Izakaya, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka City

Izakaya: Kin No O-Kan in Shzizuoka City (pre-interview)!

March 31, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Friendly and easy-going
Equipment & Facilities: Overall very clean. Small but superb washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Sake from Shizuoka and all over Japan. Cuisine making great use of local products

Junya Kinbara金原純也さん has finally opened his first izakaya beginning of with the smiling help of Yuuko Nakamura/中村優子さん and is already attracting some deserved attention from Japanese sake lovers and the local media!

Junya being interviewed by Dai Ichi TV!

The cedar ball in front of the establishment leave no doubt as to what it is specializing in!

Japanese Sake Place!
Kin No O-Kan!
“Kin” stands for the first kanji of Junya’s family name, “no” means “of” and “O-Kan” stands for hot sake!

The place consists of single counter along the kitchen with comfortable stools in front of your tray and a shelf of sake cups to choose from!

A great idea to offer a choice of sake cups in a small shelf box!

It is just all superb sake from Shizuoka Prefecture and all over Japan including a whole range from Takahsima Brewery in Numazu City!

Aoshima Brewery, Hatsukame brewery another favorite of mine, Morimoto Brewery!

More classics chilled inside the fridge!

The announcement of a special sake beside the sake brew master’s apron of the famous Kubota in Fukui Prefecture!

One of the two menus including some Chinese classics!

The second menu including oden and dry-aged beef!

Look forward to the next full report!

KIN NO O-KAN

420-0035 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 10-11, Vienna Building, 1F
Tel.: 054-653-4300
Mobile phone: 090-5100-7067
Opening hours: 17:00~27:00
Holiday not decided yet, but should eventually be Thursday
Reservations highly recommended!
FACEBOOK

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Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

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Cherry Blossoms, Shizuoka City, Sumpu Castle Park

Cherry Blossoms in Sumpu Castle Park, Shizuoka City!

March 31, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

In spite of the horrendous yesterday, or in some cases because of it because of the ensuing sudden rise in temperature, the cherry blossoms are practically exploding inside Sumpu Castle Park for the pleasure of photographers and revelers enjoying hanami/flower viewing parties!

The picture of the day!
Which is blooming, the pine tree or the cherry tree!

Sumpu Castle Park offers many possibilities for photographers whether hey want to take only cherry blossoms take them among the many trees and flower beds!

Flowers beds are tendered and renewed all year round!

This might make for a great picture at night!

Mind you, simple photographs are still the best most of the time!

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Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Soba

Soba Restaurants in Shizuoka Prefecture (Amended Regularly)

March 31, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

KISHIGAMI

Service: very friendly, attentive and informative
Equipment & Facilities: Spotless clean. Superb washroom. Entirely non-smoking!
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive
Strong points: Ju wari/100% soba/buckwheat noodles. Tempura. sake list!

SOBADOKORO KSHIGAMI SOBA RESTAURANT

Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Utsunoya, 232-2
Tel.: 054-258-5664
Opening hours: 11:00~14:00
Closed on Mondays and 3rd Tuesday of the month (next day in case of a national holiday)
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Entirely non-smoking!
————————————-

TEUCHI SOBA TAGATA

Service: Friendly, attentive and informative
Equipment & Facilities: Very clean overall. Superb washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Only native buckwheat from Shizuoka and rest of Ja@an used. Great use of local seasonal ingredients. Great sake and shochu list.
Entirely non-smoking!

TEUCHI SOBA TAGARA
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa Cho, 2-6-7
Tel.: 054-250-8555
Opening hours: 11:30~13:30, 17:30~22:00
Closed on Mondays and Thursday lunch
Parties welcome
Credit Cards OK
HOMEPAGE
Entirely non-smoking!
—————————————-

SETSUGEKKA

Service: Very friendly and attentive
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Beautiful washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: High quality soba. Beautiful tempura. Great local sake

SETSUGEKKA/雪月花
Shimada City, Hontouri, 2-3-4
Tel.: 0547-35-5241
Opening hours: 11:30~14:30, 17:00~22:00
Closed on Monday and third Tuesday
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Entirely non-smoking for lunch!
————————————-
SOBA HAN

Service: Very friendly and smiling
Equipment & Facilities: very clean overall. Superb washroom! Entirely non-smoking!
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive
Strong points: Organic Ju-wari (100%) buckwheat noodles. Duck cuisine. Sake list.

