Derek Yamashita

The Hidden Japan Creative Director. Following his passion to connect with his roots as a Japanese American, Derek started a life in Japan after college living in the deep countryside of Yamagata Prefecture. Falling in love with the trails, cycling courses, fishing and all that the countryside had to offer, Derek co-founded a travel company called The Hidden Japan in 2018. The Hidden Japan focuses on promoting the deeper sides of Japan beyond the big cities by working closely with rural communities to offer order-made boutique tours letting travelers experience Japan alongside the local people.

A visit to Akita Prefecture

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Kawarage Jigokudani, a “hell valley” in the wilds of southern Akita, featuring a hiking trail through a volcanic landscape and a natural onsen waterfall.

Yamabushi Training on Mt. Yudono

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An article about my experience undergoing the traditional spiritual training of yamabushi monks on Mount Yudono of the Dewa Sanzan.

The Miyagi Oyster Project

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We visit an oyster farm in Ishinomaki, Miyagi to visit to help promote delicious Miyagi oysters to the world!

Removing the Nerves from a Live Fish

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International chefs visited Tsuruoka to learn ike jime, a Japanese culinary technique which optimizes flavor by paralyzing live fish.

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