Harvest Sichuan Pepper in Season and Savor Obscure Dishes That Surprise Locals

The tour "Season's Mala: Harvesting and Savoring Sichuan Pepper," offering an authentic Sichuan culinary experience in Sichuan Province, will take place from Friday, July 12th to Monday, July 15th, 2019.

The allure of this tour lies in its curated itinerary, utilizing a chartered bus to visit everything from hidden alleyway eateries to renowned long-standing establishments and upscale restaurants, allowing participants to savor a diverse range of Sichuan dishes. Typically, Sichuan portions are large, making it difficult for small groups to sample many dishes. However, with a maximum of 20 participants, this tour enables everyone to share and enjoy approximately 20 different dishes per meal.

A highlight is the experience of harvesting "Tanjiao," a variety of Sichuan pepper. The freshest Sichuan pepper is considered the finest, and the 2019 harvest runs from July to September. The harvesting experience takes place at a Tanjiao farm in partnership with "Yao Mazhi" (Official Name: Sichuan Hongya County Yao Mazhi Food Co., Ltd.), China's leading Sichuan pepper producer. Participants will get an early taste of mala made with the seasonal Tanjiao, a truly unforgettable moment for any Sichuan cuisine enthusiast.

Previous tours, held four times to date, have attracted over 40 participants from across Japan, including Chinese and Sichuan cuisine chefs, culinary researchers, and spice lovers. Approximately 30% of these are repeat attendees. While participants come from diverse backgrounds, shared meals foster connections, leading to the formation of a community of like-minded food enthusiasts. Many continue to exchange information and organize gatherings even after the tour, making it a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow Sichuan cuisine aficionados.

This tour, "Season's Mala: Harvesting and Savoring Sichuan Pepper," will journey from Chengdu, the heart of Sichuan cuisine, through Xinjin, Meishan, Hongya, Pujiang County, and Chongzhou, with stays at 4-star hotels. A Japanese-speaking interpreter and guide will accompany the group, offering a unique opportunity to systematically and efficiently explore the authentic flavors of Sichuan.




Season's Mala: Harvesting and Savoring Sichuan Pepper

Itinerary | July 12, 2019 (Fri): Sichuan Airlines flight 3U8086, depart Tokyo Narita 20:20 → Arrive Chengdu 00:20; July 13 (Sat): Chengdu → Xinjin → Meishan → Hongya; July 14 (Sun): Hongya → Pujiang County → Chongzhou → Chengdu; July 15 (Mon): Sichuan Airlines flight 3U8085, depart Chengdu 12:25 → Arrive Tokyo Narita 17:55
Scheduled Airline | Sichuan Airlines
Accommodation | Hotel (4-star class)
Capacity & Minimum Participants | Minimum 5 participants, Maximum 20. No tour conductor; guided by specialized local guides.
Organizers | TOKIIRO Inc., Sichuan Aoyi West Culture Media Co., Ltd.
Host | CITS Japan Co., Ltd. (KK Building, 1-8-5 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0033; Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 922)
General Travel Manager | Hiroyuki Ennozawa