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Bonito no tataki

Summary of April itinerary in Japan ( Kochi, Ehime )

Summary of April itinerary in Japan ( Kochi, Ehime )   I traveled to Kochi and Ehime prefectures from April 18th (Monday) to April 21st (Thursday). On this trip, I was able to eat a lot of seasonal seafood such as first bonito of season and local dishes such as Uwajima Tai-meshi. In addition, I was able to visit many wonderful tourist destinations such as national treasures, national important cultural properties, and national Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings. This is the April Japan itinerary that I highly recommend to everyone. Here is a summary of this trip and some notes. As I repeat every time, this itinerary was also created with the purpose of “eating out seasonal fish and shellfish and local dishes.” Food is the highest priority, and tourist destinations are the second priority. However, I aimed to visit as many tourist spots as possible, such as national treasures, national important cultural properties , and national Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings.   Table of contents 1.”100 best of local dishes” and “Local dishes loved by the nation” by this itinerary in Japan 2. Seasonal “PRIDE FISH” by this itinerary in Japan 3. Travelread moreSummary of April itinerary in Japan ( Kochi, Ehime )

甘鯛

April itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Ehime Meal edition)

April itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Ehime Meal edition) (Thursday, April 21)   Table of contents 1. Sushi Ino 2. OKAIDO BREWERY 3. Sushimaru Main Store 4. Kadoya Matsuyama Airport store   1. Sushi Ino After finishing sightseeing in Matsuyama in the morning of April 21, I had lunch at the reserved “Sushi Ino“. I ordered the “Lunch Course” (Yen 8,800 including tax) at “Sushi Ino”. Considering the grade of sushi, I think it is a very valuable course. For Nigirizushi (sushi shaped by hand), I had flatfish, striped beakfish, halfbeak, bigfin reef squid, horse mackerel, tilefish, lean tuna pickled in soy sauce , dotted gizzard shad, Japanese tiger prawn, and conger eel. “Sushi Ino” is a sushi restaurant that I visited in 2020 and was very impressed. This time too, everything was excellent and I had a blissful time. “Sushi Ino” is a well-known restaurant that has been awarded one Michelin star. It is also one of the 100 famous tabelog restaurants.   2. OKAIDO BREWERY After enjoying delicious sushi at “Sushi Ino”, I drank craft beer at “OKAIDO BREWERY”. I couldn’t go sightseeing in the afternoon due to rain, so when I was looking for a craft beer,read moreApril itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Ehime Meal edition)

Taisanji Temple

April itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Ehime Prefecture)

April itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Ehime Prefecture) (Thursday, April 21)   Table of contents 1. Taisanji Temple 2. Taihoji Temple 3. Bansuiso 4. Matsuyama Castle, Ishiteji Temple, Dogo Onsen (for 2020 visit)   1. Taisanji Temple I went to Taisanji Temple on the morning of April 21st (Thursday). The transportation from the Okaido where I was staying to Taisanji Temple is as follows. Depart city hall at 8:33,  Iyotetsu Bus “bound for the Driver’s License Center”,  arrive at Katamawari at 9:05,  Fare Yen 720 It takes about 15 minutes on foot from the Katamawari bus stop to the Taisanji main hall. It is a little over 5 minutes on foot to the Ninomon (Deva gate), which is a national important cultural property, but you need to walk a gentle slope for about 10 minutes from the Ninomon to the main hall of Taisanji Temple. The slope to the main hall gets tired when we walk. It was sung in a Buddhist pilgrim’s hymn as “If you go up to Taisan, you may sweat. No suffering shall later come the next life”. Ninomon (Deva gate) is an eight-legged gate built by Irimoya (building with a gabled, hipped roof), which wasread moreApril itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Ehime Prefecture)

sashimi

April itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Ehime Meal edition)

April itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Ehime Meal edition) (Wednesday, April 20)   Table of contents 1. JR Hotel Clement Uwajima “Sirene” 2. Local cuisine “Hozumi-tei” 3. Izakaya “Oiri-tei” 4. Yakiyaki Iron Plate Grill “Himawari Ichibancho Train Street Store”   1. JR Hotel Clement Uwajima “Sirene” I had breakfast at the restaurant “Sirene” of “JR Hotel Clement Uwajima” which was near the hotel where I was staying on April 20th (Wednesday). We can eat Uwajima’s unique meals using local ingredients such as “Uwajima Tai-meshi”, “Kama-age shirasu (straight-from-the-pot young sardine which is freshly boiled) “, “Grilled dried local fish”, and “local vegetables” since the morning at “Sirene”. Even those people who are not staying at JR Hotel Clement Uwajima can have breakfast at “Sirene”. I had “Tai-meshi Breakfast Set” (Yen 1,800 including tax) that I hadn’t eaten since I came to Uwajima. “Uwajima Tai-meshi” is the “100 selections of local cuisine” in Ehime prefecture selected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. “Uwajima Tai-meshi” is a dish of red sea bream sashimi caught in the Uwa Sea, mixed with soy sauce, raw eggs, seaweed, etc. over rice. Simply put, it is a raw egg over rice with sashimi of red searead moreApril itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Ehime Meal edition)

Garyu

April itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Ehime Prefecture)

April itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Ehime Prefecture) (Wednesday, April 20)   Table of contents 1. Uwajima Historical Museum / Kabasaki Battery Site 2. Warei Shrine / Taga Shrine 3. Tensha-en Garden, Nanyo Gokoku Shrine, Kiya Ryokan 4. Uno-machi cityscape 5. Ozu cityscape 6. Uchiko cityscape   1. Uwajima Historical Museum / Kabasaki Battery Site In the morning of April 20th (Wednesday), I rented a bicycle at the Uwajima City Tourist Information Center “Shiroshita” and went around the city of Uwajima. I think that the rental cycle is the best because the distance for sightseeing in Uwajima city is too long to go around on foot and the number of buses is small for going around by bus. Uwajima City Tourist Information Center “Shiroshita” is a new facility that just opened in August 2021 at the entrance of Uwajima Castle. The rental cycle fee is Yen 2,000 a day for GIANT’s E-bike. The Uwajima Historical Museum has been relocated and used as a building built as the Uwajima Police Station in 1884. The light pink building creates a soft atmosphere that does not seem to be a former police station. The architectural style is pseudo-Western style architecture. It is aread moreApril itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Ehime Prefecture)

eel rice

April itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Kochi, Ehime Meal edition)

April itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Kochi, Ehime Meal edition) (Tuesday, April 19)   Table of contents 1. Sakoya 2. Yokoyama meat shop 3. Local cuisine “Hozumi-tei”   1. Sakoya I cycled from Nakamura Station on the downstream Shimanto River to Ekawasaki Station on the upstream from 8 am on April 19th (Tuesday). For breakfast, I had a rice bowl topped with grilled natural eel at “Sakoya”, which is a short distance across the Sada Chinka-bashi Bridge (Imanari Bridge). When I made a request to “eat the natural eel of the Shimanto River”, I was told “Sakoya” by the Shimanto City Tourism Association at Nakamura Station. “Sakoya” is open from 7:00 to 14:00, so we can have a a rice bowl topped with grilled natural eel as breakfast. Locals were eating breakfast such as ham and eggs at “Sakoya”. “Sakoya” goes to the Shimanto River every morning to catch natural eels, and if they cannot catch natural eels, they will provide farmed eels. Since eel fishing in the Shimanto River is limited to April 1st to September 30th, you can also eat Sakoya’s natural eels only from April to September. In the Shimanto River, river shrimp fishing can only beread moreApril itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Kochi, Ehime Meal edition)

rice field

April itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Kochi, Ehime)

April itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Kochi, Ehime) (Tuesday, April 19)   Table of contents 1. Shimanto River Cycling 2. Ekawasaki Station 3. Matsumaru Station 4. Okuuchi rice terraces (Yuzuriha rice terraces) 5. Uwajima Station 6. Uwajima Castle     1. Shimanto River Cycling I went cycling on the Shimanto River from 8 am on April 19th (Tuesday). It is a 42km long-distance cycling from Nakamura station downstream to Ekawasaki station upstream. It is exactly the same distance as the marathon course. Since it is a “luggage-free trip”, it is possible to cycle by dropping off (borrowing at Nakamura Station and returning at Ekawasaki Station).  The route goes upstream of the river, but the slope is so gentle that it didn’t bother me. It took three and a half hours. I thought there were other cyclists besides me, but I never saw them. I rented a bicycle at the Shimanto Tourism Association at Nakamura Station the day before for a fee of Yen 2,000 for 24 hours, so I was able to leave the hotel in the morning. The Shimanto River is the longest river in Shikoku with a total length of 196 km. It is the 11th longest riverread moreApril itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Kochi, Ehime)

