Kamata Shokudo (かまた食堂)

In an exciting culinary venture, Jarman International had the pleasure of organizing a gastronomic journey for Cody, the renowned food blogger behind the popular Instagram account @ramenguidejapan, to scenic Yonezawa in Yamagata Prefecture. Known for his insatiable appetite for ramen and his mission to uncover the best ramen spots across Japan, Cody’s trip to Yonezawa marks a significant milestone in his exploration of Japan’s rich noodle culture.

Cody, a part-time food blogger and a Japanese native fluent in both Japanese and English, has become a prominent figure in the food blogging community with a following that eagerly awaits his next ramen discovery.Cody’s documents his noodle-filled adventures on both his Instagram and  website, www.ramenguidejapan.com. In the past year alone, Cody visited over 200 ramen shops, sampling a variety of flavors and styles, and sharing his experiences with a growing audience of ramen enthusiasts.

During his visit to Yonezawa, Cody had the opportunity to explore several notable ramen spots, each offering a unique take on the beloved dish. Among the highlights were Shina Soba Kumabun (熊文), Yamadaimae Yamatoya (山大前やまとや), Kamata Shokudo (かまた食堂), Fukuhara Shokudo (福原屋食堂), and Katsuramachi Sapporo (桂町さっぽろ),etc. These establishments represent just one part of the diversity and depth of ramen culture in Yonezawa, a destination worth visiting for any ramen aficionado.

Jarman International is thrilled to have supported Cody in this endeavor, furthering our commitment to promoting cultural and culinary exchange in Japan. We believe that food has the power to connect people, transcend boundaries, and provide a deeper understanding of a place and its culture. Cody’s journey through Yonezawa’s ramen scene not only highlights the region’s culinary offerings but also showcases part of the vibrant food culture that exists throughout Japan.

Fukuhara Shokudo (福原屋食堂)

For those eager to follow in Cody’s footsteps and discover the ramen delights of Yonezawa be sure to follow his journey on Instagram and his blog for detailed reviews, mouth-watering photos, and insider tips on navigating Japan’s ramen landscape. With Cody as your guide, you’re sure to uncover the soul of Japanese cuisine, one bowl of ramen at a time.

We continue to support unique journeys that highlight the beauty, diversity, and richness of Japan. Stay tuned for more culinary adventures and cultural explorations!

★ Want to learn more about Yonezawa? Check out what this lovely city has to offer on Instagram and Facebook.

The post Jarman International and Ramen Guide Japan Collaborate On an Unforgettable Ramen Journey in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Photo: Thomas Kruse

JI Core 50 member, Thomas Kruse and his partner, the renowned influencer, Etsuna  (Etsuna’s IG), recently made a visit to Yonezawa City and participated in the local event, Zero Waste Walk. This is a monthly gathering in Yonezawa City that focuses on environmental conservation and community involvement. Participants convene at prominent landmarks within the city to engage in a collective effort of environmental cleanup. Following the event, attendees are encouraged to connect with one another and share a cup of coffee, providing a meaningful space for interaction and camaraderie. The Zero Waste Walk initiative highlights a strong commitment to environmental preservation while nurturing a sense of unity within the community.

During the event, Thomas Kruse had the opportunity to be interviewed by Yamagata Broadcasting. Expressing his delight, Thomas Kruse shared his positive experience in Yonezawa City, underscoring the importance of the event and its impact on the local community.

Photo: Thomas Kruse

Thomas shared his experience of his trip to Yonezawa, saying, “I woke up early for the morning of the second day to participate in the Zero Waste Walk taking place at Yonezawa Multi-Purpose Park（米沢総合公園）.  The local news channel came to film and reported on the event for a segment which aired on June 1st – it was exciting to see myself interviewed on the program. I recognized many familiar faces from participating previously at the ZWW in Onogawa Onsen and was thrilled to reconnect with many great people”.

★「Zero Waste Walk」Instagram（Japanese）

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Photo courtesy of Ubaya Onsen

The Japan Times, the most widely read source of English-language news in Japan, recently published an article by contributing writer, Cassandra Lord, on her visit to Yonezawa’s Ubayu Onsen Masugataya.

