Tracing the Footsteps of the Toyotomi Brothers! Bandoh Tetsuya Explores Sakurai to Uda in Nara – From Ancient Hase-dera Temple to Historic Roads, Savoring Modern Somen and Aged Meat BBQ!

【Cast】Bandoh Tetsuya, Midori Oka

〇 Official YouTube Channel (with unreleased footage): https://www.youtube.com/@otonatabi_tvo

〇 TVer Program Page (free catch-up streaming after broadcast): https://tver.jp/series/sr6q8agywz

This time, Midori Oka and Bandoh Tetsuya head to Sakurai and Uda in Nara. They explore the historic lands connected to the Toyotomi brothers, enjoying ancient atmosphere and local delicacies!

Hase-dera Temple: Where Toyotomi Hidekatsu Once Prayed!

The long, steep corridor with 399 steps is often likened to life’s journey—each step said to cleanse one’s worldly desires.

Sakurai, known as the birthplace of Japan, still breathes with ancient charm. First, they visit Hase-dera Temple, linked to Toyotomi Hidekatsu. Climbing the 399-step corridor leads to the main hall. During the 'Special Viewing of the Great Kannon' period, visitors can enter the hall and pay respects to the 'Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva,' a statue to which Hidekatsu himself once prayed.

A New Era of 'Sanraku Somen' and the Surprising 'Cheese Inari'

Delighted by the innovative somen

Next, they head to 'Tenobetaka-daya,' a shop offering a modern twist on somen from Sanraku—the birthplace of Japanese somen. Run by a 92-year-old established somen company, Tetsuya tries 'Warm Oboro (Rich Black Dipping Sauce)' while Midori enjoys 'Cold Basil (Shrimp Salt Kin-tuyu).' 'It feels like a new door has opened—this is incredibly delicious!' (Midori) raves.

Time to taste the 'Cheese Inari'!

They’re amazed by the staff’s recommended side dish: 'Cheese Inari,' made by finely grated cheese topped with honey for a sweet-salty flavor. What does it taste like?!

Strolling Yamato no Koji Road: Omiwa Shrine, Dedicated to the God of Sake

Midori is stunned by the giant cedar ball: 'Amazing! Even bigger than I imagined!'

Next, they leisurely walk Yamato no Koji Road, an ancient path connecting Sakurai to Nara City. They arrive at Omiwa Shrine, believed to be Japan’s oldest shrine. Known as a shrine dedicated to the god of sake, the 'sugidama' (cedar balls) signaling new sake production are sent from here to breweries nationwide. The duo gets a rare close-up view of the sugidama hanging in the worship hall—its size leaves them in awe!

The Ultimate Sake Brewed with Ancient Techniques

The newly opened 'Sanmaru Denshozou' in 2025

After greeting the sake deity, they visit 'Sanmaru Denshozou,' the new brewery of Imakawa Sake Brewery. Here, visitors can observe real-time sake brewing, and if timing aligns, even taste freshly pressed sake on the same day. They sample the rare 'Miomosugi Sanmaru Denshozou-shigoto Robufu 50,' crafted using Japan’s oldest brewing method, 'Bodaimoto-zukuri.'

The Herb Town of Uda: The Herb That Revived the Fallen?

Exploring the 'Morino Old Herb Garden'

Next, they travel to Uda City, linked to Toyotomi Hidekatsu. This area is also known as where Empress Suiko first gathered medicinal herbs in Japan. The 'Morino Old Herb Garden,' established in the Edo period on the Morino family’s hillside, is Japan’s oldest private herb garden, still cultivating about 250 species. Tetsuya is intrigued by a herb called 'Hikio-koshi (Lamiaceae).' Legend says those who had collapsed were revived after drinking tea made from it.

BBQ Feast: 70-Day Aged 'Ichibo' Beef

A toast with beer before the meat!

Finally, for Midori, a self-proclaimed meat lover, Tetsuya has arranged a special dinner at 'Tebara BBQ Muroh', a restaurant run by an aged meat specialist. First, a toast with ice-cold beer!

How does the 'mold-aged meat' taste?!

The 'mold-aged meat' served here develops deeper umami through aging, with the mold imparting a nutty aroma. The owner, Konno, was formerly a mold researcher. His aging technique is so acclaimed it’s used in Michelin 3-star chef restaurants. So, how does the 70-day aged 'Ichibo' taste?!

'Otona Tabi Aruki Tabi' airs every Saturday at 6:30 PM. This 'journey for adults' features Tetsuya Bandoh walking through local towns, savoring regional cuisine and sake, enjoying scenic views, and sharing heartfelt encounters with locals.

〇 Program Website
https://www.tv-osaka.co.jp/ip4/tabi/

〇 Official X (Twitter) Account

https://x.com/tetsutabiclub

〇 Official Instagram Account

https://www.instagram.com/tvo.otonatabi/