JIZAIYA a wonderful experience, visiting

Wednesday May 20 2009 　Report by J. I.

Through the introduction of Ms S.S.the IWA in Akita (for its 3rd meeting) was introduced to a wonderful experience, visiting JIZAIYA http://homepage3.nifty.com/jizaiya/


The weather was perfect and our 6 members set off in 2 cars from Ms I’s house by 9.45 a.m. After a short drive of about 35 minutes on Route 13 and 46 we arrived at Jizaiya and were welcomed there by Mr & Mrs Kawai.

Jizaiya is a large, old, Japanese traditional farmhouse, which has been in the family of Mr Kawai for 50/60 years. It has a great feeling of space and charm. It’s set in rural surroundings with nature everywhere to be seen and the birds singing beautifully.

Food prepared is almost all organic and everything is very organized and very clean and the day’s programme well arranged.

After familiarizing ourselves with the house we all set off, with Mr Kawai in front, on our country walk away from the hectic life we all lead.

Mr Kawai showed us so many interesting facts about the plants and shrubs and how to pick them and how they are used. The mountain vegetables we picked we brought back to the house and Mrs Kawai cooked Tempura…needless to say they were delicious.

Whilst at Jizaiya we had a lot of friendly conversation, mainly English and Mr Kawai demonstrated how we would make KIRITAMPO and Salmon Rice Balls(DAMAKO). They had already made a wonderful vegetable stew/soup, which had been cooked over the traditional charcoal, open fire(the origin of the name Jizaiya comes from Jizai-kagi at the open fire). There we toasted the Kiritampo. Then with the cool breeze drifting through the house we sat on tattami and had a real banquet with many dishes Mrs Kawai had prepared whilst we were out walking.

For me, still a visitor to Akita from the big smoke of Kamakura, this was a fantastic day, travelling back in time with a most relaxing, cordial, rewarding and fulfilling atmosphere.

Each member paid 2,000Yen for this wonderful gourmet experience! Plus we brought home loads of food to share with our family members. Value for money!!!

I think the IWA should visit Jizaiya at least once a year.

Jizaiya is generally closed from the beginning of November until May. Bookings for the other times should be made in advance, as it is very popular.