Photo: Cassandra Lord

Situated some 1,300 meters above sea level and deep in the Azuma mountains, Ubayu Onsen is one of the most renowned ‘hitō (secret)’ onsen hot springs in the whole of Yamagata Prefecture. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the beautiful valley from the hot waters of the secluded open-air baths, as well as sample local seasonal cuisine such as Yonezawa carp, Yonezawa beef, or vegan dishes made with local produce.

Part of what makes hitō so desirable is the rest and relaxation they provide. They are the perfect place for people who want to reexamine themselves in a quiet environment and those seeking nostalgia in the place of a lost hometown.

The short walk up to the entrance of Ubayu Onsen gave me a taste of what was to come. The waters of a stream next to the walkway splashed down over rocks in a series of mini waterfalls, creating misty blue pools along the way. This same misty blue awaited me at the top, in a warm set of rotenburo (outdoor baths).

On entering, the staff were ready and waiting to greet me, carefully placing slippers at my feet and taking my shoes and bags. They guided me to a room: a cozy, Japanese-style space with no frills or extravagant decor — just a window onto the sufficiently extravagant autumn colors.

Before even dipping a toe into the baths, Ubayu Onsen had covered some of the core values of a true hitō.

-Cassandra Lord (The Japan Times)

Photo: Cassandra Lord

Read the full article HERE to learn more about Cassandra’s visit to Ubayu Onsen.

As an avid supporter and partner to Yonezawa, we hope it inspires international residents and visitors looking to experience a different side of Japan to choose Ubayu Onsen as a destination for their next trip!

The post The Japan Times Publishes Article on Yonezawa’s ‘Secret’ Ubayu Onsen appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Jarman International is pleased to share that Director of Project Management, Chiara Terzuolo, was published in Atlas Obscura.

With page views of around four million each month, this online travel site offers niche information on unique places and happenings around the globe. Ubayu Onsen is definitely one of Japan’s hidden onsen gems deep in the mountains above Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture.

We are proud of this recognition for both Chiara and Yonezawa and hope the article inspires international visitors and residents to travel to the area and experience all that Ubayu Onsen and Yonezawa have to offer on their next trip around Japan.

Want to learn more about Yonezawa? Follow its beauty and appeal on Instagram and Facebook.

The post Jarman International’s Director of Project Management, Chiara Terzuolo, was published in Atlas Obscura. appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Fatty, tender, and umami-rich…Japanese wagyu beef is one of the world’s most luxurious foods, ranked high among ingredients like black truffles and caviar. But what makes wagyu so special? The secret lies in nutrient-rich fodder, gender, lifespan and…classical music!?

Check out this Japan Today article written by JI Core 50 member Vicki L. Beyer to learn about wagyu from snowy Yonezawa City in Yamagata Prefecture, which has a centuries-long history of raising cattle.

JI Core 50 member and popular YouTuber of the ONLY in JAPAN channel, John Daub, also created an episode all about Yonezawa gyu, from raising the cattle to grading the meat.

Also subscribe to John’s livestream-only channel, ONLY in JAPAN * GO for pretty much daily uploads!

The post Find out what makes Japanese wagyu beef world class! (Yonezawa, Yamagata) appeared first on Jarman International KK.

One of these opportunities was a seminar held in late January, where Ruth contributed to the discussion around Yonezawa City’s great potential as a tourism and living destination.

During the seminar, Ruth sat alongside other key women who are actively working toward promoting Yonezawa to the broader international community through their own diverse businesses and passions.

From the importance of building a city where the younger generation can live comfortably and confidently, to making sure that locals are prioritized and being heard, there were an array of insightful points that were highlighted during the seminar.

Featured in the photos:

Toko Brewery / Ubayu Hot Spring Masugataya / Nitta Fabrics

The post Jarman International CEO, Ruth Marie Jarman, discusses Yonezawa City’s great potential as a tourism and living destination appeared first on Jarman International KK.

The first of three webinars was presented by Adam Fulford about the incredibly relevant topic of regional revitalization. During his over 40 years of living and working in Japan, Adam has served as a community consultant for the small town of Nakatsugawa, located among the lush mountains of Yamagata Prefecture. He has since become very passionate about making sure the culture, traditions, and immense knowledge of the Japanese countryside are not left forgotten.  

Although it may not necessarily be intuitive, there are many ways in which supporting the economic and social growth of the countryside relates to SDGs, for example, by preventing overpopulation in the cities. As a result, this can alleviate negative environmental impacts such as air pollution and the urban heat island effect. 

