Imagine quitting your job in the city and buying a plot of land in pristine countryside, set amongst rolling farmland with views of the ocean, a lake and mountains, and an abundance of fresh seafood and produce at your fingertips.
It’s not possible for everyone, but anyone who likes to dream can have a taste of this idyllic lifestyle at Hokkaidian Homestead. Set on a hillside exactly as just described, alongside picturesque Lake Toya and just an hour’s drive from Niseko, the family run homestead offers cooking workshops (including tasting of course) and culinary experiences focussed on freshly sourced produce from the surrounding land and sea.
“My happiest memories almost all involve enjoying food with family and friends,” host Ian Fong says.
“We wanted Hokkaidian Homestead to be a place where guests could prepare and enjoy great food, and more importantly spend time with loved ones in a homely environment.”
Hokkaidian Homestead is the new lifestyle business of food lover and former Hong Kong banker Ian Fong (pictured below) and his Japanese wife Noriko, who left the fast-paced life of international finance to live closer to nature with their two daughters in Southwest Hokkaido.
“I developed an interest in good food growing up in the US and had long dreamed of working with food,” Ian says. “After volunteering at a local farm, Noriko and I began building a network among the local farmers, fishermen and other food producers in Hokkaido.
“Our main motivation for doing what we do is to share our experience learning about the great local ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. Hopefully in the process, our guests can be reminded of our close relationship with our natural environment.”
There are a range of experiences available including a tour of local farms and sourcing ingredients, to lessons on how to prepare fresh seafood and seasonal produce. All include welcome food and drinks served both inside and on the outdoor hillside terrace, paired with freshly made juices, wine or sake.
Add a visit to Hokkaidian Homestead to your itinerary on your next trip – details at Hokkaidian-Homestead.com.
