This post is brought to you by Apple Vacations Singapore.

Back in May, we went to Osaka, Mie & Wakayama with Apple Vacations Singapore to curate the best things to do, see and eat in the region. We are super thrilled to leading a 8D6N group tour this November to revisit our favourite spots.

Some of the highlights of our tour include staying at onsen resorts, having kaiseki dinners, taking postcard-worthy shots at many beautiful spots, having a mouthwatering seafood feast at AMA hut, hopping on a ninja train to Iga ninja museum, and eating our way around Dotonbori, the epicurean centre of Osaka. To read more about the full itinerary, read our guide to 20 highlights of ladyironchef x Apple Vacations Singapore tour.

• Date: 1 Nov – 7 Nov 2014 (8D6N)
• Tour Fare: S$2,899NETT/pax (inclusive of airport taxes and tipping)
• Flight, itinerary, hotels, and meals are all included in the package
• Extension after the tour on your own is possible, but there is a minimum surcharge of S$200 by the airline, and this is subject to availability.
• Return flights on Singapore Airlines

Sign up for the tour by going to Apple Vacations Singapore’s office at 26 Upper Cross Street, email enquiry@applevacations.com.sg or call +65 6533 5161. There are only a few seats left, and we hope to have you join us for the adventure! It will be nothing but a fun-filled holiday to The Land of The Rising Sun.

To find out more about the tours that Apple Vacations Singapore offers, go to www.applevacations.com.sg, like them on Facebook and Instagram.

This tour is brought to you by Apple Vacations Singapore.

Japan is one of our favourite countries. Melody and I travel to Tokyo frequently because it is such a buzzing and lively city. Kyoto, on the other hand, is one with so much hidden charm, so much to discover, so much to experience and take home.

Besides these two major cities, we had always wanted to visit the countryside and to experience a different side of Japan. So, when Apple Vacations Singapore www.applevacations.com.sg approached us to organise a ladyironchef x Apple Vacations Singapore tour especially for our readers, we said yes immediately! Apple Vacations Singapore specialises in mainly Japan tours, and with their in-depth knowledge of the country, they are an ideal partner that we can work with to make this trip possible.

Back in may, we travelled to Japan to curate the best of Mie, Wakayama and Osaka. And come November, we will be leading a group tour to revisit our favourite picks. It will be a 8D6N trip, and we promise nothing but fun. And good food.

Apple Vacations Singapore is offering an early bird discount of S$200/pax (valid for the first 10 signups) for readers of ladyironchef. Should you be keen to join us for this adventure, kindly email enquiry@applevacations.com.sg or call +65 6533 5161 to book your seat.

Below, we share 20 highlights from the itinerary that is finalised by Apple Vacations Singapore and us, and this is what you can expect from our upcoming tour to Mie, Wakayama and Osaka.

1. LIVE TUNA FILLETING PERFORMANCE AT KUROSHIO MARKET

Kuroshio-Ichiba (seafood market) is known for the biggest catches in West Japan. Here, you can taste the freshest and best tuna. There are three live tuna filleting events every day, and it is quite an eye-opening experience to watch the chef skilfully fillet the huge fish. You get to taste them right after they are sliced, too!

2. VISIT TO YUASA SOY SAUCE FACTORY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PRODUCTION OF SOY SAUCE

Have you ever wondered how much work goes into producing that few drops of shoyu that you dip your sashimi in? And that ponzu sauce that completes your Japanese salad? Now, you have a chance to take an exclusive tour in the soy sauce factory to understand the making of these award-winning Japanese condiments! Soya sauce is such an integral part of Japanese cuisine, and to witness the production process is really quite enriching.

3. EXPERIENCE FRUIT PICKING

Wakayama is a beautiful area in the Kansai region, and it is perhaps most famous for producing fruits. How much fun it would be to pick strawberries in winter, and melons in summer! Come October, we will have the hands-on experience to pick seasonal fruits too.

4. SPECTACULAR SUNSET AT ENGETSU-TO ISLAND

Off the coast of Shirahama (Wakayama prefecture) sits a tiny island with an outstanding sandstone structure. Perfectly arched with seawater passing through, that silent beauty is a lovely spot to catch the sunset, especially when the rays pierce through the hole; so picturesque.

5. SHIRAHAMA, PRISTINE WHITE BEACH AND ONSEN RESORTS

Japan is known for many things, but we have never associated the country with nice beaches. That was until we set foot on Shirahama Beach. Located on the Western coast of Wakayama perfecture, Shirahama is popular for its pristine white beach and onsen resorts.

6. TAIJI KUJIRA PARK, THE LARGEST WHALE MUSEUM IN THE WORLD

Get up-close and personal with the darling of the sea, and watch performances by these cute creatures. The whale museum is tucked away in a quiet part of Wakayama, but it is nothing short of picturesque and beautiful.

7. NACHI NO TAKI WATERFALL, ONE OF THE HIGHEST WATERFALLS IN JAPAN

This 133-meter waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Japan. And quite arguably the most stunning. Standing from afar, it is a mysterious beauty against the Nachi no To (Nachi Pagoda) and its surrounding lush greenery. But as we climbed the steps towards the majestic work of Nature, what greeted us was an extraordinary waterfall that is so huge that we stood in awe and listened as it therapeutically takes its splashes. We were pretty much lost for words, and this is one sight that you have to see for yourself to be truly blown away.

