I had noticed this small shrine for quite some time in Higashi Kusabuka Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City because of its many red torii gates.
The paint is flaking away these days but I remember when they were a bright orange red!
Sankaban Inari Shrine (三加番稲荷神社) is very old indeed and must have been rebuilt countless times as it was first erected on this spot in 1651 after the Yui Shosetsu Revolt as the third of a series of three identical shrines.
But the concrete wall and votive pillar are quite recent.
the concrete torii gate is probably older than the wooden smaller red torii gates.
There are eight torii gates, but I wonder if that number has a special meaning.
I heard it is still used for festivals but it certainly needs some maintenance.
This stone hand washing basin placed halfway the torii gates is probably the most ancient item in the whole place.
There is another, very old too, behind the torii gates.
The shrine.
The greenery adds a little color to the somewhat forlorn site!
The rice straw garland seemed to me a bit unusual although a local lady told me it is pretty normal!
The shrine name plaque is the oldest part of the whole edifice!
Beautiful Vegetables at Tetsuya Sugimoto (unfortunately closed!) in Shizuoka City!
I agree that this particular article has been long overdue.
Not only my expats friends, but many Japanese friends have been at pains at finding restaurants, bars and cafes where they wouldn’t have to put up with the hazards and stink of smoke inhaled and expelled by uncaring customers.
Some time ago I mentioned partially non-smoking restaurants but I see little point to mention them unless the entirely non-smoking times are clearly announced and respected!
This is of course not an exhaustive list, but it will be regularly updated as I visit establishments for work!
There is no special order to this list, they come as they come!
One more important point: Non-smoking is not the only criterion, good food is, too!
If you are kind enough to recommend me restaurants not introduced here it will be my pleasure to survey them!
—————— SOLOIO Italian Restaurant in Shizuoka City
SN3O0413
Service: Pro and very friendly Equipment & Facilities: Great overall cleanliness and superb washroom. Entirely non-smoking! Prices: Reasonable considering the quality Strong points: Fresh local ingredients whenever possible. Both traditional and inventive Italian cuisine. Good wine list at moderate prices. Open late!
SOLOIO
Chef Takehiko Katoh/加藤武彦さん/Sommelier Mieko Osawa/小澤三江子さん
420-0858 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenmacho, 9-7, Kita, 1
Tel./fax: 054-260-4637
Business hours:
Lunch: 11:30~13:30 (l.O.) (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Dinner: 17:00~22:00 (l.o.), 17:00~23::00 (Friday, Saturday)
Closed on Monday
Credit cards OK
Private parties welcome!
Entirely non-smoking!
—————– Hug Coffee Espresso Roaster in shizuoka City
Service: easy-going and smiling Equipment & facilities: All a bit narrow but very clean. Excellent washroom shared on 2nd floor of same Sunrrose building. Non–smoking Prices: reasonable~ a little expensive Strong points: 34 coffees and teas, craft beers, light food and bagels
HUG COFFEE ESPRESSO ROASTER
420-0857 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenma Cho, 8-1-1, Sunrose Bldg., 1F, No. 1-2-8
Tel.: 080-1609-5869 (Miyako Suzuki Manager)
Opening hours: 12:00~24:00
Closed on Tuesdays
Non-smoking! HOMEPAGE FACEBOOK
—————– CYOHACHI COFFEE/長八珈琲店珈琲店
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!
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
Entirely non-smoking!
—————— Wines & Sake Bar: La Sommeliere
Service: Shy but very friendly Equipment and facilities: Spotless clean. Superb washroom. Entirely non-smoking! Prices: Reasonable Strong points: Local sake by the glass. Extensive wine list by the glass. Bottles on sale. Great local bread and pastries. Home-made light food
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!
—————— SOLIO ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Service: Pro and very friendly Equipment & Facilities: Great overall cleanliness and superb washroom. Entirely non-smoking! Prices: Reasonable Strong points: Fresh local ingredients whenever possible. Both traditional and inventive Italian cuisine. Good wine list at moderate prices. Open late!
SOLOIO
Chef Takehiko Katoh/加藤武彦さん/Sommelier Mieko Osawa/小澤三江子さん
420-0858 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenmacho, 9-7, Kita, 1
Tel./fax: 054-260-4637
Business hours: 16:00~24:00
Closed on Monday
Credit cards OK
Private parties welcome!
Happy hour: 16:00~17:00: 1,000 yen set-3 appetizers plate and 1 glass of house wine! Entirely non-smoking!
—————— Cafe Gallery Hiyori 日和
Service: kind, elegant and attentive Equipment & facilities: Spotless clean overall. Superb separate gender washroom. Entirely non-smoking. Garden, private room, gallery and parking Prices: Reasonable Strong points: great coffee, light meals and drinks in a superb setting. Can be rented for private parties and events.
CAFE GALLERY HIYORI 日和
Owner: Ms. Kazuko Sawada/澤田和子さん
428-0103 Shimada City, Kawane Cho, Mijiro, 3395-3
Tel.: 0547-53-3356
Opening hours: 11:00~17:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and National Holidays
Can be rented at later hours and other days with sufficient reservation.
Car park available Entirely non-smoking FACEBOOK
—————————————————– Tsurutaya
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/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!
