Trails to Oishii Tokyo

Season 6

2024 · 22 episodes · 10h 16m in all

Episodes

1. 

   1. KIWI

   24 Jan 2024 · 28 min

   The key to tasty kiwi is a ripening process that takes place after harvest. Discover new varieties being developed in Kagawa Prefecture and feast your eyes on innovative dishes.

2. 

   2. PANKO

   7 Feb 2024 · 28 min

   Known to the world as panko, Japanese breadcrumbs are made by breaking apart fresh loaves of bread. Experience Japan's crunchy, juicy and truly unique fried food culture.

3. 

   3. CARROT

   21 Feb 2024 · 28 min

   Japan has a number of carrot varieties resulting from selective breeding. Discover carrots grown beneath the snow and savor an array of dishes from French to Japanese.

4. 

   4. KOYA-TOFU

   13 Mar 2024 · 28 min

   Koya-tofu: a freeze-dried food made from tofu. It absorbs flavors like a sponge, making it ideal for a huge variety of dishes. We dive deep into this protein-packed superfood.

5. 

   5. MENTAIKO

   20 Mar 2024 · 28 min

   Mentaiko is cured and spiced pollock roe, with a deep flavor provided by kombu and katsuobushi broth. Discover the secrets of a beloved food that spread from Fukuoka to the rest of Japan.

6. 

   6. FUKINOTO

   10 Apr 2024 · 28 min

   Fukinoto signals the coming of spring. Shaped like a lovely bouquet, the mountain veggie offers a stimulating bitterness that people wait all year to enjoy.

7. 

   7. WAKASAGI

   24 Apr 2024 · 28 min

   Wakasagi—small, 10-cm fish—are the star of Japan's winter fishing season. Drill holes in an icy lake for some line fishing, and meet fishers who are passionate about conservation efforts.

8. 

   8. ISE-EBI

   8 May 2024 · 28 min

   Ise-ebi is the king of Japan's crustaceans. With its elegant flavor and warrior-like appearance, the high-end food is a must on festive occasions. Feast your eyes on delectable local cuisine.

9. 

   9. NISHIN

   22 May 2024 · 28 min

   Schools of nishin, or Pacific herring, enter Japan's cooler northern waters in spring. Once a lucrative part of local economies, the fish remains a staple ingredient in various Japanese dishes.

10. 

    10. SPRING OYSTERS

    12 Jun 2024 · 28 min

    Spring oysters, packed with umami before spawning, have been attracting attention in recent years. We visit Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan's largest oyster-producing region, to learn more.

11. 

    11. MELON

    26 Jun 2024 · 28 min

    Japanese melons are known to be juicy and intensely sweet. Their beautiful netting patterns indicate careful cultivation and wonderful flavor. Meet dedicated farmers and savor a truly versatile fruit.

12. 

    12. RAKKYO

    10 Jul 2024 · 28 min

    Pungent, aromatic rakkyo is grown in Tottori Prefecture, a major production area famous for sand dunes. See how farmers battled with a harsh environment to eventually produce a quality, versatile veggie.

13. 

    13. ASPARAGUS

    24 Jul 2024 · 28 min

    Asparagus brings a pop of color to early summer, and increasing demand is promoting a bevy of new varieties. Witness cutting-edge cultivation in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan's largest production area.

14. 

    14. ENOKI

    14 Aug 2024 · 28 min

    Enoki are the most produced mushrooms in Japan. The thin, white mushrooms are a staple ingredient in hot pot dishes. Check out amazing cultivation methods and feast your eyes on some unique recipes.

15. 

    15. SHISO

    28 Aug 2024 · 28 min

    Shiso: a Japanese herb gaining fans worldwide. Refreshing shiso is key in Japanese cuisine, which features a lot of raw fish. See how shiso's leaves, flowers and seeds are all used in oishii dishes.

16. 

    16. OCTOPUS

    11 Sept 2024 · 28 min

    Is octopus a superfood? Enjoy traditional fishing and dishes in Akashi, a major production area. Also, see how low-fat, high-protein octopus can be used in French cuisine, highlighting its potential.

17. 

    17. RICE FLOUR

    25 Sept 2024 · 28 min

    Rice flour is attracting global attention. After using it for ages to make sweets, Japan employs the latest milling tech to create rice flour for various uses. See how the powder continues to evolve.

18. 

    18. TOMATO

    16 Oct 2024 · 28 min

    Tomatoes offer great umami—something that's key in Japanese cuisine. Japan is home to some 300 varieties where novel cultivation methods utilizing technology could change how we grow food.

19. 

    19. EDAMAME

    30 Oct 2024 · 28 min

    World-famous edamame are soybeans harvested before maturity. They're great simply boiled and seasoned with salt, but check out some other ways to savor their sweet aroma and rich umami.

20. 

    20. KUE

    20 Nov 2024 · 28 min

    Kue is a large deep-sea fish that's quite elusive, but its superb flavor keeps people begging for more. Savor unique dishes and learn about efforts being taken to protect this luxurious fish.

21. 

    21. KABOCHA

    4 Dec 2024 · 28 min

    Kabocha, or squash: over 160 types are grown in Japan, many of them native. Visit passionate farmers across the country, including those who utilize grape trellises and extended ripening methods.

22. 

    22. TOFU

    18 Dec 2024 · 28 min

    Visit specialty tofu makers across Tokyo that are deeply rooted in their local communities and see how the traditional food has come to be used in all kinds of cuisine, from east to west.