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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.)

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)

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)

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)

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.)

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

Obanazawa beef and Yonezawa pork

January itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Yamagata Meal edition)

January itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Yamagata Meal edition) (Tuesday, January 25) Table of contents 1. FURUSAWA SAKE BREWERY Sawa Masamune 2. Ekiben 3. Local beer, local sake 4. Notoya Ryokan   1. FURUSAWA SAKE BREWERY Sawa Masamune After sightseeing in Yamagata city, I had a light meal of Yamagata prefecture’s local cuisine and local sake at “FURUSAWA SAKE BREWERY Sawa Masamune” in the Yamagata Station Building “S-PAL Yamagata”. Yamagata Prefecture is a prefecture that boasts of gastronomy and delicious sake, which is called “Yamagata, the best gastronomic and best sake prefecture in Japan.” There is even a homepage called “Oishii (Delicious) Yamagata“. I also think that Yamagata Prefecture’s food and sake are very delicious. The names of the airports in Yamagata Prefecture are “Oishii (Delicious) Yamagata Airport” and “Oishii (Delicious) Shonai Airport”, and both airports are appealing to Gourmand Prefecture. In addition, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture is the only city in Japan that has been certified as a “UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy“. However, I don’t think Yamagata Prefecture is very well known nationwide as a prefecture for gastronomy and best sake. I did some research on the national evaluation. Yamagata Prefecture ranked 4th in the questionnaire survey (12,299read moreJanuary itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Yamagata Meal edition)

liver of monkfish

Ibaraki’s local cuisine recommended in February

Ibaraki Prefecture’s local cuisine recommended in February Table of contents 1. Introduction 2. Monkfish cuisine 3. Soboro Natto 4. Paita-yaki   1. Introduction The recommended local dishes in Ibaraki prefecture in February are “Monkfish cuisine” and “Soboro natto”. Both have been selected as one of the “100 selections of local dishes” selected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. “Monkfish cuisine” in Ibaraki prefecture is famous all over the country, and natto is also famous under the “Mito natto” brand. It is natural that “Monkfish cuisine” and “Soboro natto” are selected as “100 selections of local dishes”. In addition, “Soboro Natto”, which is also a preserved food, can be eaten all year round. 2. Monkfish cuisine The National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives has selected “PRIDE FISH” in winter in Ibaraki Prefecture, “Ibaraki monkfish” (season: December-February) and “Ibaraki Joban Masaba (chub mackerel)” (season: November-January). Since they use this “Ibaraki anglerfish”, there is no reason why the “anglerfish dishes” in Ibaraki prefecture are not delicious. “Monkfish cuisine” is a dish such as “Anko Nabe”, “Tomozu-ae”, and “Dobu jiru (soup)”. Anko Nabe is a hot pot containing monkfish fillets. Dobu jiru is a miso hot pot made only with monkfish and vegetableread moreIbaraki’s local cuisine recommended in February

Kiritanpo

Summary of December itinerary in Japan (Aomori / Akita trip)

Summary of December itinerary in Japan (Aomori / Akita trip)   In Tohoku (Aomori and Akita prefectures), where I traveled from Saturday, December 11th to Tuesday, December 14th, I was able to eat a lot of seasonal fish and shellfish and local dishes, which was a very satisfying trip. This is the December Japan itinerary that I highly recommend to everyone. In addition, I was able to visit many wonderful tourist destinations such as national important cultural properties. Here is 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. December 11 (Saturday)  Aomori Prefecture Day 1 6. December 12 (Sunday)  Aomori Prefecture Day 2 7. December 13 (Monday)  Aomori Prefecture Day 3 8. December 14 (Tuesday)  Akita Prefecture Day 1   This itinerary was also created with the purpose of “eating out seasonal seafood and local dishes.” Food is the highest priority, and tourist destinations are the second priority. However, we aimed to visit asread moreSummary of December itinerary in Japan (Aomori / Akita trip)

Inaniwa udon

December itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Akita Day 4 Meal edition)

December itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Akita Day 4 Meal edition) (Tuesday, December 14th)   Table of contents 1.Kanbun Gonendo Akita store 2. Inaniwa Udon Mugendo Akita Ekimae Store 3. TO-MART 4. Akita local fish, large kamado rice Isabaya. 5. Akita sour   1. Kanbun Gonendo Akita store The meal on the 4th day (final day) of the Aomori / Akita trip was from “Inaniwa udon”. Inaniwa udon is one of the “three major udon noodles in Japan” along with “Sanuki udon” from Kagawa and “Mizusawa udon” from Gunma. In addition, instead of Gunma’s “Mizusawa Udon”, Nagasaki Prefecture’s “Goto Udon” is sometimes referred to as “three major udon noodles in Japan”. “Kanbun Gonendo” is a udon shop that offers raw noodles of “Inaniwa udon”, which is one of the few udon shop in Akita prefecture. It has also been selected as one of the 100 Tabelog restaurants. Of course I knew “Inaniwa udon” and had eaten it. “Inaniwa udon” with a smooth texture is my favorite. However, I didn’t know that “Inaniwa udon” is almost exclusively dried noodles. The reason why it is almost exclusively dried noodles is that it is difficult to spread because it has been eaten asread moreDecember itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Akita Day 4 Meal edition)

Hatahata

December itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Aomori / Akita Meal edition)

December Itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Aomori / Akita Meal edition) (Monday, December 13th)   Table of contents 1. Nakamiso 2. BRICK A-FACTORY 3. Craft beer 4. Toppin Pararinopu 5. Akita Kiritanpoya   1. Nakamiso While visiting sightseeing spots, I had miso ramen at “Nakamiso” in the basement of the Nakasan Hirosaki store. The unusual store name “Nakamiso” was changed to “Nakamiso” because it was “Miso Ramen” that was born in the basement of “Nakasan Department Store”. “Nakamiso” was originally called “China Doll”. It’s interesting to change the store name to a completely different name. The reason I went to “Nakamiso” was because I found an online article saying that “Nakamiso” is a favorite local dish of Hirosaki citizens. Certainly, when I went to “Nakamiso” in the basement of the Nakasan Hirosaki store, it was crowded with many customers even after 11 o’clock. When observing the orders of local customers, there were several people who asked for two small sizes of ramen with two flavors. Also, when I looked it up after the trip, it seems that “Nakamiso won the first place in the” 1st Hirosaki Ramen Project “held from December 2020 to February 2021.” Furthermore, in May 2021, itread moreDecember itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Aomori / Akita Meal edition)

