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sashimi

Delicious season for 300 seafood in Japan

Delicious season for 300 seafood in Japan   1. Introduction We want foreign visitors to eat a variety of Japanese seafood at the best time of year and in the best places. With this in mind, we have created a seasonal calendar of approximately 300 different types of seafood, prefecture by prefecture. This list is based on the PRIDE FISH website, selected by the Japan Fisheries Co-operative. PRIDE FISH is a list of “really tasty fish selected by fishermen”. Therefore, by referring to this list, you should be able to eat the most delicious seafood. Many Japanese people do not know the details of the season for Japanese seafood. And for foreigners, it can be even more difficult to understand. We hope that this list will be of some help to foreign visitors when they visit and dine in various parts of Japan. Only the English version of Hokkaido is shown here as an example. For more information, see the English and Traditional Chinese versions.   2. Search by Prefecture Hokkaido & Tohoku Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima   Hokkaido & Tohoku Hokkaido 真つぶ、Ezo-neptune / Whelk Prefectures, Region : Hokkaido, Hidaka Delicious season : April, May, June, Julyread moreDelicious season for 300 seafood in Japan

crane

Summary of July itinerary in Japan (Hokkaido)

Summary of July itinerary in Japan (Hokkaido) From Saturday, July 2 to Monday, July 4, I traveled to Hokkaido (Kushiro and Akkeshi). On this trip, I was able to eat more seasonal seafood and local cuisine than on any previous trip. I was also able to enjoy the great national parks at Lake Akan and the Kushiro Marshland, as well as the wonderful flora and fauna, including nationally protected species like the marimo and the Japanese (tancho) crane. Even in early July, when it was extremely hot in Japan, the temperatures in Kushiro and Akkeshi were 5 to 10°C cooler than in Honshu, making it the perfect summer vacation. I strongly recommend this itinerary for July in Japan. Here is a summary of the 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 the itinerary in Japan 4. Travel in a light style 5. July 2 (Saturday) Day 1 6. July 3 (Sunday) Day 2 7. July 4 (Monday) Day 3   Again, each time, this itinerary was also created withread moreSummary of July itinerary in Japan (Hokkaido)

Oyster

July itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Hokkaido Meal edition)

July itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Hokkaido Meal edition) (Sunday, July 3)   Table of Contents 1.  Oyster Bar Pitresk (Conchiglie) 2. Charcoal Grill Aburiya (Conchiglie) 3. Azumaya Kawakita Branch   1.  Oyster Bar Pitresk (Conchiglie) After finishing sightseeing in Akkeshi in the morning, I had raw oysters at Oyster Bar Pitresk in the Akkeshi Taste Terminal “Conchiglie” while drinking Akkeshi Whiskey. It is an alternative to a waiting bar before lunch. “Oysters from Akkeshi” (season: May-August, December-February) are Hokkaido’s summer “PRIDE FISH” as selected by Japan Fisheries Co-operative. The year-round low sea water temperature in Akkeshi makes it possible to ship oysters year-round. There is an island called Oyster Island (officially Benten Island) in Lake Akkeshi where oysters are cultivated. “Oysters from Akkeshi” are actually delicious from fall to winter when the meat becomes plump and tasty, but since Akkeshi is the only area where oysters can be eaten in summer, it is chosen as the “PRIDE FISH” of summer. The whisky produced at the Akkeshi Distillery is also a specialty of Akkeshi. Akkeshi Distillery started distilling whisky in October 2016 with a strong desire to “make whisky like Islay malt using traditional Scottish methods. Two years after theread moreJuly itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Hokkaido Meal edition)

grilled whelks

July itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Hokkaido Meal edition)

July itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Hokkaido Meal edition) (Saturday, July 2)   Table of contents 1. Local cuisine Nabekyu 2. Izakaya Buu 3. Tsubu-yaki Kadoya   1. Local cuisine Nabekyu Our first meal on this trip to Hokkaido was at NabeKyu, a local restaurant in Lake Akan. I entered the restaurant just before 11:20 a.m., but it was already more than half full. It is a very popular restaurant. My main goal at “Nabekyu” was sashimi of Lake Akan’s specialty, Hime-masu (kokanee), which is only available from May to July. However, in 2022, the Hime-masu fishing season ended a few weeks in May, and no sashimi was offered. It was a pity because I visited Lake Akan with the top priority of Hime-masu sashimi. However, grilled Hime-masu was on the menu, so I ordered it. The grilled salted Hime-masu had a very elegant taste and was very easy to eat. As I wrote in my BLOG on July 24th, Hime-masu is a landlocked form of Sockeye Salmon. In the Ainu language, it is called kapacep. It is native to Lake Akan and Lake Chimikeppu (Abashiri County, Hokkaido). Since I was unable to try the sashimi of Hime-masu, I orderedread moreJuly itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Hokkaido Meal edition)

whole sweetfish sushi

June itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Kyoto, Aichi Meal edition)

June itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Kyoto, Aichi Meal edition) (Friday, June 10)   Table of contents 1. Restaurant Kitamura 2. Cafe Milan 3. Takeyoshi 4. Sumiyoshi, Kabuto, Izakaya Tsuruhachi   1. Restaurant Kitamura I had a late breakfast before my stroll at “Miyama’s Thatched Village (Kayabuki no sato)”. I ordered “mori soba” (Yen 840), “rice with raw egg” (Yen 320), “dish simmered in regional chicken liver” (Yen 430), and “dish simmered venison with ginger” (Yen 430) at “Restaurant Kitamura“. “Mori soba” is most popular buckwheat noodle at “Restaurant Kitamura”. It is made from buckwheat flour harvested in Miyama and ground on a millstone. The soba noodles are handmade in the restaurant every day. Despite being handmade soba, the noodles were very thin and made me feel that they were well worked. The amount of Soba was a little small, but it was a very tasty “mori soba”. The “rice with raw egg” was made with freshly caught local eggs, and the rich yolk of the egg was delicious and irresistible. The chicken and venison used in the “dish simmered in regional chicken liver” and “dish simmered venison with ginger” were also caught in Miyama. The meat is locally produced,read moreJune itinerary in Japan Day 3 (Kyoto, Aichi Meal edition)

hamo (conger pike) somen

June itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Kyoto Meal edition)

June itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Kyoto Meal edition) (Thursday, June 9)   Table of contents 1. Soba Restaurant Aoi 2. Seppourai Kyoto Station Building Store   1. Soba Restaurant Aoi For my first lunch in Kyoto, I had hamo (conger pike) somen (Yen 1,380 ) at “Soba Restaurant Aoi” located in the Kintetsu Mall Miyakomimichi in Kyoto Station. I chose the somen despite the fact that it is a soba noodle restaurant because it has Hamo no Yubiki (parboiled conger pike) on top of the somen. Hamo (conger pike) cuisine is famous for Kyoto in summer. It has been selected as one of the “Our Regional Cuisines” by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan as “grilled hamo”. Although grilled hamo has been selected as one of “Our Regional Cuisines”, I definitely Hamo no Yubiki (parboiled conger pike) as my favorite hamo dish. I think the contrast between the white parboiled hamo and the red plum sauce is a great contrast and looks very nice. There are not many white and red dishes other than parboiled hamo, which is why it makes parboiled hamo stand out against other dishes. The hamo no somen was also a veryread moreJune itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Kyoto Meal edition)

mackerel sushi

June itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Osaka Meal edition)

June itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Osaka Meal edition) (Wednesday, June 8)   Table of contents 1. Soraben 2. Okonomiyaki “Abeton” 3. Sushi “Abaraya”   1. Soraben For breakfast on June 8, I had a “Soraben (Sky bento)” at Haneda Airport. This trip to Osaka/Kyoto has nothing to do with Fukuoka Prefecture, but I bought a “Yamaya Mentai Saizen” (Yen 1,350) from Fukuoka Prefecture. The “Yamaya Mentai Saizen” is one of the more expensive “Soraben” sold at Haneda Airport. However, when I opened the lid of the bento, I found that the coloring was very plain. I was disappointed after opening the lid, because I think coloring is very important for both “Ekiben” and “Soraben”. The taste was good, but it was not good enough to make up for the very plain coloring. Considering the price, I felt that it was a very overpriced “Soraben”. I knew I shouldn’t have bought a Fukuoka bento at Haneda Airport.   2. Okonomiyaki “Abeton” After sightseeing at Shitennoji Temple, I had okonomiyaki at “Abeton“, which is located a little more than 5 minutes away on foot. “Abeton” is located in an underground shopping mall called “Abechika”. It is located on the Shitennoji Templeread moreJune itinerary in Japan Day 1 (Osaka Meal edition)

Nishiki sushi

May itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Kumamoto Meal edition)

May itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Kumamoto Meal edition) (Wednesday, May 18)   Table of contents 1. Hitoyoshi Ryokan 2. Yorifuji 3. Nishiki sushi   1. Hitoyoshi Ryokan Breakfast on May 18th was served at the accommodation “Hitoyoshi Ryokan“. I love breakfast at hot spring inns. Even though it’s breakfast, it’s great to be able to eat many kinds of side dishes. Also, the color of the small bowl containing many kinds of side dishes is beautiful. The breakfast at Hitoyoshi Ryokan was one of the best breakfasts I have ever had at a hot spring inn. I ate dried sweetfish for the first time. The Kuma River, which runs beside Hitoyoshi Ryokan, is famous for catching delicious sweetfish. The opening date for sweetfish fishing is June 1, so it’s a pity that I could only eat dried sweetfish this time. Next time, I wanted to revisit Hitoyoshi during the sweetfish fishing season. When I left the breakfast venue of “Hitoyoshi Ryokan”, beautiful flowers were laid. I was happy with the fresh flowers that matched the atmosphere of “Hitoyoshi Ryokan”. “Hitoyoshi Ryokan” is a wonderful ryokan, and the services of the landlady and female employees were also pleasant. The complaintread moreMay itinerary in Japan Day 2 (Kumamoto Meal edition)

Japanese tiger prawn

Seafood in season in June

Seafood in season in June We will introduce the fish and shellfish that will be in season in June 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 June (whole Japan) 2. 1st place Miyagi prefecture (9 types) 3. 2nd place Nagasaki prefecture (8 types) 4. 3rd place Hokkaido (7 types) 5. 3rd place Shimane prefecture (7 types) 6. 5th place Ehime prefecture (6 types)   1. Fish and shellfish that are in season in June (whole Japan) The number of fish and shellfish that will be in season in June is 33 out of the 87 species surveyed, which is the second highest in a year. The following is a list of 33 types of fish and shellfish in no particular order. Fish horse mackerel, conger eel, sweetfish, chicken grunt, sardine, marlin, barracuda, flatfish, filefish, great amberjack, sillago, silver-stripe round herring, spanish mackerel, striped jack, Japanese sea bass, loach, flyingread moreSeafood in season in June

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 )

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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 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)

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.)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

asari clam

Seafood in season in Feb (No.2)