—————– b Cafe
Service: Very friendly and communicative Equipment & Facilities: Overall extremely clean. Beautiful Washroom. Entrely non-smoking! Prices: Reasonable Strong points: Home–made cakes, fruit juice and coffee! Take-out welcome!
b cafe
427–0022 Shimada City, Hontori, 1-9-10
Tel.: 0547-35-6538
Opening hours: 10:00 am~05 pm (later on Beer B Nights)
Closed on Wednesdays, 1st & 3rd Sundays Entirely non-smoking!
—————
KIMOENE
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!
——————- ICHIMISHIN Motoshiro Restaurant
Service: Smiling, attentive and professional Equipment & Facilities: Extremely clean overall. Superb washroom. Entirely non-smoking! Prices: Reasonable Strong points: Inventive modern French Gastronomy using great ingredients from Shizuoka Prefecture and elsewhere in Japan! Wines!
ICHIMISHIN Motoshiro/一味真 元城
Chef: Hirokuni katayama/片山裕邦さん
Sommelier: Chiaki Mizuguchi/水口智章さん
Service Staff: Miho Takahashi/高橋美保さん
430-0946 Hamamatsu City, Naka Ku, Motoshiro, 218-1, Richmond Hotel, 1F
Tel.: 053-450-5571
Fax: 053-455-3215
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 18:00~21:00
Closed on Tuesdays
Parking available
Parties welcome Entirely non-smoking! HOMEPAGE (Japanese) Chef Hirokuni Katayama/片山裕邦さん on FACEBOOK
——————–
C’Est La Vie
Service: Very friendly and attentive Equipment & Facilities: Very clean overall. Excellent washroom. Entirely non-smoking! Prices: Reasonable Strong points: Inventive French Bistro style gastronomy. Very fresh products from Shizuoka and other Prefecture.
C’EST LA VIE
422-8063 Shizuoka City, Suruga Ku, Mabuchi, 4-10-6
Tel. & Fax: 054-287-8115
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 18:00~22:00
Closed on Wednesdays and 3rd Tuesday HOMEPAGE FACEBOOK
Cash only
Entirely non-smoking!
———————
Chez Mont-Pierre
Service: Very friendly, accommodating and helpful Equipment & Facilities: Superb cleanliness overall. Extravagant washroom. Entirely non-smoking. Separate room for families with children. Prices:V ery reasonable considering the quality and generosity Strong points: High class Classical French gastronomy with a modern and inventive touch. Excellent wine list.
CHEZ MONT-PIERRE
Chef: kenichi Meguro/目黒研一さん
422-0836 Shizuoka City, Suruga Ku, Shikiji, 1-5-27
Tel.: 054-236-0255
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~21:00
Closed on Mondays all day & 2nd and 4th Sundays for dinner
Cards OK for dinner only
Private room for 4~8 guests
Parties welcome
Group courses available for 10~22 guests.
Car park available Entirely non-smoking! Call beforehand!
——————— FIGARO Food & Wine
Service: Shy but very friendly and attentive Facilities & Equipment: Very clean overall. Superb washroom. Entirely non smoking at lunch time! Prices: Reasonable Strong points: French bistro-style gastronomy. Reasonably-priced wine list.
FIGARO FOOD & WINE
Chef Toshiharu Matsuura/松浦敏春さん
Sommelier Yoshinori Shimizu/清水芳則さん
420-0034 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa cho, 2-4-5
Tel: 054-255-7430
Opening hours: 12:00~14:00, 16:00~24:00
Closed on Sundays
Prties welcome
Cards OK (dinner only) Entirely non smoking at lunch!
——————— PANCHAVATI
Service: Very friendly and smiling Facilities & Equipment: Overall very clean. Excellent bathroom. Entirely non-smoking! Prices: Reasonable Strong points: Invenetive vegan gastronomy including cakes. Great use of local natural and organic products.
PANCHAVATI
Chef: ken tanaka/田中健さん
420-0839Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 3-1-13-201, 2F
Tel.: 054-273-5515
Opening hours: 11:00~19:00
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Cash only Entirely non-smoking!
———————-
CHAO CHINESE DINING
Service: Kind, smiling and attentive in spite of a crowded place! Equipment & Facilities: Very clean overall. Shared washroom with Cenove Department Store but very excellent. Entirely non-smoking! Prices: Reasonable Strong points: Mild but very healthy All-Chinese gastronomy
CHAO CHINESE DINING
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajyo, 1-1-1 Cenova Department Store, 5F
Tel.: 054-266-3095
Opening hours: 11:00~21:00
Private space possible for up to 7 guests
Parties welcome
Credit cards OK Entirely non-smoking!
————————————— 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 KISHIGAMI 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!
—————————— CAVA.K.
Service: Very friendly and attentive Facilities & Equipment: Spotless clean voerall. Superb washroom Prices: Appropriate. Reasonable when considering quality and originality! Strong points: Gibier/Game, the best in the Prefecture! Great use of superb local and own garden ingredients. Seasonally cured meat and ham.
CAVA.K.
