Discover Nagano’s Vegan Gems Introducing Eriko
Nagano, called the “Roof of Japan,” is full of beautiful mountains, exciting history, and food perfect for mindful travelers, including vegans. Recently, Eriko Miyao, a vegan tour guide in Nagano, shared her story on The World Vegan Travel Podcast. Eriko shows how even in a place where meat is common, vegan travelers can have amazing food and cultural adventures.
A Vegan Tour of Nagano with Eriko
Eriko’s love for vegan food and travel started from her own life experiences. She’s lived in both Japan and Canada, and now she helps people explore Nagano while enjoying delicious plant-based meals. Japan’s food culture often includes meat or fish, but Eriko has found ways to highlight vegan-friendly spots.
Challenges and Triumphs of Veganism in Japan
Eriko explains that being vegan in Japan can be tricky. Many people don’t understand plant-based diets, so it takes effort to find vegan options. Still, Eriko is determined to make vegan travel easy and fun in Nagano.
Eriko’s Journey to Veganism
Eriko’s vegan journey started over 20 years ago when she moved to Canada. She had health problems, including a tumor, and decided to change her diet. She began eating traditional Japanese foods like rice and plants, which helped her feel better. This experience inspired her to help others enjoy healthy, plant-based meals.
“This way of eating might not work for everyone, but it worked for me,” she said, showing how food choices can change lives.
Discovering Nagano: The Roof of Japan
Nagano is in the middle of Japan and is famous for its tall mountains called the Japanese Alps. Eriko calls it the “Roof of Japan.” The area is beautiful, with lots of fresh air, clean water, and famous places like Zenkoji Temple, a 1,400-year-old site that many people visit.
Nagano’s natural beauty and local food attract visitors from all over. Many even drive hours just to enjoy the fresh produce and local dishes.
Vegan Food Culture in Nagano
Even though traditional Japanese food often includes meat or fish, Nagano has some great vegan dishes. For example, you can try vegan soba noodles made with mushroom broth instead of fish broth. There are also oyaki dumplings, which are grilled and filled with veggies.
“There are some great vegan restaurants here,” Eriko said. She loves showing travelers the hidden gems that make vegan eating in Nagano easy and tasty.
Hands-On Culinary Experiences for Travelers
If you love learning, Nagano is the place for you. You can join workshops to make soba noodles or oyaki dumplings. Eriko says, “Local grandmas grill dumplings over a wood fire… It’s such a cozy and fun atmosphere.” These hands-on experiences connect you to local traditions.
Best Times to Visit Nagano
Nagano is amazing all year round! Here’s what makes each season special:
- Spring: The famous cherry blossoms, called sakura, bloom beautifully.
- Autumn: The leaves turn bright red, orange, and yellow.
- Summer: It can get hot, but the mountains stay cool and are great for hiking.
Eriko suggests planning your trip based on what you love, like flowers in spring or colorful leaves in fall.
Embracing Longevity and Fermentation in Local Life
Nagano is known for its long-living people, partly because they eat lots of fermented foods like miso. In the past, Nagano’s winters were tough, so people learned to preserve food for a long time. Eriko says, “Fermented food is a big part of our culture.”
Why Nagano is Perfect for Vegan Travelers
Eriko’s tips make it easy for vegan travelers to enjoy Nagano. Whether it’s the beautiful mountains, historic sites, or delicious plant-based food, Nagano has something for everyone. By respecting local traditions and trying new things, you can have an unforgettable trip.
Plan Your Vegan Adventure Today
Ready to visit? Connect with Eriko to plan your adventure and discover Nagano’s amazing vegan-friendly spots.
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- Eriko’s Vegan Journey: How her health transformation in Canada inspired her to embrace a plant-based lifestyle and become a guide for vegan travelers.
- Nagano’s Vegan Food Culture: Discover local vegan-friendly dishes, like soba noodles with mushroom broth and oyaki dumplings, and hidden vegan restaurants.
- Exploring Nagano’s Beauty: From the Japanese Alps to Zenkoji Temple, learn why Nagano is called the “Roof of Japan.”
- Hands-On Food Workshops: Experience making soba noodles and grilling oyaki dumplings with local grandmas for an immersive cultural connection.
- Best Times to Visit Nagano: Plan your trip around seasonal highlights, like cherry blossoms in spring or vibrant autumn foliage.
- Longevity and Fermentation: Understand the role of fermented foods like miso in Nagano’s culture and the secret to its residents’ long lives.
Other World Vegan Travel Content Connected With This Episode
- Vegan Delights in Japan: Amy’s Cultural and Culinary Adventure
- From Vegan Delights to Cultural Traditions: The Joy of Japanese Tea, Food, Film, and Religion | Colleen Patrick-Goudreau | Ep 117
- Joyful Vegan Japan II with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau