Japan in the Sierra Foothills

THOUGH OUR REGION IS ABOUT 5,200 miles from Japan, we have some common ties. Examples include sushi, sake, Japanese artwork, Taiko drumming and theater.

JAPANESE CUISINE
Our region has some authentic Japanese restaurants including Kaido in Grass Valley, Sushi In The Raw and Sushi Q in Nevada City, and Hanami Sushi in Auburn. Kaido offers sushi platters “to go” for the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl is Feb. 7 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. KaidoSushi.com

SAKE
Gekkeikan has a state- of-the-art brewery, koi pond and Japanese garden at 1136 Sibley St. in Folsom. Its tasting room offers complimentary tasting of “Kobai,” or plum wine, as well as locally produced sakes. Gekkeikan-Sake.com

KODO ARTS
Kodo Arts brings some of Japan’s finest art work and antiques to the foothills. Kodo Arts’ antique items are packed in Kyoto and sent to Nevada City in a 40-ft. container for shows in spring and fall. Kodo-Arts.com

MANDARINS
Satsuma Mandarins originated in Japan more than 700 years ago. Satsuma Mandarins have been a farming tradition for more than 125 years in the Placer County foothills. Welsh settlers planted orchards of pears, plums, peaches, oranges and mandarins.

COMMUNITY ASIAN THEATRE OF THE SIERRA
CATS promotes Asian theater and cultural enrichment programs in the foothills. Its Japanese experiences have included Taiko drummers, a tea ceremony, and a tour of the Gekkeikan sake brewery. Catsweb.org