Chef: Hiroyuki Yamaguchi/山口祐之さん
439-0003 Kikugawa City, Sabaka, 791-11
Tel.: 0537-37-1820
Fax: 0537-37-1850
Opening hours: 11:30^14:30, 18:00~21:30
Parking: 8 cars
Cash only
Reservations advised
Entirely Non Smoking! HOMEPAGE BLOG (Japanese)
———————— TEMPURA NARUSEI
Service: Very friendly, smiling and attentive Facilities & Equipment: Great cleanliness overall. Superb washroom Prices: Moderate to expensive, but extremely good value Strong points: Authentic traditional tempura gastronomy at its best with superlative products, a lot them local. Superlative attention and explanations!
TEMPURA NARUSE-てんぷら成生
420-0839 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Takajyo, 2-5-12
Tel.: 054-273-0703
Opening hours: 17:30~22:00
Reservations highly recommended
Closed on Mondays
Credit Cards OK
Entirely non-smoking!
——————————
MEIN SCHLOSS BREWERY & RESTAURANT
Alt Beer at Mein Schloss!
Service: Friendly, smiling and and willing to please Equipment and Facilities: Very clean overall. Superb washroom. Entirely non-smoking! Prices: Reasonable Strong points: Home-brewed beer, great variety in pub grub. Convivial
MEIN SCHLOSS BREWERY & RESTAURANT
430-8691 Hamamatsu City, Naka ku, Chuo, 3-8-1
Tel.: 053-452-1146
Opening hours: Tuesdays~Fridays, 11:00~14:30, 17:00~23:00
Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, 11:00~23:00
Closed on Mondays
Cards OK HOMEPAGE
Car park available Entirely non-smoking!
—————————— EBISU (TAKOYAKI)
Service: Very friendly. Great explanations Facilities and Equipment: Very clean if old overall. Washroom in nearby Shizutetsu Store Prices: Reasonable Strong points: Osaka-style takoyaki, senbei takoyaki, ika yaki, yakisoba Entirely non-smoking inosde!
EBISU
Shizuaoka City, Aoi Ku, Tamachi, 7-1 (go along the Hon Toori Street and turn right onto the karge street going at a slant before the bridge. You will find Ebisu just past Shizutetsu Stire)
Tel.: 054-253-1637
Opening hours: 11:30~20:00 (earlier if sold out!)
Closed on Thursdays
Entirely non-smoking!
——————————- TASTY RABBIT
Service: Very friendly and smiling, Great welcome Facilities and Equipment: Great cleanliness overall. Superb Washroom Prices: Very reasonable Strong points: healthy and generous fusion gastronomy making a great use of local ingredients. Entirely non-smoking!
TASTY RABBIT Cafe & Shop
Chef: Mr. Moshe Liram
Kikugawa City, Honjo, 1172 [mama’s Share Shop Soramame]
Tel: 090-5453-0075
Opening hours: 11:00^21:00 on one Saturday and a full week-end every month (Check BLOG!) BLOG
Parking: 15 cars
Entirely non-smoking!
—————————- DON KO AN
Service: Kind, smiling, and easy-going if a bit shy at the beginning. Facilities & Equipment: Very clean overall. Excellent washroom Prices: reasonable to slightly expensive (beef is not cheap in Japan!) Strong points: Beef! Roast Beef! Wagyu Beef! Take out and online orders!
Entirely non-smoking!
DON KO AN
Roast Beef Restaurant
Chef: Tastuya Suzuki/鈴木達哉さん
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, baban Cho, 106 (mid way along Sengen Street)
Tel.: 054-251-7002
Fax: 054-251-7019
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~20:30
Closed on Sundays and national Holidays Entirely non-smoking! HOMEPAGE
————————————
EKIMAE MATSUNO SUSHI
Service: Very friendly, attentive and informative Facilities: Overall clean if a bit old-fashioned Prices: Reasonable Strong points: Mainly local fish and seafood. Local sake. Always ready to improvise! Entirely non-smoking!
EKIMAE MATSUNO SUSHI/駅前松乃寿
Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Koya Machi, 3-3 (Just in front of Shizuoka JR Railway Station
Tel.: 054-252-0123
Business hours: 11:00~21:00
Closed on Wednesdays and 3rd Tuesday HOMEPAGE(Japanese) Entirely Non-Smoking!
————————– HARMONY
Service: easy-going and friendly
Facilities: good general cleanliness
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: Most of ingredients are local!
Completely non-smoking!
HARMONY
438-0831, Shizuoka Ken, Iwata Shi, Kamishinya, 499-1
Tel.: 0538-21-1511
Fax: 0538-21-1515
Business hours: 11:00~14:00, 17:00~21:00
Closed on Mondays, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays
Big parking available HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
———————————————
LOCOMANI
Service: Very friendly although a bit shy! Equipment: Great overall cleanliness. Nice washroom Prices: Reasonable Strong points: Vegetarian menus. Healthy rice flour cakes. Can prpeare vegan meal with sufficient advance reservation.
Completely non-smoking!
LOCOMANI
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajyo, 1-10-6
Tel.: 054-260-6622
Closed every Wednesday and one Monday HOMEPAGE/BLOG</strong> (Japanese)
————————–
PISSENLIT
Service: Excellent and very friendly. Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. Superb washroom (mouthwash and toothpicks provided!)! Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive, very good value. Strong points: Interesting wine list. Great use of local products, especially organic vegetables and Shizuoka-bred meat.