Albeit in a small way, Jarman International was very honored to be able to contribute to this global effort in making not only Japan, but also the world, a better place for all.

Stay tuned for updates regarding the other two SDG webinars, which were each presented by JI Core 50 members Violet Daike-Pacileo and Roland Thompson!

The post Regional revitalization with Adam Fulford – Jarman International organizes three webinars about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for MS&AD appeared first on Jarman International KK.

The guest speakers were John Gauntner, the world’s leading non-Japanese sake expert, and Alex Kerr, the highly respected Japanologist who has written multiple award-winning books about the nuances of Japan’s culture and history such as “Lost Japan” (1996). The webinar was broadcasted from one of Tohoku’s largest sake warehouses at the over 400-year-old Toko brewery in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture.

During the innovative webinar, participants located in Japan and New York were able to directly taste Toko sake along with John and Alex, as they were sent a selection of bottles in advance. John introduced the characteristics of Tohoku sake and tips on how to best enjoy this traditional Japanese drink, while Alex offered insights on the region’s landscape and culture that set it apart from other areas of Japan.

The webinar is now available on YouTube for anyone around the world to enjoy. Click HERE to learn all about Tohoku’s sake and culture!

The post Discover Tohoku’s sake and culture with John Gauntner and Alex Kerr (Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture) appeared first on Jarman International KK.

For a flat fee of 20,000 yen (10,000 yen for children), you can be anywhere from gazing up at the 350-year-old pagoda of Saisho-in Temple in Aomori and taking a stroll in the old castle town of Kakunodate where authentic samurai-era architecture still remains, to attempting the wanko soba (buckwheat noodle) challenge in Iwate and dipping into a hot spring among the fantastical mountains of Yamagata.

The writers of Jarman International recently collaborated with Japan Today to publish an article highlighting everything you need to know about this rail pass, which you can read HERE.

In late October, two of our JI Core 50 members, Daniel Moore and Adam Fulford visited Tohoku to explore its wonders. You can read about their experiences below, and find out what makes this region of Japan so special.

Daniel’s experience in Fukushima Prefecture HERE. Adam’s travel to Yamagata Prefecture HERE.

The post Here is everything you need to know about the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Little known to international travelers, Yamagata is home to a vast array of spiritual, historical, and architectural marvels, not to mention glorious natural beauty. JI Core 50 member Adam Fulford has been actively involved in supporting the regional activation of a small community in Yamagata called Nakatsugawa since 2014, however this time, he spent two days in Shonai, located further north nearby the Japan Sea coast.

Shonai is surrounded by three sacred peaks of Dewa Sanzan, a renowned pilgrimage route, one of which Adam visited during his stay. Surrounded by towering Japanese cedars and gazing up at the iconic five-storied pagoda on Haguro-san, Adam learned about the area’s over 1,400-year history directly from a follower of Shugendo (the religious tradition closely associated with these mountains). Another highlight of his trip included experiencing maiko entertainment at Somaro tea house, located in the historic port city of Sakata.

It’s rare to have a chance to see maiko up close, and it was a pleasure to watch them perform three short dances with shamisen accompaniment. The entire building is also captivating, with countless photogenic nooks and crannies, some of which I was able to discover with the help of Kosuzu, the shamisen player and singer. She explained aspects of the building’s history and patrons of yore with the same informative ebullience that had earlier characterized her commentaries on the maiko dances.

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Built in 1893, the Sankyo Soko still functions today as rice storehouses, offering visitors the chance to learn about ordinary life centuries ago, and traditional knowledge passed on over generations.

The storehouses are visually striking, and the museum and adjacent shop are packed with opportunities to learn and appreciate local culture. Only two stops into my visit, a few Shonai themes were already coming into focus: rice, sake, colorful crafts, and a sense of how tough life was for local people in the old days, whether for men pulling unloaded boats back upriver, or for women carrying massive loads of rice on their backs.

 

If you’re a lover of history, nature, masterful crafts, and delicious cuisine, as well as interested in experiencing the authentic roots of the Japanese spirit and culture, Yamagata might just be worth adding to your next Japan travel itinerary.

Learn more about Shonai HERE.

Adam Fulford helped launch an online store called My Shuraku Nakatsugawa, where you can purchase local products from Nakatsugawa in Yamagata Prefecture. From maple syrup to traditional side dishes, check out the delicious products HERE.

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