Tsuyu Yakisoba

December itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Aomori Day 2 Meal edition)

December itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Aomori Day 2 Meal edition) (Sunday, December 12)   Table of contents 1. Kurayoshi 2. Cafe Buruman 3. Tsune Sushi   1. Kurayoshi I had meals in Kuroishi at the creative Japanese restaurant “Kurayoshi“. First of all, the impression of “Kurayoshi” was that it was the highest level restaurant in recent years for me. The food was delicious and the service of the waitresses was excellent. The store was renovated from a dozo store, so there was a profound feeling from the entrance. I entered the store at the same time as it opened at 11 o’clock, but after that, more and more customers came in. Isn’t it the most popular restaurant in Kuroishi? I was also surprised that the menu was surprisingly rich. When I looked it up to write this blog, “Kurayoshi” was also used as a shooting location in the Aomori PR video of Japan Airlines. First, I drank the craft beer “Aomori Ale” from Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. “Aomori Ale” can only be drunk in Aomori Prefecture. Manufactured by Be Easy Brewing, a beer company founded in 2016 by former US Air Force Gareth Anson Burns. “Aomori Ale” is anread moreDecember itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Aomori Day 2 Meal edition)

Misawa Hokki Don

December itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Aomori Day 1 Meal edition)

December itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Aomori Day 1 Meal edition) (Saturday, December 11th)   Table of contents 1. Kirakutei 2. Ajino Sapporo Onishi 3. Galetteria Da Sasino 4. Izakaya Osanai 5. BAR ENTER   1. Kirakutei As a late breakfast, I had “Misawa Hokki Don” at “Kirakutei” in Misawa City. The definition of “Misawa Hokki Don” is “uses Misawa Sakhalin surf clams (fished during the period from December 1st to March 31st when the ban on fishing is lifted)”, which is a local gourmet in Misawa City. I visited Misawa in November 2020, but I couldn’t eat it because it was before the ban on Sakhalin surf clam fishing was lifted. I really wanted to eat “Misawa Hokki Don” this time, so I’m glad I could. “Kirakutei” opened at 11 o’clock and I entered the store first. After that, more and more customers entered the store, and it was almost full after 11:10. It is a popular store. “Kirakutei” is in front of Misawa Station. “Misawa Hokki Don” (Yen 1,250) of “Kirakutei” is a two-color bowl of raw and boiled Sakhalin surf clams. The raw Sakhalin surf clams have a wonderful texture and sweetness, and the boiled Sakhalin surfread moreDecember itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Aomori Day 1 Meal edition)

sashimi

Basic knowledge when foreigners go to Izakaya No.2

Basic knowledge when foreigners go to izakaya No.2   Table of contents 1. Izakaya is Japanese food culture 2. In cases only the Japanese menu 3. “Otoshi (Appetizer)” problem (1) Violation of the contract to serve food without order and collect the charge (2) It is not delicious to collect the fee (3) Served foods cannot eat for allergic or under religious precepts 4. What to do if the price is not written 5. Sake that goes well with seafood   3. “Otoshi (Appetizer)” problem It became a hot topic in Japan a few years ago. Still, when you go to an izakaya in Japan, the problems are “Otoshi (Appetizer)” and “Tsukidashi (Appetizer).” “Otoshi” is mainly in eastern Japan, and “Tsukidashi” is mostly in western Japan. Both refer to small dishes served regardless of the customer’s order. In particular, foreigners who do not know the system of “Otoshi” and “Tsukidashi” seem very dissatisfied. Moreover, it is a system that is more difficult to understand because many izakayas do not serve “Otoshi” and “Tsukidashi” to customers who do not order alcohol. In contrast, they serve “Otoshi” and “Tsukidashi” to customers who ordered alcohol.  I think the background of the “Otoshi” andread moreBasic knowledge when foreigners go to Izakaya No.2

Munakata Taisha

Summary of November itinerary in Japan (Nagasaki / Fukuoka trip)

Summary of November itinerary in Japan (Nagasaki / Fukuoka trip)   In Kyushu (Nagasaki and Fukuoka prefectures), where I traveled from November 15th to November 20th as best itinerary in Japan, I was able to eat a lot of seasonal fish and shellfish and local dishes as well as the trips in September and October, which was a very satisfying trip. I was also able to visit many wonderful tourist destinations such as World Heritage Sites and National Treasure Buildings. Here is 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” by this itinerary in Japan 3. Travel precautions (local trains, buses, hotels) for itinerary in Japan 4. Travel in a light style 5. November 15 (Monday) Nagasaki Day 1 6. November 16 (Tuesday) Nagasaki Day 2 7. November 17 (Wednesday) Fukuoka Day 1 8. November 18 (Thursday) Fukuoka Day 2 9. November 19 (Friday) Fukuoka Day 3 10. November 20 (Saturday) Fukuoka Day 4   Following the itinerary in September and October, this itinerary was created with the purpose of “eating out seasonal fishread moreSummary of November itinerary in Japan (Nagasaki / Fukuoka trip)

squid sashimi

November itinerary in Japan Day 6 (Fukuoka Day 4 Meal edition)

November itinerary in Japan Day 6 (Fukuoka Day 4 Meal edition) (Saturday, November 20th) Table of contents 1.Nadai Ramen-tei Hakata Station EKICHIKA (Underground Shopping Center) 2. Izakaya Maruya Nishinakasu 3. Izakaya Hikari   1.Nadai Ramen-tei Hakata Station EKICHIKA (Underground Shopping Center) On the last day of my trip to Nagasaki and Fukuoka, I had Hakata Ramen for lunch early. The ramen shop that became the last ramen on the trip is “Nadai Ramen-tei” in the Hakata Station EKICHIKA (Underground Shopping Center). It’s open from 10am, so it was perfect for an early lunch. Moreover, the morning service was exceptionally cheap at Yen 480 (usually Yen 580) for char siu (barbecued pork) noodles. The char siu men I ate were very delicious. It wasn’t cheap but not delicious ramen. It’s cheap and delicious ramen. It is one of the best Hakata ramen I have ever eaten. The soup, noodles and char siu tasted much higher than average. Of course, red pickled ginger and pickled takana were also placed on the table, so I’ll put them in the ramen. The taste has changed and it has become even more delicious. In addition, there was a poster in the store saying that “Meidairead moreNovember itinerary in Japan Day 6 (Fukuoka Day 4 Meal edition)