Can prepare vegetarian or vegan meals with sufficient advance reservation and discussion/explanations!
PISSENLIT
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 2-3-4
Tel.: 054-270-8768
Fax: 054-627-3868
Business hours: 11:30~14:30; 17:00~22:00
Closed on Tuesdays and Sunday evening HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Credit Cards OK
Entirely non-smoking!
———————————–
ALOHA TABLE
Service: Friendly and smiling Facilities and equipment: Great cleanliness overall. Superb washroom on same floor Prices: Reasonable Strong points: Hawaiian gastronomy
ALOHA TABLE Hawaiian cafe & Dining
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den Bilg, 2F
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00 (Lunch until 17:00)
Non smoking until 17:00! HOMEPAGE
————————————-
SOBA SAKE KAWAKATSU/strong>
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!
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)
————————
CHOJIYA
Service: Friendly and informative Equipment & Facilities: Old but very clean Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Traditional japanese food in a traditional environment full of history!
CHOJIYA
421-0103 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Mariko, 7-10-10 (Take the bus going to Fujieda from North Exit Platform No 7 at Shizuoka JR Station. Get off at Marikobashi Iriguchi stop!)
Opening hours: 11:00~19:00
Closed on Thursdays and last Wedenesday of the month Entirely non-smoking! HOMEPAGE (English)
—————————-
SHIMIZU SUSHI DOKORO “UMI”
Service: Attentive and smiling Facilities & Equipment: Great cleanliness overall. Suparb washeroom shared with ohther sushi restaurants Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive Strong points: Many local fish and seafood in use. Superb product freshness. Great Sake list!
Completely non-smoking!
SHIMIZU SUSHI DOKORO “UMI”
Shizuoka City, Shimizu ku, Irifune Cho, 13-15, S Pulse Dream Plaza Bldg, 1F (get off at Shimizu JR Station East Exit and board the free shuttle bus to its final destonation at S Pulse Dream Plaza)
Tel.: 054-354-3700
Opening hours: 11:00~22:00
Credita Cards OK
Completely non-smoking!
———————————-
ORTA RISTORANTE
Service: Very friendly and attentive Facilities: Superb cleanliness through and through and beautiful washroom. Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Authentic Northern Italian Gastronomy. Good wine list. Very fresh ingredients, local whenever possible
Entirely non-smoking!
Chef/Owner: Mr. Sebastiano Bonomi Pattini
Orta Ristorante
Hamamatsu City, Naka Ku, Banya, 675, 2F
tel. & Fax: 053-455-0321
Business hours: 11:30~14:, 18:00~22:00
Closed on Tuesdays HOMEPAGE
Credit Cards OK
—————————
IL CASTAGNO
Service: Very friendly and attentive Equipment: Great general cleanliness Prices: Reasonable Strong points: Great appetizers. Home-made pasta!. Great use of local products from the land and the sea. Southern Italy and Sardinia gastronomy.
IL CASTAGNO
420-0843 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Tomoe Cho, 48
Tel/Fax: 054-247-0709
Business hours: 11:45~14:00, 17:30~21:00
Closed every Monday and 3rd Tuesday
Credit cards OK (dinner only) HOMEPAGE (Japanese) BLOG (Japanese)
ENTIRELY NON-SMOKING!
————————– NORI
Service: Very friendly and relaxed. Very intelligent explanations and presentations. Equipment: Great general cleanliness in a beautifully decorated house. Superb washroom Prices: Very reasonable considering the extravagant quality. Strong points: A great accent on local products both from the land and the sea. Gastronomic Italian-style cuisine with a constant research on new products and methods. Excellent wine list. Superb grappa.
NORI
426-0204 Shizuoka Ken, Fujieda Shi, Tokigaya, 864-3
Tel./Fax: 054-641-4778
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00; 18:00~22:00
On reservation only for dinner
Closed on Tuesdays and first Monday
Credit cards OK HOMEPAGE (Japanese, but do check it for great photographs of the house and garden!)
————————-
SPICE
Service: Very friendly Equipment: Great general cleanliness Prices: Reasonable Strong Points: Local vegetables and meat! Very healthy meals!
Service: Professional, welcoming, very attentive and smiling. Great explanations. Facilities & Equipment: Extremely clean. Superb separate washrooms. Prices: Reasonable considering the extravagant quality. Strong points: Mainly local products including wild vegetables and meat. Vegetables mainly organic and grown by the staff. Menu changing for the most part every two weeks.
RESTAURANT BIO-S
419-0303 Fujinomiya Shi, Oshikakubo, 939-1
Tel.: 0544-67-0353
Fax: 0544-67-0098
Opening hours: 11:30~14:30, 17:00~20:00
Closed on Tuesday Night and whole Wednesdays
Reservations highly recommended!
Credit Cards OK
Parking for 8 cars HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Entirely non-smoking!
—————————–
BISTRO GAWA
Service: Friendly Facilities: old but very clean. Very clean washroom! Prices: very reasonable Strong points: excellent French cuisine without ostentation. Great local products from the land and the sea
no-smoking-logoentirely non-smoking!
