Category Archives: Environment

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 18: Iwata City

IWATA-CITY-1

A beautiful mint water manhole cover with a dragonfly in Iwata City!

Iwata City, already an important city both for its industries and agriculture in Western Shizuoka Prefecture has considerably increased in side with the recent merger to quite a fewtowns and villages, making its manhole covers a slightly complicated study!

IWATA-CITY-2

The same a s above on a pavement!

IWATA-CITY-3

The same again without the colors!

IWATA-CITY-4

An unusual pattern in Shizuoka Prefecture, probably a sewer manhole cover!

IWATA-CITY-5

Another unusual and ancient water access manhole cover!

IWATA-RYUUYOU-5

A magnificent mint water access manhole cover in Ryuhou which has since been merged into Iwata City!

IWATA-RYUUYOU-5a

The same without the colors!

TOYOKA-MURA-IWATA-1

Another interesting and flowery mint manhole cover for Toyooka Village merged into Iwata City since!

TOYOKA-MURA-IWATA-2

The same without the colors!

TOYODA-CHO-IWATA-1

Beautiful wisteria mint manhole cover for Toyoda Town merged into Iwata City since!

TOYODA-CHO-IWATA-2

Another wisteria Manhole cover, but more intricate, in Toyoda Town!

FUKUDA-CHO-IWATA-1

A mint water access manhole cover for Fukuda Town merged into Iwata City since!

FUKUDA-CHO-IWATA-1a

The same without the colors!

FUKUDA-CHO-IWATA-2

Another mint manhole cover for Fukuda Town, but with a different pattern!

FUKUDA-CHO-IWATA-2a

The same without the colors!

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, Pierre.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

Entirely Non-Smoking Restaurants in Shizuoka Prefecture (As of December 31st, 2013)

TETSUA-SUGIMOTO

Beautiful Vegetables at Tetsuya Sugimoto 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!

SN3O5043

KAMOSHIBITO

Service: Shy but very friendly and informative
Facilities & Equipment: Very clean overall. Superb washroom
Prices: Slightly expensive but appropriate and very good value
Strong points: Authentic Japanese High Gastronomy mainly achieved with local seasonal products. Great sake and wines! Entirely non-smoking!

KAMOSHIBITO
420-0032 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryougae Cho, 304, Ryogae Cho ST Bldg., 1F
Tel.: 054-653-2300
Opening hours: 17:30~
No fixed holidays
Cash only
Entirely non-smoking!

SN3O5154

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!

SN3O5043

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

LUNCH-MATSUNO-SUSHI

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!

SN3O5306

STORIA

Service: Friendly and attentive
Facilities & Equipment: Extremely clean overall. Splendid gender separated washrooms
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Light & mild Italian gastronomy. Great use of local products
Entirely non-smoking!

STORIA
Chef: Koushin Saita/才田亨辰さん
422-8076 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajyo 1-7-13, Espacio Takajyou, 2F
Tel.: 054-260-7552
Opening hours: Lunch-11:30^14:30; Cafe-14:30~18:00, Dinner-18:00~22:30
Closed on Mondays and 2nd Tuesday (the next day in case of National Holiday)
Credit cards OK
Entirely non smoking!

HARMONY

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)

LUNCH-RAMA

Rama 4.5 Organic Cafe & Shop

Service: Friendly, smiling and helpful
Facilities: Overall very clean. Washroom a bit small but clean.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Exclusively vegan cuisine. A great scope of vegan ingredients on sale. Entirely non-smoking!

Rama 4.5 Organic Cafe & Shop
420-0031 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Gofuku Cho, 2-4-5
Tel.: 054-266-3845
Business hours: 10:00~19:00
Closed on Wednesday
Entirely non-smoking

Other home-restaurant at:

Rama
422-8052 Shizuoka City, Suruga Ku, Midorigaoka, 19-6
Tel.: 054-260-5186
Business hours: 11:00~23:00
Closed on Wednesday
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

LUNCH-KISSA

Service: A bit shy but very friendly and attentive
Facilities & Equipment: Superb cleanliness overall. Superb washroom
Prices: reasonable
Strong points:
Exclusively vegan gastronomy. No wheat flour. Only mineral water used. Entirely non-smoking!

KISSA
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryougae Cho, 2-1-7 (behind Shizuoka City Hall, along Aoba Street, on the right-hand side)
Tel.: 054-253-1339
Opening hours: 11:00~14:00 (lunch), 14:00~17:00 (cafe)
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Completely non-smoking!

LUNCH-LOCOMANI

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!

LUNCH-SUGIMOTO

TETSUYA SUGIMOTO

Service: Highly professional and friendly
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Beautiful washroom
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Freshest produce and ingredients only, mainly from Shizuoka Prefecture. Organic vegetables, top-class Shizuoka-bred meat and Suruga Bay seafood. Seasonal food only.

Map (Japanese)

Tetsuya SUGIMOTO
420-0038Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Umeya,2-13,1F
Tel./Fax: 054-251-3051
Opening hours:11:30~14:30,17:30~21:30
Holidays: undecided (do make a call first!)
Credit cards OK
Entirely non-smoking!

SN3O5526

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

LUNCH-KAWAKATSU

SOBA SAKE KAWAKATSU

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

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

LUNCH-SOBA-NO-MI

SOBA NO MI

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

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

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)

SN3O5595

SHIMIZU SUSHI DOKORO “UMI”

Service: Attentive and smiling
Facilities & Equipment: Great cleanliness overall. Suparb washeroom shared with oh\ther 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!

LUNCH-TIALOCA

OSTERIA TIALOCA

Service: Very friendly
Facilities: Very clean
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Traditional Italian Country Cuisine. Very good value. Very interesting list of Italian wines at reasonable prices

Osteria TiaLoca
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 1-7-8, 1F
Tel./fax: 054-260-0217
Business hours: 11:30~14:30, 18:00~22:30
Closed on Mondays from 2012
Reservations recommended
HOMEPAGE/BLOG
Completely non-smoking!

LUNNCH-ORTA

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

LUNCH-IL-CASTAGNO

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!

LUNCH-CONTORNO

CONTORNO

Service: Excellent and very friendly
Facilities: great cleanliness overall
Prices: reasonable.
Strong points: Many local products be they from the land or the sea. Organic vegetables. Car park.
no-smoking-logo1 Entirely non-smoking!
Map

CONTORNO
421-0122, Shizuoka City, Suruga Ku, Mochimune, 5-1-10, Sunrise Mochimune (5 minutes walk from Mochimune JR Station. Second stop after Shizuoka)
Tel.: 054-2565877
Business hours: 11:30~14:30, 17:00~21:30
Closed on Wednesdays
Credit Cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
BLOG

Lunch sets: 1,480 yen~
Dinner: Appetizers: 500~yen, 1,000 yen~
Pasta: 930 yen~
Pizza (oven-baked): 1,180 yen~
Carte available

LUNCH-NORI

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!)

LUNCH-SPICE

SPICE

Service: Very friendly
Equipment: Great general cleanliness
Prices: Reasonable
Strong Points: Local vegetables and meat! Very healthy meals!

SPICE
Mishima City, Hon-cho, 7-30, Via701-2, 2F
Tel.: 055-981-8889
Opening hours: 11:30~15:00, 18:00~22:00
Closed on Mondays
Parties welcome!
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Entirely non-smoking!

LUNCH-PISSENLIT

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 and caught fish.

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!

LUNCH-TETSUYA-SUGIMOTO

TETSUYA SUGIMOTO

Service: Highly professional and friendly
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Beautiful washroom
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Freshest produce and ingredients only, mainly from Shizuoka Prefecture. Organic vegetables, top-class Shizuoka-bred meat and Suruga Bay seafood. Seasonal food only.

Tetsuya SUGIMOTO
420-0038 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Umeya,2-13,1F
Tel./Fax: 054-251-3051
Opening hours:11:30~14:30,17:30~21:30
Holidays: undecided
Credit cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

Entirely non-smoking!

LUNCH-BIO-S

RESTAURANT BIO-S (FUJINOMIYA CITY)

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.

MAP (Japanese)

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!

LUNCH-OGAWA

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 Ogawa
411-0856, Shizuoka ken, Mishima Shi, Hirokoji Machi, 1-37, 2F
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)

LUNCH-HANA-HANA

LUNCH-EMMA-LESTAMINET

FRENCH BAKERY & RESTAURANT: EMA L’ESTAMINET

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!

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

LUNCH-BEAU-CIEL

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!

LUNCH-OKAMURA

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)

LUNCH-SOLIO

SOLIO

Service: Pro and very friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Great overall cleanliness and superb washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Fresh local ingredients whenever possible. Both traditional and inventive Italian cuisine. Good wine list at moderate prices. Open late! Non-smoking from 16:00 to 20:00!

SOLOIO
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!
Smoking allowed BUT Non-smoking until 20:00 everyday!

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

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!

LUNCH-TSUDONO

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!

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, Pierre.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

Vegetables & Fruit on Japanese Stamps!

TEA-3

Arguably the first Japanese stamp on food, be it vegetables, fruit or else!
Green tea being hand-picked in Nihon Daira, Shizuoka City!

Japanese gastronomy having been just awarded World Heritage status after the French Gastronomy I checked what vegetables and fruits were celebrated on Japanese stamps!

There are quite a few!
Here we go!

TEA-6

Another tea picking stamp, probably modeled on Shizuoka green tea!

TEA-1

Green Tea picking in Shizuoka in front of Mount Fuji!

TEA-2

Another one exactly the same theme!

TEA-4

Green tea flowers on a regular stamp!

TEA-5

Green Tea and Green Tea Ceremony!

APPLE-AOMORI

Apples in Aomori Prefecture!

APPLE-IWATE-2005

Apples in Iwate Prefecture!

CHERRIES

Cherries!

PLUMS

Plums!

NASHI

Japanese Nashi Pears!

KINOKO

Shiitake Mushrooms!

SERIES1

Fruits and vegetables Series 1:
Apples, Taro Roots, Japanese Nashi Pears, Turnips and Grapes!

SERIES2

Fruits and vegetables Series 2:
Squat Persimmons, Green pak Choi, Chestnuts, Sweet Potatoes and Pears!

KYOSAI

“Kyosai” or Kyoto vegetables!

BENIHANA

Benihana/Saflower used as natural coloring in Wagashi Cakes!

FUKINOTO

Fukinoto/Giant Butterbur, a famed Japanese wild mountain vegetable!

FUKINOTO3

Fukinoto again!

FUKINOTO-2

And again Fukinoto!

JUNSAI

Junsai/Water Shield, an aquatic plant used as a vegetable!

JYAGAIMO

Jyagaimo/Potato Field!

KATAKURI

Katakuri, the main source of native starch in Japan!

KATAKURI-2

Katakuri again!

KONNYAKU

Konnyaku Field/ konjak, konjaku, konnyaku potato, devil’s tongue, voodoo lily, snake palm, or elephant yam!

NA-NO-HANA

Na No Hana/Rape Flowers!

I’m sure I missed some! Help!

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, Pierre.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

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 17: Izu Peninsula (Part 2)

SP-ITO-5

A magnificent mint manhole cover in Itoh City with the characters of “The Izu Dancer” story by Yasunori kawabata!

SP-ITO-6

Another beautiful mint manhole cover in Itoh City!

SP-ITO-1

The same in black and white!

SP-ITO-7

Sea bathers on a mint manhole cover in Itoh City!

SP-ITO-2

The same in black and white!

SP-ITO-8

Camelias Manhole covers in Itoh City!

SP-ITO-9

Fish design manhole cover in Itoh City to remind you that Izu Peninsula is surrounded by one of the richest seas in Japan!

SP-ITO-3

A fire hydrant manhole cover in Itoh City!

SP-ITO-4

A very ancient medium-sized sewer manhole cover in Itoh City!

IZUNAGAOKA-1

A beautiful mint water manhole cover in Izu Nagaoka which has been since merged into Izu no Kuni City!

SP-SHUZENJI-2

A beautiful mint manhole cover in Shuzenji which has since been merged into Izu City!

SP-SHUZENJI-1

Irises manhole cover in Shuzenji!

NAGAIZUMI-1

A beautiful mint Manhole cover in Nagaizumi!

NAGAIZUMI-2

The same on a pavement!

NAGAIZUMI-3

A beautiful fire hydrant manhole cover in Nagaizumi!

MINAMI-IZU-CHO-1

A cute mint manhole cover in Minami Izu Cho, a touristic spot!

MINAMI-IZU-CHO-5

The same in black and white!

MINAMI-IZU-CHO-2

Another beautiful mint manhole cover in Minami Izu Cho representing the Teishi Koina Festival and lobsters!

MINAMI-IZU-CHO-3

A sewer manhole cover in Minami Izu Cho!

MINAMI-IZU-CHO-4

Fireworksand Bon Odori dance in Minami Izu Cho!

MATSUZAKI

A double manhole cover in Matsuzaki!

HIGASHI-IZU-CHO-1

Fish manhole cover in Higashi Izu Cho!

HIGASHI-IZU-CHO-4

A small manhole cover in Higashi Izu Cho!

HIGASHI-IZU-CHO-2

A rectangular manhole cover with a map of Higashi Izu Cho!

HIGASHI-IZU-CHO-3

A rectangular fire hydrant manhole cover in Higashi Izu Cho!

NAKA-IZU-CHO

A manhole cover type found elsewhere but with the central motif of Naka Izu Cho!

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, Pierre.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

French Gastronomy: Lunch at Cava.K. in Kikugawa City!

SN3O5165

Bear stewed in red wine!

Service: Very friendly and attentive
Facilities & Equipment: Spotless clean overall. 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.

SN3O5144

Cava.K. French Restaurant is lost in the mountains near green tea fields in Kikugawa City, western Shizuoka prefecture for a good reason: Chef Hiroyuki Yamaguchi/山口祐之さん wants to stay as close as possible to local hunters for best supply of game whatever the season!

SN3O5143

He also grows his own garden to supply variety to the local products!

SN3O5145

The reason he called his French Resaurant Cava.K. is twofold: “Ca va” in French means “It’s fine”. The district where the restaurant is located is called 沢水加/sabaka. When you that “K” is pronouced “ka” in French, the whole name almost sounds the same!

SN3O5148

The style of the building is certainly original in Japan, like a modern chalet!

SN3O5149

All kinds of original processed foods and presents can be purchased there, too!

SN3O5150

The specialties of the day!
If you don’t understand Japanese, don’t worry, the staff can at least tell it in French!

We came six of us that day for a business lunch. We had to skip alcohol but I can tell you that made it a feast, including game!
Alright, let’s start!

SN3O5152

Akaei ebi shrimp, Aori Ika/great reef squid, spinach (from their garden), soupe de poisson/fish soup and tuile de noir de seiche/squid ink tile.

SN3O5153

Gougere! I had some work to do, explaining all that French to my Japanese colleagues!
I didn’t take picture of the bread, but it was also home-made!

SN3O5154

Another appetizer you will be hard put to find anywhere else in Japan: smoked yamadori sasami/Yamadori Chicken breast, duck and pheasant!

SN3O5155

Another set of appetizers!

SN3O5156

Celeriac, leeks potato soup with Karugamo/duck confit from Kikugawa!

SN3O5157

Marcassin/Young wild boar a la creme, Trompettes de la Mort mushrooms, kohlrabi and pie!

SN3O5158

Shojoin turnip, shiro baigai clam, scallop, Ikawa lotus root, ikura/salmon roe!

SN3O5159

The consomme that was served then was entirely made with wild venison. The last touch was added with fennel!

SN3O5160

The fish dish!
Sole from Omaezaki, with bisque sauce. Local vegetables including Japanese echalette and native corn from Ikawa!

SN3O5151

Actually, before the start of the repast we were requested to choose a main dish from the gibier/game menu:
From top to bottom:
Karugamo/wild duck roast
Pheasant from Kikugawa Roast
Wild boar from Kawane Roast
Japanese deer from Ikawa Roast
Civet Roast (the first ever I’ve heard of it as a game dish!)
Hare from Kikugawa Roast
Asian Black Bear from Kawane stewed in red wine
Asian Black Bear from kawane Roast
Kamoshika Deer hamburger

What do you think we chose?

SN3O5162

Civet roast!
We had some great fun sharing all these dishes between us!

SN3O5163

Hare Roast including its kidneys!

SN3O5164

Pheasant Roast!

SN3O5165

My choice!
Asian Black Bear stewed in red wine!

Important note: for those who think we are eating Japan wild life into extinction, stand corrected! All these animals had to be culled in the wild by professional hunters as they proliferate to very dangerous numbers for the local ecology. At least they become useful!

SN3O5167

One of the best cheese trays in the Prefecture, half of the cheese French, the other from Nagano Prefecture!

SN3O5168

And then it was all kinds of desserts I had very little time to ask about!
I promise to be more careful next time!

SN3O5169

It was certainly a delightful sin to break into them!

SN3O5170

To finish it all chocolate declined into four different symphonies!

Don’t ask me how much we pay! It was ridiculously cheap considering the quality, the originality and the supreme flavors, aromas and savors!

I very much doubt you will find the equivalent in Tokyo, so reserve your train ticket!

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)

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, Pierre.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

Pavement Tourism Signs in Shizuoka Prefecture 1

SN3O5142

A direction guide pavement sign just before entering Shizuoka JR Station!

Cities in Shizuoka, and I’m sure in many cities in Japan have an interesting, artful and subtle way to advertise their tourism as well as to introduce their many symbols: pavement signs!
I can guarantee you it could develop into another urban art photography album!

SN3O5116

You will find those two signs together in Miyuki Street, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

SN3O5114

“Touristic Shizuoka”!

SN3O5096

“Miyuki Street”!

SN3O5110

Shizuoka Prefecture symbol bird, “Sankochou/Paradise Fly Catcher”!

SN3O5111

Shizuoka City symbol bird, “Kawasemi/Kingfisher”!

SN3O5117

Shizuoka City symbol flower, “Tachiaoi/Hollyhock”!

SN3O5119

Shizuoka City symbol tree, “Hanamizuki/Flowering Dogwood”!

SN3O5197

Shizuoka Prefecture Flower, “Tsutsuji/Azalea”!

SN3O5118

Shizuoka Prefecture symbol tree in Miyuki Street, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, “Mokusei/Fragrant Olive Tree”!

SN3O5130

Shizuoka City does not seem to agree on its symbol tree as demonstrated in Komagata Street, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, “Keyaki/Japanese selkova!

SN3O5059

Yaizu City symbol flower, “Satsuki/Satsuki azalea or Rhododendron indicum”!

SN3O5060

Yaizu City symbol bird, “Yurikamome/Black-headed Gull”!

SN3O5061

Yaizu City symbol tree:”Matsu/Pine Tree”!

SN3O5142

You will this multiple tile sign on the basement pavement leading to the Shizuoka JR Station elevator!

SN3O5148

You can’t miss it!
Now, what does it say?

SN3O5143

“Welcome to Shizuoka”!
Note the oranges and strawberries which Shizuoka is famous for!

The kanji in the middle stands for “Tatsumi-yagura”!

SN3O5144

Direction to Tokiwa Park and Aoba Symbol Road!

SN3O5145

Sumpu Park was originally the location of the castle of Tokugawa-Ieyasu. Tatsumi-yagura (rebuilt to celebrate 100 year history of the City of Shizuoka in 1997).

