Category Archives: Japan

Turtles Basking in the Sun in Yui, Shizuoka City!

March 25, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

If you have the chance to stop at Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City, try and go to visit the Hiroshige Wood Block Prints Art Museum!
You are about to discover an unexpected sight or two there!

Of course the whole complex is a source for great photography but you should have a second look at the narrow and shallow “moat” along the wall!

What is this gentleman looking at?

From the other end…

Turtles and many of them!

I’ve counted 16 of them and they seem very sociable!

Only a couple of them were swimming under water!

Did you that the turtle in Japan is a sign of good luck and prosperity?

They are looked after by the staff of the Museum who feed them and clean the moat regularly all year round!

They all seem to be of the same variety with long colorful necks!

They are quite clever at getting out of the water and at climbing on top of each other!

hello, what’s up there?

Are they practicing a rugby scrum or a Spanish human mountain?

Bring your camera next time. I’m sure you will take far better pictures!

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

Bloggers, Drink blogs, Food and Drink Blogs, Food Blogs, Japan

Food & Drink Bloggers in Japan (amended regularly)

March 23, 2014 dragonlife 5 Comments

The number of foreigners and Japanese nationals who write about the food and drinks in Japan in English (or at least answer comments in English) has remarkably increased lately.
I thought it was about time to start some kind of round-up to help people discover these deserving foodies and their blogs!The list below is far from exhaustive, but I’m planning to update and announce it regularly!
Of course if you know more foodies residing in Japan, do please direct them to me and I will introduce them gladly!

HOKKAIDO TRIBE

(Hokkaido Island)

Hokkaido Kudasai by Melinda
Meishu no Yutaka by Carlin
The Best of Sapporo by Ben!
Handshakes And Hellos

TOHOKU TRIBE
(Northeastern Japan: Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima)
Cooking with Mama Miyuki in Sendai
A Picky Eater’s Guide To Sendai Grub

KANTO TRIBE

(Eastern Japan: Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa)

Food Sake Tokyo by Yukari Sakamoto
I lOST My Heart in Japan by Fujiko Toyashi in Tokyo
Japan-Australia
Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo
Life in the Land of the Rising Sun by Kate Minor in Saitama
Cooking in Japan
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
Watch Japan by Mike Kato in Tokyo.
Erik in Nihon
Adventures in Japan
TOKYOBLING BOG
Japan-Hub.Com
Japan Eat’s Videos
Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton
Watch Japan in Tokyo
Little Japan Mama in Tokyo
Japan Eats (featured on request)
47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities By Sara and Roshni in Tokyo
Eating Out in Tokyo with Dominic
Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass by Melinda Joe in Tokyo
Tokyo Foodcast by Etsuko Nakamura in Tokyo
Tokyo Food Page
Sake World by John Gauntner in Tokyo: The inernational Reference for Japanese Sake!
Tokyo Terrace by Rachael in Tokyo
Gaijin Tonic in Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture
Nonjatta by Chris Bunting in Tokyo
The Soul Of Japan in Kanagawa Prefecture
Sake, kimono and Tabi In Tokyo
Tokyo Kawai, Etc… in Tokyo
Blue Lotus in Tokyo
The Japanese Food Report by Harris Salat in Tokyo
The Sake Chronicles in Tokyo
Watashi to Tokyo by Mari Kanazawa in Tokyo
Japanese Food-Food Lover’s Guide by Yukari Yamamoto in Tokyo
Gaijin Life by a Canadian gentleman in Tokyo (in Japanese)
Leo’s Japan Food Blog in Tokyo
Eating Out In Tokyo With Jon
Fugu Tabetai in Tokyo
Japan Style in Tokyo
COCO’s Oriental Kitchen by angela Cooper in Tokyo
Free Online Japanese Food Recipes in Tokyo
Reminiscence in Tokyo
Cooking Japanese Style By Naoko, in Tokyo
Japan Farmers Market in Tokyo by Joan
Ramen By Shoe
Rameniac
In Praise of Izakaya
Onsen Addict
Follow Rory
Food For Life by a Myanmar resident
Good and Bad Japan’s Blog
Hello Sandwich
Japan Newbie
Japanese Snack reviews

CHUBU TRIBE

(Central Japan: Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi)

Navigating Nagoya by Paige
Passport, Tickets and a Suitcase by Hiedi in Shizuoka City
Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonbayashi in Shizuoka City!
Damonde Life by Matt Ryan in Hamamatsu & Enshu, shizuoka Prefecture
Mangantayon in Shizuoka Prefecture
Shizuoka Gourmet, Shizuoka Sake, Shizuoka Sushi, Shizuoka Shochu in Shizuoka Prefecture
Bryan Baird’s Beer & Brewery in Numazu in Shizuoka Prefecture
A Modern Girl from Niigata and all over Japan!