BISTRO GAWA
411-084, Shizuoka ken, Mishima Shi, Kitada Machi, 1-13
Business hours: 11:30~14:00, 18:00~
Closed on Sunday, Thursday lunch and Saturday dinner
Tel.: 055-972-5040
Cards OK (+5% handling fees)
Service: Extremely friendly and attentive Equipment: Supreme cleanliness and beautiful amenities Prices: Reasonable. Very good value
Strong points: French gastronomy conceived mainly with local seasonal products. Beautiful bread baked on site! Parking available.
Entirely non-smoking!
FRENCH BAKERY & RESTAURANT: EMA L’ESTAMINET
431-3115, Hamamatsu City, Higashi Ku, Nishigasaki, 1088-1 (within walking distance from Nishigasaki Station, Entetsu Railway Line)
Tel.: 053-433-7700
Business hours: !0:00~16:00 (Bakery)
11:30~ 13:00, last orders (Restaurant)
Closed on Sundays and last week of August
————————–
BEAU CIEL
Service: Pro and attentive Facilities and Equipment: Extremely clean. Superb separate washrooms! Prices: Appropriate Strong points: Elegant restaurant and French gastronomy. Superb panoramic view of Shizuoka from Mount Fuji to the Suruga Bay. Building totally non-smoking!
BEAU CIEL
25F Sky Restaurant
GRANDAIR Bouquet Tokai
420-0852 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Koyamachi, 17-1, Aoi Tower, 25F (right across from Shizuoka JR Station North exit)
Tel.: 054-273-5250
Fax: 054-273-5251
Opening hours: Lunch 11:30~14:30, Tea Time-14:30~17:30, Dinner-17:30~21:00
Credit Cards OK HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Completely nonsmoking!
——————————–
BISTRO OKAMURA
Service: Friendly if a bit shy. Equipment & Facilities: Japanese traditional restaurant very clean overall. Cute washroom Prices: Reasonable Strong points: Fish! Gastronomic bistro-style. Extensive use of local products and catch. Reasonably-priced wine list
Entirely non-smoking! Private rooms available.
BISTRO OKAMURA
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 1-5-2
Tel.: 054-669-2087
Opening hours: 11:30~14:30, 17:30~23:00
Closed on Sundays and Monday lunch
Credit Cards OK
Counter: 5 seats, 4 private rooms (up to 8 seats each)
Entirely non-smoking!
——————————–
GRILL KURAMOTO
Service: A bit shy but friendly Equipment: Great general cleanliness. Beautiful washroom Prices: Reasonable Strong points: Interesting combination of French and Japanese bistro-style cuisine. Traditional tarts and cakes. Entirely non-smoking!
Grill-Kuraramoto
420-0081 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Gofuku-cho, 2-5-17
Tel.: 054-255-3090
Business hours: 11:30^14:00, 17:30~20:00
Closed on Wednesdays and 3rd Tuesday HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
——————————–
SUSHI KO MIUE
Service: Very kind and easy-going[ Facilities: Impeachable cleanliness. Superb washroom Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive Strong points: Unusual and happy combination of Sushi and French gastronomies. Shizuoka sake and even shochu! Entirely non-smoking (extremely rare for a sushi restaurant!)!
Sushi o Miue/寿し幸実宇栄
420-0852 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, kooya Machi, 13-6
Tel.: 054-221-3888
Opening hours: 17:30~indeterminate
Closed day not yet decided
Credit cards OK Entirely non-smoking!
——————————–
HENRI GALETTE
Service: Kind and easy-going Facilities: very clean overall. Clean washroom (shared with anothet shop) Prices: Reasonable Strong points: True French-style galettes and crepes! Cidre available. Local vegetables used.
HENRY GALETTE
470-0858 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 1-12-1, Aobaen Bidg., 1F
Tel.: 054-260-6116
Opening hours: 11:00~18:00 Entirely non-smoking!
———————————
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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Ogushi Shrine (小梳神社 ) is an ancient and well-known Shinto Shrine in Shizuoka City, within easy walking distance from Shizuok JR Station just across from Parco Department Store.
Its grounds are extensively used during flea markets and other events, but people usually miss a lot of interesting details!
The torii gate!
The old name pillar!
It is guarded by the usual two lions!
But the horn on this one is out of the ordinary!
Its facing acolyte doesn’t have one!
The shrine was oirginally standing on the grounds of the Sumpu Castle but it was moved to the present location after Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu’s death during the 17th Century!
The hand-washing stone basin!
One of the two enormous stone lanterns!
You will find a small shrine on your left past the torii gate!
It has its own torii gate!
The access bridge flies over a carp pond!
The carps!
It is also guarded by two lions!
The other lion!
Small and beautiful shrine!
It is guarded by a minuscule dragon!
And two roaring lions!
An ancient hand-washing stone basin is still in use beside it!
Leaving the small shrine!
A building probably used a shed!
The main shrine!
An old wooden lantern placed atop a new concrete pillar!
The rice–straw garland!
The coin offerings box with a double crest!
This particular shrines apparently serves a double purpose!
Plenty of sake bottles offerings inside!
The festival drum!
The two crests!
A side view of the main shrine!
From another angle!
If you proceed left of the main shrine you will find not one, but two smaller shrines guarded by different animals!
The torri gate of the first and bigger one!
