6 Culinary Adventures to Explore on Wheels: Discovering Japan’s Regional Cuisines by RV

Japan is one of the most unique gastronomic destinations in the world, with a wealth of unique ingredients and dishes unique to certain regions in the country. What’s more, Japan is a nation that takes great pride in the quality of the food it produces, making it the perfect destination for foodies from across the globe. To truly embrace all of the unique flavours dotted across Japan, renting an RV gives you the freedom to explore different regions and discover some truly wonderful dishes. In this article, we’ll cover 6 culinary adventures for you to explore on an RV trip across Japan.

1. Kickoff in Tokyo and Chiba

Begin your culinary road trip by motorhome in Tokyo, where the food scene is as dynamic as the cityscape. Before hitting the road, take a little bit of time to explore local izakayas and ramen shops in areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya. Make sure to try Tokyo’s unique take on sushi and tempura, which stand out for their freshness and innovation.

In neighbouring Chiba, visit the famed Narita market early in the morning to stock up on fresh seafood, locally grown fruits, and other provisions for the journey. Here, you can grab ingredients that will allow you to experiment with your own recipes in the RV’s kitchen.

2. North to Tohoku and Chubu

Heading north of Tokyo into the Chubu region, a stop in Nagano is a must. Known for its buckwheat soba noodles, try these at a local eatery along with Nozawana pickles, a regional speciality. Explore the morning markets in Takayama in Gifu prefecture, where you can find the locally prized Hida beef and fresh mountain vegetables – a cook’s delight for creating an authentic Japanese meal back at your RV. You can cook while enjoying the rich nature that surrounds Takayama at one of the many RV parks located south of Takayama.

Continuing North, the Tohoku region offers rustic flavours influenced by the mountains and rugged terrain. In Aomori, indulge in the simplicity of grilled scallops and the famous apple cider. Summer is an ideal time to visit, coinciding with the Aomori Nebuta Festival in early August, where you can enjoy festival foods like yakitori and apple pies from local vendors. There are several RV parks located just outside of Aomori City.

3. Further North to Hokkaido

If you’re looking to soak up all that Japan’s culinary delights have to offer, then you’ll need to travel quite a distance. If you’re okay with the long journey, then travelling further north to Hokkaido will grant you access to a true haven for seafood lovers. The island’s cold waters provide some of the best seafood in Japan, including crab, scallops, and sea urchins. Visit the Hakodate Morning Market, where you can sample fresh squid and kaisendon – a bowl of rice topped with a variety of fresh seafood.

While in Hokkaido, it’s worth visiting Sapporo – particularly during the Sapporo Autumn Fest. Held in September, this festival features the season’s best produce and specialities from across Hokkaido. Don’t miss out on trying the local soup curry, a spicy and warming dish perfect for Hokkaido’s cooler climate.

4. Journey through Kansai

Journeying down south into the heart of Japan, the Kansai region is renowned for its culinary diversity. In Kyoto, famous for its beautiful temples and shrines, traditional kaiseki meals showcase seasonal ingredients and refined preparation methods. Street food stalls in Osaka offer takoyaki and okonomiyaki, providing quick, delicious bites to fuel your travels.

For a unique experience, attend the Uji Tea Festival in Kyoto, where you can learn about Japanese tea culture and sample various green teas like matcha directly from the local tea farms of Kyoto.

5. Explore Shikoku and Chugoku

Crossing south to Shikoku – the smallest of Japan’s four main islands – offers a more laid-back culinary scene. Visit Kochi’s 300-year-old Sunday Market, the oldest and largest outdoor market in Japan, to taste local citrus fruits and Tosa beef.

In the Chugoku region, Hiroshima’s okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake loaded with ingredients, is a must-try. Leave your RV parked in Hiroshima and take an hour-long ferry or train ride to Miyajima Island to enjoy the Miyajima Gourmet Kaki Festival and indulge in oysters, another local speciality – served grilled, fried, or raw.

6. Culminating in Kyushu

Your culinary adventure reaches its southern peak in Kyushu, known for its rich broths and hearty dishes. In Fukuoka, ramen shops specialising in tonkotsu ramen – a pork bone broth-based noodle soup – are ubiquitous and not to be missed. Be sure to explore local food stalls and carts, or yatai, which pop up in the evenings along the riverbank.

Travelling south to Kagoshima, the influence of volcanic activity enriches the soil, resulting in uniquely flavoured produce. Sample sweet potatoes and black pork, which are among the region’s staples. If you get a chance, make sure to participate in the Kagoshima Food Festival in November to savour these local ingredients prepared in various styles.

Ending with Lasting Tastes and Memories

As your journey winds down, reflect on the diverse culinary experiences that have filled your itinerary. From the fresh seafood of Hokkaido to the vibrant street food culture of Kyushu, travelling Japan by RV offers an immersive and comprehensive way to explore and enjoy Japan’s regional cuisines.

With each stop on this route, from bustling city markets to quiet rural festivals, the flavours of Japan unfold like the chapters of a richly illustrated book. With the convenience and comfort of campervan rental, Tokyo is just the start of a memorable culinary journey across Japan.