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Experience an Iya-style BBQ and grind your own green tea for a foodie experience like no other.
Nishi-Awa Tourism Association Sora-no-sato
Get a real taste of the culinary traditions of the Iya Valley by trying hirarayaki, a local style of grilling where locals cover a grilling platter with miso paste, which infuses the fish and vegetables with flavor. Traditionally, this was done using a large river stone, but these days they use an iron plate.
During the activity, you will also be able to cook up some “stone tofu,” a vegetarian regional specialty. The tofu is very firm and subtly sweet, reminiscent of cheese. Take turns cutting off chunks of the large block of tofu and mixing it into the miso before enjoying it with fresh ginger and green onions.
As an additional experience, you will also try tea grinding, using a stone mortar to grind the leaves, then sipping the freshest cup of tea you've ever had. This green tea, grown in the misty mountains of Iya, encapsulates the flavor of the terroir.
How to get there
From Shin-Osaka Station, take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama Station (about 50 minutes), then take the JR Limited Express to Oboke Station (about 1 hour and 20 minutes). The meeting spot is right by the station.
7 Tokuzennishi, Nishi Iya Yamamura, Miyoshi-shi, Tokushima-ken