SOBA HAN

422-8033 Shizuoka City, Suruga ku, Toro, 6-2-1
Tel.: 054-286-6333
Opening hours: 11:00~14:00, 17:00~21:30 (Last orders)
Closed on Tuesdays
Cards OK
Parking available
Entirely non-smoking!
————————————

KINOENE

Service: Very kind and friendly
Facilities: and equipment: Old but very clean overall. Excellent washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Soba/buckwheat noodles and Japanese tradkional meals. Some very good local sake available!

KINOENE Te Uchi Soba

Shizuoka City, Shimizu Ku, Nanatushinya, 423-6
Opening hours: 11:00~15:00, 17:00~20:00
Closed on Thursday
Car park available for 6 cars
Entirely non-smoking!
————————————

TAGATA ZAIRAI SOBA

Service: Smiling and friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Overall extremely clean. Superb washroom if a bit small
Prices: Very reasonable
Strong points: Only native buckwheat used. Good sake and shochu list

TAGATA ZAIRAI SOBA (make sure you understand the address as Tagata is a very common name for restaurants in Japan!)
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa Cho, 3-3-4　(left of Tokai Bldg across the street)
Tel.: 054-251-0707
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~21:00
Closed on Sundays
————————–

SOBA SAKE KAWAKATSU

Service: Friendly
Equipment: traditional. Clean. Beautiful toilets
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Very fresh ingredients. Most ingredients not only local but sef-grown or self-raised! Local sake and shochu!
Entirely non-smoking!

Sake Soba Kawakatsu
426-0034, Fujieda Shi, Eki mae, 1-8-4
Tel./Fax: 054-645-1770
Business hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~22:00
Closed on Mondays, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays
—————————-

SOBA NO MI

Service: Friendly
Equipment: a bit old but clean
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Very fresh ingredients. Old-fashioned atmosphere
Entirely non-smoking!

Soba No Mi
Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Kawabe Cho, 2-2-3
Tel.: 054-251-8000
Business hours: 11:00~21:00 (or until soba are exhausted)
Closed on Tuesdays and third Wednesdays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
————————————

YOSHINO

Service: Shy but friendly
Facilities: old but clean. Traditional
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: 10 wari soba. Good list of Shizuoka sake.

YOSHINO
420-0839 Shizuoka Shi, Takajyo, 1-7-10
Tel.: 054-255-3277
Business hours: 11:00 until they run out of buckwheat!
Closed on Tuesdays
————————————

KUROMUGI

Service: Friendly
Equipment: Old but clean
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: 100% soba noodles (ju-wari soba). Traditional Japanese Soba Restaurant.

422-8078 Shizuoka Shi, Suruga Ku, Satsuki Cho, 8-15
Tel.: 054-287-8539
Fax: 054-287-8309
Business hours: 11:30~15:00, 17:00~21:00; 11:30~21:00 (Saturdays)
Closed on Mondays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
MAP(Japanese)
————————————

IWA ICHI

Service: Very friendly and easy-going.
Facilities: Very clean overall. Excellent amenities
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Soba of course, but traditional Japanese gastronomy on the whole. Excellent all-rounder.
English spoken!
Non-smoking at tables.

IWA ICHI
420-01816 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Kutsunoya, 3-4-22
Tel.: 054-293-4151
Business hours: 11:30^14:00, 17:30~22:00
Closed on Mondays
————————————

TSUDONO ZARU SOBA

Service: Very kind and a bit shy
Equipment & Facilities: Spotless clean. Superb washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Soba! Very Japanese atmosphere.