Daiheizan ramen

November itinerary in Japan Day 5 (Fukuoka Day 3 Meal edition)

November itinerary in Japan Day 5 (Fukuoka Day 3 Meal edition) (Friday, November 19th) Table of contents 1. Originator Kawara soba “Takase” 2. MOJIKO BEER 3. Daiheizan Mojiko Main Store 4. Kagoshima highball 5. Izakaya Hikari   1. Originator Kawara soba “Takase” Immediately after arriving at Mojiko, I had the Kawara Soba Mentaiko Chazuke set (Yen 1,760 including tax) at the Originator Kawara Soba “Takase” on the 2nd floor of the Kaikyo Plaza West Building. Kawara soba is a local gourmet in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Kawara soba began in 1962 when Shinichi Takase, who ran an inn in Kawatana Onsen, Shimonoseki, offered it as a dish for guests. After that, Kawara soba became a specialty of Kawatana Onsen and is served not only in Shimonoseki City but also in Yamaguchi Prefecture as a whole. Shinichi Takase was inspired by the story of an old man who used tiles to bake and eat wild grass and meat during long field battles at the Satsuma Rebellion (1877), and developed Kawara soba. Kawara soba is served with beef, Kinshi-tamago (thin omelette cut into strips), seaweed, Momiji-oroshi (grated daikon and chili) , and lemon on top of tea soba. The way to eat Kawararead moreNovember itinerary in Japan Day 5 (Fukuoka Day 3 Meal edition)

Special Kaisendon

November itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Fukuoka Day 2 Meal edition)

November itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Fukuoka Day 2 Meal edition) (Thursday, November 18) Table of contents 1. Ramen shop at Hakata Station 2. Kotobukiya Saburo 3. Hakata Issou Hakata Station East Main Store  4. Asahiken Kawabata store 5. Dive bar Hakata Katsuriki   1. Ramen shop at Hakata Station As I wrote in the BLOG two days ago, I went to Munakata Taisha on the fourth day of my trip to Nagasaki and Fukuoka. When I went to the platform of Hakata Station to catch the train to Munakata Taisha, there was a shop of “Hakata Ramen”. Usually, there are many soba and udon shops on the platform of the station, so I saw the “Hakata Ramen” shop for the first time. If I knew the existence of this ramen shop in advance, I ate it for breakfast, but I gave up because the train departure time was approaching. I love eating on the platform of the station. I have eaten standing noodles at many local stations such as “Shinshu Soba” at Nagano Station, “Kishimen” at Nagoya Station, and “Ekisoba” at Himeji Station. I posted about “Ekisoba” at Himeji Station in the Hokuriku / Kinki Travel Edition. Other thanread moreNovember itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Fukuoka Day 2 Meal edition)

the motsunabe of "Miyamoto"

November itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Fukuoka Day 1 Meal edition)

November itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Fukuoka Day 1 Meal edition) (Wednesday, November 17)   Table of contents 1. Breakfast 2. Kurume Ramen Road “Menshi” 3. Furo Chaya (teahouse) 4. Motsunabe “Miyamoto”   1. Breakfast When I was heading to Tosu Station from Sasebo Station on the JR Limited Express Midori No. 6, I ate the bacon egg cheeseburger I bought at the station convenience store “Family Mart”. Actually, I wanted to buy ekiben, but I couldn’t because the store selling ekiben at Sasebo Station wasn’t open. For those who depart early in the morning, I would like the ekiben shop to sell ekiben from early morning. The bacon egg cheeseburger I ate for breakfast is a hamburger with the same ingredients as the Sasebo burger “Special Burger” Yen 880 (tax included) that I ate at Big Man the day before. Of course, Big Man’s “special burger” was more delicious, but the bacon egg cheeseburger of the convenience store was delicious enough considering the price (Yen 348 tax included). The deliciousness of convenience store food is rediscovered like the “Turkish rice” of the convenience store I ate on the first day . The beer I drank when eating the baconread moreNovember itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Fukuoka Day 1 Meal edition)

live squid sashimi

November itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Nagasaki Day 2 Meal edition)

November itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Nagasaki Day 2 Meal edition) (Tuesday, November 16th)   Table of contents 1. BigMan Kyomachi Main Store 2. Sasaizumi 3. Gramophone   1. BigMan Kyomachi Main Store I returned to Sasebo City from Hirado City and ate Sasebo Burger for lunch at “Big Man Kyomachi Main Store”. Sasebo Burger is a local gourmet that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has selected as a “Local dishes loved by the nation” in Nagasaki Prefecture. Sasebo Burger is said to have started around 1950 when restaurants in Sasebo heard recipes directly from the US Navy base and started making hamburgers around the US Navy base. According to the Japan Hamburger and Hamburger Association, Sasebo is Japan’s “The land of hamburgers”. Sasebo burger has a rule that “a hamburger made by hand at a store in Sasebo city after receiving an order”. Roughly speaking, it is a handmade gourmet burger made in Sasebo. Therefore, the ingredients and sizes vary from store to store. As mentioned above, Sasebo has a history of hamburgers, but the name “Sasebo Burger” began to be used around 2004. Therefore, it can be said to be a local gourmet as part ofread moreNovember itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Nagasaki Day 2 Meal edition)

live mackerel

November itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Nagasaki Day 1 Meal edition)

November itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Nagasaki Day 1 Meal edition) (Monday, November 15th)   Table of contents 1. Turkish rice 2. Yossou 3. Tarafuku Asa    1. Turkish rice The meal for this trip to Nagasaki and Fukuoka was a turbulent start. I arrived at Nagasaki Station at 10:38. The departure time of the high-speed ship “Shunkan” bound for Takashima was 11:50, so it was necessary to have lunch immediately. However, when I searched for stores that opened at 11:00 around Nagasaki Station and Nagasaki Port Terminal, I couldn’t find them, and all of them opened at 11:30. When I entered the restaurant at 11:30, I could miss the high-speed boat, so I had to choose to buy a lunch box at a convenience store. At the convenience store “Daily Yamazaki” near the Nagasaki Port Terminal, I bought a “Turkish Rice” lunch box, which is a local gourmet of Nagasaki, and decided to eat it on a high-speed boat. Turkish rice is a dish of Japanese pork cutlet, Chinese pilaf, and Western spaghetti served together on a plate. There is a theory that the name Turkish Rice was given because the mixed feeling of Japanese food, Chinese food, andread moreNovember itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Nagasaki Day 1 Meal edition)

Sofukuji Temple

November itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Nagasaki Day 1)

November itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Nagasaki Day 1) (Monday, November 15th) Table of contents 1. Takashima 2. Saruku (Dejima, Megane-bashi, Daikoji Temple) 3. Sofukuji Temple   I went on a trip to Nagasaki and Fukuoka prefectures for 5 nights and 6 days from November 15th (Monday) to November 20th (Saturday). This time as well, I created the itinerary from prefectures with a large amount of fish and shellfish that will be in season in November. Nagasaki and Fukuoka prefectures were 2nd and 4th in the national ranking. In addition, I was able to eat many local dishes from Nagasaki and Fukuoka prefectures (selected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries). In addition, for this trip as well, I sent luggage such as clothing to the accommodation in advance and carried out a “luggage-free trip” without carrying large luggage. “luggage-free trip” is easy while traveling, and it has also helped me to make effective use of my time. I sent the clothes I wore from my last accommodation to a laundry agency, so it was an easy trip without having to do the laundry.   1. Takashima Early in the morning, I traveled from Haneda Airport (departing at 7:40)read moreNovember itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Nagasaki Day 1)

ichijoji

Summary of October itinerary in Japan (Hokuriku / Kinki trip)

Summary of October itinerary in Japan (Hokuriku / Kinki trip)   In Hokuriku (Ishikawa / Fukui) and Kinki (Kyoto / Hyogo), where I traveled from October 20th to October 27th as best itinerary in Japan, seasonal seafood and local dishes were very delicious and I was very satisfied with the trip. I was also able to visit many wonderful tourist destinations such as World Heritage Sites and National Treasure Buildings. Here is a summary of this trip and some notes.   Table of contents 1. “100 selections of local dishes” and “Local dishes loved by the nation” that I was able to eat on this itinerary in Japan 2. Seasonal “PRIDE FISH” that I was able to eat on this itinerary in Japan 3. The biggest precautions for itinerary in Japan 4. Luggage free trip 5. October 20 (Wednesday) Ishikawa Prefecture Day 1 6. October 21 (Thursday) Ishikawa Prefecture Day 2 7. October 22 (Friday) Fukui Prefecture Day 1 8. October 23 (Saturday) Fukui Prefecture Day 2 9. October 24 (Sunday) Fukui Prefecture Day 3 10. October 25 (Monday) Kyoto Prefecture Day 1 11. October 26 (Tuesday) Hyogo Prefecture Day 1 12. October 27 (Wednesday) Hyogo Prefecture Day 2  read moreSummary of October itinerary in Japan (Hokuriku / Kinki trip)

domestic beef steak

October itinerary in Japan Day 8 (Hyogo Day 2 Meal edition)

October itinerary in Japan Day 8 (Hyogo Day 2 Meal edition) (Wednesday, October 27)   Table of contents 1. Osakana Kyowakoku (Fish Republic) Ebisu Maru 2. Michi no Ekinaka Shokudo 3. Craft beer 4. Takoiso 5. Akashi-tei Uo no Tana 6. Sandaya   1. Osakana Kyowakoku (Fish Republic) Ebisu Maru I ate “Raw Shirasu (whitebait) Don and Grilled Spanish Mackerel Don” (Yen950) at “Osakana Kyowakoku (Fish Republic) Ebisu Maru” at Road Station “Awaji”. Both raw shirasu and Spanish mackerel are specialties of Awaji Island. Awaji Island’s raw shirasu (season is May-November) and Awaji Island’s Spanish mackerel (season is September-November) are selected by Japan Fisheries Cooperatives as “PRIDE FISH” in summer and autumn in Hyogo Prefecture. It was a very luxurious experience to be able to eat both “PRIDE FISH” selected from Awaji Island in one bowl. Especially, the raw shirasu was excellent. If possible, I wanted to eat the Spanish mackerel as raw, not roasted.   2. Michi no Ekinaka Shokudo “Raw Shirasu (whitebait) Don and Grilled Spanish Mackerel Don” of “Osakana Kyowakoku (Fish Republic) Ebisu Maru” was very delicious and very satisfying, but I was hungry because the amount was a little small. Therefore, I wanted to eat theread moreOctober itinerary in Japan Day 8 (Hyogo Day 2 Meal edition)

Kaminari Sushi

October itinerary in Japan Day 7 (Hyogo Day 1 Meal edition)

October itinerary in Japan Day 7 (Hyogo Day 1 Meal edition) (Tuesday, October 26)   Table of contents 1. Breakfast “Ekisoba” 2. Lunch “Tacopy” 3. Dinner “Kaminari Sushi”   1. Breakfast “Ekisoba” For breakfast in Himeji, I had “Tempura Ekisoba” (Yen380) at “Ekisoba“. “Ekisoba” is a rare type of noodle that combines yellow ramen noodles with Japanese-style soup. In 1949, “Maneki Shokuhin” started selling “Ekisoba” at the platform of Himeji Station. It can be said that it is the local food of Himeji citizens. I’m a former Himeji citizen, so when I come to Himeji, I want to eat. As I introduced before, it is said that Ekiben was originally sold at Himeji Station by Maneki Shokuhin in 1888 (Meiji 21). You can see that “Maneki Shokuhin” is a company that has come up with various ideas since its establishment.   2. Lunch “Tacopy” I had Akashiyaki-style “Takoyaki” (Yen450 for 10 pieces) and “Himeji Oden” at “Tacopy” on the first basement floor of Himeji Grand Festa. The name of “Tacopy” has changed several times, but it has been in the basement of the station building of Himeji Station for a long time. The main restaurant is Takoyaki, but it offersread moreOctober itinerary in Japan Day 7 (Hyogo Day 1 Meal edition)

Fukutei sashimi

October itinerary in Japan Day 6 (Kyoto Day 1 Meal edition)

October itinerary in Japan Day 6 (Kyoto Day 1 Meal edition) (Monday, October 25)   Table of contents 1. Craft beer “Tango Kingdom Seaside Bar” 2. Lunch “Hyoshiro” 3. Dinner “Fukutei”   1. Craft beer “Tango Kingdom Seaside Bar” After exiting the ticket gate of Amahashidate Station, turn right and you will find “Tango Kingdom Seaside Bar”, where you can drink draft beer of craft beer. Isn’t it rare to find a station where you can drink draft beer of craft beer? The craft beer provided by “Tango Kingdom Seaside Bar” is TANGO KINGDOM Beer‘s beer, which is produced at the brewery in the roadside station Tango Kingdom “Food Miyako”. The label design uses the symbol of the Tango region, “Tango Nanahime”. I think it’s a very fashionable label. There is only one type of draft beer that can be drunk at “Tango Kingdom Seaside Bar”, but many types are sold in bottles. I drank draft beer and had a bottle of “MEISTER” lent for shooting. “MEISTER” was a delicious beer with a clean and clear taste.   2. Lunch “Hyoshiro” I took a bus from Amanohashidate to Ine, and after arriving in Ine, I had lunch at “Hyoshiro”. “Hyoshiro”read moreOctober itinerary in Japan Day 6 (Kyoto Day 1 Meal edition)

Tai sushi

October itinerary in Japan Day 5 ( Fukui Day 3 Meal edition)

October itinerary in Japan Day 5 ( Fukui Day 3 Meal edition) (Sunday, October 24)   Table of contents 1. Breakfast “Ekiben” 2. Lunch “Sushi Masa Main Store” 3. Dinner “Totogen Nishi Maizuru”   1. Breakfast “Ekiben” While waiting for the train at Tsuruga station, I had Ekiben for breakfast. The ekiben is “Tsuruga specialty original Tai sushi” (Yen 1,100). Beautifully colored sushi made with yellowback seabream. The vinegar was slightly moderate, so it brought out the flavor of the yellowback seabream, and it was a very delicious sushi. We had delicious sushi and it was a very satisfying breakfast. Sasa-zuke of Kodai is famous as a specialty of Obama City, Fukui Prefecture, but I think that sushi in Tsuruga City may become more famous as a food that uses the same yellowback seabream. The ekiben package also feels nostalgic and bright, so I think it’s very good. I love Ekiben and want to buy and eat as much as I can when traveling. However, I am disappointed that the sales of Ekiben at local stations are declining due to the recent trend toward higher railway speeds. In 1903 (Meiji 36), Shioso Co., Ltd., which sells “Tsuruga specialty, the originalread moreOctober itinerary in Japan Day 5 ( Fukui Day 3 Meal edition)

Yakisaba sushi

October itinerary in Japan Day 4 ( Fukui Day 2 Meal edition)

October itinerary in Japan Day 4 ( Fukui Day 2 Meal edition) (Saturday, October 23)   Table of contents 1. Comparison of local sake “Mikuni Minatoza” 2. Lunch “Amidasoba Fukunoi” 3. Craft beer “Echizen Fukui Roman Beer” 4. Dinner “Marusanya Fukui Katamachi” 5. Dinner “Tegaru Soba”   1. Comparison of local sake “Mikuni Minatoza” After visiting the former Morita Bank head office, I tried to compare local sake from Fukui prefecture at the nearby “Mikuni Minatoza”. “Mikuni Minatoza” is a hamburger shop, but it is also a strange shop that also offers sake. The hamburger of “Mikuni Minatoza” is highly evaluated. “Mikuni Burger”, which is a local gourmet, contains pickled scallions instead of pickles. The sakes I drank and compared were “Jozan” , “Kita no Sho” and “Hakuryu“. All were delicious sake.   2. Lunch “Amidasoba Fukunoi” I returned to Fukui Station from Mikuni Station and had lunch at “Amidasoba Fukunoi” on the first floor of the building “Happiring” next to Fukui Station. I ordered Echizen oroshi soba (Yen 693), 2 pieces of Yakisaba sushi (grilled mackerel sushi) (Yen 440 ), and Kodai-no-sasazuke (Yen 440). Echizen oroshi soba from “Amidasoba Fukunoi” is a type of oroshi soba with grated radishread moreOctober itinerary in Japan Day 4 ( Fukui Day 2 Meal edition)

sashimi

October itinerary in Japan Day 3 ( Fukui Day 1 Meal edition)

October itinerary in Japan Day 3 ( Fukui Day 1 Meal edition) (Friday, October 22)   Table of contents 1. Lunch “Sanrakutei” 2. Snack “Ikkyu” 3. Supper “Kappo Yoshijin”   1. Lunch “Sanrakutei” For lunch on the third day (October 22nd), I had “Oroshi soba” at Sanrakutei near Eiheiji temple. “Oroshi soba” is soba made by putting grated radish on soba (or putting grated radish in soba soup). I love “Oroshi soba” and it is the most favorite way to eat soba. It is famous as “Echizen Oroshi soba” in Fukui prefecture. It is said that the history of soba in Fukui Prefecture began when Takakage Asakura built a castle in Ichijodani (1473 ~). Soba can be harvested in about 75 days after sowing, so it seems to be useful as food for siege during the Warring States period. Soba in Fukui Prefecture became famous nationwide after World War II. When Emperor Showa came to Fukui prefecture in 1947, he ate two bowls of Oroshi soba. Even after returning to Tokyo, he said that “Echizen Oroshi soba was very delicious”, so it seems to have become famous. “Echizen Oroshi soba” has been selected as one of the “100 Best Localread moreOctober itinerary in Japan Day 3 ( Fukui Day 1 Meal edition)

snow crab

October Itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Ishikawa Day 2 Meal edition)

October Itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Ishikawa Day 2 Meal edition) (Thursday, October 21)   Table of contents 1. Lunch “Miyoshian” 2. Craft beer “Oriental Brewing” 3. Dinner “Yumeri” 4. Dinner “Menya Taiga” 5. Dinner “Oden Izakaya Miyuki”   1. Lunch “Miyoshian” Lunch on October 21st was at “Miyoshian” in Kenrokuen. I had a tea kaiseki-style bento (Yen 3,300). Lunch while looking at the garden at Kenrokuen, a national special place of scenic beauty, was a luxurious experience. Also, I was very satisfied with the meal that included plenty of seasonal ingredients from Ishikawa prefecture. The contents of the meal are konbu maki of spanish mackerel and northern shrimp sashimi (sashimi), which is a seasonal fish, Jibu-ni, which is a local dish of Ishikawa prefecture, and Koubako crab (however, it was from Niigata. fishing in Ishikawa prefecture start on November 6th), grilled Japanese amberjack, tempura of Kaga vegetables, etc. In Ishikawa Prefecture, male snow crabs are called Kano crabs and females are called Koubako crabs. Kano crab is a brand crab that is landed at the fishing port of Noto from Kaga. Koubako crab is generally called Seiko crab. Koubako crab is smaller than the Kano crab, but it isread moreOctober Itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Ishikawa Day 2 Meal edition)

blackthroat seaperch

October itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Ishikawa Day 1 Meal edition)

October itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Ishikawa Day 1 Meal edition) (Wednesday, October 20)   Table of contents 1. Lunch “Kappo Sushi Yonehachi” 2. Snack “Hanayamatei” 3. Dinner “Chohachi Kanazawa Katamachi store”   1. Lunch “Kappo Sushi Yonehachi” After visiting “Komatsu no mori”, I had lunch at “Kappo Sushi Yonehachi“, the oldest sushi restaurant in Komatsu City. It was about 10 minutes on foot from JR Komatsu Station. The sushi is very delicious and the service is good, so it is a recommended sushi restaurant. Many sushi restaurants in Kanazawa are so popular that it is difficult to make reservations due to the increase in tourists from Tokyo after the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and the prices are very high. Komatsu City’s “Kappo Sushi Yonehachi” offers delicious sushi at a reasonable price, so I liked it so much that I wanted to revisit Komatsu City for “Kappo Sushi Yonehachi”. The sushi course I ate this time was 6,500 yen, which was a great deal. When you enter “Kappo Sushi Yonehachi”, you will be surprised at the “stage board of hinoki cypress (Noh stage)” in Itaba ( Sushi kitchen ). Their master explained “If the best stage for the actor is theread moreOctober itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Ishikawa Day 1 Meal edition)

kaisendon

Ishikawa’s local cuisine recommended in December

Ishikawa’s local cuisine recommended in December   Table of contents 1.Introduction 2.Kabura-zushi 3.Jibu-ni 4.Other local foods in Ishikawa   1.Introduction The recommended local dishes in Ishikawa prefecture in December are “Kabura-zushi” and “Jibu-ni”. Both have been selected as one of the “100 Local Cuisine” selected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. https://www.maff.go.jp/j/nousin/kouryu/kyodo_ryouri/attach/pdf/190131-2.pdf   2.Kabura-zushi “Kabura-zushi” is a type of “nare sushi” that is made by sandwiching Japanese amberjack caught in the Sea of ​​Japan in winter between turnips and dipping it in koji (amazake). It has already been eaten by the ordinary people since the Edo period. “Kabura-zushi” is also eaten in Toyama prefecture, and it seems that mackerel and salmon are sometimes used instead of Japanese amberjack. “Noto Japanese amberjack” (season: December-February) has been selected as the winter “PRIDE FISH” in Ishikawa Prefecture, which is selected by Japan Fisheries Cooperatives. Since this Japanese amberjack is used for “Kabura-zushi”, the season for “Kabura-zushi” is also from December to February.   3.Jibu-ni “Jibu-ni” is a bowl of duck or chicken, vegetables, shiitake mushrooms, etc. boiled in soup stock and thickened. Wasabi is used as a condiment. I think “Jibu-ni” is a simmered dish that is well known nationwide. Weread moreIshikawa’s local cuisine recommended in December

Sakhalin surf clam sushi

Aomori’s local cuisine recommended in December

Aomori’s local cuisine recommended in December   Table of contents 1.Introduction 2.Ichigo-ni 3.Senbei-jiru 4.Other local foods in Aomori   1.Introduction The recommended local dishes of Aomori prefecture in December are “Ichigo-ni” and “Senbei-jiru”. “Ichigo-ni” and “Senbei-jiru” are selected as the “100 selections of local dishes” by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. “Senbei-jiru”, a hot pot dish, becomes more delicious in the cold season. https://www.maff.go.jp/j/nousin/kouryu/kyodo_ryouri/attach/pdf/190131-1.pdf   2.Ichigo-ni “Ichigo-ni (Strawberry soup)” does not contain strawberries. “Ichigo-ni” is a sea urchin and abalone soup, and is called “Ichigo-ni” because the redness of the sea urchin looks like the fruit of a wild strawberry reflected in the morning haze. It’s a poetic name, but it’s a confusing name for those who hear it for the first time. The photo is of sea urchin and abalone, not “Ichigo-ni”. In Aomori prefecture, the season for sea urchins that enter “Ichigo-ni” is from spring to early summer, and the season for abalone is from November to December, so if we give priority to abalone, “Ichigo-ni” is the most delicious time in December. However, Hashikami Town, which produces sea urchins and abalone in Aomori Prefecture, holds the “Ichigo-ni Festival” every year in late July. From thisread moreAomori’s local cuisine recommended in December

Biei

Summary of September itinerary in Japan (Tohoku / Hokkaido trip)

