Japan’s northernmost region of Hokkaido boasts beautiful seasonal landscapes such as lavender fields, Biei Hills, and the Sapporo Snow Festival, making it a dream destination that many people visit more than once. In a lesser-known area of central Hokkaido, known as “Tokachi,” located near the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range—the roof of Hokkaido—and the Hidaka Mountains, there lies an expansive and fertile plain landscape. It is also the birthplace of Hokkaido’s iconic confectionery, “Rokkatei.”
Irresistible Pork N<。（摄影／李美玲）
Thanks to its natural environment, Tokachi is well known for its dairy farming, agricultural produce, and cuisine. Japanese confectioneries often use Tokachi-grown red beans (azuki), and artisanal bakeries proudly promote the use of Tokachi wheat. Among its local specialties, the most famous dish is the national favorite “Pork N<”了。豚N<就是猪肉盖饭，但十胜豚N<的特色在于选用当地的鲜甜猪肉，并以炭火烧烤出浓烈香气，配上各家不同的秘传烤肉酱、晶莹白饭和几颗小小的绿豌豆作点缀，和一般以日式酱汁作调味的猪肉盖饭大不相同，是前往当地时必尝的美味。另外，十胜也是日本为数不多、拥有自产葡萄酒的区域，充足日照和强烈温差下的葡萄饱满香甜，酿造出的葡萄酒，曾获得不少国际奖项的肯定。
Tokachi Nakashibetsu Art Village.
Even if you can’t travel all the way to the north, you’ll still have the chance to taste locally produced Tokachi delicacies this weekend. To promote tourism and food from Tokachi, the Tokachi City Young Chamber of Commerce (a public interest incorporated association) is holding a special promotional event on Saturday, July 30, 2011, from 11:00 to 14:00 at Taipei Main Station’s concourse and the plaza in front of the station. There will be 3,000 servings of locally sourced Pork N<、冰镇十胜葡萄酒、新鲜山药和六花亭的人气商品“卡布奇诺饼干”免费发放试吃，并备有十胜当地的观光介绍。不论对十胜的美食或旅游有兴趣，都可以趁著假日前往享用美食，并感受十胜的旅游魅力。