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Cuisines vary from culture to culture, differing between nations and within them. Food is a universal necessity, but the importance of food goes beyond need. Food surpasses and becomes mental energy evoking emotion. It satisfies the needs of the body, but touches deeper places like the soul and spirit.

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People would be killed if they ate meat because its against Buddhist beliefs  

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People would be killed if they ate meat because its against Buddhist beliefs  

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675 A.D., Emperor Tenmu issued the first official decree banning consumption of beef, horse, dog, chicken, and monkey during the height of farming season from April to September. As time went on, the practice would be solidified and expanded into a year-round taboo against all meat eating

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in this picture shows a festival and everyone walking around to food carts. in the bottom left corner shows a woman cooking eel marinated in soy sauce over the hot stoves with her gown partially over her breast. Eel was a major food staple in japans food culture.

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In the eighth year of the Keichō Era (1603), the warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616) established his military government in Edo (now Tokyo). During the 260 years of peace that followed, Edo's citizens constructed new ways of life and cultivated a previously non-existent urban culture. With peace life became more stable and commoners who lived comfortably started to pursue various forms of entertainment. From this pursue, a genre known as ukiyo-e (pictures of the floating world) was born.

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Food in Ukiyo-e: The Japanese Summer Feast - Google Arts & Culture

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In the eighth year of the Keichō Era (1603), the warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616) established his military government in Edo (now Tokyo). During the 260 years of peace that followed, Edo's citizens constructed new ways of life and cultivated a previously non-existent urban culture.

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The eel that woman would cook over the hot stoves during festivals.

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The eel that woman would cook over the hot stoves during festivals.

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Eel that was cooked on skewers, by woman at festivals.

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Eel that was cooked on skewers, by woman at festivals.

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how did Buddhism effect food culture in Japan? 

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how did Buddhism effect food culture in Japan? 

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once Buddhism was introduced in the 6th century, they banned meat from the 4th month to 9th month of the year. whoever was caught eating meat would be punished by death.

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What to do and where to go in Hokkaido, Japan

Given that my friend Victor and I are massive foodies, it's no surprise that we hitchhiked 1246km in two days from Tokyo in order to reach the promise land of Hokkaido known to be some of the best seafood, dairy and produce in all of Japan.

To add to our excitement, during the month of September, the capital city of Sapporo also hosts one of the largest food and beer festivals known as the "Sapporo Autumn Festival" you wont want to miss!

SAPPORO AUTUMN FOOD FESTIVAL

From September 9th - 30th, there's no better place to be than Japan's largest food festival spanning across the length of 4 football fields!

Be sure to go on an empty stomach (and probably visit more than once in order to eat your way through the quality dishes produced in Hokkaido!)

The food festival is divided into various sections so be sure to start at Odori 1-chome and make your way to the end at Odori 11-chome.

What to Eat: Is it acceptable to say everything? just kidding, unless you've won the lottery I wouldn't advise it simply based on the cost. However, do yourself a favor and try out a few things from each section as seen below.

Odori 6-chome: Popular local restaurants serve their specialties and gourmet dishes they're famed for.

Odori 7-chome: If you love to drink, you'll love Odori 7-chome. There are 27 wineries from Hokkaido to choose from, shochu - a local spirit made especially in Hokkaido as well as local sake and domestic whisky.

Odori 8-chome: By far the most popular area serving what Hokkaido is known for - seafood! There is a wide range of sushi, sashimi, king crabs, sea urchins, scallops, salmon roe, oysters, Yakisoba, Yakitori and Japanese sake.

Odori 10-chome: Many small booths serving local foods such as Butadon and Donburi (a must eat!) as well as fresh vegetables, pizza, pasta and more.

Odori 11-chome: Known as world food park; Odori 11-chome consists of popular dishes around the world. You also get the chance to watch chefs masterfully preparing dishes.

Open: 10:00 - 20:30
Location: Sapporo's Odori Park

SAPPORO OKTOBERFEST

Get your dirndls and lederhosen on because Munich's biggest beer festival known as Oktoberfest has made its way to Sapporo; joining in with Sapporo's Autumn Festival!

From limited edition barreled draft beer specially brewed in Munich to craft beer brewed in Hokkaido and Portland, Oregon, USA; you can drink your stein's while munching away on traditional German sausages, giant pretzels and more as you watch live performances on Sapporo's Oktoberfest stage.

Location: 1-chome, Sapporo's Odori Park

SUSHI OVERLOAD

Budget conveyor belt Sushi: Sushiro

If you're looking for quality conveyor belt sushi at an inexpensive price, you can't beat SushiRo. Although a chain restaurant across Japan, the quality and freshness is far above the rest in Hokkaido and after trying out 10 plates costing 100¥ each, how can you say no?

