JOURNEY ACROSS JAPAN | Day 6 | Japan’s Crispiest Gyoza Dumplings! 🥟

Strap yourselves in folks, today we venture into Ryotaro’s lair!

To prepare ourselves for the house tour of a lifetime, we made a pit stop in Izaka Onsen, the Gyoza dumpling capital of Japan. Three years ago I ate the best gyoza of my life here, and I’ve been dreaming of returning ever since.

Here we meet Yoshiaki Sato, the proprietor of Danihiru, a tiny retro styled restaurant. The gyoza is made fresh, immediately upon placing your order. It’s an intimate setting - seated almost over the stove, you’ll hear the gyoza sizzle and crackle as they crisp up. The smell of pork and batter cooking, whilst sublime, is torturous as you await a full plate.

They nicknamed the dish ‘UFO gyoza’ due to the individual smooth rounded shape and overall presentation of the dish. It’s the crispy exterior that really distinguishes the style though and makes this place notable. Most gyoza is softer in texture whereas this place offers a special and delicious crunch.

It’s easy to see how the owner, by his admission, gets through 70-100 of these a week!

Invaded by innumerable gyoza, we head off to Ryotaro’s country residence. Zao is a resort town about 30-40 minutes from Sendai. It’s a great spot for those interested in skiing, hiking and relaxing in the hot springs.

Ryotaro, savvy business man that he is, bought the second home for rental (what a lucky sausage!). He gives us a special tour showing off the bedrooms, living quarters and multiple ‘storage’ spaces. Storage for what, you decide…

The jewel in the crown though is the master bathroom. All houses in the area are connected to the hot spring and, at the turn of a dubious looking red lever, you’ll have your own private Onsen.

He’s spent all his pocket money on this place and I hate to admit it, but it looks pretty damn awesome - I’m actually jealous! (but don’t tell him).

It’s been great hanging out with Ryotaro. It’s been a while since he’s featured on the channel as we don’t get to spend as much time together since moving to Tokyo. Hopefully we’ll be seeing more of him in the near future.

The next episode sees us travel to a private island in Matsushima, to hang out with the owner and a familiar face. Join us as we battle freezing weather, lack of electricity and terrible poetry…

It’s going to be a good one.

Chris