8. STAYING AT ONSEN (HOT SPRING) RESORTS

So the Japanese are known to be very healthy and boast good skin. Onsen is the answer. For the uninitiated, onsen is ‘hot springs’ in Japanese, and Japan being a volcanically active country is blessed with hundreds and thousands of onsen, all with healing contents from the minerals that have people from all over the world flocking to Japan to stay in one of those onsen ryokan (hot spring resorts).

For the upcoming trip, you will be happy to know that you will be treated to both indoor and outdoor onsen experiences. Just a note that soaking in an onsen requires one to be completely naked, so if you are not comfortable, you can book a private bath at a nominal fee.

9. KAISEKI DINNER

The traditional way to dine, and probably the highest level of artistic dining is what the Japanese call ‘kaiseki’. Combining seasonal produce, precise cooking techniques and acute aesthetical directions, the chef whips up a multi-course Japanese meal to pamper the guest.

More often than not, kaiseki is served in aristocratic ryotei (high-end restaurants), and reservations are always required. But you need not go through the hassle of communicating with the ryotei; Apple Vacations Singapore has taken care of this and our tummies are in for a treat! Get your cameras ready, please.

10. TAKE POSTCARD-WORTHY SHOTS AT SANDANBEKI

Rock walls and majestic cliffs, and an underground cave to relive the ancient times when pirates ruled the area. This is one unique experience of Wakayama and a spot where you can take postcard-worthy shots.

11. MORE PHOTO SPOTS AT SENJOJIKI

Another wondrous creation of Nature, Senjojiki sits against the Pacific Ocean, and this plateau is created by the erosion of ocean’s waves.

12. PITSTOP AT ONIGAJO

With its endless horizon and blue skies, the coastline along Wakayama and Mie reminds me of Cinque Terre in Italy. We had a quick pitstop at Onigajo, which is better known as the Demon’s Castle. According to legend, Oni a monster of ancient Japan used to live in this rugged one-kilometer coastline facing Kumano-nada.

13. SEAFOOD LUNCH AT AMA HUT

One of the highlights of our Apple Vacations Singapore tour was having lunch at the Ama Hut. Ama, for the uninitiated, is Japanese woman shell diver. They specialise in diving deep into the ocean to collect abalone, shellfish and pearls. We enjoyed a delectable seafood spread – of abalone, Ise lobster, large clams, scallops and turban shells – that was prepared on the spot by the ama divers, who all have at least 40 years of diving experience.

14. LEARNING MORE ABOUT PEARLS AT THE MIKIMOTO PEARL ISLAND

Have you ever been curious about the process of pearl cultivation? Our first tour had us blown away by the intricate and enriching process, and this is one pit stop that is indeed unique to Mie. Pearl lovers should prep their credit cards for a round of shopping here, too!

15. VISIT TO ISE JINGU, ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT SHRINES OF JAPAN

Among the most prominent shrines of Japan, Ise Jingu is one huge land of worship with a very rich history. Take a stroll around the premise where the ancient royal family stayed in, and learn about the Japanese’s religious rituals; it feels like a journey back in time.

16. EXPLORE OKAGE YOKOCHO

A bustling street of local snacks, crafts and little souvenirs. Lines of machiya (old wooden houses) make up the fascinating Okage Yokocho, and a few things to look out for includes Akafuku Mochi, soft serve in a myriad of flavours, and ancient Japanese crafts.

17. TASTING MATSUSAKA BEEF, THE BEST JAPANESE BEEF

We know Kobe beef, we know wagyu, but how many know about Matsusaka beef? Known to be the best in Japan, Matsusaka beef is rare and usually only available in Mie. Perfect marbling that melts in your mouth, no trip to Mie is complete without a serving!

Note: In one of the kaiseki dinners at Mie, there will be an optional add-on for Matsusaka beef.

18. IGA-RYU NINJA VILLAGE, THE LAND OF NINJA

Have you ever been curious about the lives of ninjas? If so, you will have an eye-opening experience at The Iga Ninja Museum. We hopped on a ninja train to travel to Ueno in Mie, where the Iga Ninja Museum is located. There, we learned more about the history of ninjas, and watched a live demonstration of ninja weapons and technique.

19. OSAKA CASTLE

What is Osaka without Osaka-jo? Monumental and dignified, this landmark is a must-visit when in the Japanese city. Note: Entrance to the castle is subjected to availability.

20. SHOPPING AND EATING AT SHINSAIBASHI AND DOTONBORI

Dubbed as the most happening area of Osaka, Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori is an undisputed heaven for shoppers and foodies. Streets after streets, little boutiques and eateries make up the famous Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori – from every lady’s favourite Japanese drug stores, sushi bars and all the Japanese snacks, independent fashion boutiques and departmental stores like Daimaru, you haven’t been to Osaka if you haven’t been to Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori.

LADYIRONCHEF X APPLE VACATIONS SINGAPORE 8D6N TOUR TO OSAKA, MIE & WAKAYAMA

- Date: 1 Nov – 7 Nov 2014 (8D6N)

- Tour Fare: S$2,899NETT/pax (inclusive of airport taxes and tipping)

- Flight, itinerary, hotels, and meals are all included in the package

- Extension after the tour on your own is possible, but there is a minimum surcharge of S$200 by the airline, and this is subject to availability.

- Return flights on Singapore Airlines

- There is an early bird discount of S$200/pax, valid for first 10 readers who sign up before 31 July 2014.

- Sign up for the tour by going to Apple Vacations Singapore’s office at 26 Upper Cross Street, email enquiry@applevacations.com.sg or call +65 6533 5161.

To find out more about the tours that Apple Vacations offers, go to www.applevacations.com.sg, like them on Facebook and Instagram.

This post is brought to you by Apple Vacations Singapore.