SN3O5146

Direction to Sengen Street!

SN3O5147

Direction to Shizuoka JR Station!

SN3O5148

The City of Fujieda City reminds visitors it is the birthplace of soccer in Japan!

SN3O5198

A mejiro bird in Izu Nagaoka, Izu no Kuni City in Izu Peninsula!

Care to join the chase in other cities?

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, Pierre.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

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 16: Izu Peninsula (Part 1)

OOITO-4

A beautiful mint sewer manhole cover from Ohito Town which merged into the new city of Izu No Kuni City!

This time let’s have a look at Izu Peninsula!
It is pretty complicated as the whole map of Izu Peninsula was revolutionized with the mergers of many towns and villages into cities, some of them brand new!

OOITO-2

The same without the colors!

OOITO-1

A flowery manhole cover without the colors in Ohito!

OOITO-3

Also in Ohito a sewer type seen in many places in the Prefecture with slight differences in their central motif!

ATAMI-B

Another type in Atami City I hadn’t discovered in the former article on Atami City!
Note the central motif!

SHIMODA-1

Shimoda City at the southern tip of Peninsula City boasts a lot of manhole covers due to its place in history with the arrival of the Black Ship in the 19th Century!
The above mint does not have colors inside the sails!

SHIMODA-1a

The sails in this mint are colored!

SHIMODA-1b

Same mint as above but with a different background color!

SHIMODA-1c-black

Same as above but without the colors!

SHIMODA-2

A different type without the colors!

SHIMODA-3

A sewer manhole cover type found elsewhere but with the Shimoda central motif!

SHIMODA-4

A rain water manhole cover type found elsewhere but with the Shimoda central motif!

SHIMODA-5

The same as above but for sewers!

SHIMODA-6

This one is not from Shimoda but doanted to Shimoda City by Funabashi Village as they share history with the Black Ship!

SHIMODA-7

The above was also donated to Shimoda City by Naga City for the same reason!

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, Pierre.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

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 15: Yaizu City

SN3O5072

One of the most beautiful manhole covers in Yaizu City I discovered near the City Hall!
I couldn’t determine if the fish are tuna or bonito as both are brought there in large numbers!

Yaizu City is one of the major fishing harbor cities in Japan with Numazu City and Shimoda City Tokyo couldn’t survive without. The other day I intensively research the city for manhole covers and I came with more than I bargained for as I included the whole technical range!

Brace yourselves!

SN3O5050

An older big manhole with tuna/bonito!
I couldn’t find it colored version!

SN3O5051

This one is probably the most famous of all with Mount Fuji and tuna/bonito!

YAIZU-CITY-3a

The same in different colors!

YAIZU-CITY-3b

The same again without the colors!

YAIZU-CITY-4

An old-style sewer manhole cover!

SN3O5046

The same but newer and different in minute details!

SN3O5031

This manhole cover was truly enormous!

YAIZU-CITY-5a

Another sewer type manhole cover!

SN3O5067

A very large sewer-type manhole cover!
Note the central motif generally found in Yaizu City!

SN3O5026

Practically the same but medium-sized!

SN3O5045

A similar but older type and without the central motif!

SN3O5052

Another celebrated manhole cover over a fire hydrant and celebrating the Yaizu Harbor Festival!

SN3O5062

This type can be found in many cities but this is the first time I discovered one with “GAS” written in English!

SN3O5024

Once again a common small sized one but with “valve pit” written in English and “GAS” in Japanese!

SN3O5025

The same as above but “valve pit” both in English and Japanese!

SN3O5023

The two of them side by side!
Take your pick!

SN3O5021

A large one “blended” in its surroundings!
I will have to to find out what “C.C.B.” means!

SN3O5029

Another modern but rectangular sewer manhole cover “blended” into its surroundings!

SN3O5030

Similar as above but square!

SN3O5075

Two different types together over heavy water machinery access!