Tanaka Fresh Fish Store

April itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Kochi Meal edition)

April itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Kochi Prefecture Meal edition) (Monday, April 18)   Table of contents 1. Hirome Market Chinmi-do 2. Craft beer TOSACO 3. Tanaka Fresh Fish Store 4. Okamura Kamaboko store 5. Izakaya Kihachi   1. Hirome Market Chinmi-do I had to wait for about 2 hours for the limited express train from Kochi Station to Tosakure Station, so I had breakfast at “Chinmi-do” in “Hirome Market“. “Hirome Market” is open from 10 am to 10 pm, so it is a very convenient market for tourists. “Chinmi-do” is the largest store in “Hirome Market”. They have so many seafood and food of the mountains that are unique to Kochi that we can’t imagine them in the market. I ate “Noresore”, “Dorome (raw whitebait)”, “Crab innards”, “Whale sinewy meat”, “Grilled mackerel sushi” and drank a sake “Senchu Hassaku”. “Noresore” is a fry of conger eel (juvenile conger) and is a marine delicacy in Kochi prefecture. “Noresore” has a white and transparent body, and is also called a water fairy because of its mysterious appearance. The season for “Noresore” from Kochi prefecture is from February to May. In addition, “Noresore” is the name spread all over the country inread moreApril itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Kochi Meal edition)

不破八幡宮の本殿

April itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Kochi Prefecture)

April itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Kochi Prefecture) (Monday, April 18)   Table of contents 1. Kochi Prefectural Kochi Otemae High School 2. Landscape of Kure Port and Fisherman Town 3. Kure Hachimangu Shrine 4. Nishioka Brewery 5. Ichijo Shrine 6. Fuba Hachimangu Shrine   1. Kochi Prefectural Kochi Otemae High School I traveled to Kochi and Ehime prefectures from April 18th (Monday) for 3 nights and 4 days. This time as well, I sent my luggage to my travel destination and enjoyed the “Luggage-free trip”. I flew from Haneda Airport to Kochi Ryoma Airport. The planes I used are as follows. Depart Haneda Airport at 7:55,  ANA561,  arrive at Kochi Ryoma Airport at 9:15 Planes before takeoff were lined up at Haneda Airport. I could see the Yokohama Bay Bridge from the plane, but after that I couldn’t enjoy the scenery with the clouds. However, the weather improved over Kochi, and I was able to enjoy the view of Kochi Prefecture from the sky. I arrived at Kochi Ryoma Airport and took a limousine bus to Kochi Station. The limousine buses I used are as follows. Depart Kochi Ryoma Airport at 9:20,  Limousine Bus Kochi Airport Line,  arrive atread moreApril itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Kochi Prefecture)

sea urchin

Seafood in season in May

Seafood in season in May We will introduce the fish and shellfish that will be in season in May by dividing them into the whole of Japan and the prefectures ranked at the top. Please note that the season may vary depending on the region and year depending on the landing conditions due to climate change, so please consider it as reference data only.   Table of contents 1. Fish and shellfish that are in season in May (whole Japan) 2. 1st place Miyagi prefecture (8 types) 3. 2nd place Nagasaki prefecture (7 types) 4. 3rd place Hyogo prefecture (6 types) 5. 3rd place Shimane prefecture (6 types) 6. 5th place Hokkaido (5 types) 7. 5th place Mie prefecture (5 types) 8. 5th place Fukuoka prefecture (5 types)   1. Fish and shellfish that are in season in May (whole Japan) The number of fish and shellfish that will be in season in May is 24 out of the 87 species surveyed, which is the second lowest in a year. The following is a list of 24 types of fish and shellfish in no particular order. Fish horse mackerel, conger eel, chicken grunt, sardine, bonito, flatfish, silver-stripe round herring, spanishread moreSeafood in season in May

Japan

Sightseeing in Japan will be possible in May and June

Sightseeing in Japan will be possible in May and June On May 5, Prime Minister Kishida gave a lecture at London’s City of London, expressing his intention to significantly ease Japan’s border controls in June. In his speech, Prime Minister Kishida said, “We will further relax border controls so that foreigners can enter Japan as smoothly as other G7s. in June” In addition, according to some reports on May 6, the Japanese government ” is considering accepting only a small number of package tours as early as this month.” Finally, foreigners will be able to take a sightseeing trip to Japan. We have summarized the G7 border controls for each country. Basically, if you are vaccinated, you can enter the country without quarantine. We are trying to provide accurate information by referring to the latest information regarding travel regulations in each country, as of May 6th, such as embassies in each country. However, the infection status of the COVID-19 is changing day by day, so please be sure to refer to the embassies of each country for the latest information.   Table of contents 1. United States 2. Germany 3. United Kingdom 4. France 5. Italy 6. Canada 7. Worldread moreSightseeing in Japan will be possible in May and June

Shirakawago

Create an itinerary to tourist destinations by JNTO No.7

Create an itinerary to tourist destinations recommended by JNTO   No.7 The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)’s wonderful Japanese guidebook “100 EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN” does not include “traffic information” for public transportation. In order to make a better itinerary for overseas travelers, we will post traffic information for arriving at the tourist spots listed in “100 EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN” from Tokyo Station and Osaka Station by 12:00 noon as much as possible. Traffic information, travel time, and fares are based on Google map and Yahoo route information. Please contact us if your desired arrival time is different or if you have traffic information from places other than Tokyo Station and Osaka Station.   RELAXATION Table of contents for RELAXATION 1. Luxury floating ryokan in Setouchi (Hiroshima Prefecture) 2. Stayover at this unique new Yamagata concept hotel (Yamagata Prefecture) 3. A night to remember at a traditional boathouse (Kyoto Prefecture) 4. Paradise awaits at a UNESCO world heritage site (Kagoshima Prefecture) 5. Starlit camping on the Goto Islands (Nagasaki Prefecture) 6. Luxury lodging in Japan’s paradise (Okinawa Prefecture) 7. Embrace rural charm in one of Japan’s most scenic villages (Gifu Prefecture) 8. Heartwarming farm stays in rural Japan (Akita Prefecture) 9. Loseread moreCreate an itinerary to tourist destinations by JNTO No.7

towada art center

Create an itinerary to tourist destinations by JNTO No.6

Create an itinerary to tourist destinations recommended by JNTO   No.6 The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)’s wonderful Japanese guidebook “100 EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN” does not include “traffic information” for public transportation. In order to make a better itinerary for overseas travelers, we will post traffic information for arriving at the tourist spots listed in “100 EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN” from Tokyo Station and Osaka Station by 12:00 noon as much as possible. Traffic information, travel time, and fares are based on Google map and Yahoo route information. Please contact us if your desired arrival time is different or if you have traffic information from places other than Tokyo Station and Osaka Station.   ART Table of contents for ART 1. Voted as the best Japanese garden in the world (Shimane Prefecture) 2. Experience the wonder of art on a canvas of islands! (Kagawa Prefecture) 3. A world-class modern art museum in the heart of scenic Aomori (Aomori Prefecture) 4. Create your own lacquerware masterpiece to take home (Fukui Prefecture) 5. The secrets of bonsai unveiled:living works of art (Saitama Prefecture) 6. East Asian art galore in a striking, scenic setting (Kanagawa Prefecture) 7. Explore Japan’s rich history of cultural exchange withread moreCreate an itinerary to tourist destinations by JNTO No.6