KANSAI TRIBE

(Western Japan: Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Kyoto, Wakayama)

Aki San In Japan (Osaka)
Heart of Japan (Hyogo Prefecture)
MANNIYOT by Manokan in Osaka
Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
Yellin Yakimono Gallery by Robert Yellin in Shizuoka Prefecture, just moved to Kyoto!
Colorfood Daidokoro in Osaka (English & French)
Nagaijin in Osaka
Kyoto Foodie in Kyoto
Our Adventures in Japan by K and S Minoo in Osaka
Japan Food Addict by Mai in Kyoto
Kyoto Food Page
Osaka/Kobe Food Page

CHUGOKU

(“Central Country”: Tottori, Shimane, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi)

“Made in Matsue” in Shimane prefecture
San’in Monogatari by Buri Chan in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture
Get Hiroshima Blog in Hiroshima
The Wide Island Review, The JET Programme Webzine Of Hiroshima Prefecture (includes food & drink articles)

SHIKOKU

(Shikoku Island: Kagawa, Kochi, Ehime, Tokushima)

Obachan’s Kitchen & Garden Balcony in Kochi Prefecture
Still Clumsy With Chopsticks in Kochi Prfecture (Continuation of Obachan’s Kitchen & Garden Balcony)
Rocking in Hakata by Deas Richardson

KYUSHU

(Kyushu Island: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Saga, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Kagoshima)

Finding Fukuoka
Food from Fukuoka, Kyushu and Japan by Fumiko Soda
Fukuoka Sake Guide by Daisuke Ito
Quixotidienne in Kagoshima Prefecture
Christine Molero in Kyushu & elsewhere
Alishan on the Move in Fukuoka

OKINAWA

(Okinawa Archipelago)

HWN Pake in Okinawa in Chatan, Okinawa
I’m sorry to say that Nate has just passed away and that his blog has disappeared, but I’ll keep it there as it is in his memory!
English Bento Box
Dojo Bar in Naha
Eating Okinawa
Okinawa Hai!
Total Okinawa

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Japan, Kanaya, Manhole covers, Shizuoka

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 32: Kanaya, Shimada City!

March 23, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Decorated manhole covers all seem to be those of fire hydrants in Kanaya Cho in Shimada City, although there is a big oddity!

Big red fire truck. This design can be found in many cites in side and outside Shizuoka Prefecture although the “city crest” will be different!

This must a fairly recent cover as the crest is that of Shimada City to which Kanaya was recently merged!

Same with a slight difference!

Space was cut to accommodate measurement information!

Interestingly enough this one was donated by the City of Ise in Mie Prefecture!

A specail pattern found in other cities, although rare. With a local central motif, althogh apparently not of Kanaya nor of Shimada City!

A common fire hydrant type with the Kanaya Crest!

A more ancient variety with a single “handle”!

Another ancient type found elsewhere but with the Kanaya Crest!

The same, double, but with “water” mark!

A very old one, unspecified but very probably a fir hydrant, with “Kanaya Vilage” inscribed long before the merging with Shimada City!

Water valve pit with the Kanaya Crest!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Japan, Kanaya, Shizuoka, Tea, Tourism

Kanaya Green Tea Festival (April 12th~13th)!

March 19, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

On April 12th (Saturday) and 13th (Sunday) a festival dear to all lovers of green tea in Shizuoka Prefecture will be held in Kanaya, Shimada City! The Kanaya Green Tea Festival!
Posters can already be seen in most of the railway stations in the Prefecture!

The poster inside Shizuoka JR Station!

this festival is held only 2 years, so don’t miss it!
As for the access ride the Tokaido Railway Line and get down at Kanaya Station.
People coming for afar can take the Shinkansen until Kakegawa Station or Shizuoka Station first and then board a Tokaido Railway train.

The Festival also include festival chariots and Japanese drums!
These will be held between 15:45 and 21:00!

Don’t miss the tea girls dance!

The tea girls dance will be held between 13:15 and 14:45 by thousands of them!
It will be held 400 meters away from Kanaya Station, but I will check!

