Japan is one of my favorite countries and I can never get enough of Japan… I have been fortunate to have been to Tokyo a few years ago, and I am planning a trip in March to Osaka and Kyoto…

However, that is not all there is to Japan… there are just so many amazing and picturesque places all over Japan, each as special and unique as the other…

Among these, we should also consider  the very picturesque Tottori Prefecture and indulge your gastronomic senses in the best it has to offer at Tottori Food and Tourism Fair 2016…

The Tottori Food and Tourism Fair aims to showcase Tottori Prefecture as an unforgettable holiday destination abundant in natural wonders and share some of its most popular fresh ingredients, food and authentic cuisines….

           Malaysia’s unique culinary and cultural diversity that caught the attention of both the Ambassador of Japan in Malaysia and the Governor of Tottori Prefecture and since food is the universal language that transcends borders, ethnicities and culture. Tottori is here to share all it has to offer, with the hope of enriching Malaysians knowledge about the prefecture.

The details of the fair are as below:

 Date: 11 – 20 November 2016

Time: 10.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.

Venue: Concourse Floor, Isetan, Suria KLCC

There is definitely something there for everyone. Among some of the main highlights include The Chance Lucky Draw where prizes including air tickets to Tottori, Iketeru restaurant vouchers at Hilton Kuala Lumpur are up for grabs.

The first 1,000 people who purchase Tottori products worth RM100 and above during the fair will also stand a chance to join the lucky draw.

More pictures here

 A restaurant fair will also be organized at Iketeru Japanese Restaurant and Chynna Chinese restaurant at Hilton Kuala Lumpur from 11 to 25 November 2016. Hilton KL’s best chefs will provide original dishes featuring Tottori’s best foods from the sea and mountain. You will enjoy the complete seasonal flavours of Tottori in each dish. The first 1,000 diners will receive lucky draw vouchers. They can bring it to Tottori Food and Tourism Fair from 11 to 20 November to be entitled for participation.

            From the 11 to 20 November, this dedicated Gourmet Zone will unleash a fine dining experience that surpasses expectations. For a fuller, more satisfying experience, Tottori specialty fine foods such as an array of desserts, wines, chocolates, seafood, and more will be grouped together in different themes that befit its characteristics so that the true flavours of the food are completely savoured and appreciated. A fair not to be missed, fall in love with Tottori and all that it has to offer.

 More About Tottori, the Hidden Gem of Japan

 

Located at the western edge of Japan’s main island of Honshu lies Tottori, a fairly long and narrow prefecture running some 120 km east to west and 50 km north to south. The climate is temperate, with four distinct seasons; weather is relatively fine from spring to autumn, with some snow in winter. Various delicious local food products are produced in Tottori as it is blessed with an abundance of natural resources.

 

            It is a hidden gem surrounded by natural wonders and interesting attractions:

 

Tottori Sand Dunes

Deemed the largest sand dunes in Japan, stretching 16km from the east to west and 2km from the north to south. Ocean currents and prevailing winds off the Sea of Japan (East Sea) help preserve and collect the sand brought down as sediments from the Chugoku Mountains by the Sendai River. Experience the best sceneries of the dunes with a tour around the desert via camel or donkey. You can also choose to get a bird’s eye view of the dunes through paragliding due to the strong prevailing winds off the Sea of Japan that makes it perfect for this mini adventure.

 

Uradome Coast

Close to the sand dunes is the small town of Iwami.  Here lies Uradome Coast, a crescent-shaped beach surrounded by soft, fine sand and crystal-clear waters. Unique, layered rocks jut out of the ocean at various sharp angles, creating numerous small islands and cliffs behind the West of Uradome’s beach. Bask in the stunning scenery of Uradome Coast, which is also part of the larger San’in Kaigan National Park and catch unparalleled views of caves, cliffs and weathered.

 Shirakabe Dozogun

Shirakabe Dozogun has a lot of buildings established in the Edo and Meiji periods that carry the remnants of olden times. The area has been selected as a national important preservation district for groups of traditional buildings.

Misasa Hot Spring

Misasa Onsen is one of the world’s famous radioactive hot springs containing a high radon concentration. Exposure to radon is seen to improve the metabolism and boost the body’s immunity and natural healing power. Additionally, it also enhances the body’s antioxidant function, which supports anti-aging and prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. This mineral-rich spring water is also good for drinking.

 

Mount Daisen

For hikers, Tottori is the perfect place. Mount Daisen is also known as Hōki Fuji and the highest mountain in the Chugoku region with an impressive height of 1,729 meters above sea level. From the summit there are panoramic views of city and country: urban sprawl, green trees, rice fields and the sea. During winter, you can also enjoy skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing at any of the many ski resorts scattered around the area.

Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park

Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park is one of the largest flower parks in Japan. The park is about 50 hectares in area with a variety of seasonal flowers within a 50 meters flower dome, a flowerbed on water and a European garden. Night viewing of illuminated flowers, called “Moonlight Flower Garden”, is very popular. Moonlight Flower Garden is held on Saturday and Sunday from July to August, Christmas, and during summer vacation.

 Manga Kingdom

Tottori is also known as “Manga Kingdom Tottori”, a self-styled mecca for manga and anime fans. Even the airports are named after popular manga characters: Yonago Kitaro airport and Tottori Sand Dunes Conan airport. This is because two famous manga artists grew up in Tottori prefecture. Fans of Detective Conan can visit the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory in Hokuei. If Gegege no Kitaro is more your style, head to Sakaiminato, Shigeru Mizuki’s hometown.

 

Indulge in the Best Foods from Tottori

            For a limited time only, Malaysians will have the privilege to sample and feast on some of the best offerings that Tottori has to offer:

 

Red Zuwai-gani (Red Snow Crab) and Zuwai-gani (Snow Crab / Matsuba Crab)

Tottori prefecture is renowned as being the No.1 source of snow crabs in Japan. The fair will bring you the highest quality class A Snow Crabs so you can taste its full freshness.

Kani Sushi

Kani Sushi made fresh will be served at an eat-in area. Enjoy the fresh taste of the snow crabs in each bite.

 

Seasonal Fruits: Japanese Persimmon and Japanese Pear

Hirooka Farm is well-known for its production of tasty and sweet fresh fruits every year. Get a refreshing bite of these seasonal-limited fruits such as persimmons and pears.

Hatahata – Sandfish

Enriched with plenty of fish oil goodness, the fresh Hatahatas are thinly sliced and dried to perfection with no preservatives added.

Umeko ‘Plum Wine (non-alcoholic)’

One of Tottori’s local specialty, the Umeko features a blend of three kinds of plums; Nanko plum, Benisasi plum and Bungo plum. They are  blended, and squeezed and matured, giving the Umeko its exquisite flavor and taste.

For more information regarding the Tottori Food and Tourism Fair 2016,  log on to www.pref.tottori.lg.jp/ .