A Day in the Japanese Countryside
Located in the western part of Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture in Japan, a serene countryside lies offering a glimpse into traditional Japanese life.
This is the area where I grew up, and I take my children every year to spend the summer. I will show you how I spent one summer day in the countryside, starting with a heartwarming breakfast prepared by my grandmother, followed by a stroll through a local market, a quick coffee break, and ending with riverside fun and a delightful homemade dinner.
What to Do
1. Grandma’s Breakfast
2. Grocery Shopping
3. River Playing
4. Coffee Break
5. Homemade Dinner and Desserts
1. Grandma’s Breakfast
The day kicked off at 7 am as we stepped into my 92-year-old grandmother's cozy traditional Japanese-style home. The aroma of freshly prepared breakfast welcomed us.
Her classic Japanese breakfast came with Onigiri (rice balls), Miso soup, Tamagoyaki (Japanese egg rolled omelette), cut tomatoes which freshly picked in her garden, and homemade Tsukemono (Japanese pickles). Sitting around the table, we savored the comforting flavors that define the essence of Japanese morning rituals. The combination of rice and Miso soup sets the perfect tone for the day ahead. (here is my favorite Miso Soup recipe)
2. Grocery Shopping
After a satisfying breakfast, we made a trip to a local supermarket in Hamada city. There are a few go-to markets we often visit while staying in the town.
The vibrant displays of locally sourced vegetables, fresh fish, meats, and Japanese ingredients captivate our senses. Our must-pickups are Tofu and Natto as we consume them very often in our daily life. The amount of the stock because of our kids’ consumption surprises my dad every time.
The affordability of these markets allows us to indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine throughout our stay.
3. River Playing
There is a beautiful mountain stream in Kurosawa area in Misumi-town where my dad’s place is at. We headed to the river where my children eagerly engaged in water play. Splashing around in the cool river stream becomes an annual tradition now, offering respite from the summer heat. The natural beauty surrounding the area enhances the experience, creating cherished memories for the whole family.
4. Coffee Break at Seven Eleven
You may have known that Japanese Seven Eleven offers wonderful Japanese food selections and beyond.
Even in this little town, there is this Japanese convenience store. And it’s so difficult to resist going there every time we pass by. My favorite at Seven Eleven during the summer is the iced café latte. You pick a cup with the ice cubes already in it, pay, then bring it to the coffee machine and fill in the drink after selecting the correct button. Sometimes, as a treat, my kids get a cup of fruit smoothie. (To how to use the machine, I had to ask the store staff for help at the first time!)
5. Homemade Dinner and Desserts
As the sun began to set, we returned home, and dinner preparations had to be begun.
The evening menu featured grilled fish, Teriyaki Chicken, cucumber salad, and Kimpira carrot. With the abundance of fresh fish available in the area, our preference tends to lean towards the savory delights of grilled fish. In typical Japanese kitchen, the convenience of a fish-grill oven attached to the stove allows for an effortless preparation for grilled fish which I love about being a home cook in Japan.
And here is the kids' Favorite - Desserts! The pastry shop in Japan offers a variety of cakes and sweets, and they are visually appealing, with a perfect balance of sweetness in generous portions. I tend to choose Mont Blanc Cake, while the kids love Strawberry Shortcake. (If looking for a recipe of Strawberry Shortcake click here)
A day in the countryside of Japan unfolds as a harmonious blend of culinary delights, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventures. From the comforting embrace of Grandma's breakfast to the lively river play and a homemade dinner that celebrates local flavors, this journey captures the essence of Japanese rural life - a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city living.
