Category Archives: Kanazawa City

レシピ, Crustaceans, 美食, 金沢市, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, Fish, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Kanazawa City, Non-smoking restaurants, Photography, Recipes, Restaurants, seafood, sushi, Tourism

Gastronomic Destinations: Kanazawa City 5: Lunch at Hirai Honten Sushi

January 18, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Kind and attentive. Easy-going and smiling!
Equipment & Facilities: very clean overall. Excellent washroom
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive
Strong points: Sushi and tuna. Great lunch sets. Entirely non-smoking!

for our last meal in kanazawa City, we decided to have d\fish again and more precisely sushi!

Hirai Honten is conveniently located on the second floor about the great Ohmicho Market whose fish only has to travel upstairs to be served on your plate!

Visitors who do not like raw fish should be discouraged (overawed? LOL) as they also serve some great cooked seafood sets!

We chose two fairly similar sets!

My donburi set, quite extravagant!
Can you spot the salmon roe with real gold flakes, the sea urchin, the oyster, the conger eel, the yellowtail and crab?

Can you spot the tuna, negitoro and sweet shrimps?

Another view of the crab!

The Dragon’s donburi set!
Can you spot the oyster, negitoro, salmon roe with gold flakes, and cuttle fish?

Can you spot the octopus, salmon, yellow tail and sweet shrimp?

Can you spot the marinated mackerel, tamagoyaki, tuna among the rest?

This was our first visit to Kanazawa City, but expect at least two more!
There were just too many good things for a single trip!

HIRAI HONTEN

920-0905 Kanazawa City, Kami ohmicho, 29 (2nd floor of Ohmicho Market)
Tel./fax: 076-222-5887
“http://www.kaisen-hirai.com/”>HOMEPAGE
Opening hours: 11:00~15:30, 17:00~21:30
Closed on Wednesdays
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

Environment, 観光, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Kanazawa City, Life, Life in Japan, Photography, Tourism

The Ancient Site of A Samurai House (Nomura Family) in Kanazawa City!

January 16, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

On the third day of our stay in Kanazawa City we decided to have a small tour of Naga District, which is famous for its ancient houses and architecture!

These walls actually are featured on every guidebook!
The walls are protected with fresh straw against the snow which will fall soon!

It gives a great insight of the city rich quarters in feudal times with the moats and stone abutments!

Some of the properties are enormous by Japanese standards!

The entrance of “The Ancient Site of A Samurai House (Nomura Family)”/official English name!

The first thing you notice is the large kura/warehouse, a prerequisite in a rich samurai house!

The actual entrance to the residence!

Japanese and English pamphlets are available, and although the translation is amateurish, the explanations are sufficient:

These are the ruins, or more aptly said the remains of a samurai house formerly owned by the Nomura Family.
Lord Meda Toshiie took over the Kanazawa Castle in 1583, and ensured a long and prosperous reign of the Kaga clan which spanned over three centuries thanks to his followers producing 5 million bushels (one million koku) annual rice yield.
At that time , one of his high-ranked followers, Nomura Denbei Nobusada, was granted by Lord Toshiie a fief of one thousand koku which was furthermore promoted to twelve hundred koku.
His descendants also served as senor retainers, each given a 1,000 tsubo (3,305square meter) estate.
The old family estate was retained until the 12th generation by the time of the Meiji Restoration.

Past the the portal and into the real entrance.

However, because of the break-up of the feudal system. many samurai houses were destroyed, some changed into vegetable gardens or others sold out.
Only parts of old gates and walls around these ancient houses are left as they were.
The Nomura Family did not escape the same fate.
The last piece of property was bought in the early Showa period by a local industrialist, Kubo Hikobei, who lived in Hashidate Village in southern Ishikawa Prefecture and traded with people in Hokkaido.
Kubo Hikobei moved the drawing room, part of a beautifully constructed old house from Daishoji town near his native village inside the House.
Today visitors can understand the prosperity of the industrialist in olden times through the gorgeous architecture and at the same time imagine the way of life of ancestors of the city when discovering the beautiful garden attached to the formal samurai house.

in March 2009 the Michelin Green Guide Japon awarded a 2-star ranking to the garden and in 2003 the American Journal of Japanese Gardening ranked the Nomuara House garden as the 3rd best in Japan!

Past the entrance you will discover a genuine samurai full armor in the lobby!

From the side!

The skirt and greaves (hip, thigh and leg armor)!

The Nomura Family mon/crest was a fan!

A magnificent rice cake New Year offering!

The living room with the tokonoma/alcove!

Invaluable ancient wood carvings!

Antique painted partitions!

Buddhist altar!

Intricate wood and paper windows!

Halberd!

There is a whole room designed as a museum!

Old coins!

1 gold ryo old koban coin!

Samurai swords!

Antique hanging scroll!

A lacquer work inkstone box!

Antique Kutani vase!

You have free access to the garden (although you are not allowed to walk inside!)!

The snow protection straw mats were already attached!

For a fuller view!

Beautiful pond!

Another corner of the garden!

