Hello, fellow travel lovers!
This time, I visited Kurihara Shiitake Garden in Tokorozawa, Saitama, and got my hands on some log-grown shiitake mushrooms that are quickly rising in popularity! 🍄
You can go shiitake picking too… but this time, I just stopped by to buy some.
At Kurihara Shiitake Garden, you can enjoy a shiitake picking experience if you make a reservation in advance!
But since I was visiting in the afternoon, I wasn't sure exactly what time I'd arrive...
So I just dropped by this time, planning only to buy some mushrooms.
But that’s the charm of this place—you can still have a great time even if you’re just buying! ♪
Point-and-Choose Style!? A Fun and Unique Buying Experience
One of the staff led me to the back of the work area, where a big fridge was waiting. From inside, they brought out two baskets packed full of plump, juicy shiitake mushrooms!
I couldn’t help but let out a “Whoa!” at the sheer volume.
Unfortunately, I missed the chance to take a photo... I really wish I could show you!
There was just one little rule when it came to choosing.
👉 “Please just point—if you touch them, they might get damaged!”
So I pointed and said, “This one and that one!”—felt just like ordering at a sushi counter 🤣
The shiitake I picked were weighed on the spot and sold by the gram.
Medium-sized ones hit the sweet spot for flavor!
There were all kinds of sizes, but personally, I found the medium ones to be the best!
* Rich in flavor and wonderfully aromatic
* Nice and springy texture
* When grilled, the umami bursts out—so delicious I couldn’t stop eating 🤤
By the way, I made sure to grab two bags—one for myself and one as a gift! ♪
Even at home—wow! A simple pan-fry brought out an explosion of umami 🍳
Back home, I wasted no time and pan-fried the carefully chosen shiitake nice and slow.
Just a sprinkle of salt for seasoning—honestly, it was less of a side dish and more of a gourmet treat!
Enjoy them—but maybe check in with your digestion first 😂
They’re so tasty it’s easy to keep munching, but that firm texture means they can be pretty filling 😂
It’s a delicious dilemma, but be careful not to overdo it! Savoring them slowly is the true way of shiitake... probably 😉
📝 TabiJun’s Travel Notes
🕒 Visited: Late March 2025
🚗 Access: By car (parking available)
📍 Location: 2351 Yamaguchi, Tokorozawa, Saitama (Kurihara Shiitake Garden)
🍄 Experience: Purchased log-grown shiitake mushrooms (※ Shiitake picking available with reservation)
💬 Crowd level: Calm and relaxed, even during an afternoon visit ♪
The journey continues... Wishing you all a wonderful trip! – TabiJun
＊＊TabiJun＊＊
