Savory Japanese stir-fried noodles stuffed in hot dog bun, Yakisoba Pan is the ultimate sandwich for carb lovers and featured on Netflix® “Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories”.

READ: Yakisoba Pan (Midnight Diner) 焼きそばパン

Takayama Inari Shrine, or the “Fushimi Inari of the north,” is believed to have been erected by the powerful Ando clan that governed the Tsugaru region in Aomori from the Kamakura to the Muromachi period. Here, see hundreds of torii (shrine) gates undulating like a dragon along about 1.3 kilometers uphill.

Takayama Inari Shrine History

Photo by: PIXTA/ Yoshitaka

Around 1443, the Ando clan’s revered prayer site was destroyed by fire during a conflict with the Nambu forces. A legend states that in 1701, samurai Terasaka Sangoro carried a sacred object of the Inari Okami Shinto goddess to Hirosaki Castle in Tsugaru, and later transferred it to Takayama, where the original Sanno Shrine was enshrined. 

Takayama Inari Shrine is dedicated to three deities: Uka-no-Mitama-no-Mikoto (goddess of agriculture), Sata-Hiko-no-Mikoto (god of guidance) and Omiya-no-Me-no-Mikoto (goddess of performing arts). It also offers divine blessings for abundant harvest, maritime safety and prosperity. Farmers and business owners often visit the shrine to pray for good fortune in their trades. 

Features and Structures

Photo by: PIXTA/ 渡邊トシ

The vast grounds sprawl on a hill with multiple elevations, making it a perfect hiking trail. From the lower entrance, visitors can reach the main shrine by a steep staircase or by a slope. From the top landing, the walkways split in directions toward overlooking decks and other shrine buildings, including the Yonoko Inari Shrine, Kumagoro Shrine and the haiden main hall, which sits atop a hill. The historical Sanno Shrine lies further ahead. The top of its gate illustrates symbols of the wind and waves. 

The Ryujingu Shrine

The Ryujingu Shrine marks the starting point of the serpentine course of luminous gates. Two radiant vermilion bridges border the small shrine. Worshippers stop here also to honor the dragon god, which inspired the convoluted pattern of the famous torii gates.

Torii Gate Corridor

Now begins the challenging trek through the snakelike Senbon Torii (thousand torii gates) corridor. Over time, new gates have been continuously added through donations from patrons. The gravel path gently inclines, so a slow, leisurely pace is recommended to take in the vistas of the landscaped lake on the left and lush forest on the right. At the end of the meandering footpath, an elevated platform offers a view of the entire  “scarlet dragon” amid the expansive terrain. 

Behind the deck is the Shinmei Shrine, unembellished in plain wood. Worshippers offer prayers to stone statues of fox messengers, who represent the protectors of the Inari Kami. More than a hundred of them are scattered in this area.

Inspired by the Otafuku yakisoba sauce, this 5-minute DIY version tastes just as good—with only a handful of pantry ingredients. A batch keeps for a month and works on far more than just yakisoba.

READ: Yakisoba Sauce 焼きそばソース

Bringing together the Hida mountains and the pure Nagara River, Gifu Prefecture sits between Tokyo and Osaka. Its landscapes and samurai history shape its food culture. Local food here is rooted in the land and rivers, shaped by mountain harvests, fresh river fish, and long-standing traditions passed down through generations. These famous foods you’ll find in Gifu showcase the flavors that define the region.

1. Hida Beef

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Hida beef is one of Japan’s most prized wagyu varieties, known for its rich marbling and tender texture. Black-haired cattle are raised in the mountains of northern Gifu, where clean air and cold winters help develop especially well-marbled meat. While available year-round, it tastes best in winter, when cattle naturally build more fat. In Takayama and the Hida region, visitors can enjoy it as yakiniku, sushi, steak, or simple salted skewers that highlight the beef’s quality.

2. Ayu Sweetfish

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The Nagara River, one of Japan’s three great pristine rivers, is home to ayu sweetfish. These river fish feed on natural algae, giving them a clean, lightly sweet flavor often compared to melon. In summer, locals grill them whole over charcoal with salt and enjoy them at riverside restaurants along the river. Gifu also preserves ukai, a 1,300-year-old cormorant fishing tradition led by trained usho masters whose skills are passed down through generations. Recognized as an Intangible Cultural Property, it still attracts visitors, alongside seasonal yana fishing from June to October. 

3. Kei-chan Chicken

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Kei-chan began in Gifu’s mountain communities as a way for families to use chickens no longer needed for eggs. Over time, each household developed its own marinade, which explains the wide variety of local styles today. The dish features bite-sized chicken stir-fried with cabbage in a soy or miso-based sauce, creating a smoky, savory aroma. In areas like Meiho, it remains a local favorite served in restaurants and sold as takeaway near stations.

4. Persimmons

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Gifu is a major producer of persimmons, especially the crisp Fuyu variety known for its honey-like sweetness. In autumn, orchards across the region fill with bright orange fruit, while fresh persimmons appear in markets, roadside stations and cafes. Locals also dry them into hoshigaki, a winter delicacy with an intense, concentrated flavor. Chefs use persimmons in cakes, jellies, salads, and savory dishes, adding natural sweetness across both desserts and seasonal cooking. 

5. Takayama Ramen

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Also known as Hida ramen, Takayama ramen developed in the old merchant town of Takayama. Chefs prepare a light soy-based broth with chicken and seafood stocks, creating a clear yet aromatic broth. They serve it with thin curly noodles that absorb the soup, topped with bamboo shoots, green onions and slices of pork for balance and texture. In small shops across Takayama’s historic streets, cooks often prepare the broth in front of guests, filling the air with the scent of simmering stock. 