And try to find the time to visit the Tea Museum/Cha no Sato in Kanaya</strong>!

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

Green Tea Kanaya Shizuoka Tourism

French gastronomy, Hamamatsu City, Japan

Alsace Wine Tasting Dinner Party at ICHIMISHIN Motoshiro Restaurant in Hamamatsu City!

March 18, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

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, in Motoshiro (there is another establishment in Yotsuike), Naka Ku, Hamamatsu City, is fast establishing itself as a reference when it comes to inventive and modern French gastronomy using superb local products in combination with others from other Prefectures.
Not only they have the chance to have a first-class chef but also a highly professional sommelier who will take great care of you, all this at reasonable prices inside a rich decor entirely non-smoking!

A well-provided establishment!
Yesterday I had the pleasure to be invited to a wine-tasting dinner party in some fine company in the names of Bernard Heberle of Abondance in Hamamtsu City, the most famous French Patissier in the Prefecture, and Chef Hiroyuki Yamaguchi/山口祐之さん, THE master of Gibier/Game at Cava.K. French Restaurant in Kikugawa City!

Chef: Hirokuni Katayama/片山裕邦さん

Our table!

Service Staff: Miho Takahashi/高橋美保さん and Sommelier: Chiaki Mizuguchi/水口智章さん!

Sommelier: Chiaki Mizuguchi/水口智章さん certainly didn’t spare any efforts or explanations to a very attentive auditoire!

The wine card and side menu with splendid explanations!

GENTIL by Hugel, 45% Sylvaner + Gewurtz Straminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Muscat!
The 6 (there were some extra as complimentary service!) wines were divided into two groups with some succulent appetizers in between!

Cremant D’Alsace Brut Naturel by Marc Tempe. 45% Pinot Auxerrois + 50% Riesling

Grand cru Brand 2002 by Josmeyer
Pinot Gris

The appetizers!

Beer and tomato lamb stew!

Black olive and chocolate cookie, Foie gras Royale, Shizuoka-grown Spring onion puree and consomme jelly!

Cheese Fondue (Emmental, Gruyere & Mayonnaise), Fukuoka-grown Sakuranbo/Cherry daikon and Tokyo-grown uguisuna

Hamamatsu-grown echalette (Japanese shallot) beignet,, ao nori, shiro konbu and bacon stick, saffron quail egg, buckwheat galette topped with Maisaka (harbor inside Hamamatsu City) Houbou/sea robin and mixed vegetables tartare!

And then we proceeded to the second half of the tasting!
Engelgarten/, Cru d’Alsace by Marcel Deiss, 2010.
Pinot Gris

Alsace Grand Cru Schoenenbourg, by Marcel Deiss, 2009.
Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Sylvaner and Chasselat.

Grand Cru, Mambourg, by Marcel Deiss, 2009.
Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Bulos

The three of us proved everyone else we were still hungry!
I had this Hamamatsu-bred Kinkaton Pork marinated, sweetened and softened in Japanese sake white lees served with a Robert-Style mustard sauce!

Hiroyuki ordered madai/true seabream from Miyazak Prefecture (Kyushu) poelee with a consomme fish soup and a Spring daikon sauce!

Bernard opted for Veal shoulder Roast stew in pate brick!

The next Wine Tasting Dinner party will take place in May and will introduce Loire 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

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

Alsace wines French Gastronomy Hamamatsu City Japan

Crab, Japan, Markets, seafood, Shizuoka

More Seafood & Fish at Parche Supermarket in Shizuoka City!-And a Fantastic Crab!

March 18, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

As I said before, now is the time to have a good look (and buy) seafood and fish at the big supermarket in Parche, Shizuoka JR Station, in Shizuoka City, especially local!
And once again II did find some thinsgs of great interest as usual!

It was in early afternoon away from the thick morning and late afternoon crowds!

taka Ashi Gani/Japanese spider crab！

These are comparatively small specimen as the Japanese spider crab is the biggest (legs and all. The biggest body belongs to the Tasmania Crab!) crab in the world!
Although they can be found elsewhere in Japan, the largest specimens are found in Suruga Bay off Heda (part of Numazu City9 in Izu Peninsula!

Very long tachiuo/Scabbard fish from Yui, Shimizu, Shizuoka City!

Not really cheap, but a succulent fish, raw or cooked! A popular choice at local sushi shops!

Small cuttle fish/Ko ika from Numazu!

They are probably all family!

matodai/John dory, St. Peter’s fish!