You can climb an ancient stone stair leading to the upstairs tea room!

Garden view form the stairs!

The tea room is really tiny!

And the entrance is very low!

One can catch an overview of the graren through a wide bay window!

Great details of the roofs!

The last view before departing….

A SOCIETY FOR THE PRESERVATION OF NOMURA FAMILY
(one of the Ruins of Samurai House)
Above is the”official” naming!

Kanazawa City, Naga machi, 1 Chome, 3-32
Tel.: 076-221-3553
HOMEPAGE</strong>

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 野菜, 金沢市, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Kanazawa City, Life, Life in Japan, Photography, Recipes, Restaurants, sake, Tourism

Gastronomic Destinations: Kanazawa City 4: Miyuki Honten Izakaya!

January 15, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Very friendly, informative and always ready for a great chat!
Equipment and facilities: Very clean overall. Excellent washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Local gastronomy. Oden. Great sake and drinks list. Great use of local products. Long history and faithful local clientele.

Miyuki Honten is a true Kanazawa City izakaya with a small entrance easy to miss!
The reason is simple enough: like many such establishments in this cold part of Japan, it is all in length with a narrow entrance to keep the cold out!

Even at 17:00 it is a busy place and you had better reserve in advance, not like us who were very lucky to find once again the best seats at the counter because we entered very early!

They certainly need a many staff with so much on the menus!
We were told they use 14 part-timers in shifts of threes to be added to the husband, wife and son team (and probably a hidden cook or two!)!

like all good izakayas you will have a good idea of the gastronomy served with all the appetizers lined up in front of the counter!
Mind you you can take a seat at a table or away from the crowd on a tatami!
But again like in any good izakayas conversation with the owners can be so great fun!

have a good look at the exhibited food before delving into the menu!

And you must try the local oden, an unending conversation topic!
The place was opened 46 years ago. The original owner is still alive and at 87 decided to open his own little karaoke bar for his personal fun and leave everything to the very capable second generation!

As for the many sake don’t hesitate to consult the owners or staff if you are tourists like us!

lightly cooked local na no hana/rape flowers as the appetizer with the first drink!
Already a good sign of the above-average quality!

Simmered cuttle fish!
They do serve excellent sashimi, but as a non Japanese their cooked seafood should be a delight if you are not keen on anything raw!

Great oden!
A local discovery: they serve shumai in oden in Kanazawa City!

Now, we parctically heard all the customers order the above steamed grated lotus root ball!
Delicious and very local in concept!

Home-made potato and vegetables salad!
Perfect with beer or sake!

One my favorites!
Cod milt tempura, another specialty of the house!

Home-made specialty that everyone ordered too: white satsuma age/deep-fried fish paste! A must!

Beef suji/tendons and tofu nikomi/stew!

Nanban-style deep-fried chicken!

Pity there was a limit on our stomachs and that we had to go home the next day!
I plan to come back to Kanazawa City again and Miyuki Honten is first on my list!
One of the very best izakayas in all Japan!

MIYUKI HONTEN
920-0981 Kanazawa City, Kata machi, 1-10-3 金沢市片町１丁目１０－３
Tel.: 076-222-6117
Opening hours: 17:00~23:00
Closed on Sundays and national Holidays
Cash only
Reservations recommended!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Kanazawa City, Photography, Tourism

Old Houses in Higashi Chaya Street and Vicinity in Kanazawa City!

January 14, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Higashi Chaya Douri/East Tea houses Street in Kanazawa City!

After having taken you through Nishi/West Chaya Street let’s have a look together at Higashi/East Tea Houses Street!

the dun color is so warm and attractive!

These houses are made of wood and are comparativelu light, but they can resist rain, snow and what else!

More modern architecture for this famous shop selling artifacts gilded with gold!

A paradise for photographers!
Actually we had to fend off the local TV channel crews!

Like in Nishi Chaya Street these tea Houses are typical for their second floor windows!

In summer they can be opened to allow the tea ladies and passers-by to directly communicate!

One can endlessly play with the natural lighting!

On the first floor is a famous sweet bean shop!

“Fu”, another shop famous for local foods, mostly vegan incidentally!

Shall we go to this Japanese restaurant to close the visit!

Next time I will take you to the ancient house of a Samurai!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, Crab, Crustaceans, Cuttlefish, 美食, 野菜, 金沢市, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Kanazawa City, Life, Life in Japan, Markets, Photography, Recipes, Tourism

Gastronomic Destinations: Kanazawa City 3: Ohmichou Market-近江町マーケット!

January 13, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Crabs, crabs, crabs!

The Ohmichou market is certainly one of the most famous spots in Kanazawa City!
It was established 300 odd years ago during the Japan Feudal Times and is still striving!
For more information read one of their homepages I included at the bottom of this article! No less than 5 languages! Great promotion that some places should take good note of!

Alright, let me take you along during my first ever visit last week!

One of the many entrances to the market. Note the curtain to keep the cold out!

Past the entrance!

Naturally, Tengu, the biggest meat company in town has its shop inside!

