Picture of the Week Hida Beef Sushi in Takayama, Japan

Takayama (高山市) is famous for its miso, ramen, mountain vegetables and Hida beef. Walking through the city is a taste sensation. A speciality is Hida beef sushi.

This is a picture of the raw beef sushi that costs 500 yen in Takayama.

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The Traditional Japanese Meal or Banquet

The traditional Japanese meal or banquet is divided into consecutive courses according to the method of preparation. For example, a grilled dish comes before a steamed dish, and a steamed dish before simmered foods, and so on. The bare minimum of the meal consists of miso soup, rice and pickles (tsukemono).

The Japanese meal is a symphony of flavour, colour, texture and seasonal produce. It is fresh and prepared so that the foods natural flavour is enhanced. The traditional basic formula of a Japanese meal is “soup and three”. That is soup and three main dishes as follows:

1. Fresh, uncooked fish (sashimi)
2. A grilled dish (yakimono)
3. A simmered dish (nimono)

These dishes will be followed by boiled rice, pickles, tea and fresh fruit as dessert.


The following is an outline of a complete traditional Japanese meal or banquet.

BEGINNING               Appetizer (zensai)
                                 Clear soup (suimono)
                                 Fresh, uncooked fish (sashimi)

MIDDLE                    Grilled foods (yakimono)
                                 Steamed foods (mushimono)
                                 Simmered foods (nimono)
                                 Deep-fried foods (agemono)
                                 Vinegared or Dressed salad (sunomono)

END                          Boiled rice (gohan)        *
                                 Miso soup (miso-shiru) * served together
                                 Pickles (tsukemono)     *
                                 Green tea (ryokucha)
                                 Fresh fruit

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Picture of the Week Takayama, Gifu, Japan

Takayama (高山市) is a city located in Gifu, Japan. It is a small beautiful city known for its traditional architecture and crafts. Takayama lies in the ancient Hida district tucked away between the mountains of the Japan Alps. It is a great place to spend a few days or to use as a base to visit the mountains or surrounding onsen hot springs.

This picture is of the Hida Takayama folk village, which is near Takayama.

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Daiso Japan

Daiso Japan, the discount superstore is coming to Australia and a shopping center near you. Daiso originated in Japan with the 100 yen store and now has 3200 stores worldwide in 24 countries. The first Australian store will open shortly in Melbourne, and offer over 120,000 different products at the bargain price of $2.80. Some of the products on offer include mugs, vases, dishes & plates, homeware, snacks, drinks, stationary, clothing, cosmetics, bags, toys, and loads of weird and wonderful products from Japanese culture, all items at a flat price of $2.80. The products are Japanese quality items at bargain prices. Daiso buys in bulk, so it can offer the consumer lower prices. It will provide real competition for the likes of Big W, Kmart and Office Works with its products and prices.

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Chopsticks

Chopsticks are the traditional eating utensils of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and the Northern provinces of Laos, Thailand, and Burma. They are generally believed to have originated in ancient China and then spread over Asia with the influx of Chinese immigrants. Chopsticks are usually made of bamboo or plastic but can also be made of metal, bone, ivory and various other types of wood.


In Japan, chopsticks are called hashi and written as箸.

Types of Chopsticks

There are many different types of Chopsticks. Very long chopsticks (30-40 cm) tend to be used for cooking, especially for deep frying food and are called saibashi in Japan. Shorter chopsticks are usually used as eating utensils.

There are so many different types of chopsticks out there that it can be difficult to choose. Metal chopsticks are used in Korea and are quite good as they are durable, easy to use and clean. Japanese and Chinese will use either wooden or plastic chopsticks. Bamboo and wooden chopsticks are very cheap, low in temperature conduction and provide a good grip. In Japan disposable chopsticks or waribashi are very popular with restaurants and fast food. These come as a piece of wood that is partially cut and must be split into two by the user. Plastic chopsticks are also very cheap, low in temperature conduction and are resistant to wear, but don`t provide the grip of wooden chopsticks and can be harder to use to pick up food as they tend to be slippery.

My family in Japan prefer the wooden type which are short to medium length and are lacquered and last a very long time.

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Nori Japanese Seaweed

Nori or seaweed is a type of algae, traditionally cultivated in the harbours of Japan. Today nori is farmed, processed, toasted, packaged and sold in standard size sheets. Nori has a lot of health and nutritional value and is regarded as a "Super Food". Nori is packed full of much-needed vitamins and minerals, including some relatively rare trace elements. Nori is rich in iodine and iron and quite high in protein. It is also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium and riboflavin (B2). Not only does it have all these nutritional riches, it is also a low-fat food!

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Picture of the Week Gujo Hachiman, Gifu, Japan

Picture of the Week Gujo Hachiman, Gifu, Japan

The main claim to fame of Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture is its Gujo Odori Folk Dance Matsuri held from early July to early September. The townsfolk continue nearly four centuries of tradition and let their hair down for some frenzied dancing. During the four main days of the festival from 13 to 16 August the dancing goes on through the night.
This picture is of a Shrine famous for its pure water. Most travellers to Gujo Hachiman stop by to taste its wonderful water.

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