Umazurahagi/A large variety of Filefish also called Black scraper!

Himekari, a very deep sea fish caught in Numazu! Rare!

Meitakarei/Ridge-eyed flounder caught on sand bottoms off yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

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

Fish Markets seafood Shizuoka

Japan, Kura, Tokyo

Kura: Japanese Traditional Warehouse in Akihabara, Tokyo, by Patricia Yarrow!

March 18, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

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

My good Tokyo friend, Patrica Yarrow, who regularly visits Shizuoka, is also a fine of old houses and architecture in Japan.
She has just sent me this photo of a grand old kura in Akihabara,Tokyo!

For all the black patina the walls and windows seem still very sound indeed!

The roof and rain water piping are not that old, so the place is definitely still being used.
Note the grand contrast with the white building background!

Patricia’s comments:

“Here is a photo of a fine old brick kura in Akihabara, just a stone’s throw from the highway and super-modern Yodobashi flagship store.
It must have quite a story to tell, but for now it is providing protected space for vending machines and gomi/rubbish…”

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

Architecture Kura Tokyo

Japan, Tourism, Yokohama

International Horse Cart (Basha Michi) Street in Yokohama!/横浜市の国際馬車通！

March 13, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

In Yokhama City there is a famous street with an unusual name:
International Horse Cart (Basha Michi) Street/国際馬車通!
It is also simply called “Basha Street” as shown by the B & S letters seen everywhere in the street!

I suppose millions have noticed the name, but how many people have found the “horses”?
Let’s try and find them all!

Well one is found just under the Street name on the wall!

Of course the biggest one can be found on the street in the middle of an intersection!

But the head and the cart wheel can found in the shape of posts!

Two of them there!

On a bench in three different places!

And on a utility cover!

What’s there on the post and telephone booth!

The horse and cart wheel again on the phone booth and on the post!

With the street name “Basha Michi”!

What do we have here?

A big valve pit manhole cover!

With a beautiful ceramic horse and cart wheel!

And a splendid sign to close our 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

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Japan Tourism Yokohama

Japan, Japanese Society, Shizuoka Prefecture

Genki! Shizuokajin Party at SBS Temboo Restaurant in Shizuoka City!

March 12, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

On Wednesday March 12th a special party was held on the 17th floor of the SBS (Shizuoka Broadcasting Services) Building!

Incidentally this very practical buffet style restaurant is open every day from 11:30 to 22:00.

The Party Title, 元気!静岡人/Genki! Shizuokajin, means “Vigorous! Shizuoka People!” was organized by the SBS Company to provide an opportunity to all who participated or were concerned with the SBS TV program of the same name which had just achieved the 100 mark.

Located on the 17th floor it provides visitors with a grand view over the city of Shizuoka!

The buffet restaurant is well stocked with all kinds of drinks, including Shizuoka Sake!

The special buffet was being laid out for the party when I arrived early enough to avoid the crowd!

Plenty of salads!

Fish, pasta, cooked vegetables!

Paella!

Pizza, gratin and spring rolls!

The cakes!

This real chocolate cake was unfortunately for display only!

The cold meats!

Smiling staff at the bar!

Commemorating the 100th edition of Genki! Shizuokajin SBS TV Program!

The SBS reporting staff being presented to all!

Naturally plenty of speeches on the work achieved and future projects!

And then all rushed to the buffet before sharing their food and drinks with old and new friends!

Shizuoka Gastronomy Star Of The Day!:
Mr. Akira Shimoyama of Shimoyama Amago Trout Farm in Izu City!

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Shizuoka media Shizuoka People

Fukuroi City, Japan, Manhole covers

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 30: Ecopa in Fukuroi by Guest Blogger Atsuko Kurata!

March 12, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

My good friend Ms. Atsuko Akira, who share the drainspotting bug with recently visited the Ecopa Sports Complex in Aino, Fukuroi City!
This is the report on her trip!

She visited the Shizuoka Stadium ECOPA to purposedly to discover some manhole covers
Let her show you the way to ECOPA!

First of all, take the Tokaido Line and get off at Aino JR Station!

Once gone though the ticket gate, turn left!

Some signs will guide you all the way! Then walk through the long passage and go down stairs!

There were useful signs to know where you are, the way to ECOPA and tourism information around Aino!

Bilingual map!

Easy to understand!

There are more signs outside the station to make sure you find the right way!
It was officially announced that it is only 10 minutes walk to the stadium… Well, it took her more and up a gentle slope!
The park stands atop a hill.