TSUDONO Zaru Soba
421-2121 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tsudono, 514-2
Tel.: 054-294-1005
Opening hours: 11:00~15:00 or until the soba are sold out!
Closed on Mondays (except on National Holidays)
Car parking available
Entirely non-smoking!
———————————————

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Buddhist Temples, Japan, Shimada City, Shinto Shrines, Tourism

Mangazan Koji in Ieyama, Shimada City: The Only Temple in Japan Dedicated to Human Feet!

March 31, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

If you have the opportunity to get off one of the Oigaway Ralway Line trains in Ieyama, Hon Kawane, Shimada City, you will find a great oddity a few minutes walk from the walk from the Station!

Mangazan Kouji Temple!
It actually, like many similar places in Japan combines both Buddhism adn Shinto as both temple and shrine were built on the same spot!
This particular Temple was built in 1346, around 650 years ago !

This is the sole Buddhist Temple in Japan consecrated to the health of human feet!
But there is more to see there than this particular concern of the human atanomy!

Beware that guardian!

His companion is not be taken lightly either!

The lion guardians had something unusual about them!

It is the first time I find such lions with a mouth painted red!

Incidentally, such lion guardians bear a diffrent “grin”!

The temple also has a real Kyudou/Japanese archery shooting range at the back!

With all the water rushing down the mountain, rain or no rain, this is a very clean place!

The Buddhist bell!

Centenarian cedar trees everywhere!

For such a little place the way out is grandiose!

In search of Japanese history and culture!

Expect more soon!

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Japan, Kura, Tourism

Kura: Japanese Traditional Warehouses in Shizuoka Prefecture 15: Ieyama, Shimada City!

March 30, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

“Kura” (in Japanese 蔵 or 倉) means “warehouse” or “Storehouse”.
In traditional Japan, especially during the Edo Era, as most of buildings and urba/village structures were made of wood, fires were the bane of society by and large.
However well-protected a fire would consume a house or buildings and all its properties within minutes.
Hence a special building or warehouse was needed to protect goods and properties against such a catastrophe.
But erecting a storehouse solely made of concrete, stones and some metal cost a vast amount of silver and gold and only rich merchants and nobility could afford them. Even castles could not be built entirely of stone then.

i discovered this small but well-preserved kura in Ieyama, a famous small hot spring resort along the Oigawa Railway Line in Shmada City.
It belongs to the Suzuki Family who had a sake brewery called Suzuki Brewery there until 1940 until they had to close it due to WWII. They never resumed the brewing of sake but they kept the kura all the time.

It still has a “namako” design on its lower hall.
It is basically empty now, but the owners keep it into good repair!

The wall facing the road had to be protected with corrugated iron though.
But the windows are nicely up-kept!

I wonder if you could open a cafe inside!

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Shizuoka, Steam Locomotive, Tourism

Steam Locomotive at Ieyama Station, Oigawa Railway Line in a Driving Storm!

March 30, 2014 dragonlife 5 Comments

Today saw an incredibly strong storm with driving rain pelting everything until early afternoon in Shizuoka Prefecture but it certainly discourage many a steam locomotive fan to go to Ieyama Station in Shizmada City!

It was certainly cats, dogs, halberds and what else when we arrived at the antique station of Ieayama!

I’m sure that a train buff would like to go home with this wooden sign with name of Ieayama Station in Japanese!

The station might be really ancient (the washrooms are modern!) but you will find a cute little shop inside!

The station staff had to scream off some buffs off the tracks when the Steam Locomotive finally arrived!

People crowded the small gate to take a picture inside the driving rain!

That is when I realized there was a better way to take a picture of the train!
I just went outside and walked around the small station in spite of the rain which contributed to a totally deserted area for my great pleasure!

Just looked great!
Why are people only interested in the front of a locomotive!

Steaming in the rain!

I’ll have to come again by a fine weather and with the cherry blossoms flowering!

