02/06/2026
Ever harvested an ingredient served in Japanese fine dining?
Most travelers visit Japan to eat amazing food.
But in Akita, you can do something even more memorable — harvest one yourself.
👉 Applications are now available via the Visit Shirakami website.
https://visitshirakami.com/things_to_do/junsai-harvesting-experience/
This summer, step aboard a small wooden boat and experience junsai harvesting in the peaceful countryside of northern Japan.
Junsai (watershield) is a rare aquatic plant prized in traditional Japanese cuisine. Its young shoots are coated in a naturally silky jelly, creating a refreshing texture that has been enjoyed in seasonal dishes for centuries.
Guided by local farmers, you'll learn how to pick junsai directly from the pond, just as generations of residents have done before. After harvesting, you'll even get to taste it the traditional way.
🚣 Ride a small harvesting boat
🌿 Pick a seasonal delicacy by hand
🍽️ Taste an ingredient featured in Japanese cuisine
☀️ Available only during summer
This is one of those hidden experiences you won't find in Tokyo or Kyoto.
Check the comments for details and booking information.
Looking for more unique experiences around the Shirakami Sanchi area?
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