Fox guards!
These are always different!
One with a closed mouth!
The other keeping a scroll between its maws!
Once again a small but beautiful shrine!
It is also decorated with a rice straw garland!
Frolicking foxes!
An even smaller one stands at the back!
Discarded roof peak?
Guarded by two foxes again!
A fierce fox of unusual colors!
The other looking fierce, too!
Obviously a more ancient shrine!
The main shrine seen from a side entrance on its right!
If you want to taste Aoi Brewing craft beers and also write about it, there is the perfect place within walking distance of Shizuoka JR Station!
Aoi Beer Stand!
Mind you, if you want to write about the beer you will have to find one of the six seats free!
Otherwise drinking outside on the pavement is OK!
Incidentally Aoi Beer Stand is celebrating its 1st Anniversary!
One of these days I will have a selfie taken of my person drinking their beer standing in front!
As for the tasting, bear in mind that the beers will come and go before re-appearing in the future!
It makes the tasting and writing even more enjoyable!
Served on tap
Barley, barley hops, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol: ~5 degrees
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered)
Color: deep yellow
Bubbles: fine. Longish head
Aroma: assertive. Oranges, bread, dry
Taste: very dry and deep approach.
Very refreshing with welcome acidity.
Oranges.
Lingers inside palate with an increasing dryness and acidity.
Changes little with food.
Overall: very refreshing brew with more acidity than usual.
Westerners will probably appreciate it more than the Japanese.
Great balance between fruitiness and acidity.
For very dry beer lovers!
AOI BREWING
Temporary address:
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
Aoi beer is also available at Aoi Brewery’s two more restaurants in Shizuoka City, namely
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
and Mando:
Mando, Neo Japanesque Bar
420-0031, Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Gofuku Cho, 2-4-6, Mori Blg, 1F
Tel/Fax: 054-221-5103
Business hours: 17:00~26:00
Parties possible on 2F
Credit cards OK
Wikipedia definition:
Chionoecetes is a genus of crabs that live in the northern Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.[1]
Other names for crabs in this genus include “queen crab” (in Canada) and “spider crab” – they are known by different names in different areas of the world. The generic name Chionoecetes means snow (χιών, chion) inhabitant (οιχητης, oiketes);[2] opilio means shepherd, and C. opilio is the primary species referred to as snow crab. Marketing strategies, however, employ snow crab for anything in the genus Chionoecetes. Snow crab refers to them being commonly found in cold northern oceans.
Snow crabs are caught as far north as the Arctic Ocean, from Newfoundland to Greenland and north of Norway in the Atlantic Ocean, and across the Pacific Ocean, including the Sea of Japan, the Bering Sea, the Gulf of Alaska, Norton Sound, and even as far south as California for Chionoecetes bairdi.
Snow Crabs, or Zuwagani in Japanese are very popular not only in Japan, but also in Russia, Canada and many other countries.
In Japan, they are also known under the following names: Matsubagani, Echizengani and Yoshigani.
The females are also called Seikogani, Megani or Koubakogani.
They are caught mainly in Autumn and Winter.
Their number have decreased in the Japan seas down to a yearly catch of 5,000 tonnes while 60,000 tonnes are imported from Russia and Canada.
(Male Snow Crab)
(Female snow Crab)
Male and female snow crabs are equally succulent, but the males contain more flesh and are accordingly more expensive.
The “thorns” of a male snow crab are bigger.
The “teeth” of a male snow crab are triangular in a seesaw shape.
The female “teeth” are in a straight line.
The underbelly of a female snow crabis flatish.
When buying a female (10 tmes as cheap) snow crab, choose a specimen with as few eggs as possible. Above speciman just has too many!
A female snow crab should contain plenty of succulent orange egg sacs (the eggs not yet “born”). Otherwise, there is very little reason to buy any!
Crabs can be eaten in many ways, even raw, but my favourites are on sushi!
Male Snow crab leg Sushi Nigiri and Female snow crab Sushi Nigiri and its egg sacs!
Suwagani/Snow Crab legs, when lightly boiled can make for beautiful sushi nigiri.
Cheaper varieties can still make fr some remarkable gunkan sushi combining the boiled white flesh and “miso”/brains!
If the Japanese can get their hands on the whole crab, will simply boil it and eat the meat directly out of the shell with a sweet vinegar dressing.
As for the “miso”/brains they will be served in the shell heated again with a big helping of Japanese sake!
Now, live snow crabs make for extravagant sashimi!
The same can savoured in shabu-shabu!
Italian restaurants in Japan regularly serve it in pasta!
Every year I make a point of tasting this famous brand by Oumuraya Brewery in Shimada City: Onigoroshi!
There are many Onigorshi/”Kill a Goblin” in Japan, but this is arguably the most celebrated!
When you consider the alcohol content, the dryness and the lack of pasteurization, you need this to kill one!
Rice milled down to 60%
Dryness: + 9
Acidity: 1.３
Alcohol: 17-18 degrees
Bottle in May 2014
Clarity: very clear
Color: Faint golden hue
Aroma: Dry. Greens
Body: Fluid
Taste: Aggressive approach backed up by pleaaant alcohol.
Dry, Fruity.
Lingers on for a while, warming up the back of the palate.