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Food, Japanese Gastronomy, Snacks

Japanese Appetizer (O-toushi/お通し): Stick Senior Broccoli and Red Pepper

March 29, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

O-toushi/お通しis actually a bit difficult to translate.
In a Japanese (in Japan) izakaya it is an appetizer that is served with the first drink and that you pay for in general in lieu of a cover charge.
I have nothing against such a notion as it gives you a good idea of the chef’s skills!

O-toushi does not have to be conceived as a rich dish but is basically a way to entice you into a meal and drink!
Stick Junior Broccoli is becoming a very popular vegetable in Japan as the Japanese love to eat it especially when the flowres are about to open.
It is somewhat confusing as in Japan very often rapeseed, broccolini and Stick Junior Broccoli are often sold under the same name!

Dragon boiled some Stick Senior Broccoli in salted water, cut it and marinated it in mentsuyu.
Mentsuyu (めんつゆ, also 麺汁) is a condiment made from dashi, soy sauce, mirin and sugar. Mentsuyu is most often eaten as a dipping sauce with sōmen, soba, udon and hiyamugi.
It can be bought ready anywhere although she is very particular about the variety she uses.
Having arranged the Stick Senior Broccoli cuts with the flowers on top she placed two thin slices of red pimento for decoration.
Really simple but appetizing.
The right thing to awaken your buds!

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Cherry Blossoms, Photography, Shizuoka City

Cherry Blossoms-Mizuochi Police Box, Aoi Ku, ShIzuoka City!

March 29, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

“Of all places!”, you might say and I tend to agree as the occupants of MIzuochi Police Box in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, are famously hopeless in a city where’s crime is almost inexistent and where the police is reduced to lurk on bicycles behind large signs to catch traffic offenders!

I didn’t include the police box in my pictures lest its denizens use it as a proof of my malfeasance!

The Mizuochi Police Box is located at the corner of Kitakaido Street and the Eastern Wall of Sumpu Castle Park.
There you can admire the wall and part of its moat.

It is a great spot right now for cherry blossoms visewing, although it will last only a few days especially with rain forecast tomorrow!

The trees are perched on top of the wall and cascade down to the moat!

Good (not like me!) photographers should be able to avoid modern distractions and achieve great results!

Little gems!

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Beer, Beer Brewery, Craft Beer, Shizuoka

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Oratche Brewery-Atami Beer 「Miyabi」Red Ale!

March 29, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

It had been some time since I last tasted craft beers concocted by Oratche Brewery adn I had the occasion to get a couple I hadn’t tasted yet the other day when I traveled all the way to Kannami!

This particular brand can usually only be found around Atami for which it had been conceived.
The name 「Miyabi」or 雅　means “elegant” in Japanese!
It does bear the usual inscription “Kaze no Tani Biiru/Wind Valley Beer” usually found on their labels.
This label is particularly beautiful and I’ll keep in case a craft beer lover truly wants it!
Also note that Oratche Brewery was the first brewery in Japan to be officially recognized by the Government as producing organic beer!
In this case all cereals used for tthat particular beer are 85% organic. Remarkable!

Product: Oratche Brewery Atami Beer 「Miyabi」Red Ale
Draught/nama Beer, unfiltered
Ingredients: Barley Malt, barley, hops. Barley malt 85 organic
Contents: 360 ml

Clarity: Very clean if somewhat a bit smoky (normal as it is unfiltered)
Alcohol: 5.5 degrees
Color: Rich orange brown
Foam: Fine and light bubbles. Longish head
Aroma: Assertive but light and dry. Oranges.
Taste: Dry, deep and pleasant attack. Oranges, bread, hints of caramel.
Short tail. Lingers only for a while before disappearing on an even drier note with hints of nuts.
Keeps its own with food and actually enhances the later without interference.

Overall: Very pleasant, light but satisfying.
Not a thirst-quenching beer in spite of its comparatively light approach.
in fact quite elegant.
A beer for all seasons that should please both genders.
To be enjoyed in the evening after a long day’s work! Don’t be fooled by its dark color. It is not a porter. Typical Oratche’s brew.