Summary of September itinerary in Japan (Tohoku / Hokkaido trip)   Table of contents “100 selections of local dishes” and “Local dishes loved by the nation” that I was able to eat on this trip Seasonal “PRIDE FISH” that I was able to eat on this trip The biggest precautions for travel (local train / bus) Luggage-free trip Sunday, September 26,   Miyagi Prefecture Day 1 Monday, September 27,   Miyagi Prefecture Day 2 Tuesday, September 28,   Iwate Prefecture Day 1 Wednesday, September 29,   Iwate Prefecture Day 2 Thursday, September 30,   Iwate Prefecture Day3 Friday, October 1,   Hokkaido Day 1 Saturday, October 2,   Hokkaido Day 2 Sunday, October 3,   Hokkaido Day 3 Monday, October 4,   Hokkaido Day4   I was able to enjoy a delicious meal and a beautiful view on my trip to Tohoku (Miyagi and Iwate prefectures) and Hokkaido from September 26th to October 4th. Here is a summary of the trip and some notes. I would like to reconfirm that this travel route setting was created with the purpose of “eating out seasonal seafood and local dishes.” Food is the highest priority, and tourist destinations are the second priority. This is the so-called “Bread is better than the songsread moreSummary of September itinerary in Japan (Tohoku / Hokkaido trip)

soup curry

September itinerary in Japan Day 9 (Hokkaido Day 4 Meal edition)

September itinerary in Japan Day 9 (Hokkaido Day 4 Meal edition) (Monday, October 4)   Table of contents Lunch Craft beer Dinner   Lunch As I planned in the itinerary in advance, I had “Soup Curry” at “CURRY YA! CONG” (a 6-minute walk from Toyohirabashi Station). “Soup Curry” is Hokkaido’s “Local dishes loved by the nation” announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. “CURRY YA! CONG” is one of the 100 famous restaurants in Tabelog and the number one restaurant in Japan in the “Soup Curry” category of Tabelog. https://www.maff.go.jp/j/nousin/kouryu/kyodo_ryouri/attach/pdf/190131-6.pdf “CURRY YA! CONG” is open at 11:30. I arrived at the store at 11:29, but there were already two customers in the store. I was able to enter the store without lining up, but two customers came right after me, and five customers were full. There are only 6 seats in the restaurant and they do not allow shared seats, so when I went there was only 5 customers. The manager of “CURRY YA! CONG” cooked, served, and cleaned up by himself. The only dish is “soup curry”. I asked for “Chicken, pork vegetables” as ingredients, and the spiciness was 15 (above normal spicy level). The spiciness canread moreSeptember itinerary in Japan Day 9 (Hokkaido Day 4 Meal edition)

Cod's milt

September itinerary in Japan Day 8 (Hokkaido Day 3 Meal edition)

September itinerary in Japan Day 8 (Hokkaido Day 3 Meal edition) (Sunday, October 3)   Table of contents Lunch Sparkling sake Dinner   Lunch For lunch in Biei, I ate fresh tomato pizza and corn soup using corn from Biei at “Cafe & Restaurant Barch”. Both were more delicious than I had imagined, and in particular, the corn soup was an excellent soup with a delicious corn sweetness. It was a cute single-family restaurant and it was very comfortable. Biei Town sells “Biei Curry Udon” as a local gourmet to revitalize the town. “Biei Curry Udon” uses udon noodles made from Biei flour, pork and vegetables from Biei. “Biei Curry Udon” won the 2017 General Grand Prix (1st place in the taste category) of the new OMOTENASHI local gourmet. Next time, I would like to eat it when I go to Biei. http://www.bieicurry.com/   Sparkling sake I always drink craft beer on my way home, but this time I bought “Otokoyama Sparkling Sake” at Asahikawa Station when I changed trains. Otokoyama is a nationally famous Asahikawa sake brewery. “Otokoyama Sparkling Sake” is a fashionable package that can be read as both sake and bubbles. This sake was just sold inread moreSeptember itinerary in Japan Day 8 (Hokkaido Day 3 Meal edition)

Morioka Jajamen

September itinerary in Japan Day 5 (Iwate Day 3 Meal edition)

September itinerary in Japan Day 5 (Iwate Day 3 Meal edition) (Thursday, September 30)   Table of contents Breakfast Lunch Milk and soft serve ice cream at Koiwai Farm Craft beer Dinner   Breakfast I ate “Morioka Jajamen”, which is a “Local dishes loved by the nation” in Iwate prefecture, selected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for breakfast. The restaurant I ate was “Pairon Main Store”. It is said to be the origin of “Morioka Jajamen”. The “Pairon Main Store” is open from 9:00 to 21:00, so it is ideal for breakfast while traveling. It is a very convenient place near Morioka Castle Ruins Park. This is my second visit to the store. There are three sizes of “Jajamen” at “Pairon”: large (Yen 710), medium (Yen 610), and small (Yen 510). I asked for the middle size “medium”, but it’s a large size in a regular store. Please be careful. Add chili oil and vinegar to mix “Jajamen” if you like. After eating the noodles (actually, leave a little noodles), add Yen50 to make an egg soup called “Chitantan”. The egg is in the bowl on the table, so please break it yourself and ask the waiterread moreSeptember itinerary in Japan Day 5 (Iwate Day 3 Meal edition)

Ezoishikagekai

September itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Iwate Day 2 Meal edition)

September itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Iwate Day 2 Meal edition) (Wednesday, September 29)   Table of contents Breakfast Lunch Craft beer Dinner   Breakfast At “Michi-no-Eki Takatamatsubara” in the Takatamatsubara Memorial Park, there are two restaurants, “Matsubara Shokudo” and “Takata no Gohan”. “Takata no Gohan” was closed, so I had a late breakfast at “Matsubara Shokudo”. I ordered “Kaisendon set”. The “Kaisendon set” includes a seafood bowl made from fish and shellfish caught in the sea near Rikuzentakata, centered on Hirota Bay, and “stem wakame” pickled in wasabi and “mekabu soba” caught in Hirota Bay. https://takata-matsubara.com/ Even if it wasn’t delicious enough to impress, it was delicious enough for the “Kaisendon set” offered at the roadside station. This shop is recommended when you go to Takata Matsubara Memorial Park. However, if you have time, you should eat at restaurants around Rikuzentakata Station. https://edokagura.com/en/local-cuisine/455/   Lunch What I absolutely wanted to eat in Rikuzentakata was the “Rikuzentakata Ezoishikagekai (Clinocardium california)“, which is the summer “pride fish” of Iwate Prefecture selected by Japan Fisheries Cooperatives. When asked at the Rikuzentakata City Tourism and Products Association next to Rikuzentakata Station, it was said that “Sushi Matsuda” was serving “Ezoishikagekai”. https://takanavi.org/gourmet/12168 “Sushi Matsuda”read moreSeptember itinerary in Japan Day 4 (Iwate Day 2 Meal edition)