SN3O5054

I found many of this small and cute type in the city so I doubt that they are private!

SN3O5047

An older and slightly smaller version than the above!

SN3O5028

A newer type of a water valve pit cover with clear measure indications!

SN3O5053

Another newer water valve pit cover,probably private!

SN3O5055

A private water valve pit cover!

SN3O5057

An old gas valve pit cover!

SN3O5022

A tiny C.C.B valve pit cover with the Yaizu City motif!

SN3O5066

An old medium-sized sewer manhole cover!

SN3O5074

A medium-sized sewer manhole cover which can bear up to 400 kg!

SN3O5070

A rare old type of valve pit cover!

SN3O5065

This comparatively small-sized private rain water cover is written with “No cars allowed to run over”!

SN3O5056

The same, but form another company!

SN3O5063

This one is owned by Harmonate Company!

SN3O5064

A smaller and different type from the same company!

SN3O5077

I found this medium type rain water cover on the platform of Yaizu JR station platform which can bear up to 400 kg!

SN3O5078

The same as above but without the central motif and the ability to bear up to 450 kg!

Blimey, 37 pictures in all!

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, Pierre.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

Shark Bus in Shizuoka City!

SN3O5144

I finally caught the “Shark Bus” in Shizuoka City!
I had noticed quite a few times and was really looking forward to take pics of it!

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I was cycling on the pavement (it is ok in Japan!) and Had to stop at a traffic light when the bus just stopped by my side!
I just had the time to get off my bicycle and take pictures before it went away!
Some people may have wondered what this gaijin nerd was about!

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Mind you all that seafood does not seem to worry about that horrible shark!

The design is actually the winning of a contest organised among primary schools in Shizuoka!

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, Pierre.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

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 14: Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City

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Big manhole cover over a fire hydrant tank in Yui!
Note the cherry shrimp/sakura ebi design!

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The same design near Yui JR Station!

Yui, which was still a city of its own not so long ago before it was merged into Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City, might be relatively small, but is fishing harbor town known all over Japan for its succulent cherry shrimps/sakura ebi and thus deserved some particular attention!

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One can find both the large version and small version together along the road starting left of Yui Station!

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The smaller blue version!

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A large orange fire hydrant commonly found throughout the prefecture but with one detail separating it for the rest!

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This particular emblem can be found only in Yui!
Note that the color orange often denotes fire station property!

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A large and beautiful bronze color manhole cover!

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Manufactured by the Chubu Foundry!

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They are to be found in one single spot across from a bank!

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Unusually blue for that type but with the Yui emblem!
I’m sure that the color blue has a meaning!

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A common valve pit manhole cover but with a different detail!

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The Yui emblem!

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A private manhole cover which can bear up to 500 kg. The notice says to secure it safely and tightly!

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Another private manhole cover capable of bearing up to 500 kg!

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Still another private manhole cover produced by Nikko Company (founded in 1908)!

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This private manhole cover produced by BK Company can only bear up to 450 kg!

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But this other one by the same compny can bear up to 500 kg! LOL

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, Pierre.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

Weird Japan (42): Real Landslide Sign in Yui, Shizuoka City!

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As I was along along the old Tokaido Route in Yui, Shimizu Ku, in Shizuoka City, I knew something was weird when my eyes were attracted by this overhead sign!

Apparently the landslide has already happened on the sign!

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, Pierre.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

Wall Paintings in Yaizu City!

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Yesterday I was ambling along streets in Yaizu City in search of the manhole covers I had found out on the net when I reached a small bridge over the river crossing the city into the sea (yaizu City is one the major fishing harbors in Japan!).

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The pavements in the vicinity of the bridge were decorated with some interesting tiles I was going to take pictures of when I noticed paintings on the wall along the pathway of the very quiet river full of Japanese carps!

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The paintings had been ordered to real artists by the city to help promote its tourism!

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This particular series depicted the Yaizu Harbor Festival, a major one in Shizuoka Prefecture which is held every year!

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The local fishermen must be really looking forward to it!