大トロ

Seafood list in English / Traditional Chinese with photos

Seafood list in English and Traditional Chinese with photos   Translated the fish and shellfish that are often eaten in Japan into English and traditional Chinese. In this translation, we translated about 200 kinds of fish and shellfish. I also posted pictures of as many fish and shellfish as possible. We hope that this translation of fish and shellfish will allow foreigners who cannot read Japanese at all to order at sushi restaurants and izakaya that have only Japanese menus. I created it to assist in ordering at a restaurant that has only a Japanese menu, so I dared to put Japanese first in the language order. We would like to make the menu better, so we are looking forward to your advice. I look forward to working with you.   ①、魚類、Fish、魚 ①-1、寿司ネタ、Sushi topping, Sushi material、壽司食材 ①-1-A、赤身魚 : AKAMI-ZAKANA、Red flesh fish、紅魚・赤身 ①-1-B、白身魚 : SHIROMI-ZAKANA、White fish、白魚・白身 ①-1-C、光り物 : HIKARIMONO、Silver-skinned fish、光物 ①-1-D、その他寿司ネタ、Other Sushi topping, Other Sushi material、其他壽司食材 ①-2、焼き料理、煮料理用魚、Fish used in grilled and boiled dishes、用於烤和煮菜餚的魚 ②、貝類、Shellfish、貝 ③、海老、Shrimp, Prawn、蝦・蝦子 ④、蟹、Crab、蟹・螃蟹 ⑤、烏賊・蛸、Squid / Octopus、魷魚・烏賊・章魚 ⑥、魚卵・海藻類他、Fish eggs / seaweed, etc.、魚卵・海藻等   ①、魚類、Fish、魚 ①-1、寿司ネタ、Sushi topping, Sushi material、壽司食材 ①-1-A、赤身魚 : AKAMI-ZAKANA、Red flesh fish、紅魚・赤身 Japanese : 鮪(まぐろ) Pronunciation : MAGURO English : Tuna 繁體中文 : 鮪魚、金槍魚、吞拿魚 Japanese : 黒鮪(くろまぐろ)、本鮪(ほんまぐろ) Pronunciation :read moreSeafood list in English / Traditional Chinese with photos

sushi

Japanese food menu in English / Traditional Chinese with photos

Japanese food menu in English / Traditional Chinese with photos Translated Japanese food menu into English / Traditional Chinese menu. Not only sushi and ramen, but also yakiniku, yakitori, and local dishes, the total menu is about 800. I also posted as many food photos as possible. Only 2.1% of all restaurants and cafeterias in Japan have English menus (Source: Tabelog, 17,342 out of 821,508, as of the end of February 2022). With this, foreign tourists can only eat at restaurants for a small number of tourists restaurants which have English menus even if they come to Japan. We hope that this translation of the English / Traditional Chinese menu will allow foreigners who cannot read Japanese at all to order Japanese food at restaurants and cafeterias that have only Japanese menus. We created it to assist in ordering at restaurants and cafeterias that have only Japanese menus, so we dared to put Japanese first in the order of languages. We would like to make the menu better, so we are looking forward to your advice. I look forward to working with you.   主食、Staple food、主食 1, お寿司、Sushi、壽司 2, ご飯物、Rice dish 、米飯類 3, 雑炊、 Rice porridge、雜燴粥 4, お茶漬け、Rice in green tearead moreJapanese food menu in English / Traditional Chinese with photos

Myooin

Summary of March itinerary in Japan (Hiroshima, Okayama)

Summary of March itinerary in Japan (Hiroshima, Okayama)   I traveled to Hiroshima and Okayama prefectures from March 22nd (Tuesday) to March 25th (Friday). I was able to eat a lot of seasonal fish and shellfish and local dishes, and visited wonderful tourist destinations such as World Heritage Sites, National Treasures, National Important Cultural Properties, and National Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings on this trip. It was the most visited tourist destination in the four-day domestic trip so far. I was able to enjoy fresh seafood such as seasonal oysters and agricultural products unique to the production areas such as Kuwai (sagittaria rhizome, Fukuyama City) and Yellow Chinese chives (Kurashiki City), which are overwhelmingly produced in Japan on this trip. In addition, I was able to eat Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and Onomichi ramen, which are typical local gourmet foods. This is the March Japan itinerary that I highly recommend to everyone. Here is a summary of this trip and some notes.   Table of contents 1.”100 best of local dishes” and “Local dishes loved by the nation” by this itinerary in Japan 2. Seasonal “PRIDE FISH” by this itinerary in Japan 3. Travel precautions for itinerary in Japan 4.read moreSummary of March itinerary in Japan (Hiroshima, Okayama)

ramen

March itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Hiroshima, Okayama Meal ed.)

March itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Hiroshima, Okayama Meal ed.) (Friday, March 25)   Table of contents 1. Onomichi Ramen Iccho 2. Local cuisine Hamayoshi   1. Onomichi Ramen Iccho I returned to Fukuyama Station from Tomonoura, Myo-in and Kusado Inari Shrine, and had lunch at “Onomichi Ramen Iccho”. As I posted on the BLOG on April 19, there are two types of Onomichi ramen, and Hiroshi Iwaoka, the founder of the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum says, “Onomichi ramen should be called Onomichi / Fukuyama ramen.” Therefore, Onomichi ramen eaten in Fukuyama City can be called local ramen. Many customers lined up at “Onomichi Ramen Iccho” even after 13:00. There is no doubt that it is a popular ramen shop in Fukuyama City. With a high score of 3.62 in Tabelog, it is listed as the top ramen shop in Fukuyama City. I ordered “ramen” (Yen 650). The ramen of “Onomichi Ramen Iccho” was a typical “Onomichi ramen” with a lot of fatty upper part of roast pork floating in black soy sauce soup. The taste of ramen was one of the best ramen I ate recently. The noodles were a little soft at “Kukai” in Onomichi City the day before,read moreMarch itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Hiroshima, Okayama Meal ed.)

Abuto Kannon

March itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Hiroshima, Okayama)

March itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Hiroshima, Okayama) (Friday, March 25)   Table of contents 1. Stone light house 2. Ota family residence 3. Hosenji Temple, Myorenji Temple, Nunakuma Shrine, Ankokuji Temple 4. Masuya Seiemon House, Ryoma’s hidden room 5. Fukuzenji Temple, Taichoro 6. Bandaiji Temple, Abuto Kannon 7. Myooin Temple 8. Kusado Inari Shrine 9. Ohashi family residence 10. Ohara Museum of Art, Shin-Kojima-Kan (provisional name) 11. Walk around Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter 12. Former Ohara’s house, Yurinso   1. Stone light house I went to Tomonoura by bus from Fukuyama Station on the morning of March 25. The buses I used are as follows. Depart Fukuyama Station at 8:20,  Tomo Railway Bus “bound for Tomo Port”,  arrive at Tomonoura at 8:50,  fare Yen 530 I got off at Tomonoura bus stop, but if you want to start walking around the all‐night light stone lantern, it is more convenient to get off at Tomo Port bus stop, which is the end point. The Tomonoura Tourist Information Center is just off the Tomonoura bus stop. You should get off at Tomonoura bus stop to collect tourist information. Tomonoura is an old town that has been a village since ancient times,read moreMarch itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Hiroshima, Okayama)

sagittaria rhizome

March itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Hiroshima Meal edition)

March itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Hiroshima Meal edition) (Thursday, March 24)   Table of contents 1. FUKUBEER 2. Onomichi Ramen Kukai 3. Omichi Roman Coffee 4. Izakaya “Umi no Kohachi” 5. Jiyuken   1. FUKUBEER After enjoying a walk in the “Takehara Preservation District of Important Historical Buildings”, I drank FUKUBEER at “Roadside Station Takehara”. FUKUBEER is a golden ale containing honey from “FUKUBEE”, which runs an apiary in Tanoura, Takehara City. It is a collaboration product of “FUKUBEE” and Iwami Bakushu in Iwami City, Iwate Prefecture. Although it is a beer, it contains honey, so it was a beer with a gentle taste that was perfect for drinking in the morning. FUKUBEER doesn’t hit much even if I search the Web, so I think it’s a limited beer with a small amount of production. Especially for women who are not good at bitter taste of beer, I think it is a perfect beer, so I would like to expect it to be sold nationwide. The design of the beer bottle was also cute. “Roadside Station Takehara” sells a lot of locally grown vegetables, and many Takehara citizens enjoyed shopping even in the morning. I liked the bright andread moreMarch itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Hiroshima Meal edition)