ORATCHE BREWERY/WIND VALLEY BREWERY
419-0105 Tagata Gun, Kannami Cho, Tanna, 349-1
Tel.: 055-974-4192
Fax: 055-974-4191
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

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Brussels Sprouts, Japanese Gastronomy, Snacks

Japanese Appetizer (O-toushi/お通し): Brussels Sprouts

March 29, 2014 dragonlife 1 Comment

This is the season for Brussels sprouts, an eclectic vegetable which is increasingly becoming popular in Japan for its small shape and ornamental possibilities.
It has also the advantages to be available in the cold season and is a great source of vitamins and fibers.

Dragon came up with the idea of boiling some Brussels Sprouts in salted water first, then cut them into thick slices before cooking them gently with Shizuoka oil tuna ans some seasonings.
She let the whole cool down completely before serving together it with carrot tagliatelle and topped with some parsley.

Great with sake!

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Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka

Ramen Restaurant: Tsurutaya in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

March 28, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Service: Shy but kind
Equipment & Facilities: Very clean overall. Small but excellent washroom. Entirely non-smoking!
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Yokohama-style ramen. One can choose one’s own toppings. Gyoza and rice dishes also available.

Tsurutaya has at last opened its second restaurant in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City today, march 28th, 2014!
It usually takes a lot to convince me eating at a ramenyasan, and even more writing about it, but I must admit that for once I found a ramenyasn to my liking!

Moreover, it has an unusual and most important quality for a ramenyasan: it is entirely non-smoking! Not many are!

Buying a ticket beforehand takes some time to get used to, but in the end it is very practical, saves time and is good business!
Now, you may have to learn a bit of Japanese if you wish something more than the standard offerings pictured on top!
As it was my first visit, I decided to go for a big order: Large portion of Tchya-shu/Char siu men/ramen with an extra topping of char siu, an egg and menma/Chinese pickles!

As orders are prepared as they come (no shortcuts there) I took the time to take pictures of the place and of the people at work!

Next time I’ll have some of these gyoza!

Don’t worry, there are plenty of different seasonings for all tastes, form grated garlic to mustard and spicy rayu! You just serve yourself!

My order! I was really hungry for that lunch!

Really generous slices of char siu! Really tender and sophisticated! Actually these home-made char siu are famous in this town and I know at least one unrelated place which serves them with their craft beer!

Plenty of menma!

Vegetables and nori/dry seaweed! Much appreciated as it makes for a complete meal!

Appetizing soup! I can assure you I don’t leave a drop!

Of course toppings at Tsurutaya are first class, but it is still the soup that makes the (big) difference!

I just love their onsen tamago/Slowly boiled egg with a runny yolk! Not easy! Class!

The ramen are Yokohama-style, that is, thicker than your usual ramen. Being French it is perfect as I find the ramen too thin to my taste usually!

Just superb value!

See you there again!

TSURUTAYA/YOKOHAMA-STYLE RAMEN

420-0856 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Sumpu Cho, 1-17 (right across from Cenova Department Store)
Tel.: 054-251-9697
Opening hours: 11:00~22:00
Closed on Tuesdays
Entirely non-smoking!

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Japanese Gastronomy, kamaboko, Snack

Japanese Appetizer (O-toushi/お通し): Kamoboko!

March 28, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Kamaboko/蒲鉾 is made with steamed fish paste.
Shizuoka prefecture has many producers thanks to its many harbors and they do come in uncountable varieties!

Dragon prepared a typical O-toushi/お通し like those found served in izakaya:
Using kamaboko steamed on a small wooden slat she cut out half-circle slices and cut each slice in its middle down to two thirds of its height.
She then inserted green shiso/perilla leaf.
Finally she “filled” it with very soft honey-preserved ume boshi/pickled Japanese plums and sprinkled some black sesame seeds for the final touch!

Very yummy and healthy!
And cute!

By the way the small glazed earthenware cup was discovered in Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture!

