MasterChef Australia judges Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris
Follow Masterchef Australia judges Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris, and contestants as they journey to Japan for the first time! Sponsored by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Japan Week 2017 will feature episodes filmed at some of the best foodie destinations Japan has to offer.
Against the backdrop of vibrant cities and stunning natural landscapes, and with the guidance of prominent international and Japanese chefs, contestants will be inspired to push the boundaries of their creativity.
Tune into MasterChef at 7pm Sunday and 7.30pm Monday to Thursday on Network Ten to find out what’s to come!
Featured locations
Asakusa, Tokyo
Sensoji ©Yasufumi Nishi/©JNTO
Asakusa is a must-see destination to experience a taste of traditional Edo (the former name of Tokyo). The district once thrived as a temple town centred on Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, built in 628. These days it is the site of traditional events such as Sanja Matsuri, one of the largest mikoshi (portable shrine) festivals in Japan.
Explore the numerous shops along Nakamise-dori Street selling traditional wares including souvenirs and sweets and take a photo with the famous red lantern at Kaminarimon.
Between Asakusa and Ueno lies the kitchen town of Kappabashi, a paradise for chefs. Here you can find traditional pottery, knives, fake plastic food samples and more.
Tip: Visit the beautiful Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center’s free 8th floor observation deck with views of the area and Tokyo SkyTree.
What to eat: Ningyoyaki (small cakes usually filled with a red-bean paste), senbei (hand-made rice crackers) and tempura
Fuji City, Shizuoka
©JNTO
Shizuoka is located in-between Tokyo and Osaka and is easily accessible by shinkansen (bullet-train). It is well-known for being the home of Mt Fuji. At 3,776 metres high, Mt Fuji is Japan’s highest and most sacred mountain, and is also a UNESCO registered World Heritage Site. Mt Fuji climbing season is from early July to mid-September each year.
Thanks to Shizuoka’s climate, water quality and proximity to major ports, it is also a major region for Japan’s green tea production. Visitors can try their hand at tea-picking from April to October and also learn about the history and process of tea production.
Did you know: Over 45% of green tea consumed in Japan is grown in Shizuoka Prefecture.
What to eat/drink: green tea, wasabi, sakura-ebi (sakura shrimp), unagi (eel), mikan (mandarin oranges)
Links
Page will be updated as further locations are revealed!