Apricots, almonds, macadamia nuts.
Takes on an even drier turn with food.
Stays strong all the way.
Overall: Solid and straightforward, this is a very dry and strong sake for the “Macho sake” lovers!
The perfect complement to a BBQ or heavy izakaya gastronomy!
Designed to accompany food!
Yesterday I had to revisit a favorite place of mine again up in the mountains along the Abe River in Shizuoka City!
It was still early in the morning at at around 9:30!
i come here regularly as my goof friend, Ms. Asami Ito of marufuku Seisha Tea Co. in Shizuoka City. has a piece of land up there with an old house and plenty of Japanese plum trees!
It does take time to reach the place, even by car, at least an hour as you have t climb up a sole narrow road up to 1,000 meters height!
But the vistas waiting for you there are worth the whole trip!
Now, the very place we have to alight from the car is beside the highest green tea field in Japan!
I don’t know exactly when, but the local farmers in Higashi Mine, Umegashima, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City erected this small house to protect and ancient small shrine called Inari Myoujin/稲荷明神!
The small torii gate was actually created by a local wood cutter who has a shed just nearby!
This is a very rare design in Japan with the upper beam a real tree trunk just cut and peeled off!
Beautiful!
Inari Myoujin Shinto Shrine!
The original and truly ancient shrine tucked inside!
There are many practically forgotten Shinto Shrines along rivers and the foot of mountains in Shizuoka Prefecture due to the moving of population away from the rural areas.
The other day it took me no less than 4 hours on my old bicycle to find Ashitsuki Shrine up along the Ashikubo River in blinding heat but it certainly was worth the effort as it has been almost completely forgotten by the locals who had problems to inform me!
It was only when I found myself only 200 meters that someone confidently pointed me the way!
it is completely hidden from the view from across the road or river. And the only way to find it is to go down form your bicycle and push it along. That is, if you are not a local!
It is completely surrounded with trees and the entrance is invaded by beautiful hydrangeas!
The old, a bit lonely torii gate!
The surrounding area is green tea land!
Very tall trees!
The shrine!
The main shrine!
Old stone lantern with sun and moon openings!
Ashitsuki Shrine (足坏神社 ) written the old way round!
Actually for its look of abandonment, the shrine is still being used for local matsuri/festivals!
The money offerings box!
Benefactors’ names!
More of them!
Driftwood decoration!
There was another smaller shrine behind with closed doors!
Including a small kamidana/altar!
i also found a large shrine shed!
I managed to open it and discovered a festival drum and empty tea boxes!
Senbei/Japanese Crackers at Aoi Senbei Honkei in Shizuoka City!
There is a bit of misconception about senbei in Japan.
Senbei/煎餅 is often translated as “rice cracker”. Actually there is nothing mentioned about rice/米 in the original kanji character.
Senbei can be made of rice flour or wheat flour, and can be salty or sweet.
Now, in Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, not far from Sengen Shrines stands an ancient traditional senbei shop called “Aoi Senbei Honkei/葵煎餅本家” which offers both types of senbei.
Kazuhiro Unno/海野和宏さん and his wife Yuriko/由利子さん represent the 5th generation of a long tradition.
But it is only after WWII that they decided to produce their own senbei, moving away from the confectionery of cakes and biscuits aimed at children.
They sell both rice flour crackers and wheat flour senbei.
The wheat flour senbei are exclusively made on site, whereas the rice flour crackers are made by all kinds of companies throughout Japan to satisfy the constant demand!
Their shop has gained official recognition from the Shizuoka Prefecture Government for their round-shaped senbei with the Tachi Aoi/Hollyhock crest of Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu named Aoi Oomaru/葵大丸!
A splendid and delicious souvenir!
Petit Fuusen/プチ風ん/”small balloon” senbei!
Aoi Senbei/葵煎餅, also called “Tokuyou Sunpu taiko/徳用駿府太鼓/Special Sumpu (old name of Shizuoka City!) Drums”!
Series of wheat flour senbei directly connected with the history and tourism of Shizuoka!
Another series of fancy wheat flour senbei!
The most popular wheat flour senbei!
Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu and the hollyhock crest!
Very traditional shop and smiling staff!
Superb gift sets that can be sent anywhere in Japan!
These two flavored wheat flour and peanuts senbei should please expat and foreign visitors!
The one on the right is coffee-flavored!
AOI SENBEI HONKEI/葵煎餅本家
4200867 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Baban Cho, 20
Tel.: 054-252-6260
Fax: 054-273-5323
Opening hours: 09:00~19:00 (until 17:30 on Wednesdays) HOMEPAGE FACEBOOKK
It’s been some time since I tasted a sake brewed by Suruga Brewery in Shizuoka City!
Although still a very new brewery, at least in name, it is already getting recognition nationally!
It goes for one of its long name as it describes the brewing process:
Junmai: no pure rice alcohol added/blended.
Genshu: no pure water added
Nama: unpasteurized
Muroka: unfiltered
Rice milled down to 60%
Dryness: + 5
Acidity: 1.6
Alcohol: 17~18 degrees
Shizuoka yeast
Bottled in June 2014
Clarity: Very clear
Color: Faint golden hue
Aroma: Dry and fruity. Pears
Body: Fluid
Taste: Dry and fruity attack backed up with puissant junmai petillant and pleasant alcohol.
