Shikoku: Traditional Hirarayaki Cooking Class in Iya Valley

Tucked in the mountains of western Tokushima in Shikoku is the secluded Iya Valley, home to a wealth of scenic spots, like steep forested cliffs and picturesque hiking trails. Far from major cities, this remote area allegedly served as a hiding place for warriors, who scattered along the deep valley carved by the torrent of the Iya River. Today, the valley remains home to tiny villages and a rich rural culture.

The Iya Valley also boasts delicious regional cuisine like hirarayaki, a local delicacy of fish and vegetables grilled with miso paste on a heated flat stone that is a testament to the area's culinary heritage.

While hirarayaki was traditionally cooked by the riverside, your culinary adventure will be at Boke Mart, a local market near JR Oboke Station stocking Iya Valley specialties. After meeting your hosts and familiarizing yourself with the ingredients, you'll roll up your sleeves and get cooking!

You'll use a heated iron plate instead of the traditional flat stone for convenience. The recipe will include Iya Valley's specialty stone tofu, characterized by its weight – one block weighs 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) – and the rich, sweet taste of the soybeans. Afterward, you'll use a stone mortar to grind green tea leaves cultivated in the nearby mountains and enjoy the freshest cup of tea you've ever had with your savory meal. Experience the culinary culture of this remote area of Japan with friendly local hosts.

Experience flow:

- Meet at Boke Mart

- Class introduction

- Mix miso and sugar for hirarayaki

- Create a bank of miso on a heated iron plate and pour the sugar mixture inside

- When the mixture starts simmering, break up Iya Valley "stone tofu" into bite-sized pieces and add it to the miso

- When the miso is just about ready, add spring onions and ginger toppings and enjoy a tasty meal

- Grind tea leaves and delight in a fresh cup of tea