Jodoji Temple

March itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Hiroshima prefecture)

March itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Hiroshima prefecture) (Thursday, March 24)   Table of contents 1. Takehara Preservation District of Important Historical Buildings 2. Taketsuru Sake Brewery 3. Shunpu-kan / Fukko-kan 4. Onomichi Hondori Shopping Street 5. Tenneiji Temple 6. Saikokuji Temple 7. Saigoji Temple 8. Jodoji Temple 9. Fukuyama Castle     1. Takehara Preservation District of Important Historical Buildings On the morning of March 24, I took a bus from Hiroshima Station to the “Takehara Preservation District of Important Historical Buildings”. The buses I used are as follows. Depart Hiroshima Station at 8:34,  Geiyo Bus “bound for Tadanoumi Station”,  arrive at Takehara Station at 9:38,  fare Yen 1,210 It is a little over 10 minutes on foot from Takehara Station to “Takehara Preservation District of Important Historical Buildings”. I went to Takehara Station, but from Hiroshima Station, getting off at the bus stop “Takehara chuo(in the center of Takehara)” is closer to the “Takehara Preservation District of Important Historical Buildings”. You can also go from Hiroshima Station to Takehara Station by train instead of by bus. However train takes more than two hours, because train operates on winding seaside railroad. It is almost twice as long as aread moreMarch itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Hiroshima prefecture)

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki

March itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Hiroshima Meal edition)

March itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Hiroshima Meal edition) (Wednesday, March 23)   Table of contents 1. Soba restaurant “Tonbo” 2. MIYAJIMA BREWERY 3. Hiroshima Gyoza Hiroshima Station ekie store 4. Izakaya Shin 5. Micchan Sohonten Hatchobori Main Store   1. Soba restaurant “Tonbo” While sightseeing in Miyajima, I had lunch at Soba restaurant “Tonbo”. At first, I was thinking of eating while walking after buying fried Momiji Manju (sweet bun) at Soba restaurant “Tonbo”. However, it took a long time to make the fried Momiji Manju, so I decided to eat soba at Tonbo as well. I had fried Momiji Manju for the first time, but it was hot and delicious. By the way, the next day I bought raw Momiji Manju at Hiroshima Station and ate it at the hotel. In conclusion, I found that I like the traditional and ordinary Momiji Manju the most. However, I think that both the fried Momiji Manju and the raw Momiji Manju were good experiences. At Soba restaurant “Tonbo”, I ordered “Conger eel tempura soba,” “Mini Anago-meshi,” and “Steamed oysters” in addition to the fried Momiji Manju. “Conger eel tempura soba” was delicious, but it wasn’t so impressive. However, I wasread moreMarch itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Hiroshima Meal edition)

厳島神社

March itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Hiroshima prefecture)

March itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Hiroshima prefecture) (Wednesday, March 23)   Table of contents 1. Hokoku Shrine, Five-storied Pagoda 2. Mt. Misen 3. Hayashi family residence 4. Daishoin Temple 5. Itsukushima Shrine 6. Daiganji Temple 7. Kokuzenji Temple   1. Hokoku Shrine, Five-storied Pagoda I went to Miyajima (the Island of Itsukushima) on March 23rd. The public transportation I used is as follows. Depart Hiroshima Station at 7:50,  Sanyo Line “bound for Iwakuni”,  arrive at Miyajima-guchi Station at 8:18 Depart JR Miyajima Ferry at 8:30,  “bound for Miyajima Pier”,  arrive at Miyajima Pier at 8:40,  Total fare Yen 600 I left early in the morning, but Miyajima Ferry was quite crowded with junior high school and high school students on school trips. Miyajima is famous as one of the three most scenic spots of Japan. Matsushima in Miyagi and Amanohashidate in Kyoto are also the three most scenic spots of Japan. I went to Matsushima in September 2021 and Amanohashidate in October 2021. Therefore, by visiting Miyajima this time, I was able to go to all the three most scenic spots in Japan within a year. The statue of Kiyomori Taira is located just off Miyajima Pier. Itsukushima Shrineread moreMarch itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Hiroshima prefecture)

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki

March itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Hiroshima Meal edition)

March itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Hiroshima Meal edition) (Tuesday, March 22)   Table of contents 1. Denko Sekka Ekimae Hiroba store 2. Beer stand Shigetomi 3. Takenoshita 4. Henkutsuya Main Store   1. Denko Sekka Ekimae Hiroba store After arriving in Hiroshima city, I went to the “Denko Sekka Ekimae Hiroba store” near Hiroshima station and ate Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. “Denko Sekka Ekimae Hiroba store” is a popular restaurant that has been selected as one of the 100 Tabelog restaurants. Unlike regular Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the specialty is “Denko Sekka,” which wraps the okonomiyaki dough with fluffy eggs. I ordered “Denko Sekka” (Yen 1,100). It’s delicious, but in conclusion, I prefer the traditional Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. However, I think it is just right for those who are tired of traditional Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. I think that Hiroshima citizens who eat Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki every week need such a slightly unusual new version. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a “Local dishes loved by the nation” of Hiroshima prefecture selected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The biggest feature of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is “Kasane-Yaki (layered grill),” which is baked without mixing the dough and ingredients. It is said that Isao Ise of “Micchan” and Zenjiro Nakamuraread moreMarch itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Hiroshima Meal edition)

Fudoin

March itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Hiroshima prefecture)

March itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Hiroshima prefecture) (Tuesday, March 22)   Table of contents 1. Fudoin 2. Memorial Cathedral for World Peace 3. Shukkeien (Asano Park) 4. Hiroshima Castle 5. Atomic Bomb Dome 6. Children’s Peace Monument 7. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum 8. Shirakami-sha Shrine   1. Fudoin I traveled to Hiroshima and Okayama prefectures from March 22 (Tuesday) for 3 nights and 4 days. This time as well, I sent my luggage to my travel destination and enjoyed the “luggage-free trip”. I flew from Haneda Airport to Hiroshima Airport. The planes I used are as follows. Depart Haneda Airport at 8:15,  ANA673,  arrive at Hiroshima Airport at 9:45 I arrived at Hiroshima Airport and went to Hiroshima city by limousine bus. The limousine buses I used are as follows. Depart Hiroshima Airport at 10:05,  arrive at Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit at 10:55,   Fare Yen 1,370 After arriving in Hiroshima city, I ate okonomiyaki and headed to Fudoin. The public transportation I used is as follows. Depart Hiroshima Station at 12:00,  Sanyo Line “bound for Onoura”,  arrive at Shin-Hakushima Station at 12:03 Depart Shin-Hakushima Station at 12:10,  Astramline “bound for Chorakuji”,  arrive at Fudoin-mae Station at 12:14,  total fareread moreMarch itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Hiroshima prefecture)

takachiho

Create an itinerary to tourist destinations by JNTO No.5

Create an itinerary to tourist destinations recommended by JNTO   No.5 The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)’s wonderful Japanese guidebook “100 EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN” does not include “traffic information” for public transportation. In order to make a better itinerary for overseas travelers, we will post traffic information for arriving at the tourist spots listed in “100 EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN” from Tokyo Station and Osaka Station by 12:00 noon as much as possible. Traffic information, travel time, and fares are based on Google map and Yahoo route information. Please contact us if your desired arrival time is different or if you have traffic information from places other than Tokyo Station and Osaka Station.   NATURE Table of contents for NATURE 1. Find your spiritual side on the famous Kumano Kodo Trail (Wakayama Prefecture) 2. Explore Kumamoto’s active volcano Mount Aso up close (Kumamoto Prefecture) 3. Explore a ravine in a land of myth and legend (Miyazaki Prefecture) 4. Magnificent unspoiled beech forest in Tohoku (Aomori Prefecture) 5. Hike the Hachimantai Hills (Iwate Prefecture) 6. Natural therapy in Nagano’s forests (Nagano Prefecture) 7. A sheltered and secluded Shikoku Valley (Tokushima Prefecture) 8. Stroll beneath the majestic Great Wisteria (Tochigi Prefecture) 9. A singularlyread moreCreate an itinerary to tourist destinations by JNTO No.5