This is the facade of Aino Station!
It was opened on April 22, 2001 just before the FIFA World Cup 2002!
England played there!

This is a nice place for train/JR buffs as the Tokaido Line and the Tokaido Shinkansen run parallel here! Actually, she saw the Dr. Yellow/Shinkansen was running east to west! It is an inspection train for electrics and track. The check-out is conducted twice a month, so she was lucky to spot it!! Unfortunately, she had no time to take pictures… It just wheezed away!

An unusually big double manhole cover from Fukuroi City!

There were some covers on my way to the stadium. They were all new to her!

Ancient valve pit and central motif dating back to before the expansion of Fukuroi City!

Same again for this pressurized air access!

This is the pedestrian deck to the stadium!

You walk along it with ECOPA is in front of your eyes!

This is ECOPA!
No one there on that day…
It’s so huge and so windy…

She could see the Japanese Southern Alps covered with snow in the north!

There are actually 1 blue type and 3 yellow types of beautiful manhole covers commemorating Ecopa!
The above, the only blue type, is for “communications”

Yellow type for electricity!

You can’t miss them!

Yellow type for rain waters!

A yellow sewer type!

She also this fire hydrant manhole cover which can be seen all over the Prefecture with different city motifs, but interestingly enough, this particular bears the Shizuoka Prefecture motif!

She also found this tiny blue valve pit cover with the Shizuoka Prefecture motif!

An imposing double yellow type for rain waters!

Next time you go and watch a soccer game there, you’ll know where to find them!

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

Art Japan Manhole covers

Italian Gastronomy, Italian Restaurants, Japan

Italian Gastronomy: Lunch at Papa in Shizuoka City!

March 12, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Kind and easy-going
Facilities & Equipment: Overall very clean. Excellent washroom. Entirely non-smoking!
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: Gnocchi!

When a restaurant stands very near your workplace you tend to overlook it for many reasons… and I had been doing so with Papa since it opened more than 10 years ago!

But there was at least one reason why I couldn’t ignore it any longer: Gnocchi!
Not often you find an Italian specializing in gnocchi in Shizuoka!

And when gnocchi are served with Shizuoka-bred black hair wagyu stew at such a reasonable price it would be a sin to ignore it!

Of course Chef Akira Oheda not only makes his own gnocchi, but also his own focaccia bread and quiches!

First of all, a healthy plate of appetizers with home-made quiche, carrot salad and greens!

Home-made focaccia bread! (the wine was extra!)

The gnocchi in black hair wagyu beef stew!

Splendid beef stew! You don’t need a knife!

Home-made gnocchi!

I treated myself to a little extra: home-made blanc manger!

Or should I say Panacotta?
Simple but really delicious!

PAPA
Chef: Akira Oheda
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajyo, 1-2-2 (1 minute walk from Cenova Department Store)
Tel.: 054-253-1819
Opening hours: Lunch, 11::00~14:00, Tea time, 14:00~16:00
Dinner: on reservation only for parties from 4 guests~, 17:300~21:00 (weekdays). Reservations to be made 48 hours in advance!
Sundays: 11:30~15:30, 17:30~21:00
Closed on Mondays
Cash only
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
FACEBOOK

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

Italian Gastronomy Italian Restaurants Japan

I-phone cases design, I-phones, Japan

Drinking I-phone Cases in Japan!

March 11, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

I just discovered some interesting i-phone cases for drinkers, especially sake lovers in a shop in Chinatown, Yokohama!

Ideal for beer and craft beer lovers!

But this one and the next one are definitely for Japanese sake fans!
The one above might suggest you need the masks to hide your your innibriated state!

Simple, beautiful and humoristic, as the cup looks like a smiling mouth!

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

I-phone cases I-phones Japan

Japan, Photography, Yokohama

Yokohama City: Minatomirai from Dusk to Dawn!

March 11, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

I stayed last night on the 16th floor of a hotel facing the sea in Minatomirai, one of the top touristic spots in Yokohama City!
The weather and clear all day and night and I did some experiments with the various stages from dusk to night with the landscape provided through our bay window!

The time was 05:26 PM on the big wheel!

The rainbow bridge and Yokohama Bay!

The strangely shaped moon crescent hotel on the left!

05:45 PM!

Hazy The rainbow bridge and Yokohama Bay!

Grey moon crescent hotel!

06:01 PM!

The rainbow bridge and Yokohama Bay starting to light up!

Futuristic hotel?

