Goma no Sato is a theme park dedicated to sesame, located in Sekigahara Town, Gifu Prefecture. The facility features a sesame museum where visitors can learn about the history, varieties, cultivation, and cultural significance of sesame around the world. There is also a shopping area offering a wide selection of sesame-based foods, snacks, and souvenirs.
The Sesame Museum presents a wide range of exhibits covering the origins of sesame, its spread to countries around the world, its history in Japan, growing conditions, stages of development, varieties, nutritional properties, and potential health benefits.
One of the museum’s distinctive features is the entrance known as the “Open Sesame” Door. After passing through it, visitors can take part in sesame-themed quizzes and games. The interactive exhibits are designed to entertain and educate both children and adults.
Sesame Road: Learn about the origins of sesame and how it spread throughout the world.
Japanese Folktales of Sesame: Discover stories and historical episodes about when sesame was introduced to Japan and how it became part of Japanese culture.
From Seed to Sesame: Explore the growing conditions and development of sesame plants.
The Many Varieties of Sesame: Discover surprising facts about the different types of sesame.
Sesame World: Learn how sesame is used in food and culture in countries around the world.
From Sesame to Finished Products: See how sesame is processed into a variety of products.
The Power of Sesame: Find out about the nutrients contained in sesame and their potential benefits.
Why Sesame Is Good for You: Explore the ways sesame may contribute to health and beauty.
Sesame Cooking: Discover recipes and cooking ideas featuring sesame.
After exploring the exhibits, visitors can browse the shopping area for foods, sweets, seasonings, and other products made with sesame. The selection ranges from familiar items such as sesame oil and furikake rice seasoning to unusual specialty products.
One particularly popular item is ume-flavored sesame, which combines sesame with the tangy taste of Japanese pickled plum. Other varieties include sea lettuce-flavored and soy sauce-flavored sesame, which can be sprinkled over rice or used as seasonings.
The shop also sells original products, including sesame dressing and black sesame vinegar, which are exclusive to the facility. These products are popular with visitors looking for distinctive food souvenirs.
The shop stocks approximately 60 to 80 varieties of sesame products, making it an excellent place to find gifts and regional specialties.
Popular choices include ume-flavored sesame, sea lettuce-flavored sesame, and soy sauce-flavored sesame. These seasoned sesame products can be used as rice toppings or incorporated into everyday meals.
Sesame dressing and black sesame vinegar are also noteworthy options, as they are original products available exclusively at Goma no Sato. With its wide selection of sesame-based foods, the shop offers plenty of choices for visitors interested in Japanese flavors and food culture.
Located along the Tokai Nature Trail, Goma no Sato is a popular stop for travelers exploring the region. Its exhibits offer an enjoyable way to deepen your understanding of sesame, including its culinary uses and nutritional characteristics.
The facility also has a rest area where visitors can take a break. A health walking path provides an opportunity to stretch your legs, while sesame-themed quizzes and commemorative photo spots add to the fun.
Whether you are interested in food, nutrition, interactive learning, or unique souvenirs, Goma no Sato offers an engaging experience centered on one of the world’s most widely used seeds.