gunkanjima

Create an itinerary to tourist destinations by JNTO No.4

Create an itinerary to tourist destinations recommended by JNTO   No.4 The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)’s wonderful Japanese guidebook “100 EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN” does not include “traffic information” for public transportation. In order to make a better itinerary for overseas travelers, we will post traffic information for arriving at the tourist spots listed in “100 EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN” from Tokyo Station and Osaka Station by 12:00 noon as much as possible. Traffic information, travel time, and fares are based on Google map and Yahoo route information. Please contact us if your desired arrival time is different or if you have traffic information from places other than Tokyo Station and Osaka Station.   CITIES Table of contents for CITIES 1. Immerse your body and mind ina high-tech museum without borders (Tokyo) 2. Explore Japan by luxury train (Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka) 3. A hidden gem of samuraiera streets in Kurashiki (Okayama Prefecture) 4. Prepare yourself for the ultimate Japanese denim experience (Okayama Prefecture) 5. Set sail to the “abandoned city” of Gunkanjima (Nagasaki Prefecture) 6. Japan’s “underground temple”: a must-visit for urban architecture fans (Saitama Prefecture) 7. A deep dive into a rich legacy of manufacturing technology (Aichi Prefecture) 8. Expand yourread moreCreate an itinerary to tourist destinations by JNTO No.4

Octopus sashimi

Seafood in season in April

Seafood in season in April We will introduce the fish and shellfish that will be in season in April by dividing them into the whole of Japan and the prefectures ranked at the top. Please note that the season may vary depending on the region and year depending on the landing conditions due to climate change, so please consider it as reference data only.   Table of contents 1. Fish and shellfish that are in season in April (whole Japan) 2. 1st place Hyogo prefecture (9 types) 3. 2nd place Hokkaido (7 types) 4. 3rd place Miyagi prefecture (5 types) 5. 3rd place Fukuoka prefecture (5 types) 6. 3rd place Nagasaki prefecture (5 types)   1. Fish and shellfish that are in season in April (whole Japan) The number of fish and shellfish that will be in season in April is 25 out of the 87 species surveyed, which is the third lowest in a year. The following is a list of 25 types of fish and shellfish in no particular order. Fish horse mackerel, sand lance, bonito, flatfish, halfbeak, spanish mackerel, Japanese icefish, whitebait, sea bream, tuna, trout, black rockfish Shellfish round clam, asari clam, oyster, Japanese egg cockleread moreSeafood in season in April

snow crab

Summary of February itinerary in Japan (Hyogo, Tottori, Shimane)

Summary of February itinerary in Japan (Hyogo, Tottori, Shimane trip)   I traveled to Hyogo, Tottori, and Shimane prefectures from Wednesday, February 23rd to Sunday, February 27th. I was able to eat a lot of seasonal fish and shellfish and local dishes, and I was able to visit wonderful tourist destinations such as national treasures and national important cultural properties on this trip. Since this trip was mainly on the Sea of ​​Japan side of Hyogo, Tottori, and Shimane prefectures, I was able to enjoy the fresh seafood of the Sea of ​​Japan such as live snow crab. In addition, I was able to fully eat food of the mountains such as “Botan nabe (wild boar meat hot pot)”. This is the February Japanese itinerary that I highly recommend to everyone. Here is a summary of this trip and some notes. I will comment repeatedly every time, but this itinerary was also created with the purpose of “eating out seasonal fish and shellfish and local dishes.” Food is the highest priority, and tourist destinations are the second priority. However, we aimed to visit as many tourist spots as possible, such as national treasures and national important cultural properties.   Tableread moreSummary of February itinerary in Japan (Hyogo, Tottori, Shimane)

Izumo soba

February itinerary in Japan Day 5 (Tottori, Shimane Meal ed.)

February itinerary in Japan Day 5 (Tottori, Shimane Meal ed.) (Sunday, February 27)   Table of contents 1. Ekiben / Gozaemon Bento 2. Oku Izumo soba Ippuku 3. Sasakiya 4. Hinoya Curry x LA BAR   1. Ekiben / Gozaemon Bento I bought the ekiben “Gozaemon Bento”, “Tofu Chikuwa”, and “Ago-noyaki” and ate them on the train from Yonago Station to Shinji Station. Originally, there was an ekiben sales place inside Yonago Station, but it closed in September 2020 due to the renovation work of the Yonago Station building. Now, tourist buy ekiben at “Souvenir Rakuichi”, which is a little outside of Yonago Station. “Gozaemon Bento” (Yen 1,400) is a luxurious bento that contains Sanin’s famous Gozaemon sushi, Daisen Okowa, and crab chirashi-zushi. Gozaemon sushi is pressed sushi made with mackerel, conger eel, and crab, etc. Gozaemon Sushi is a famous pressed sushi that is also sold at Tokyo Station, Kabukiza Theater in Tokyo, and Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store. “Gosaemon Bento” contained two mackerel sushi. It was a very delicious mackerel sushi. “Daisen Okowa” is a vegetarian dish that was served by people who trained in Daisen, and the Okowa of Daisenji has spread to the home. Okowa is glutinousread moreFebruary itinerary in Japan Day 5 (Tottori, Shimane Meal ed.)

Matsue Castle

February itinerary in Japan Day 5 (Tottori, Shimane)

February itinerary in Japan Day 5 (Tottori, Shimane) (Sunday, February 27)   Table of contents 1. Walk around Yonago city 2. Yakumo Honjin 3. Kamosu Shrine 4. Matsue Castle 5. Jozan Inari Shrine 6. Karakoro Art Studio 7. Yuushien 8. Yonago Kitaro Airport   1. Walk around Yonago city I took a walk in Yonago city on the morning of February 27. First, I went to the Yonago Castle Ruins. Yonago Castle once had a five-storied castle tower and a four-storied turret, and was called “the best castle in the Sanin region.” It is said that Yonago Castle started around 1591 when Kikkawa Hiroie built a castle on Minatoyama at an altitude of about 90m. Honmaru, Ninomaru, etc. are designated as national historic sites. In addition, Yonago Castle was selected as the strongest castle in the NHK New Year’s special feature “Japan’s Strongest Castle Special 10th-A Castle with a Superb View That You Want to Visit Someday” broadcast on New Year’s Day 2022. This is because the magnificent view from the castle tower overlooking Oyama, Nakaumi, the Sea of ​​Japan, and the city area was highly evaluated. I wanted to climb to the castle tower ruins, but I gave upread moreFebruary itinerary in Japan Day 5 (Tottori, Shimane)

Kani (crab) sushi

February itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Tottori Meal edition)

February itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Tottori Meal edition) (Saturday, February 26)   Table of contents 1. Kitaro beer and 20th century pear chu-hi at Tottori Sand Dunes 2. Ekiben / Kani (crab) sushi 3. Kurayoshi craft beer 4. Washoku Izakaya Shunmon 5. Ramen Yamato   1. Kitaro beer and 20th century pear chu-hi at Tottori Sand Dunes I drank a pale ale of “Kitaro Beer” at “Sakyu Center View Hill” while looking at Tottori Sand Dunes. “Kitaro Beer” is a Kitaro label version of the popular craft beer “Daisen G Beer“. “Daisen G Beer” is a beer manufactured by Daisen Brewery. At the foot of Daisen National Park (elevation 300m), beer is produced using underground water from Daisen and barley and hops from Daisen. The Kitaro label is affixed, but the contents are “Daisen G Beer”, so it was a very delicious beer. After drinking “Kitaro Beer”, I drank “20th century pear (Asian pear) Chu-hai”. “20th century pear Chuhai” is a pear chu-hai that uses 11% of Tottori’s 20th century pear juice. It is produced by Hayashi Kentaro Shoten in Tottori City. When I tried “20th century pear Chu-hai”, it tastes like 20th century pear. The harvest time forread moreFebruary itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Tottori Meal edition)

Kurayoshi Shirakabe Dozo-gun

February itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Tottori prefecture)

February itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Tottori prefecture) (Saturday, February 26)   Table of contents 1. Tottori Sand Dunes 2. Tottori Station / Kurayoshi Station 3. Kurayoshi Shirakabe Dozo-gun 4. Walk around Kurayoshi 5. Toyoda family residence 6. Kurayoshi Yodoya 7. Hasedera temple 8. Yonago Station   1. Tottori Sand Dunes I took a bus from Tottori Station to Tottori Sand Dunes on the morning of February 26. The buses I used are as follows. Depart Tottori Station 9:10,  39 Tottori Sand Dunes Line “bound for Sand Dunes Hall”,  arrive at Sand Dunes Hall 9:32,  fare Yen 380 Tottori Sand Dunes is about a 1-minute walk from the Sand Dunes Hall. Tottori Sand Dunes is a tourist destination that represents Tottori prefecture, and I have visited it several times. However, this was my first winter visit. The Tottori Sand Dunes is a vast sand dune 2.4km north-south and 16km east-west. It is the largest sand dune in Japan that can be visited. It has been selected as a national natural monument. Although the Tottori Sand Dunes in winter had a little snow, it wasn’t completely piled up, so the scenery was not good. There was a lot of snow inread moreFebruary itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Tottori prefecture)

blackthroat seaperch

February itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Hyogo, Tottori Meal edition)

February itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Hyogo, Tottori Meal edition) (Friday, February 25) Table of contents 1. Oishiya Shokudo 2. Aji-goyomi Anbe 3. Goen   1. Oishiya Shokudo I had brunch at Oishiya Shokudo after finishing the walk in Toyooka city. Oishiya Shokudo is a Taishu Shokudo (cheap restaurant) that has been opened in front of Toyooka Station since the early Showa period. It is a typical Taishu Shokudo inside and outside the restaurant. It’s open from 8am to 9pm, so I think it’s a popular Taishu Shokudo for people who arrive at Toyooka Station or depart from Toyooka Station. A very elderly couple was cooking and serving. Being very old, it is slow to move and takes a long time to cook and serve. I think that is also a good part of Oishiya Shokudo. I ordered “Oden” and “Crab bowl” at Oishiya Shokudo. “Oden” has been stewed in an oden pot, so it came out soon. It was a delicious “oden” with the taste soaked in the ingredients. I waited for about 20 minutes until it came out after ordering the “Crab bowl”. The impression is that it took a long time. However, the taste of “crab bowl”read moreFebruary itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Hyogo, Tottori Meal edition)

White Stork

February itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Hyogo, Tottori)

February itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Hyogo, Tottori) (Friday, February 25)   Table of contents 1. Sakataru Shrine 2. Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork 3. Walk around Toyooka city 4. Tottori Castle Ruins, Jinpukaku 5. Minoura family samurai gate 6. Tottori Toshogu 7. Tottori City History Museum 8. Fukuda family house   1. Sakataru Shrine I took a taxi to Sakataru Shrine in the morning of February 25. I really wanted to go to Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork by bus, but I missed the bus, so I had no choice but to take a taxi to Sakataru Shrine at the end of Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork. However, this led to a lucky event as described below. As a result, it was all right. As the name suggests, Sakataru Shrine is a shrine related to sake. The god of worship is Sakamizuo no Mikoto and Sakamizume no Mikoto, the ancestor of Toji and the guardian deity of the sake brewer. I couldn’t go this time, but in Toyooka City, there is a shrine called Nakajima Shrine that enshrines the gods of sweets (Tajimamori), and is revered by confectionery companies nationwide. The main shrineread moreFebruary itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Hyogo, Tottori)

snow crab

February itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Hyogo Meal edition)

February itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Hyogo Meal edition) (Thursday, February 24) Table of contents 1. Sasayama Castletown Hotel NIPPONIA 2. Ekiben “Buta meshi (Pork rice)” 3. Kanbei 4. Nakai   1. Sasayama Castletown Hotel NIPPONIA I had breakfast at Sasayama Castletown Hotel NIPPONIA. The breakfast using local ingredients such as “Yamanoimo (Japanese yam)”, which is a specialty of Tanba Sasayama, and Tajima beef was very delicious. It was a very satisfying breakfast. I felt it was better than the dinner French course the day before. Especially, “Yamanoimo (Japanese yam)” was very delicious. “Yamanoimo” from Tanba Sasayama has a round shape and is also called Yamatoimo. Compared to yam, it is much more sticky and has a good flavor. In autumn and winter, the Tanba region may be filled with thick fog called Tanba fog due to the temperature difference. This climate with a large temperature difference grows delicious “Yamanoimo”. The breakfast restaurant was the same place as for dinner. The restaurant was made by making good use of an old folk house, and the courtyard seen from the window was also wonderful. It was a very calm restaurant.   2. Ekiben “Buta meshi (Pork rice)” I bought an ekibenread moreFebruary itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Hyogo Meal edition)

Kaibara Hachiman Shrine

February itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Hyogo prefecture)

February itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Hyogo prefecture) (Thursday, February 24)   Table of contents 1. Taiko Yagura 2. Kaibara Hachiman Shrine 3. Tanba City Hall Kaibara Branch, Great Zelkova tree (Kinone bashi) 4. Oda Shrine / Takeisao Shrine 5. Former Hikami Junior High School Building 6. Kaibara feudal lord Oda clan former residence Nagaya-mon, Kaibara Domain Jinya 7. Shinkoro 8. Izushi Castle Ruins 9. Meiji-kan 10. Sukyoji Temple (Takuandera Temple) 11. Izushi Sake Brewery 12. Former Fukutomi House 13. Sakuraya 14. Kogoro Katsura dwelling site 15. Oryu lantern 16. Eirakukan 17. Hide Shrine     1. Taiko Yagura I had breakfast at the hotel and took a bus to Kaibara station. The bus I got on is as follows. Depart Sasayamahoncho 9:12,  Shinki Bus “bound for Tanba Medical Center”,  arrive at Kaibara Station 9:42,  fare Yen 720 The main purpose of Kaibara is to visit “Kaibara Hachiman Shrine”, a national important cultural property. It was my first visit to Kaibara. It was a fun city to walk around. When you go to Tanba Sasayama, I definitely want you to go to Kaibara. First of all, I went to “Taiko Yagura”. It is less than 5 minutes walk from Kaibararead moreFebruary itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Hyogo prefecture)

Wild Boar Hotpot

February itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Hyogo Meal edition)

February itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Hyogo Meal edition) (Wednesday, February 23)   Table of contents 1, “Botan-tei” Botan Nabe (Wild Boar Hotpot) 2, Houmei Sake Brewery 3, Sasayama Castletown Hotel NIPPONIA   1, “Botan-tei” Botan Nabe (Wild Boar Hotpot) I had “Botan nabe (Wild Boar Hotpot)” at “Botan-Tei” as the first meal of this trip. To eat “Botan nabe” was the biggest reason to visit Tanba Sasayama this time. “Botan nabe” has been selected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as one of the “100 Best Local Cuisine” in Hyogo Prefecture. The wild boar hunting season is from November 15th to March 15th, so it is a winter game meat cuisine. “Botan-tei” is also open only in the fall and winter. Along with Mt. Amagi in Shizuoka Prefecture and Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture, the Tanba Sasayama region is also famous nationwide as the “three major hunting grounds in Japan” for wild boars. It is said that “Botan nabe” started when wild boar meat, which was stationed in Sasayama-cho, Hyogo prefecture in the Meiji era, was put into miso soup by the former Japanese Army. In other words, the Tanba Sasayama region is the origin of “Botanread moreFebruary itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Hyogo Meal edition)

tanba sasayama

February itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Hyogo prefecture)

February itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Hyogo prefecture) (Wednesday, February 23)   Table of contents 1, Taisho Romankan 2, Sasayama Castle Ruins 3, Aoyama Historical Village & Dekanshokan museum 4, Sasayama samurai districts 5, Sasayama merchant districts 6, Makekirai Inari 7, Tanba Sasayama City Historical Museum 8, Kasuga Shrine 9, Seiganji Temple 10, Sasayama Castletown Hotel NIPPONIA   1, Taisho Romankan From Wednesday, February 23, I traveled to Hyogo, Tottori, and Shimane prefectures for 4 nights and 5 days. This time as well, I sent my luggage to my travel destination and enjoyed the “luggage-free trip”. First, I flew from Haneda Airport to Osaka Itami Airport and headed for Tanba Sasayama City. The planes I used are as follows. Depart Haneda Airport at 7:25,  JAL103,  arrive at Osaka Itami Airport at 8:35 Arrived at Osaka Itami Airport and went to Tanba Sasayama city by monorail, Hankyu Railway, JR and bus. The public transportation I used is as follows. Depart Osaka Airport Station at 8:53,  Osaka Monorail,  arrive at  Hotarugaike Station at 8:55 Depart Hotarugaike Station at 9:03,  Hankyu Railway Takarazuka Main Line Express for Takarazuka,  arrive at Takarazuka Station at 9:23 Depart JR Takarazuka Station,  Limited Express Kounotori No. 3, read moreFebruary itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Hyogo prefecture)

tea picking

Create an itinerary to tourist destinations by JNTO No.3

Create an itinerary to tourist destinations recommended by JNTO   No.3 The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)’s wonderful Japanese guidebook “100 EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN” does not include “traffic information” for public transportation. In order to make a better itinerary for overseas travelers, we will post traffic information for arriving at the tourist spots listed in “100 EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN” from Tokyo Station and Osaka Station by 12:00 noon as much as possible. Traffic information, travel time, and fares are based on Google map and Yahoo route information. Please contact us if your desired arrival time is different or if you have traffic information from places other than Tokyo Station and Osaka Station.   CUISINE Table of contents for CUISINE 1. Kobe beef:beyond words! (Hyogo Prefecture) 2. An authentic Japanese drinking tour in the back alleys of Sendai (Miyagi Prefecture) 3. Bring edible art to life at this hands-on wagashi workshop (Kagawa Prefecture) 4. Otherworldly dining in the heart of Japan’s snow country (Nagano Prefecture) 5. A stayover in the green tea heartlands (Shizuoka Prefecture) 6. Refined macrobiotic cuisine in surroundings over a century old (Fukuoka Prefecture) 7. Learn the art of Japanese cuisine from a true master (Gifu Prefecture) 8. Insightsread moreCreate an itinerary to tourist destinations by JNTO No.3

Mt. Fuji golf

Create an itinerary to tourist destinations by JNTO No.2

Create an itinerary to tourist destinations recommended by JNTO  No.2 The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)’s wonderful Japanese guidebook “100 EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN” does not include “traffic information” for public transportation. In order to make a better itinerary for overseas travelers, we will post traffic information for arriving at the tourist spots listed in “100 EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN” from Tokyo Station and Osaka Station by 12:00 noon as much as possible. Traffic information, travel time, and fares are based on Google map and Yahoo route information. Please contact us if your desired arrival time is different or if you have traffic information from places other than Tokyo Station and Osaka Station. This time it’s “OUTOOORS”, so almost all of them are inconveniently accessible by public transportation. We recommend that you always check the travel time when making a plan. OUTOOORS Table of contents for OUTOOORS 1. An exceptional island paradise (Okinawa Prefecture) 2. Swoosh down the snowy slopes of a volcano (Hokkaido) 3. Ultimate stand-up paddling awaits (Hiroshima Prefecture) 4. Sea-view cycling at its best (Ehime Prefecture, Hiroshima Prefecture) 5. Experience rural hearts and homes (Shiga Prefecture) 6. Soar above sweeping sands by paraglider (Tottori Prefecture) 7. Explore a primevalread moreCreate an itinerary to tourist destinations by JNTO No.2

ouchijuku

Create an itinerary to tourist destinations by JNTO No.1

Create an itinerary to tourist destinations recommended by JNTO   No.1 The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)’s wonderful Japanese guidebook “100 EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN” does not include “traffic information” for public transportation. In order to make a better itinerary for overseas travelers, we will post traffic information for arriving at the tourist spots listed in “100 EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN” from Tokyo Station and Osaka Station by 12:00 noon. For tours that start before noon, we will post an example of traffic information in time for the tour to start. Traffic information, travel time, and fares are based on Google map and Yahoo route information. Please contact us if your desired arrival time is different or if you have traffic information from places other than Tokyo Station and Osaka Station. TRADITION OUTDOORS CUISINE CITIES NATURE ART RELAXATION   Table of contents for TRADITION 1. An enticing evening with authentic geiko awaits (Ishikawa Prefecture) 2. Train with a true mountain mystic in Yamagata (Yamagata Prefecture) 3. Dance like no-one’s watching in historic Tokushima (Tokushima Prefecture) 4. Watch sacred dance and feel yourself whisked away to bygone times (Hiroshima Prefecture) 5. Learn lost arts at the ancestral home of the ninja! (Mie Prefecture) 6. Experience oneread moreCreate an itinerary to tourist destinations by JNTO No.1

Namero

Chiba Prefecture’s recommended local cuisine

Chiba Prefecture’s recommended local cuisine   Table of contents 1. “Futomaki zushi (Thick roll sushi)” 2. “Seguro Iwashi no goma zuke (pickled anchovy in sesame)” 3. Other local dishes “Namero” 4. Other local dishes “San ga Yaki”   The recommended local dishes of Chiba prefecture are “Futomaki zushi (Thick roll sushi)” and “Seguro Iwashi no goma zuke (pickled anchovy in sesame)”. Both have been selected as one of the “100 Best Local Cuisine” by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.   1. “Futomaki zushi (Thick roll sushi)” The history of “Futomaki zushi (Thick roll sushi)” dates back to the late 1700s. Farmers in Chiba Prefecture have eaten “Taimaki Zushi” at annual events and ceremonial occasions such as festivals, peach festivals, cherry blossom viewing, and entrance ceremonies. “Futomaki zushi (Thick roll sushi)” is eaten all year round. It features a gorgeous design of the cross section when a thick roll is cut. However, sushi with flashy colors cannot be made at the funeral. Below is a photo of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website.   2. “Seguro Iwashi no goma zuke (pickled anchovy in sesame)” “Seguro Iwashi no goma zuke (pickled anchovy in sesame)” is a traditional food that preserves theread moreChiba Prefecture’s recommended local cuisine

red bream

Seafood in season in Mar (No.2)

Seafood in season in Mar (No.2)   Table of contents 1. 5th place Aomori prefecture (5 types) 2. 5th place Ibaraki prefecture (5 types) 3. 5th place Chiba prefecture (5 types)   1. 5th place Aomori prefecture (5 types) Aomori Prefecture (5 types of fish and shellfish) was ranked 5th in the prefectures with the highest catches and types of fish and shellfish that are in season in March. Aomori Prefecture has been in the top 5 for 4 consecutive months since December. In Aomori Prefecture, the following five types of fish and shellfish are in season in March. Fish Japanese icefish, trout, pond smelt Shellfish scallop Other seafood spear squid “PRIDE FISH” Japan Fisheries Cooperatives has selected “Aomori Hokki-gai (Sakhalin surf clam)” (season: January-March) as the winter “PRIDE FISH” in Aomori Prefecture. As I wrote last time, I went to Misawa in December 2021 and ate “Misawa Hokki Don”. “PRIDE FISH” is said to be in season from January to March, but Misawa City’s “Hokki Don” can be eaten from December 1st to March 31st.   2. 5th place Ibaraki prefecture (5 types) Ibaraki Prefecture (5 types of fish and shellfish) was ranked 5th in the prefectures with theread moreSeafood in season in Mar (No.2)

Japanese horse mackerel

Seafood in season in Mar (No.1)

Seafood in season in March (No.1) We will introduce the fish and shellfish that will be in season in March by dividing them into the whole of Japan and the prefectures ranked at the top. Please note that the season may vary depending on the region and year depending on the landing conditions due to climate change, so please consider it as reference data only.   Table of contents 1. Fish and shellfish that are in season in March (whole Japan) 2. 1st place Hokkaido (11 types) 3. 2nd place Hyogo prefecture (8 types) 4. 3rd place Shimane prefecture (7 types) 5. 3rd place Nagasaki prefecture (7 types)   1. Fish and shellfish that are in season in March (whole Japan) The number of fish and shellfish that will be in season in March is 25 out of the 87 species surveyed, which is the third lowest in a year. The following is a list of 25 types of fish and shellfish in no particular order. Fish horse mackerel, sand lance, flatfish, halfbeak, spanish mackerel, Japanese icefish, whitebait, sea bream, Japanese amberjack, gurnard, trout, pond smelt Shellfish round clam, ark shell, asari clam, oyster, hard clam, scallop Other seafood octopusread moreSeafood in season in Mar (No.1)