Complex. Apricots, dark chocolate and milk coffee appearing late with a sweeter note.
Disappears quickly.
Changes little with but for a slightly drier note.
Overall: A sake for strong sake lovers!
Perfect with izakaya food or BBQ.
Easy to drink in spite of its high alcohol contents.
Gains to be drunk slowly and carefully as it can suddenly reveal fleeting facets!
See “Izakaya Ranking” system at bottom of article!
A brand new izakaya was born very recently and is acquiring a very big reputation all over Shizuoka City: Mansouya!
It is located in a fairly quiet place in Aoi Ku behind Isetan Department Store on the first floor of red-bricked Castle Hotel which used to house a Chinese restaurant!
Note the cedar ball, a feature you will find at the entrance of sake breweries!
One big reason for its popularity is that it is the only establishment serving sake from all the breweries in Shizuoka Prefecture, even those which are on the fringes selling somebody else’s sake!
Another reason is that the serve pork from local pigs fed with local green tea! Talk about extravagant Shizuoka gastronomy!
Not only do they serve sake from Shizuoka prefecture but also local fish and seafood!
They are certainly a working hard lot even at lunch and no holidays!
It is always a good idea to reserve especially at night!
If you come alone sitting at the counter is probably best!
Large groups will feel more comfortable sitting on the tatami floor! But it can become very noisy!
But there are plenty of tables and chairs for small groups! Note the walls decorated with sake brewery aprons!
Have a look at all the sake in the fridge! The staff, if not too busy, will have the pleasure to explain their origin!
If you come to taste as many sake as possible the best solution is to order a 3 sake tasting set for only 800 yen!
The bottles will be brought onto your table and you are welcome to take photographs!
Each bottle being explicitly numbered, the number of the brewery you wish to taste will be written on your sake tasting set paper!
Splendid system if you want to report on the tasting!
O-toshi/snack coming with first drink!
Beautiful sashimi plate with fish and seafood from Shizuoka Prefecture! Great value!
Of course Shizuoka oden is a regular dish all year round! Note that are seasoned the Shizuoka way with “aonori”! Shizuoka oden are darker than the ones found in other prefectures!
And more sake!
Actually, I’m planning to conduct some sake tastings there in the future!
Don’t forget to order the tea pork! Great comfort food for the meat lovers!
Very generous portions with yakitori, including my favorite, “tsukune”/minced meat ball!!
Expect regular visits in the future!
MANSOUYA/満惣屋)
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryougae Cho, 1-4-8. Castle Hotel Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-253-0088
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:00~23:00 on weekdays, 11:30~23:00 on Saturdays, 11:30~22:00 on Sundays
Credit cards OK
Parties welcome!
Reservations highly recommended
IZAKAYA RANKING SYSTEM
IZAKAYA RANKING:
+1 ought to be visited at least once
+2 could be become a regular visit
+3 must visit!
Service:
+1 standard
+2 pleasant
+3 very good
Equipment & Facilities:
+1 standard
+2 excellent
+3 Superb
Prices:
+1 cheap
+2 slightly expensive but good value
+3 expensive but good value
Because of the rise of the consumption tax from 5 to 8% enacted by the Japanese Government on April 1st, the Japan Post Office had to issue a whole set of new stamps, regular and others, to make it easier for people to buy their stamps according to the new postal fees.
Likewise the government is using (wisely for once) the occasion to advertise gastronomy.
The 2nd Fruitｓ & Vegetables Series comes in two sheets of sticker stamps, one for 52 yen stamps for postcards and the one for 82 yen stamps for basic letters!
For the 52 yen stamps sheet, cherries and green peppers with a plums design background and…
… plums, corn and Watermelons!
For the 82 yen stamps sheet, tomatoes, Japanese plums with an aubergine/eggplant design background and…
Another long, very long cycling trip to find an elusive shrine I had discovered on the internet and decided to investigate: Takyou Shrine (建穂神社)!
It is located along the Warashina River, a main tribute of the Abe River.
Of course i got lost a few times on the way (but with positive results!)!
After a half dozen misses I knew I was on the right way!
Why do streets always look so wide on maps? LOL
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takyou, 1-20, almost two haours by (normal) bicycle from the city center!
The toriii gate on top of the stone stairs!
The main shrine!
Old wood!
Old trees around a Shinto Shrine are a good indicator of its age, even if it is regularly re-built!
Truly enormous by Shizuoka standards!
View over Takyou through the torii gate!
I discovered two older edifices beside and behind the main Shrine building!
Small and old!
With its own rice straw garland!
The old ancient original shrine was being repaired!
Stone stairway from another age!
It also had its own rice straw garland!
Wild boar guards!
Carved wood of another age!
Old style false window!
Everything but the roofing is made of carved wood!
Ancient craft as I couldn’t see any nails!
A study in old architecture!
From another angle!
The red painted metal roofing!
Local people are very proud of the Great Takyou Shrine Cedar Tree!
Impossible to frame inside a single picture!
Another tree well over 500 years old!
A couple of last pictures before riding back home: the main building rice straw garland!
SHIZUOKA GOURMET 