What To Eat: With nearly 80 types of sushi to chose from, it's hard to decide which to eat first! However some of our favorites included tempura eel, tempura sushi roll with avocado, roe and egg, inari, salmon with basil sauce and prawn with avocado and crispy potato.

If you're looking to try something unusual, they also serve horsemeat sushi.

ALL YOU CAN EAT SEAFOOD BUFFET

Preface: When we think of the term "buffet", the image of sad looking food, half warm, half cold and lit by blinding white light is the first thing that comes to mind and no food lover should be subjected to such cruelty.

With that said; Hokkaido is known for their top quality seafood; in particular their large and succulent crab and after finding out about NANDA Seafood Buffet; I can happily say that for the first time, the term "buffet" doesn't taste so sour and in fact; felt more like we won a seafood lottery fit for a king and queen and will go down as one of the most memorable food experiences in Japan. (yes - it was that good!)

The assortment of freshly prepared seafood at NANDA spans for what feels like miles. A chef is preparing sushi as requested, all food was beautifully prepared, is unbelievably fresh and you can eat your way through the buffet trying out each and every type available from Hokkaido.

Below is a small list of the food available at the buffet:

Crab: King Crab, Snow Crab, Hairy Crab
Beef: Japanese Beef, Grilled Meats, Ox Tongue, Steak, Beef Steak, Chicken,
Seafood: Scallops, Jumbo Shrimp, Oysters
Sushi: Salmon, Medium Tuna, Sweet Shrimp, SEA URCHIN, SCALLOPS, SALMON ROE
Fresh Vegetables, Fresh Fruit & Salad Bar: Seasoned Vegetables & Mushrooms
Tempura: Various Types Of Tempura
Ice Cream Machine: Matcha, Vanilla Or Chocolate
Soup Station: King Crab Soup, Miso Soup
Deep Fried: Crab Cakes & Other Assorted Dishes.

Note: Be sure to come for the Lunch buffet as price is much lower.

Total Cost: 4,490 ‎¥‎ for 70min.
(Price breakdown: 3,700 ‎¥ All you can eat buffet with soft drink‎, 500 ‎¥‎ table charge per person & 8% tax.)

Address: 〒060-0004 Hokkaido Prefecture, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 5 Jonishi, 2 Chome, サイバーシティビル

Vegetables & Fruit in Hokkaido

Although Hokkaido is known for it's seafood, it's equally as known to have some of the best vegetables and fruit for prices that won't break the bank!

What To Eat: Be sure to try the Nashi Pear, strawberries in Pippu and Japanese pumpkins.

Hokkaido Ice Cream

The dairy in Hokkaido is unlike the rest of Japan which results in the richest and creamiest ice cream around also known as "soft cream" in Japan.

The best soft cream we've had has been from various service stations while on the road. At each service station you will find a soft cream that is particular to that area. The must try classic is Hokkaido's milk soft serve but be prepared to fall into ice cream bliss after trying their many other flavors such as lavender, rum raisin, pumpkin, strawberry, apple, purple sweet potato, Hasukappu berry, local melon. For more adventurous flavors, try their seaweed, scallop or squid ink soft serve.

Best Miso Ramen: Shirakaba Sansou

Depending on which prefecture of Japan you're in, the flavor of ramen also changes. In Sapporo, miso ramen is famous and make sure to head to Ramen Alley to try the best. Thanks to a local we met in the streets in our hunt for the best ramen, look no further than Shirakaba Sansou.

Open: 6pm-3am
Address: 2-1 Kita 5 Jo Nishi, Chuo-k, Sapporo Esta 10F, Ramen Republic, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Address: 3 Chome-1 Minami 5 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido

For more information on Hokkaido and rad things to do there head to Hokkaido.jp.

Related Articles:

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Hokkaido: The Best Food Festivals In Japan - Rad Season

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Given that my friend Victor and I are massive foodies, it's no surprise that we hitchhiked 1246km in two days from Tokyo in order to reach the promise land of Hokkaido known to be some of the best seafood, dairy and produce in all of Japan.

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During mid August and July japan has a festival believing that our ancestors come back to earth for a day and spend time around loved ones. while this goes on you're able to find all kind of food carts ranging from only 7 dollars at most from fair food to street food and even traditional Japanese dishes.

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When Is Obon?
When is Obon in 2021?
The History of Obon
Traditions and Festivities
Places to Visit for Obon

Obon, also sometimes known as " Bon," is a traditional Buddhist holiday celebrated in Japan as well as in much of East Asia. The holiday consists of a three-day festival that honours ancestral spirits and pays respect to the dead. Obon grew out of Buddhist customs while also incorporating elements from Shinto, a folk religion native to Japan. Festivals are a significant part of Japanese culture, with prominent festivals including Obon, Hanami, and even Christmas!

