Regional Development and Japanese Obsession with Noodles: The Udon Noodle Tourism Phenomenon in Japan

This chapter explores how the qualitative social and environmental dimensions are important aspects in food tourism and that interests in food within the context of food tourism evolve, contributing to regional development. It explains a case study of Devon, a county in the south-west of the United Kingdom that is associated with food production and tourism. The south-west of England, stretching from Cornwall to Gloucester, is an official region defined by government. Food and culinary heritage and the relationships between food and place are important aspects of a food-producing and tourism area. Clovelly Herrings and the associated fishery are embedded in the history of the village and were, of course, of great importance to its livelihood. Harris’s narratives evoke the livelihood of communities producing the food and dishes considered specialities, identifying nostalgia for food associated with place.