Seafood in season in Feb (No.2) Table of contents 1. 4th place Hyogo prefecture (6 types) 2. 5th place Miyagi prefecture (5 types) 3. 5th place Ibaraki prefecture (5 types) 4. 5th place Fukuoka prefecture (5 types) 5. 5th place Nagasaki Prefecture (5 types)   1. 4th place Hyogo prefecture (6 types) Hyogo Prefecture (6 types of fish and shellfish) was ranked 4th in the prefectures with the highest catches and types of fish and shellfish that are in season in February. In Hyogo prefecture, the following 6 types of fish and shellfish will be in season in February. Fish flatfish, sea bream Shellfish oyster Other seafood spear squid, snow crab, laver “PRIDE FISH” Japan Fisheries Co-operative has selected “Hyogo Flathead flounder” (season: December-March), “Hyogo laver” (season: December-May), and “1 year oysters from Harima Nada” (season: December-February) for “PRIDE FISH” in winter in Hyogo Prefecture. In addition, “Ikanago (sand lance) in the Seto Inland Sea” (season: February-April) and “Hyogo Hatahata (Japanese sandfish)” (season: February-April) have been selected for “PRIDE FISH” in the spring of Hyogo Prefecture. Flathead flounder is a fish caught in the Sea of ​​Japan in Hyogo Prefecture. It can be caught not only in Hyogo prefecture, butread moreSeafood in season in Feb (No.2)

snow crab

Seafood in season in Feb (No.1)

Seafood in season in Feb (No.1) We will introduce the fish and shellfish that will be in season in February 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 February (whole Japan) 2. 1st place Hokkaido 3. 2nd place Shimane prefecture 4. 3rd place Aomori prefecture   1. Fish and shellfish that are in season in February (whole Japan) The number of fish and shellfish that are in season in February 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 monkfish, flatfish, red bream, shark, spanish mackerel, Japanese icefish, sea bream, flounder, blowfish, Japanese amberjack, gurnard, pond smelt Shellfish round clam, ark shell, asari clam, oyster, freshwater clam, hard clam, scallop Other seafood northern shrimp, octopus ocellatus, spear squid, snow crab, king crab, laver   The prefectures withread moreSeafood in season in Feb (No.1)

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)

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)

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)

gurnard

Seafood in season in Jan (No.2)

Seafood in season in Jan (No.2)   We will continue to introduce the prefectures that are ranked high in fish and shellfish, which will be in season in January. Please note that the season may vary depending on the region and year and the landing conditions due to climate change, so please consider it as reference data only. Here are the results for Japan as a whole and the 1st-3rd place for fish and shellfish, which will be in season in January.   Table of contents 1. 4th place Shimane Prefecture 2. 5th place Iwate prefecture (same number as Ishikawa prefecture) 3. 5th place Ishikawa prefecture (same number as Iwate prefecture)   1. 4th place Shimane Prefecture Shimane Prefecture (7 types of seafood) was ranked 4th in the prefectures with the highest catches and types of seafood that are in season in January. In Shimane Prefecture, the following seven types of fish and shellfish are in season in January.   Fish monkfish, flatfish, Spanish mackerel, Japanese amberjack, gurnard Shellfish freshwater clam Other seafood snow crab   Shimane Prefecture has the highest production of freshwater clams in Japan. The second place is Aomori prefecture, and the third place is Ibaraki prefecture.read moreSeafood in season in Jan (No.2)

Japanese spiny lobster

Seafood in season in Jan (No.1)

Seafood in season in Jan (No.1)   We will introduce the fish and shellfish that will be in season in January 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 January (whole Japan) 2. 1st place Hokkaido 3. 2nd place Aomori prefecture (same number as Miyagi prefecture) 4. 2nd place Miyagi prefecture (same number as Aomori prefecture)   1. Fish and shellfish that are in season in January (whole Japan) Of the 87 species surveyed, 28 species of fish and shellfish, which are in season in January, are the sixth largest in a year. The following is a list of 28 types of fish and shellfish in no particular order.   Fish monkfish, flatfish, broadbanded thornyhead, red bream, spotted shad, shark, spanish mackerel, codfish, flounder, blowfish, Japanese amberjack, gurnard, mullet, tuna, pond smelt Shellfish ark shell, oyster, freshwater clam, scallop Other seafood northern shrimp, octopus ocellatus, spear squid , Japanese spinyread moreSeafood in season in Jan (No.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)