When Is Obon?

The dates on which Obon is celebrated may vary in different regions of Japan depending on whether communities use a solar or lunar calendar to mark specific holidays. While Japan used to keep track of time based on a lunar calendar, they switched the more common Gregorian calendar at the beginning of the Meiji era. Since then, different regions of Japan continue to celebrate holidays based on a variety of different calendrical systems.

Shichigatsu Bon (Bon in July) is based on the solar calendar and is celebrated around the 15th of July in eastern Japan, including Tokyo, Yokohama, and Tohoku. Hachigatsu Bon (Bon in August) is based on the lunar calendar and is celebrated around the 15th of August. This is the time period in which Obon is most commonly celebrated. Kyu Bon (Old Bon) is celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th month of the lunar year and is celebrated in regions including Kanto, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Okinawa. In each of these celebrations, Obon takes place over the course of three days.

When is Obon in 2021?
In 2021, Obon will take place from between August 7 and August 16. The busiest days will be the 1st day of Obon (8th Aug) and the following weekend, the 12th and 16th of August. Followed by the last two days of Obon (15th & 16th Aug) when people will be returning home.

The History of Obon
Obon has its origins in a Buddhist myth. The story goes that Maha Maudgalyayana, a disciple of the Buddha, used his powers to look upon his deceased mother, and was distressed to find out that she was languishing in the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, a shadowy underworld full of suffering. The Buddha instructed his disciple to make offerings on the 15th day of the 7th month to Buddhist monks returning from their summer retreat. By doing so, Maha Maudgalyayana was able to free his mother, after which he danced with joy. This dance is said to be the origin of the Obon festival.

Obon has been celebrated in Japan for over 500 years. During Obon, people take time to honor their ancestors. It is believed that the deceased spirits of relatives and loved ones come back to visit the living on these days. Over time, it has evolved into a family holiday where people pay respect to the dead and celebrate with their family members. People often visit the graves of their ancestors in order to clean and tidy them. During this time, ancestral spirits are thought to journey to their household altars before making their way back to their graves.

As Obon has evolved over the centuries, it has come to include many other traditional festival aspects, including carnivals, games, and festival foods. Participants often wear traditional festival dress, including light summer kimonos known as yukata. Obon is typically considered to be a family-oriented holiday, with many people traveling from all over the country to return to their hometowns.
Traditions and Festivities

There are a variety of traditions and festivities surrounding Obon. These may vary from region to region and from family to family. Traditionally, people spend time cleaning their ancestors' graves, and may also participate in dances, festivals, and more.

Toro Nagashi

Toro Nagashi are floating lanterns that are traditionally floated down a river that runs to the sea. These lanterns represent the spirits of ancestors, and are a symbolic way to celebrate loved ones and family members who have passed on. Each toro nagashi contains a small candle that illuminates the paper lanterns as they float downstream.

Bon Odori

Bon Odori is a traditional dance used to celebrate the Obon festival. While performances vary widely from region to region, the dance is traditionally accompanied by Japanese taiko drums and is performed by participants wearing yukata. Anyone is welcome to join in the dance, which often takes place in parks, temples, shrines, and other public places.

Places to Visit for Obon
Obon takes place in many different locations in Japan at various times throughout the year. Popular destinations to visit during Obon include Koyoto, Gujo, and Hokkaido, all of which can be accessed using the Japan Rail Pass. Obon represents a great opportunity for photography, celebration, and cultural immersion. If you're looking to make the most of your experience of Obon while visiting Japan, you should consider renting pocket Wi-Fi to help you plan your trip and keep abreast of weather and festivity news.

Kyoto

Kyoto can be a great starting point for any visit to Japan as well as a destination for experiencing Obon. During Obon, Kyoto celebrates with the Kyoto Gozan Okuribi, also known as the Daimonji Festival. During this festival, huge bonfires are lit on the mountains surrounding Kyoto. These fires can be viewed from all over the city, and offer spectacular sights during the Obon festival.

Gujo

Gujo, a town in Gifu prefecture, holds a renowned dance known as the Gujo Odori Festival each year. These dances draw thousands of tourists and visitors, and are performed each night from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. These traditional dances have been passed down for over 400 years, and are a great way to experience Bon Odori.

Hokkaido

Sapporo, the capital of the island of Hokkaido, is another great place to experience tradition Bon festivals and Japanese culture. While a smaller festival than some other Obon celebrations, this festival has preserved many traditional elements of the Obon celebration, including traditional Japanese songs and dances.

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Obon Festival: Celebrating the Spirits of Japan

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When Is Obon? When is Obon in 2021? The History of Obon Traditions and Festivities Places to Visit for Obon Obon, also sometimes known as " Bon," is a traditional Buddhist holiday celebrated in Japan as well as in much of East Asia.