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O Mikoshi/Portable Shrines!

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At least one lady seems after all to be part of it!
I will have to investigate!

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As I amble along I found out that the river was in fact crossed by three bridges to allow the many avenues to go through and had a glimpse at another painting on another wall!

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A legendary hero in a fiery scene with an erupting Mount Fuji in the background!

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There were more to be seen from the third bridge!

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They were all about and ancient legendary hero with hints of religion!

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Confrontation!

SN3O5041Offerings!

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Praying for succor!

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Deity Symbols?

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, Pierre.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

Kura: Japanese Traditional Warehouses in Shizuoka Prefecture 6: Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City with Atsuko Kurata!

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We will have to check this ivy-covered kura again in the summer!

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

This posting again features sights by my good friend, Mrs. Atsuko Kurata who is turning into a real detective when she found no less than five of them in her native Shimizu Ku in Shizuoka City!
No wonder as Atsuko’s family name includes the word Kura/倉, the modern form of kura/蔵!

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I certainly wouldn’t mind living there!
It stands in Hon Machi (Main District)

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Another old kura in Minato machi (harbor District)!

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You must remember that Shimizu has had always been and still is a major harbor in Japan.
It may have seen better days as there were enough rich people in need of such warehouses!

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But Atsuko thinks that this particular one might be haunted!

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This particular kura was owned by Yohei Suzuki, the founder of Suzuyo Company, the largest transport company in Shizuoka Prefecture and the owner of Fuji Dream Airline!

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Atsuko also discovered this cute kura in Hon machi!

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The first owner must have been rich as it is a double kura!

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A far view of the roof!

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View of a window with its shutters open!

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The “inner” kura which saw its first floor transformed a long time ago!

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Atsuko also found this brown kura in Hon Machi near Shimizu Municipal Nursery(清水区立清水保育園)!

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The pole sign indicating the address: Hon Machi 11!

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The colors white and brown are the most popular colors as some owners wanted to be noted whereas others did not!

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Even the shutters had been painted brown!

Care to join Atsuko in her search?

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, Pierre.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

Shizuoka Prefecture, Mount Fuji and Green Tea on Stamps!

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The Japanese Postal Office have just issued a series of stamps and one special sheet describing Mount Fuji and Green Tea Fields in Shizuoka Prefecture!

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Advertisement in side Shizuoka City Main Post Office!

Such can be bought only at post offices inside Shizuoka Prefecture as this is a regional issue

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The special block/sheet!

These stamps and special block/sheet are commemorating the recognition of Mount Fuji as a World Cultural heritage.
The 5 different stamps can be bought separately in sheets of 20 or in singles, pairs, etc. at 80 yen each, the basic letter postage sue, or in a special block of 5 different stamps for 400 yen.

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The stamp block is sold inside a sealed special pack, making a nice souvenir or present!

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There is a (Japanese) explanation of each stamp photograph in the margins of the sheet!

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The green tea fields!

Hurry up as I don’t think they will last long what with the end of the year celebrations coming!

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, Pierre.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

No Smoking Streets in Shizuoka City (and how about Japan?)!

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The pavements in Shizuoka City are full of signs that can sometimes be an eye sore, but there is at least one I would encourage the city, Prefecture and country to stick everywhere, that is, a NO-SMOKING sign!

The one they use in Shizuoka City represents a kingfisher because it is the emblem bird of Shizuoka City!

The sign says: “Smoking is prohibited on that street”!

Incidentally I did run into some confrontations with some morons who ignored the sign at their own feet…
The worst occasion was with one particularly idotic (man) moron kept puffing in the middle of the small crowd waiting to cross the street. When I complained he just replied (in Japanese) to f…k o.f you b….y foreigner!
But I must say for the Japanese that no one took his defense when I replied (in Japanese) in kind!
Mind you, this is still a very safe and peaceful country so I prefer to forget such incidents, but the no-smoking will stay.

Note: I’m a former smoker and it is probably even harder on my sort! LOL

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, Pierre.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