Kammui unveils documentary showcasing Chef Stuart Brioza's culinary & outdoor adventure in Hokkaido

A Documentary to Inspire “Adventure Travel” in Hokkaido

TOKYO, Japan – 9 May 2024 - Kammui has released “Kammui Adventures in Hokkaido”, a documentary of renowned San Francisco chef, Stuart Brioza (State Bird Provisions, The Progress, Anchovy Bar) embarking on a journey of culinary exploration and outdoor adventure across the northernmost island of Japan, Hokkaido. Kammui, a platform for premium nature-based adventures, curated an itinerary for the Brioza family to delve deep into Hokkaido's rich culinary heritage while exploring its natural landscapes.

Outdoor Adventure Travel x Culinary Exploration

The journey, driven in customized camper vans, started on the remote island of Rishiri, famous worldwide for its uni (sea urchin) and kombu (kelp). Stuart's goal of gaining a deeper understanding of Rishiri’s fishing practices and how the island was dealing with the challenges of a changing environment and sustainability was made possible by having an expert guide from Kammui, Tamaki Yamasawa.

"Tamaki is just a local legend and told me that he had climbed Mount Rishiri over 400 times. Through him, we had an exclusive entrance to his friends and these life changing moments throughout our journey, where the world stops for a moment."(Stuart Brioza)

Early Morning Canoe expedition in Kushiro

The Brioza family then arrived in Akeshi, a town renowned for its year-round oysters. Before reaching their destination, they stopped to hike Mt. Kurodake in the Daisetsuzan National Park and experienced the beauty of the Shiretoko Peninsula (a Unesco World Heritage site), where they observed native bears from a distance.

A highlight of the trip was a misty early morning canoe expedition in Kushiro, conducted by another Kammui guide, Takeshi Tosa, offering Stuart unforgettable encounters with local wildlife. This led him to explore Hokkaido's unique hunting culture alongside one of Japan's youngest female hunters, Maya, in the Tokachi area.

In pursuit of local fish, Stuart visited the famed fish market of Hakodate and explored the emerging wine region of Yoichi, where Kammui guide and local photographer Yoichi Watanabe toured the Brioza family through natural wineries recently made famous by acclaimed restaurant Noma, such as Domaine Takahiko and Domaine Mont, which are starting to create a buzz as Japanese wines hit the international market.

"I love to spend time outside, in nature. So when I travel, two things are incredibly important. One is the food, of course. I'm a chef. The second is, what I am going to do so I can afford to eat those calories." commented Stuart after his cycling experience through the wine region of Yoichi, Hokkaido.

The Farewell Dinner in Niseko

Chef Stuart then crafted a special farewell dinner in Niseko, inspired by all the ingredients he got to discover throughout the Hokkaido tour. Over food and drink, Stuart engaged in meaningful conversations with the local community about sustainable practices, ingredient flavors, and production methods, while sharing his insights from his 30-year culinary career.

At the World Famous Winery in Yoichi “Domaine Takahiko”

With the assistance of Kammui, Stuart Brioza's Hokkaido adventure was not just a travel experience but a journey with a purpose, fostering meaningful connections with the people he encountered along the way.

"We are thrilled to have collaborated with Stuart on this once in-a-lifetime adventure combining food and nature in Hokkaido," said Max Mackee, Founder of Kammui. "Hokkaido is a popular winter destination, but we hope this documentary will highlight the cultural richness offered by this region in spring and summer. "

“Kammui Adventures in Hokkaido” will be released in four episodes and premiere on Youtube:
Episode 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wlcOd9cuIA (5/9 release)
Episode 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFMOf2zJKUU (5/16 release)
Episode 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piD0KoXjirc (5/23 release)
Episode 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_TvdcNrC-Y (5/30 release)

Kammui is launching its premium curated adventure travel experiences, “Kammui Adventures” with a set of bookable itineraries inspired by Stuart Brioza’s journey through Hokkaido.

For more information see:
https://kammui.com/adventures

About Kammui:

At Kammui, we believe in the transformative power of nature and the profound impact it can have on our well-being and spirituality. Kammui curates premium adventures and nature based experiences with Japan’s leading guides and operators.
https://kammui.com

About Kammui Inc.

Kammui Inc. holds a Tier 3 Travel Agency License under the Japanese Travel Agency Act and has a strategic alliance with Japan Airlines to develop the premium inbound adventure tourism market.

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