Five-Story Pagoda

Summary of January itinerary in Japan (Yamagata trip)

Summary of January itinerary in Japan (Yamagata trip)   I traveled to Yamagata prefecture (Tohoku region) from January 25th (Tuesday) to January 28th (Friday). On this trip, I was able to eat a lot of seasonal fish and shellfish and local dishes, and I was able to visit wonderful tourist destinations such as the national treasure and national important cultural properties. Although it was a trip within the same prefecture, Yamagata Prefecture had different cultures and food cultures depending on the region, so it was a very satisfying trip. This is the January itinerary in Japan that I highly recommend to everyone. In addition, I will report a summary of this trip and some notes.   Table of contents 1.”100 selections of local dishes” and “Local dishes loved by the nation” by this itinerary in Japan 2. Seasonal “PRIDE FISH” eaten in this Japanese itinerary 3. Travel precautions (local trains) for itinerary in Japan 4. Travel in a light style 5. January 25 (Tuesday) Day 1  6. January 26 (Wednesday) Day 2 7. January 27 (Thursday) Day 3 8. January 28 (Friday) Day 4   As I repeat every time, this itinerary was also created with the purpose of “eatingread moreSummary of January itinerary in Japan (Yamagata trip)

The former Tsuruoka Police Office

January itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Yamagata Sightseeing+Meal)

January itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Yamagata Sightseeing+Meal) (Friday, January 28)   This time, I traveled a long time and visited few sightseeing spots, so I will write the sightseeing and meals in one blog. Thank you for your understanding.   Table of contents 1. Konpiraso 2. Chido Museum 3. Shonai Clan School Chidokan 4. Fruit shop Aomoriya 5. Mitsubo   1. Konpiraso After enjoying the bath at SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE from the morning, I had a ramen as a brunch at the ramen shop “Konpiraso” in Sanze. The means of transportation from Suiden Terrace to “Konpiraso” are as follows. A taxi from SUIDEN TERRASSE to Tsuruoka Station takes less than 10 minutes and costs about Yen 1,000 Depart Tsuruoka Station at 10:17,  Uetsu Line “bound for Murakami”,  arrive at Sanze Station at 10:32,  fare Yen 330 It is less than 20 minutes on foot from Sanze Station to “Konpiraso”. I arrived at “Konpiraso” at 10:50, but the numbered ticket was already 29th. “Konpiraso” is open at 11 o’clock, but it seems that the store will open shortly before it opens, and it was already full. “Konpiraso” is still a very popular ramen shop. This was my third visit.read moreJanuary itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Yamagata Sightseeing+Meal)

Hatahata

January itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Yamagata Meal edition)

January Itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Yamagata Meal edition) (Thursday, January 27)   Table of contents 1. SUIDEN TERRASSE 2. Sengoku-ya 3. Sushi Koise   1. SUIDEN TERRASSE I had breakfast at the restaurant of SUIDEN TERRASSE Hotel. Breakfast at SUIDEN TERRASSE is a Japanese buffet with about 30 items. Although it is a buffet, the staff members kindly served me with rice, miso soup, and Dongara-jiru (Chunky cod stew) . The Japanese buffet at SUIDEN TERRASSE is characterized by offering local ingredients and many local dishes. At the breakfast I had so many local dishes of the Shonai region and Yamagata prefecture. I ate Shonai Asatsuki (spring onion) with vinegar miso, Yamagata prefecture pholiota nameko soy sauce, Shonai beach salt-grilled blackthroat seaperch, simmered Shonai pork, Yamagata specialty Tama konnyaku (ball konjac), Shonai pork sausage, local dish salt natto, soy sauce no mi, Dongara-jiru (Chunky cod stew), Shonai rice (Tsuyahime, Yukiwakamaru), Chokai Kogen yogurt, etc.  Among the foods I ate, “Soy sauce no mi” and “Tama konnyaku” were selected as “Our Regional Cuisines” by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. “Soy sauce no mi” is a versatile seasoning made by mixing soy sauce, wheat, and rice. It seems thatread moreJanuary itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Yamagata Meal edition)

Five-Story Pagoda

January Itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Yamagata)

January Itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Yamagata) (Thursday, January 27)   Table of contents 1. Mt. Haguro Five-story Pagoda 2. Mt. Haguro Sanjin Gosaiden 3. Kamo Aquarium   1. Mt. Haguro Five-story Pagoda In the morning, I left the Suiden Terrasse Hotel and headed for Mt. Haguro via Tsuruoka Station. The buses I used are as follows. Depart Science Park at 8:37,  Shonai Airport shuttle bus,  arrive at Tsuruoka station at 8:46,  fare Yen 330 Depart Tsuruoka Station at 9:43,  Tsuruoka Haguro Sancho Line “bound for Ideha cultural museum”,  arrive at Ideha cultural museum at 10:20 I bought a one-day ticket for Shonai Kotsu’s fixed‐route bus for Yen 2,000 at the Tsuruoka City Tourist Information Center in front of Tsuruoka Station on the 1st floor of FOODEVER. The round trip from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro costs Yen 2,500, so the one-day ticket is a great deal. There were few passengers other than me on the round-trip bus to Mt. Haguro. There is a bus stop called Science Park in front of the Suiden Terrasse Hotel, but the hotel staff said that the Suiden Terrasse Hotel has no means of transportation for local buses. This is because the bus stop atread moreJanuary Itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Yamagata)

Assorted sashimi

January itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Yamagata Meal edition)

January Itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Yamagata Meal edition) (Wednesday, January 26)   Table of contents 1. Notoya Ryokan 2. Issaan Branch 3. Izakaya Seigo   1. Notoya Ryokan I had breakfast at the restaurant of Notoya Ryokan. I have always loved breakfast at hot spring inns. Breakfast at a hot spring inn has many side dishes, and I feel always happy. There were many types of breakfast at Notoya Ryokan, and I was very satisfied.   2. Issaan Branch I took the shuttle bus from Notoya Ryokan to Oishida Station from Ginzan Onsen. After that, I went to Shinjo station by local train from Oishida station. At Shinjo station, there was a waiting time of more than an hour for Tsuruoka. Therefore, I went to “Issaan Branch”, which is a little over 10 minutes walk from Shinjo Station, for lunch. “Issaan Branch” is said to be the birthplace of Shinjo City’s famous “Torimotsu (chicken offal) Ramen”. There is also “Issaan Main Store” near Shinjo Station, but the main store mainly sells Japanese soba noodles and does not offer “Torimotsu Ramen”. You need to be careful not to make a mistake. I don’t know why the branch, not the mainread moreJanuary itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Yamagata Meal edition)

Taihokan

January itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Yamagata)

January itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Yamagata) (Wednesday, January 26)   Table of contents 1. Move from Oishida Station to Tsuruoka Station 2. Heishindo Merchant House 3. Tsuruoka Catholic Church 4. Taihokan 5. Shonai Shrine 6. Tsuruoka Art Forum 7. Sanno Hie Shrine 8. SUIDEN TERRASSE HOTEL   1. Move from Oishida Station to Tsuruoka Station I left Ginzan Onsen at 10:30 by the shuttle bus from Notoya Ryokan and arrived at Oishida Station at 11:00. At Ginzan Onsen, there was no snow in the passage, but there was deep snow in the mountains. After arriving at Oishida station, I moved to Tsuruoka station. The public transportation I used is as follows. Depart Oishida Station at 11:11,  Yamagata Line “bound for Shinjo”,  arrive at Shinjo Station at 11:32 Depart Shinjo Station at 13:10,  Rikuu West Line “bound for Amarume”,  arrive at Amarume Station at 13:57 Depart Amarume Station at 14:03,  Uetsu Line “bound for Atsumi Onsen”,  arrive at Tsuruoka Station at 14:19,   total fare Yen1,520 I enjoyed a leisurely trip using all local lines. From the train, I could see the snowy landscape as far as I could see and the Mogami River with snow on both banks, and enjoyedread moreJanuary itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Yamagata)