06:12 PM!

Only lines and dots in The rainbow bridge and Yokohama Bay!

Space base?

10:26 PM! The wheel had stopped moving!

Better lit The rainbow bridge and Yokohama Bay!

But the space station had gone quiet!

05:40 AM!

The rainbow bridge and Yokohama Bay probably at its best and most unknown at dawn!

Still looks like an alien vessel!

06:03 AM!

Fiery sky!

Apparently I awakened before the aliens!

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

Japan Photography Yokohama

Earthquake, Japan, Shizuoka

3rd East Japan Earthquake Charity Event in Orache, Kannnami Cho!

March 9, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

On the 9th of March the 3rd East Japan Earthquake Charity Event was held in Orache in Kannnanmi Cho under the direction of Mr. masamichi Ogawa, owner/Chef of Gawa French Restaurant in Mishima City!
The official title and motto of the event actually is: 僕達が頑張っている！/(WE don’t give up!) We try our best!

Orache is a big complex producing dairy products and craft beers!
They kindly lend their great space in Kannamich Cho (just between Atami and Mishima Cities!).
It has achieved a great reputation with their products all over the Prefecture after only an existence of 12 years or so.

Welcome to Orache!
It is a bit away from Kannami JR Station and you don’t have your own car, it is a good idea to share the taxi!

You are in a spot right between Mount Fuji and Izu Peninsula!

A great place to start a car tour from!

I discovered the famous Pizza Bus from Shimoda I already found in Shizuoka City!

A very interesting organic food stand for dogs!

The regular series of craft beers at Orache!
Incidentally Orache was the first brewery officially recognized by the Japanese Government for producing organic beer!

A limited brew for the season!
Of course I took a bottle back to Shizuoka City!

there were all kinds of performances held especially for kids by more than more than 18 performers or groups as many visitors came with their whole families (and dogs!)!

Orache keeps all kinds of animals on their premises: Sheep, goats, cows,….

Ducks!

Even a human cow!

It can be cold country there, so they have a special space called “Flower Greenhouse”!

All kinds of activities were held for kids and adults alike there!

One of my favorite Japanese manga characters: Totoro!

All great vegetables sold in Orache all year long have an interesting story of environmental cooperation!

orache is located in an area called Tanna which also bears a deserved nickname, “Windy Valley”, which is also the name of the craft beers!

When they first came to Tanna, they found farmers toiling for very little in a harsh environment with prevailing winds and poor soils.

A big dairy and beer company produces a lot of organic refuse which can be used as great natural fertilizer.
So Orache has been contributing all this excellent fertilizer for free to all neighboring farmers!

No wonder vegetables have achieved such a good name in so little time!
Visitors to the dairy/brewery, especially on week ends go back with plenty of them in their cars!

Great beauties sold at ridiculously low prices!

Antique dairy tools for the buffs!

Mini bonsai and gardens on sale!
50% of all profits from the participants’ sales were donated to help people in Fukushima prefecture!

Foodstuffs and organic leeks by a Mishima City Chinese Restaurant!

Chicken karaage, the Japanese soul food!

Caravin Restaurant stand who came all the way from Shizuoka City!
I actually helped them sell their mutton hot dogs!

They were also selling meat sauce gnocchi! All their food was sold out by 13:30!

Quite a few Mishima City restaurants had their stands there, too!

Angel hair candy!

Orache’s BBQ!

French galette/pancakes by Cream Restaurant in Mishima City!

Being French myself, I couldn’t help buy one!

Great Bagels with Il Cocciuto Restaurant in Mishima City!

Bentos!

Omu Raisu/Japanese rice omelets!

Well done, gals and guys!

ORACHE

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

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

Earthquake Charity Evenet Orache Shizuoka

Japan, Photography, Weird Japan

Weird Japan (45): Lost Umbrellas at Odawara JR Station!

March 9, 2014 dragonlife 7 Comments

Today I managed to take the wrong train back home in Shizuoka City from Mishima City and found myself marooned in Odawara Station waiting for the next Shinkansen train back home!

There is very little you can do on a Shinkasen track platfrom in Japan.
Just on a hunch I looked outside through th large bay window and noticed women employees taking out garbage, used cans in particular!

On the left of the picture you can see some cans offloaded from trains. I can’t imagine how many are taken out on week days.
But on the right I discovered something unusual!

Lost umbrellas on trains!
Now, what are they going to do with them? 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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Japan Photography Weird JaoanE

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