Sashimi

September itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Iwate Day 1 Meal edition)

September itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Iwate Day 1 Meal edition) (Tuesday, September 28)   Table of contents Lunch Craft beer Dinner   Lunch I was going to eat the “Hatto Zen” of the local cuisine of Iwate Prefecture in “the brewery restaurant Seki no ichi” (a 10-minute walk from JR Ichinoseki Station) in Ichinoseki, but did not go Unfortunately in the regular holiday of the restaurant. https://edokagura.com/en/local-cuisine/402/ I had lunch at “Sansaikan Fujisei” in Ichinoseki (a 2-minute walk from the west exit of JR Ichinoseki Station). Japanese people eat mochi during the New Year, but they don’t eat much except during the New Year. However, Ichinoseki has a culture of eating mochi on a daily basis, and I also had “Hitokuchi Mochi Gozen” for lunch. “Hitokuchi Mochi Gozen” contains 8 small mochi (natto mochi, walnut mochi, june mochi, anko mochi, zuda mochi, ginger mochi, sesame mochi, shrimp mochi) in addition to the mochi in the Ozoni ( Japanese traditional soup).  The taste of all mochi is different. All kinds of rice cakes were very delicious and it was a very satisfying lunch.   Craft beer I had “TONO beer (HAZY IPA)”, a craft beer from Tono City, Iwate Prefecture,read moreSeptember itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Iwate Day 1 Meal edition)

Zunda mochi

September itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Miyagi Day 2 Meal edition)

September itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Miyagi Day 2 Meal edition) (Monday, September 27)   Table of contents Lunch Snack Craft beer Dinner   Lunch I ate “Miyagi no Sachi Nigiri” set at Matsushima’s sushi restaurant “Sushi -Kou”. It was a sushi set made entirely of sushi ingredients from Miyagi prefecture, so I was grateful for the purpose of eating seasonal seafood and local dishes. In particular, it was good to be able to eat “abalone” that I hadn’t eaten since I came to Miyagi prefecture. Also, I was very happy because I was able to eat “shark fin sushi” made from sharks, which has the highest catch in Miyagi prefecture. I think I ate shark fin sushi for the first time, but it was very delicious. “Sushi -Kou” is a sushi restaurant in Matsushima that we can recommend to everyone. However, I later learned that there are more delicious sushi restaurants in Shiogama, where the fishing port is located, so I wanted to eat sushi in Shiogama next time.   Snack I had “Zunda mochi” and matcha at Kanrantei. It makes me happy to eat “Zunda mochi” while looking at the beautiful Matsushima Bay. We highly recommend taking aread moreSeptember itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Miyagi Day 2 Meal edition)

Fukuoka’s local cuisine recommended in November

Fukuoka’s local cuisine recommended in November   Table of contents “100 selections of local dishes” “Mizutaki” “Game-ni” “Hakata Jidori” “Karashi-mantaiko”   “100 selections of local dishes” Fukuoka Prefecture’s local dishes recommended in November are “Mizutaki” and “Game-ni”. Both have been selected as one of the “100 Local Cuisine” by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. We can eat both “Mizutaki” and “Game-ni” all year round, but I think that the hot pot “Mizutaki” is more suitable for the cold season from November to March. https://www.maff.go.jp/j/nousin/kouryu/kyodo_ryouri/attach/pdf/190131-4.pdf “Mizutaki” “Mizutaki” is a dish in which chicken is boiled, the umami is brought out, and it is dipped in ponzu sauce. After eating the mizutaki ingredients, the porridge using the soup with the umami of various ingredients is really delicious. Personally, I like porridge and soup after hot pot cooking rather than eating hot pot ingredients. “Game-ni” “Game-ni” is a simmered dish of chicken, konjac, root vegetables, etc. seasoned with soy sauce, sugar, mirin, etc. It seems that the origin of the dish was the battlefield dish of the Kuroda clan in Fukuoka prefecture. Since the northern part of Fukuoka Prefecture was called “Chikuzen no Kuni”, it is also called “Chikuzen-ni” outside ofread moreFukuoka’s local cuisine recommended in November

kobe beef

Hyogo’s local cuisine recommended in November

Hyogo’s local cuisine recommended in November   Table of contents “100 selections of local dishes” “Botan nabe” “Ikanago no kugi-ni” “Local dishes loved by the nation” “Akashi-yaki” “Kobe-gyu steak”   “100 selections of local dishes” The recommended local dish of Hyogo prefecture in November is “Botan nabe”. The hunting period for wild boar meat used in “Botan nabe” is from November 15th to March 15th. From November 15th, we will be able to enjoy “Botan nabe”, which is the taste of winter in the northern part of Hyogo prefecture (Tamba Sasayama region). “Botan nabe” and “Ikanago no kugi-ni” are selected from Hyogo prefecture as “100 selections of local dishes” selected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. https://www.maff.go.jp/j/nousin/kouryu/kyodo_ryouri/attach/pdf/190131-2.pdf “Botan nabe” “Botan nabe” was named because the appearance of serving wild boar meat resembles a peony (Botan) flower. Usually, wild boar meat has an odor, but wild boar meat in the Tamba-Sasayama region has no odor and you can feel the sweetness of the meat. It’s a very delicious hot pot. “Ikanago no kugi-ni“ “Ikanago no kugi-ni” is cooked with soy sauce and mirin after “Ikanago Shinko fishing” from the end of February to the beginning of March. It isread moreHyogo’s local cuisine recommended in November