What did you think of these famous foods you’ll find in Gifu? Discover more local favorites in our Famous Foods in Japan series.

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On the southern coast of Sado Island lies the small historic village of Shukunegi Village. It is a place where narrow alleys, wooden houses, and the scent of the sea still preserve the atmosphere of old Japan. Sado Island is on the Sea of Japan. It is about 45 kilometers from the coast of Niigata Prefecture, and you can easily reach it by ferry.

Shukunegi flourished from the late Edo period into the Meiji era as a port connected to the Kitamaebune trade route. Merchant ships traveled along the Sea of Japan carrying rice, seafood, sake and other goods between Osaka and Hokkaido. Because Sado’s gold and silver mines were highly active during this time, the island became an important stopping point for trade, and Shukunegi grew wealthy through shipping and shipbuilding.

The Famous Triangle House

Photo by: PIXTA/ SHIMA

The streets of Shukunegi are a maze of narrow cobblestone streets winding through rows of traditional wooden houses. It seems untouched by modern life. More than 100 houses remain in the settlement, and many people still live in them.

The most famous of these is Sankakuya, also known as the Triangle House. Local shipbuilders designed it, using their boat-building skills for the architecture. Its unusual triangular structure has become a symbol of Shukunegi and attracts many visitors every year. Inside, the steep staircase and small rooms show how every inch of space has been carefully used.

The village is recognized as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. This helps to protect not only the houses but also the day-to-day life that continues here.

Sado Island’s Maritime History

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The Sado Ogi Folk Museum, located just outside the village, preserves the history of southern Sado. The former wooden elementary school, built in the 1920s, currently houses the museum.

Inside are thousands of folk tools, fishing equipment and shipbuilding materials that tell the story of the people who once worked on this coast. Its main attraction is a full-scale replica of the Hakusan Maru. It is a large wooden cargo ship built based on historical documents from Shukunegi. Visitors can board the ship, explore its interior and get an idea of what seafaring was like in the Edo period.

Tub Boats

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A short distance from the village, the coast around the Yajima Experience Exchange Center offers another side of Sado’s charm. Here, visitors can ride traditional tub boats in the calm waters between Yajima and Kyojima islands. Fishermen originally used these round wooden boats for fishing along rocky coastlines where larger boats could not easily pass. The bright red bridge connecting the small islands creates a beautiful contrast against the sea, making the area especially photogenic.

Try this Japanese Fruit Sandwich recipe with fresh fruit and sweet whipped cream tucked in soft milk bread. An easy, no-bake treat perfect for parties.

READ: Japanese Fruit Sandwich (Fruit Sando) フルーツサンド

Landlocked Yamanashi Prefecture sits just west of Tokyo in the Chubu region, shaped by the northern reaches of Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes area. Surrounded by mountains and known for its orchards and vineyards, the prefecture has built a food culture around seasonal produce. From regional noodles to premium fruit and sweets, try these famous foods you’ll find in Yamanashi.

1. Hoto

Photo by: PIXTA/ shige hattori

No dish defines Yamanashi more than hoto, a hotpot of thick flat noodles simmered in rich miso broth with pumpkin, mushrooms, carrots and cabbage. The pumpkin gives the soup its smooth texture and gentle sweetness. Although it resembles udon, hoto has a denser texture that locals consider entirely distinct. Farming communities across the region created the dish as a warming winter meal, and today, restaurants also serve versions with wild boar or spicy curry-based broths.

2. Koshu Wine

Photo by: PIXTA/ あずさ

Yamanashi Prefecture leads Japan’s wine industry, with vineyards stretching across the Kofu Basin and around Katsunuma, the country’s best-known winemaking area. Producers here have cultivated Koshu grapes for centuries, creating light white wines with subtle citrus flavors and a crisp finish that pairs naturally with Japanese cuisine. Around Katsunuma, visitors can tour historic family-run estates and sample sparkling wines, rich reds, and elegant Koshu whites. Harvest season in autumn draws large crowds as the vineyards turn shades of gold and deep purple.

3. Shine Muscat

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Yamanashi also grows some of Japan’s most sought-after Shine Muscat grapes, known for their floral aroma and intense sweetness. Unlike many grape varieties, Shine Muscats have thin edible skin and almost no bitterness, giving them a crisp, juicy bite. In late summer and early autumn, orchards around the prefecture open for grape-picking experiences, while department stores and souvenir shops sell beautifully boxed bunches as high-end gifts that can cost tens of thousands of yen. Their popularity has also inspired Shine Muscat sweets and desserts sold across Yamanashi.

4. Yoshida Udon

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Fujiyoshida is home to Yoshida udon, a local noodle dish known for its extra-firm, chewy texture. The thick noodles are usually served in a soy and miso-based broth topped with cabbage, green onions, and thinly sliced horse meat or beef. Unlike softer udon found in other parts of Japan, Yoshida udon has a dense bite that developed as an affordable, filling meal for textile workers in the area. Many local shops still make the noodles fresh each morning and serve them with spicy miso paste for added heat and depth.

5. Shingen Mochi

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Named after the samurai Takeda Shingen, Shingen mochi combines soft, chewy rice cakes with roasted soybean flour and thick black sugar syrup. The kinako gives the sweet a nutty aroma, while the syrup adds a deep caramel-like richness. Shops across Yamanashi sell it in neatly packaged souvenir boxes, especially at train stations and roadside stops. Cafes have also created modern versions though the traditional combination remains the most popular.

Have you heard of any of these famous foods you’ll find in Yamanashi? Discover more local favorites in our Famous Foods in Japan series.

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A delicious lunch or dinner, this juicy Miso Chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory miso sauce and pan-fried until crispy and golden.

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