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sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka sake Tasting: Senju Brewery-IMANOURA Homarefuji Junmai Daiginjo Nama Genshu

March 27, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Senju Brewery in Iwata City is decidedly showing some great skills by succeeding to create no less than a junmai daiginjo with the Shizuoka-grown homarefuji rice after having milled it down to 50%, another feat in itself!

Of course it is a limited edition!
Junmai nama Genshu means that the sake produced hasn’t been modified whatsoever as shown by the white lees found inside!

Rice: Shizuoka-grown Homarefuji
Rice milled down to 50%
Dryness: + 3
Acidity: 1.4
Amino acids: 0.7
Alcohol: 17~18 degrees
Bottled in February 2014

Clarity: Smoky due to the white lees
Color: Transparent when lees are settles
Aroma: Dry. Dry dark chocolate, dry milk coffee
Body: Fluid
Taste: Dry and fruity attack backed by both puissant junmai petillant and dry alcohol.
Comparatively easy to drink in spite of the genshu high alcohol contents.
Very complex. Dry dark chocolate, coffee beans, oranges.
Oranges tend to grow in stature with the second cup.
Disappears with elusive notes of nuts, dates and more oranges.
Takes on a drier turn with food with more oranges lingering on.
Interestingly enough, superbly marries with cakes and biscuits.

Overall: A very unusual sake by Shizuoka standards!
Both elegant and aggressive.
Probably best enjoyed on its own, although it will surprise more than one with its ability to combine with cakes and cheese!
Tends to reveal all kinds of facets with swift turnarounds.
A sake for a circle of connoisseurs to discuss around!

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Manhole covers, Shizuoka City

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 33: Kanbara, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

March 27, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Kanbara, located between Yui and Shin kambara in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City, was merged into Shizuoka City on March 1st, 2006, but Shimizu City became part of Shizuoka City as Shimizu Ku on April 1st, 2004.
On the other hand Yui merged with Shimizu Ku into Shizuoka City only on November 1st, 2008 with some confusing results when it comes to manhole covers!
Soon or later, especially after I have covered Shin Kanbara, I will have to to publish a compilation of only the truly decorated manhole covers in the whole of Shizuoka City, and that is mor than 2 dozens of them!

This is the most representative fire hydrant manhole cover of Kanabara. Even though, the crest is that of Yui, but the mark/first kanji/蒲 of Kanbara is included!

It is often found together with a water valve pit!

Found in front of Kanbara JR Station!

This pattern exists elsewhere but it is inscribed with “Kanbara Town”!

A quite ancient manhole cover over a fire cistern!

A valve pit with the Kanbara mark!

A larger valve pit with the Kanbara mark!

A valve pit in blue instead of orange with measures inverted and the Kanbara Mark!

The same but with the measurements “properly” set!

This pressurized air valve pit, being quite a common type could be well a national type!

It is also often found together with a previous water valve pit!

Very ancient Kanbara Water duct cover!

This beautiful fire hydrant cover is actually a Shizuoka City item, therefore quite recent!

This cover reflects the confusion. It is a soccer fire hydrant manhole cover from Shimizu City before it was merged into Shizuoka City, which could have been set either before or after the merger!

This water valve pit being very recent it tends to prove that the Shimizu City covers were later used in Shimizu Ku which includes Kanbara Town as it was called before the merger!

The same with different measures!

The same again with still different measures!

This type of water valve pit can be found elsewhere!

A newly discovered foundry company!

Hayakawa Foundry!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Food, Recipes, Snacks

Japanese Appetizer (O-toushi/お通し): Pork Soboro, Onsen Tamago & Cheese Muffin!

March 27, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Dragon last night came up with an idea to finish the last muffin left in the bread basket!
It looks more like an American snack, but it isn’t!

First she grilled the muffin.
She then spread pork soboro (minced pork fried the Japanese way into a kind of caorse powder) over the muffin.
She added some crumbled onsen tamgo (Japanese style boiled eggs seasoned with soy sauce, etc.).
Finally she spread some melty cheese over and grill the lot again!

Great with bee, wine and Japanese sake!

The series is going on!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES