All posts by dragonlife

Robert-Gilles Martineau hails from Bourgogne/Burgundy, France and presently resides in Shizuoka/Japan
Health Foods, Japanese Gastronomy, Non-smoking restaurants, Shizuoka City

Healthy Lunch at Cyohachi Coffee in Shizuoka City!

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Service: Shy but very friendly and smiling
Facilities & Equipment: Very clean overall. Excellent washroom. Entirely non-smoking
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Lunch cafe! very healthy lunches with local ingredients. Open as a cosy cafe all
day!

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fortunately for the true cafes and healthy food lovers there seems to be a resurgence of establishments which offer you something different from the industrialized diners and cafes invading our streets in Shizuoka City and Prefecture!

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One such place is Cyohachi Coffee/長八珈琲店 tucked away in Sumpu Cho away from the bustling center of Shizuoka City!
It does have a lot of merits apart of their delicious coffee and healthy food!

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Most of their ingredients are local!

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You can take a seat at the counter or at a table on the first floor, but if you wish for some peace climb the stairs to the second floor!

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The decoration has been thankfully kept to a minimum with a simple and homey atmosphere!

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Not only a great place to enjoy coffee or tea, but the lunch menu is definitely worth a good look!

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And the place is entirely nonsmoking!

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I had the hand–made hamburger lunch set for my first visit!

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Soup!

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More than enough for lunch!

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Fresh greens salad!

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Home-made hamburger!

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I mean a delicious stewed open hamburger!

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Steamed rice with a nice touch!

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Stewed vegetables and tofu, potato salad and home-made pickles!

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Tea or coffee included served with real sugar and milk!

See you there again for another lunch!

CYOHACHI COFFEE/長八珈琲店

420-0856 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Sumpu Cho, 1-32
Tel.: 054-6591076
Opening hours: 11:30~20:30

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

BLUE BOOKS Cafe, Shizuoka City

American Gastronomy: “Lobster & Tile Fish Nage” at BLUE BOOKS CAFE in Shizuoka City!

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Service: Very friendly, smiling and attentive
Equipment & Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Superb washroom in same building separated from the cafe.
Prices: Reasonable for such big servings!
Strong points: Very generous cafe/bistro multi-genred gastronomy. Great variety. Great products. Very modern atmosphere. Great books!

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Yesterday was a cold and I suddenly craved for a hot lunch!
My feet seemed to naturally carry me to BLUE BOOKS CAFE in Miyuki Cho, Aoi Ku, Shziuoka City!
It took me some time before making up my mind!

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I finally opted for the “Lobster (“Homard” in Japanese) and Tile fish (“Amadai” in japanese) Nage (French for “Swim”/light sauce/broth) with seasonal vegetables!

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The lunch set includes unlimited home-baked bread!

Dessert is not included (good for me who is carefully monitoring y weight!) but coffee or tea can be added for 100 more yen! Very good value indeed considering it costs less 14 US $ or less than 11 Euros

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The lunch set!
Now, what did I have?

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I limited myself to two pieces of bread although my eyes wanted more! (you can ask for more during the meal!)

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A big enough green salad and black tea!

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The main dish!

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I admit it is a small lobster and only half of one, but it is still good value!

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And tile fish does not come in Japan, either, although it is fortunately a local fish!
The lobster and the fish are mounted on a smooth and creamy potato mash which is delicious mixed with the sauce/broth!

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The local seasonal vegetables were absolutely superb: Broccoli, yellow cauliflower, “Petit Vert” Brussels sprouts (a variety created in Shizuoka Prefecture), snap green peas and turnip!

Great value once again, delicious and so healthy!
Who said that American cuisine is heavy? LOL

BLUE BOOKS CAFE

420-0857 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki-Cho, 4-6, Den Bldg 1F (5~10 minutes walk straight ahead from Shizuoka JR Station North Exit, around the corner at the large crossroads)
Tel.: 054-280-7644
Opening hours: 11:00~14:30 (lunch), 14:30^17:30 (cafe), 17:30~23:00 (dinner)
Credit Cards OK
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
Twitter: @BlueBooksCafe

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Japan, Mount Fuji, Nihondaira, Shizuoka, Tourism

Along the Tokaido Nature Trail to Nihondaira Peak in Shizuoka Ciy!

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Mount Fuji is best seen on a winter sunny days and there is an embarrassment of choices as to from what spot to admire it!
Nihondaira Peak inside Shizuoka City, that is in suruga Ku, is one of them.
And if you feel like having some much needed exercise one way to reach Nihondaira peak is to do it on foot!
If you are a fit person, whatever your age, it will take you only a couple of hours walk.
To avoid monotony just go back by bus but beware that the last one is at about 16:00.
Let me relate how I achieved it last week!

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I first took a local train from Shizuoka JR Station and got off at Kusanagi Station.
You can also reach the same destination by riding the Shizutetsu Line from Shizuoka Cenova Department Store!
Get off at Kusanagai and walk till the main crossing ahead. Turn left and look for a big Torii/鳥居 gate which will be your starting point. The torii is that of a very interesting shrine, Kusanagi Shrine I described earlier.
Walk under the torii and proceed straight ahead!

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Don’t forget to look at your feet sometimes and you will discover some interesting manhole covers!

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This type is a pretty old fire hydrant access when Shimizu was still a separate city!

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The same type with a colored center!

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An even older type of Shimizu City fire hydrant cover!

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Go along he Kusanagijinja (Kusanagi Shrine) dori/path!

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Don’t worry, there will be plenty of signs along the route to keep you on the right track!

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First you will reach the Kusanagi Shinto Shrine!

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Spare some of your time to visit it! It is worth it!

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On your way out you will find an interesting manhole cover again!

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Old Shimizu City type featuring Mount Fuji and Miho Beach with Matsubara Forest!

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For collecting river and rain waters!

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Check that you are on the right path!

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Have a good look at the map!

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It is bilingual!

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It also gives you indications on the time needed!

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Your first steps will take you through rural land!

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Green tea fields and the last winter Chinese cabbage!

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You are on the right path!

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Peach tree field!

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This is orange tree land!

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Discovered this cute shed before the next bend!

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it is only a private farm tool shed but the local primary school kids spent a great time decorating it!

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A great idea to help the local kids’ sense of creation!

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Don’t miss the next bend and walk up the passage way above the road!

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A grand view is in wait for you at the top of the stairs before you penetrate the mountain forest!

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Mount Fuji!

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Shizuoka is also the land of green tea in japan!

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A long flight of stairs will lead you to the nature trail going along the top of the mountains!

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You never know, you may meet some elves there!

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Plenty of ferns at the foot of tall cedar trees!

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Follow the trail!

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There are definitely sprites among hose trees! LOL

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Out of the woods and almost at the top of Nihondaira peak!

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Goal!

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What is that statue?

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The story of “The Little Girl with The Red Shoes Who Was taken Away By A Stranger”!

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Coming to one of the top Mount Fuji Viewing Spots in Japan!

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The overview!

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Shimizu Harbor and the Suruga Bay!

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Mount Fuji!

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Suruga Bay and Izu Peninsula in the distance!

I wished I had taken more pictures but I was really running low on batteries!
Moreover the air was a bit hazy. Next time I will take pictures earlier in the morning or before sunset (problem here as there will no more buses unless I visit the place on a busy week-end!)!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Hamamatsu-Tenjingura Brewery-Shusseijo Ginjo Fujihomare Nakakumi Nama Genshu (conducted at La Sommeliere in Shizuoka City)

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I don’t mind repeating it all the time but I prefer conducting sake tastings in the right environment but not many places are propitious for that exercise or willing to help.
But La Sommeliere in Miyuki Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City is certainly becoming a habit as not only I can conduct my tasting in the best conditions possible but also exchange views at the same time!

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Owner Hiroko Hasegawa/長谷川浩美さん called me to to inform me she had received the first batch of sake brewed by Hamamatsu-Tenjigura Brewery in Hamamatsu!

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This one particularly interested me!

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It is a “Shuseijo” ( the brewery’s main brand!), Ginjo Fujihomare (sake rice grown in Shizuoka Prefecture) Nakakumi/中汲み (beginning and end of pressing not included) Nama (unpasteurized) Genshu (no pure water blended in)!

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Rice: Fujihomare (Shizuoka rice)
Rice milled down to 60%
Shizuoka yeast
Alcohol: 18~19 degrees
Bottled in December 2014

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Clarity: very clear
Color: Faint golden hue
Aroma: Very dry and fruity. Strong creamy attack with pears, melon, marshmallows
Body: Fluid and slightly sirupy
Taste: Strong and well-rounded attack backed up with pleasant and puissant alcohol.
Complex: melon, custard, marshmallows.
Lingers for a while with marshmallows and peach before ending up with dry oranges.
Changes little with food.
Superb with cheese, soft Gorgonzola in particular. Try it with Munster cheese as it beautifully enhances the smoothness of the cheese!
Should be perfect with pork meats and sausages!

Overall: Surprisingly elegant and easy to drink in spite of strong alcohol contents.
Its complexity will please ladies in particular.
Superb on its own, it would nonetheless be extremely attractive paired with cheese, particularly soft Gorgonzola or Munster!
Can be eminently enjoyed as aperitif or digestif slightly chilled or at room temperature.
Extremely good value and well above average for similar sake!

LA SOMMELIERE

420-0857 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 7-5, Aiseido Bldg, 1F
Tel. & Fax: 054-266-5085
Opening hours: 11:00~22:00
Closed on Sundays & National Holidays
Entirely non-smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Fish, Japan, Salmon

Japanese Fish Species 14: Sake/Shake/Salmon

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SAKE-1

Salmon is a favourite almost everywhere on the Globe, but it is in Japan that you can enjoy in the most numerous manners!

Like every other fish it has many names according to season and place:
Shirozake/White Salmon, Akiaji or Akizake for Autumn Salmon, Shake in Tokyo.
In Spring it is called Tokishirazu.
I don’t have to tell you there are many, many names for it all over the world!

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Its roe, before processing, is called Sujiko in Japanese, whereas the salmon roe, once treated, is called Ikura.

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Many Japanese appreciate the roe untreated, but more people enjoy it on top of rice as it is with some soy sauce and grated wasabi.

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It also makes for some splendid colourful creation on a plate of sushi!

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As oshizushi/pressed sushi, it can make some very interesting combinations with the salmon flesh and roe.

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Have you ever tasted Sake Gohan/Salmon Rice?

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Slightly smoked the Japanese way, It is extensively used in the making of bentoes!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Japan, Shinto Shrines, Shizuoka City

Kusanagi Shinto Shrine (草薙神社) in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

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Kusanagi shrine (草薙神社) in Kusanagi, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City, has been a major sanctuary in the city of Shizuoka, more precisely the former city of Shimizu before the two were merged at the end of the 20th Century.
It involves a good walk, so choose a shiny day, preferably in winter although you must not miss the rocket festival held in September.
Take either the normal train (Tokaido Line) or the local Shizutetsu Line and get down at Kuasanagi Stations.
Proceed straight to the main crossing and turn left.

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You will find a big torii/sacred gate across the street.
Walk under and walk straight for about 20 minutes!

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Ancient plaque somewhat difficult to read!

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A new stone monument is there to ascertain this is the right shrine!

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Signs will be found along the way to confirm your right path!

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Getting very near!

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The shrine across the road!

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The torii of the main entrance!

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The lantern with the shrine crest and an informative board!

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It has been officially venerated since 1432 but records back to Year 927 mention it!

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Pass under the torii and its rice straw garland!

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Some stone stairs are in wit for you!

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A warrior of yore!

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Old history on stone!

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A short but nice flight of stone stairs running through ancient trees!

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No, the shrine is not on fire! Just burning dead trees away!

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Incredibly old tree being venerated!

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A 1,000 year old tree with a height of 15 meters and spread of 12 meters!

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And it is venerated through its own little shrine!

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The roofed stone hand washing basin!

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Cute hand towels!

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The gate to the main shrine!

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A solemn guard!

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And his companion!

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Part of the September Fire Rocket Festival gear!

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They even have a rocket on display at a side building!

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The main shrine!

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New Year prayer messages!

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The “smiling” lion guard!

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The “roaring” lion guard!

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This is an important shrine since it has no less than three ropes for bells to be rung by worshipers!

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Let’s have a peek inside!

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Old paintings!

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Festival drum!

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Looking back at the entrance!

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An older shrine beside the main one!

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An old stone lantern!

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It is carved out with a crescent moon!

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A rare hollyhock carving proving that the shrine was venerated by Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu!

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The older shrine in a long and low shape!

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New Year rice paste offerings!

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It has its own small altar!

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Side view of the main shrine!

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Side view of the inner shrine behind the main shrine. Inaccessible to the pubic!

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Beautiful roofing!

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Sponsors’ names!

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Another older type but smaller shrine on the other side of the main shrine!

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Left side view!

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Time slip!

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More sponsors’ names!

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Board explaining that the 25-kg rocket can reach an altitude of 300 meters!

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Looking forward to next September!

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A side entrance torii gate!

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The small rocket museum!

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Detailed sight of the inside fireworks mechanism!

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The rocket launching ramp!

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Dragon!

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They also house a kyudo/archery club!

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The archery range!

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See you there again next September!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka City, Yakitori

Yakitori and more Succulent Morsels at Ginza Enishi in Matsuzakaya Department Store, Shizuoka City!

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There is little need to introduce yakitori, a traditional Japanese gastronomy, which has become so popular far away from its borders!
On the other hand good quality is not always evident even in Japan as there is little traceability available in most izakaya and cheap stalls.
And if you do not want to go out at night and drink at the same time, it is definitely better to look for them in a specialized shop!

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Luckily enough, we do have a great shop in Shizuoka City namely Ginza Enishi/銀座縁, conveniently located near the JR Shizuoka Station and main hotels on the Basement floor in Matsuzakaya Department Store across from the North Exit!

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You will no miss it as it found along a narrow underground corridor linking both buildings!

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Now, that sign will be very useful to foreign visitors!

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Take the time to read it!
This is a rare piece of good service!

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You will be able to purchase your favorite morsels at any time of the day, seven days a week and take them back to the hotel or along with you if you do not wish to go to an izakaya or restaurant!
Their freshness will insure a superlative taste even cold!
All the chicken comes from a contracted poultry farm in Aomori Prefecture!　
The chicken is registered under the name of Gokokuajidori/五穀味鶏！
Their offerings vary with the seasons but you will find most of your favorites all year through!
I have included an explanation of each morsel for you to copy next time you visit Matsuzakaya Department Store in Shizuoka City!
Do note that the prices may sound a bit higher than in cheap shops but the quality entirely entitles them!

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Broiled eels/unagi/鰻!

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Two types of fresh lunch boxes/bento/弁当, regularly changed!

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Chicken balls/Tsukune/つくね!

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Chicken livers/reba-/レバー!

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Broiled chicken skin/kawa/かわ!

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Broiled chicken thigh and scallions/leeks brochettes/ももねぎ!

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Broiled chicken and garlic brochettes/Ninniku/にんにく！

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Broiled chicken thigh/Momo/もも!

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Grilled chicken shoulder/Hina/ひな!

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Grilled chicken shoulders and scallions/leeks/Hinanegi/ひなねぎ!

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Chicken gizzards/Sunagimo/砂肝!

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Grilled spread chicken wings/Tebachuu/手羽中!

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Grilled chicken and garlic/Ninniku/にんにく！

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Grilled soft chicken cartilages/Nankotsu/なんこつ！

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Chicken and perilla/shiso balls/Shiso Tsukune/しそつくね!

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Grilled chicken skin/Kawa/かわ！

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Deep-fried Chicken wings/Tebasaki karaage/手羽先唐揚げ!

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Deep-fried chicken soft cartilages/Nankotu karaage/なんこつ唐揚げ! Price per 100 grams!

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Deep-dried chicken/Karaage/唐揚げ! Price per 100 grams!

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Deep-fried mini potatoes/Chibimaru poteto/ちびまるポテト! Price per 100 grams!

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Deep-fried chopped scallions/leeks and red ginger/Negi to benishouga no chigiri age/ねぎと紅生姜のちぎり揚げ!

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Dumplings deep-fried inside chicken skin/Tori kawa Gyouza/鶏皮餃子!

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Chicken balls in sweet and sour sauce/Niku dango/肉団子!

Have fun!

GINZA ENISHI/銀座縁

Manager: Mr. Takayuki Ishinagi/石椛隆之さん

MATSUZAKAYA DEPARTMENT STORE SHIZUOKA-松坂屋静岡店
〒420-0857 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki-Cho, 10-2
〒420-0857 静岡県静岡市葵区御幸町１０−２
Tel.: 054-254-1111
Opening hours: 10:00~20:00
Closed on January 1st
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
HOMEPAGE (English)
HOMEPAGE (Taiwanese)
HOMEPAGE (Chinese)
HOMEPAGE (Korean)
MAP　

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Fish Markets, Japan, Shizuoka City, Uncategorized

Local Shizuoka Fish & Seafood At Parche Fish Market In Shizuoka City: Including Red Sea Slugs!

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After the long lapse caused by the End of the Year and the New Year Holidays, new arrivals can be at last be seen at the Fish Market in Parche inside JR Shizuoka Station!

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Customers are only starting to come, but it should gete as busy as usual soon!

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What fish do we have in the day’s mixed batch?

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Hirame/平目、鮃、比目魚: sole, flatfish
Inada/イナダ: Young Buri/鰤/Yellowtail
Houbou/方々: red gurnard, red robin
Mizukarei/水鰈 (also called Mutsukarei/鱫鰈): Round-nose flounder
Akamutsu/赤鱫、赤鯥 (also called Nodokuro/喉黒): rosy seabass, red gnomefish
Amadai/甘鯛: tilefish
Anago/穴子、海鰻: conger eel (from Miyagi Prefecture)!

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A strange but very popular seafood: Aka Namako/赤海鼠 (written locally 赤なま子!): red sea slug, red sea cucumber!

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Thees log silvery fish have been caught by hand!

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Tachiuo/太刀魚、魛: scabbard fish, cutlass fish!

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Kose/コセ: A variety of Stripped jack!

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Renkodai/連子鯛: Yellowback seabream!

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Kasago/笠子、瘡魚: False kelpfish, Marbled rockfish (top)!
Aka kasago/赤笠子：Red False kelpfish, Red Marbled rockfish (bottom)!

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Donko/鈍甲,貪子: Dark sleeper!

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Shiro mebaru/白眼張、白眼張魚、白鮴: white Japanese sea perch-rockfish!

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Amadai/甘鯛: tilefish (top)!
Kuromutsu/黒鱫、黒鯥: Black gnomefish (bottom)!

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A Shizuoka specialty: Shirasu/白子(Namashirasu/生白子 if raw): sardine whiting!

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A shrimp which made Shiuoka famous all over Japan and beyond: Sakura ebi/桜海老: cherry shrimp

Should plenty more varieties soon!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Japanese Fish, Mackerel, Saba

Japanese Fish Species 13: Saba/Mackerel

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Mackerel or saba/鯖 is a fish eaten over the whole Northern Hemisphere and does come under many varieties and names.
In Japan it is mainly called “Saba”, “Masaba” or “Sekisaba”.
In this country it is mainly caught off Oita, Saga Prefecture, although quite a few are caught off our coasts, especially off Yaizu.
They feed on plankton mainly.

They are prepared and cooked in many guises. In France, my birthplace, they are steamed and then pickled in white wine and spices before being canned.

Naturally, tinned tuna is available in Japan,too!

In Northern Europe they also eaten half raw as smorgasbrod and pickled fish.

It can be appreciated as sashimi, but it must be absolutely fresh and is best served with grated fresh ginger and lemon.
As far as sushi is concerned, “masaba” variety is best

Saba Konbujime nigiri.

It is especially popular as “oshizushi” (pressed sushi).

Double oshizushi!

My preference goes for Saba konbujime.

Saba Bogata

The mackerel is kept inside a variety of wet seaweed for an hour or so before put whole on top of a long “bar” of rice, then cut to size.

Saba Heshiko Zuke.
Saba/Mackerel has been a staple fish in Japan since immemorial times.
One way to conserve it for better transport away from the shores was “Saba Heshiko zuke”, that is pickled in miso and sake white lees.

Saba/mackerel is easily grilled, either on the stick as above,

or grilled and served cut in slices.

The same grilled saba can be served as oshizushi/presed sushi!

Saba can be also served to a tasty crispiness by deep-frying it!

Or simmered the Japanese way with miso, sake, soy sauce, ginger and mirin!

A very versatile fish!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Fougeres, France, French gastronomy

Gastronomic Destinations: France-Bretagne (8): La Naiade in Fougeres City!

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Service: Very friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Very clean overall and excellent washroom. Entirely non-smoking.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Bistro-style salads, pizzas and crepes

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If ou have the chance to visit the extraordinarily picturesque city of Fougeres and its castle in Bretagne, there are a few places where you could enjoy a rest and unpretentious but tasty food. Jys avoid the obvious toursitic establishmente and try a small place like La Naiade where evrything is down to the right side with a small garden where I would avise you to sit away from the crowd!

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Wine and Bretagne cider!

It is a very reasonable　place for a resort city especially at lunch.

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Ham and artichoke pizza!

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Very fresh vegetables!

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Duck magret confit salad!

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A well-balanced lunch, appetizing and tatsy!

Check their homepage!

LA NAIADE

9, Place du Theatre
35000 Fougeres
Tel.: 02.99.94.51.75
Credit cards OK
HOMEPAGE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Beer Brewery, Craft Beer, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Beer Breweries List (updated January 2nd, 2015)

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BAIRD-BEER-2

Shizuoka Beer Microbreweries is a great source for beer label collectors!

Thanks to its endless supply of incredible natural water Shizuoka Prefecture produces some of the best craft beers not only in Japan but in the world as witnessed by the success of Bryan Baird.
Unfortunately I could not find a comprehensive listing and introduction of the same breweries on the net and decided to fill up this void once for all!

shizuokamap

Here is a simple map of Shizuoka Prefecture to help you locate the breweries!
The introduction of the breweries are below listed from west to east of Shizuoka Prefecture!
Bear in mind that some cities are really big. Check their homepages and addresses!

HAMAMATSU-TENJINGURA BREWERY

TENJINGURA-1

Hamamatsu-Tenjingura is also a sake, shochu and liqueur brewery!
They produce 3 types of Czech style beers

Hamamatsu City, Naka Ku, Tenjin Machi, 3-57
静岡県浜松市中区天神町３－５７
TEL: 053-461-6145
Restaurant and beer hall business hours: 10:30~19:00
Closed on Tuesdays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

AOI BREWING

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This is the latest Craftbeer Brewery in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Owner Naoki Mando/萬藤直樹さん started with four brews on June 22nd, 20014 but the brewery just keeps on producing an incredible array of brews as part of experiments!

BEER GARAGE

Aoi Brewing Co.,Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyagasaki Chyo, 30
Tel.: 054-294-8911
Opening hours: 17:00~23:00 (Monday~Friday), 15:00~23:00 (Saturday), 15:00~22:00 (Sunday)
Closed on Tuesdays
COD, Cash On Delivery only for all orders.
MAP

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s one restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

420-0852 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Koyamachi Naka Building, 5F
Tel.: 054-293-9331
Opening hours: 17:00~25:00 (Mon.~Thurs.), 17:00~27:00 (Fri & Sat.), 17:00~24:00 (Sun.)
Parties welcome (reserve!)
Credit Cards OK

AOI BEER STAND FACEBOOK
AOI BREWING FACEBOOK

MEIN SCHLOSS

MEINSCHLOSS-1

Mein Schloss in downtown Hamamatsu City is basically a beer hall serving 5 different beers brewed on site

Hamamatsu City, Naka Ku, Chuo, 3-8-1
〒430-8691 静岡県浜松市中区中央３丁目８番１号
Tel.: 053-452-1146
Business hours: 11:00~14:30, 17:00~23:00 (Saturdays, 11:00~23:00). Check on the phone as they are sometimes completely reserved!
Closed on Mondays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

BAYERN MEISTER BIER

BAYERNMEISTER-1

Stephan Rager is the only German national who owns his brewery and makes his own beer in Japan!
He produces 3 types of Bayern-style beers and sometimes does produce beer on order for such clients as the Tokyo German Embassy. He started growing his own hops on site and plans to make real Fujinomiya City beer!

Fujinomiya City, Kami Ideji Kawaharabata, 1254-1
〒418-0103　静岡県富士宮市上井出字河原端1254-1
Tel.: 0544-54-3311　
Business hours: 10:00~21:00 (restaurant meals and parties mainly on reservation)
Closed on Wednesdays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

BAIRD BREWERY

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Bryan Baird has deservedly acquired national and international fame and helped to put Numazu City on the world map!
He produces a very wide range of regular and seasonal beers all year long.
His main brewery has been moved to Izu peninsula near Shuzenji but his original pub is still in Numazu city but he has opened branches in Tokyo and elsewhere. Do check his English homepage (also exists in Japanese)!
Business Hours

1052-1, Oodaira, Izushi, Shizuoka-ken
静岡県伊豆市大平１０５２－１
Tel.: 0558-73-1225
Business hours: 12:00 pm to 9:00pm, Sat., Sun., Holidays; 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Open Every Day

Numazu City Taproom Address:
〒410-0845 Numazu City, Senbonminato-cho, 19-4
〒410-0845　静岡県沼津市千本港町19-4
Tel.: 055-963-2628
Business hours: Monday, and Wed. thru Friday; 5:00 PM to Midnight, Sat., Sun., Holidays; Noon to Midnight
Closed on Tuesdays
HOMEPAGE (English)

SAMURAI SURFER BEER

SAMURAI-SURFER-1

An offshoot of Nippon Beer Co, it produces so far 3 types of craft beer.
They also produce beers for their mother company, Nihon Beer co, but although made in Numazu they do not qualify much as Shizuoka craft beers.

Numazu City, Shimokanuki, Shimoshooji, 3140-5
〒410-0822 静岡県沼津市下香貫下障子3140-5
Tel.: 055-933-1032
Business hours: 09:00~17:00
Closed on Saturdays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

ORACHE WIND VALLEY BEER

ORATCHE-1

Orache, originally a dairy products company was the first to produce organic microbeers in Japan!
It produces 4 regular brews and seasonal ones, too.

Tago Gun, Kannami Cho (south of Mishima City), Tanna, 349-1
〒419-0105　静岡県田方郡函南町丹那349-1
Tel.: 055-974-4192
Business hours: 09:00~17:30
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

GOTEMBA KOOGEN BEER ( MORI NO BEER)

GOTENBA-1

Owned by Yonekyu Co. it is the largest brewery in Shizuoka Prefecture, but it only partly qualifies as a microbrewery. Produces 5 regular beers plus at least 2 real craft beers and also seasonal beers.

412-0033 Gotemba City, Koyama, 719
〒412-0033 静岡県御殿場市神山719
Tel.: 0550-87-5500
Business hours: Check HOMEPAGE as it has many shops and diners!
HOMEPAGE (English) Also exists in Japanese

KURAYA-NARUSAWA

KURAYA-NARUSAWA-1

Located near Nagaoka Station, Izu no Kuni City, north of Izu Peninsula, it is also famous for looking after an important cultural asset, Hansharo, which has become the name of their 4 regular beers!

Izu no Kuni City, Naka, 272-1
伊豆の国市中272-1
Tel.: 055-949-1208
Opening hours (restaurant and souvenir shop): Monday~Thursday: 11:00~15:00, Friday: 11:00~22:00, Saturday, Sunday, National holidays: 10:00~22:00
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

USAMI

USAMI-1

Usami Brewery in Ito City, in the north-eastern part of Izu Peninsula, produces 4 types of craftbeer, but beware that the front label is the same for all. Check the cap or the back label for the variety!
Designated as eco-friendly by the Prefecture!

〒414-0001　伊東市宇佐美3504-1
〒414-0001　Ito City, Usami, 3504-1
Tel.: 0557-33-0333
Business hours: 08:30~17:00
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

IZU KOUGEN BEER

IZU-KOOGEN-1

Izu Kougen Beer/Izu Plateau Beer is located in Ito City and serves and sells its 6 beers in a restaurant remarkable for its reasonable traditional Japanese seafood restaurant.

〒413-0231 静岡県伊東市富戸1103
〒413-0231 Ito City, Tomito, 1103
Tel: 0557(51)3000
Business hours: 11:00~21:00 (restaurant)
Closed only 5 days in the year
HOMEPAGE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Gotemba City, sake, Sake Brewery

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Negami Brewery-Kinmei Shiboritate Junmai Genshu Nama

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This is another long-selling brew by Negami Brewery in Gotemba city on the slopes of Mount Fuji!

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it is brewed to coincide with the winter/ end of the year/New Year holidays with the same label every year bearing the lucky turtle and crane!

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Note again this is shiboritate (just pressed) junmai (no pure rice alcohol blended in) genshu (no pure water blended in) nama (unpasteurized). The “real” product!

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Rice milled down to 50~60 %
Alcohol: 17~18 degrees
Bottled in December 2014

Clarity: very clear
Color: faint golden hue
Aroma: very dry and fruity. melon, pears
Body: fluid
Taste: very dry and fruity attack backed up with puissant junmai petillant.
Complex: pears, melon, oranges.
Lingers on palate for a short while before departing on an even drier note with more oranges.
Takes on an even drier note with food with more oranges.

Overall: Very dry, fruity and elegant sake in spite of its high alcohol contents and “nama” nature.
The kind of sake to bring as a present as not only enjoyable on its own but the beautiful label.
Guaranteed value!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

sake, Sake Brewery, Shimada City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Oomuraya Brewery-Wakatake Oniotome “Namida” Tokubetsu Junmai Nama

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Oomuraya Brewery has now produced this seasonal series called “Oni Otome/鬼乙女/The Goblin’s Bride” for two full years with growing success to the point that sake lovers are inquiring about its implementation every three months!
The reason for the birth of this new brand partly lies in the fact that Oomuraya Brewery’s nationally famous “Oni Goroshi/鬼ごろし/Killing a Goblin” needed a partner!
This winter edition is called “Namida/涙/Tears”! Tears of Joy naturally. Note that the Goblin’s Bride’s horns are hidden on this particular label!

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And the label background color is black to enhance the white of the wedding dress!

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Rice milled down to 60%
Alcohol: 16 degrees
Dryness: + 2
Acidity: 1.5
Amino Acids: 1.0
Bottled in December 2014

Clarity: very clear
Color: very faint golden hue
Aroma: Assertive, dry and fruity. banana, melon
Body: Fluid
Taste: Very dry and fruity attack backed up with puissant junmai petillant.
Complex: pears, green apples
Lingers only for a little while before departing with hints of oranges.
The junmai petillant makes a comeback with every sip.
Stays true to its first impressions all the way through.
varies little with food , but for a somewhat sweeter turn with more oranges.

Overall: A very solid and reliable sake obviously conceived to accompany heavy food in izakaya.
Elegant enough to be appreciated on its own by dry sake lovers.
Its complexity will please the ladies in particular!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES</strong

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Haginishiki Brewery-Toro no Sato Tokubetsu Junmai

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Haginishiki Brewery in Shizuoka City has been brewing this particular sake for many years and has become a “regular” in downtown izakayas!

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“Toro no Sato/登呂の里” stands for the “Home of Toro Ruins”, a nationally famous 1,800-year old archaeological site!

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Rice: Biyama Nishiki
Rice milled down to 55%
Dryness: + 4
Acidity: 1.5
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Bottled in September 2014

Clarity: very clear
Color: practically transparent
Aroma: dry and fruity. Pears, apples
Body: Fluid, slightly sirupy
Taste: Dry and fruity attack backed up with strong junmai petillant.
Complex: almonds, chestnuts, dark chocolate.
Disappears fairly quickly warming up back of the palate before departing with more dark chocolate and hints of oranges.
Don’t vary much with food but for a drier note.

Overall: Very solid and reliable sake.
No wonder it is such a long-seller!
Perfect with heavy food, especially izkaya fare.
Take it to a BBQ!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

New Year, Sengen Shrine, Shizuoka City

Sengen Shrine in Shizuoka City getting ready for the New Year!

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Sengen Shrine, the biggest Shinto shrine in Shizuoka City, has been showing some frenzied preparations for the coming New Year and it is always a good time for some some interesting photography with the clear weather helping!

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There are many entrances to the Shrine. Enter through the main entrance first gate right across from a tall white stone torii/sacred gate!

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Then proceed to the actual main entrance (called “soomon/総門”)!

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The gate is guarded by two solemn seated figures!

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Eyes bearing on you!

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The traditional rice straw garland!

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More guards in the shape of lions!

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Lions everywhere!

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Even a dragon floating overhead as you pass under!

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Then proceed to the main shrine (called “Roumon/楼門”)!

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Make a point to wash your hands at the stone water basin!

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Another dragon will help you there!

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You will discover a painted traditional new Year board!

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The 16-petal chrysanthemum signifies that Sengen Shrine is related to the Imperial House!

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Next year will be the Year of the Ram!

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The painting was designed by 15 students at Tokoha University in Shizuoka City!

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See you there again at the New Year!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City