Washoku: Nature & Culture in Japanese Cuisine

Last Updated on March 27, 2025

Event Overview

Japanese culinary traditions, known as washoku, constitute a significant aspect of the nation’s cultural heritage, influencing customs and societal evolution over numerous centuries.

This heritage is currently the subject of the “Washoku: Nature & Culture in Japanese Cuisine” exhibition, commencing its presentation at the Toyota City Museum in Aichi Prefecture this January.

Following a substantial initial attendance of approximately 250,000 visitors at its Tokyo location, this exhibition examines the world of washoku, Japan’s traditional dietary practices, which received UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage designation over ten years ago.

This national touring exhibition provides a comprehensive exploration of Japanese cuisine, encompassing its scientific principles, historical development, and cultural significance.

Visitors will have the opportunity to investigate the diverse range of ingredients sourced from Japan’s distinctive natural environment, including wild flora, cultivated vegetables, marine life, and fungi.

The exhibition also elucidates traditional fermentation methodologies and the fundamental role of components such as dashi, a foundational soup stock, in Japanese culinary preparations.

A key feature of the exhibition is a chronological exploration of Japan’s gastronomic history, spanning from ancient periods to the contemporary era.

This historical overview includes detailed recreations of significant meals, such as the repast served by Oda Nobunaga to Tokugawa Ieyasu, two prominent figures in Japan’s feudal history.

Venue Information

Location: 5 Chome-80 Kozakahonmachi, Toyota, Aichi 471-0034

Dates: January 18th until April 6th 2025

Opening Times: 10am to 5:30pm daily.

Entry Cost

Admission to this exhibition requires a ticket, priced at 1,900 Japanese yen for adults and 1,400 yen for senior high school and university students. Admission is complimentary for individuals of junior high school age and younger.

Reduced ticket prices may be available for advance purchases through outlets such as Lawson and 7-Eleven convenience stores. Further details can be accessed on the official event website.

Event Details

Getting There

Toyotashi Station is served by both the Meitetsu Mikawa Line and the Toyota Line and is close to the Toyota City Museum, with the journey typically taking around twelve minutes on foot.

For visitors choosing to arrive by car, the museum is situated approximately fifteen minutes from the Toyota Interchange on the Tomei Expressway, a major vehicular route.

The venue also provides complimentary parking facilities on-site, with a capacity for up to 150 vehicles.