Wasabi
The best wasabi in the whole of Japan, a local specialty from the clear streams of Izu
Wasabi, an essential condiment in sashimi and sushi dishes, is a local specialty of Izu. Wasabi grows along stream beds in mountain valleys, and requires clean water with ittle variation in water temperature in order to thrive. While wasabi has been known to grow naturally since ancient times in Japan, cultivation is said to have only started from around 1745 here in Izu.
Visit wasabi fields at the birthplace of wasabi
In Izu, skillful techniques are employed to use Mount Amagi's abundant spring water in creating a natural environment where high-quality wasabi can be cultivated. Farming is done manually, using traditional cultivation methods.There are tours conducted for visitors who wish to visit the wasabi fields, and you'll also be able to see fish and other creatures that live in the streams, such as flathead fish, Japanese clawed salamanders, broad-winged damselflies and kingfishers.
Scrumptious food that allows you to taste the natural flavor of the wasabi
Wasabi is usually seen as a condiment that only serves to enhance the taste of sashimi and sushi, but there's also a different way of enjoying it. Here in Izu, wasabi is served with bonito flakes on top of rice as wasabi-don. This might be pretty shocking to most at first, but the taste is pretty addictive after you've tried it. Since fresh wasabi is used here, the taste is rather light and easy on the tastebuds.
A perfect pairing with sweet dessert
Another one of Izu's unique foods is wasabi soft serve, which as its name suggests, is wasabi served on top of a soft serve ice cream. The spicy wasabi combined with the rich creaminess of the soft serve neutralises the heaviness of the soft serve, making it a combination that complements each other unexpectedly well. Do give this unique combination a try!