Ishikawa Prefecture is famous for its vegetables!

But seafood is the main attraction!

Very expensive crabs, many of them still alive!

More crabs and shrimps!

Sweet shrimps!

Enormous oysters!

Aori Ika/Bigfin Reef Squid!

Big and fresh shiitake mushrooms!

Yellowtail/Buri!

Boiled octopus!

Local vegetables for every day food!

aturally

Naturally, there are many restaurants inside, especially on the second floor, offering super fresh seafood in particular!

Wasabi from Shizuoka (cheap variety from Izu, though!)!

Beautifully colored cute little cauliflowers!

Lily roots and taro roots/satoimo!

All kinds of freshly fried food are available for immediate consumption and enjoyment!

We were particularly interested in this famous shop for a quick morning snack!

Octopus and beef Croquettes!

Remember this noren/curtain! We definitely recommend the place!

Hot sweet shrimp croquette!

Hot beef croquette!

OHMICHOU MARKET/近江町マーケット

JAPANESE HOMEPGAE</strong>
ENGLISH HOMEPAGE
CHINESE HOMEPAGE</strong>
CHINESE (TAIWANESE) HOMEPAGE
KOREAN HOMEPAGE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, 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 Gastronomes Gastronomic Photography Gastronomy Japanese Gastronomy japanese markets Kanazawa City Markets Ohmicho market Photography seafood Tourism vegetables

レシピ, Crustaceans, 美食, 酒, 里芋, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Kanazawa City, Photography, Recipes, Restaurants, Tourism

Gastronomic Destinations: Kanazawa City 2: Itaru (Honten) Izakaya!

January 12, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Sashimi plate, all local fish!

Service: Friendly and very attentive
Facilities and equipment: Very clean overall. Excellent washroom
Prices: Reasonable (considering the quality)
Strong points: Local fish, sashimi or cooked, crab and seafood, local vegetables. Great sake list!

In Kanazawa City winter means early and cold nights.
People tend to go earlier to their favorite haunts and it is always a good idea to reserve as good or popular establishments are full by 6:00 p.m.!

For our first night we chose to visit Itaru (Honten, there is another one)!
We came early enough and were lucky actually to get the best seat at the corner of the counter with a full view of the kitchen!

In such a cold part of Japan, entrances are deceptively narrow to keep the cold out, but once inside you usually find yourself with plenty of space!
But it is still cold for some and knee blankets are available!

Such a spot by the counter does not seem that popular there and we were really glad to grab it, which allowed us not only to watch the chefs at work but to share a chat with them!

Of course I ordered local sake!

In Kamazawa City, izakayas are proud of their heritage and always have plenty of local sake on their menu!
The above was Tengu no Mai!

O-shino/home-made pickles!
Kanazawa is also famous for its countryside providing a wealth of vegetables!

Local seafood for our sashimi plate:
Octopus, tuna, sweet shrimps, yellow tail and seaweed marinated seabream!
Interestingly enough the freshly grated wasabi is made with roots from Izu peninsula!

from another angle!

A local grilled fish: Nodokuro/Black throat!

Expensive, even in Kanazawa!

Another local specialty: Lotus root chawanmushi!

Another local sake. Sorry, I forgot to note down the name!

Another local specialty: hako crab sushi donburi!

And to finish pork and vegetable stew!

tasty, comforting and healthy!

ITARU (Hontenn)
Kanazawa City, Kakinokibatake, 3-8
Tel.: 076-221-4194
Opening hours: 17:30~23:00
Closed Sundays
Cash only
English menus available

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 Gastronomes Gastronomic Photography Gastronomy Izakaya Japanese Gastronomy Japanese Restaurants Kanazawa City Photography Restaurant Restaurants sake seafood Tourism vegetables

金沢市, 観光, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Kanazawa City, Life, Life in Japan, Photography, Tourism

Old Houses in Nishi Chaya Street and Vicinity in Kanazawa City!

January 11, 2014 dragonlife 4 Comments

There are two streets and their vicinity that you must absolutely in Kanazawa City: Nisahi Chya/Wets Tea Houses Street and Higashi Chaya/East Tea Houses Street!
Today let me take you around Nishi Chaya Street.
Next time you visit Kanazawa City, I’m sure you will find thousands of spots to photograph!

All these tea houses, dating back hundred of years, are recognizable to their peculiar window rows on the second floor which allow tea ladies and customers to see each other!

This ancient building is actually the seat of the Tea Houses Association and is still actively used by tea ladies for practicing dancing and playing diverse instruments!

The same house with its access alley!

This grand house has been completely renovated by the owners of the sweet beans shop on the ground floor!

A Tea House of a different style. Expensive!

This house is owned by the famous beef store called Tengu!

tengu is a kind of deity in Japan.
Can you spot its red mask?

Its mask always bear a long nose!
Now. this nose is an inspiration for a variety of symbols! LOL

An ancient house probably used as a warehouse.
Note the mon/crests on the roof!

A beautiful portal!

Tamura Tea House!

Yuki No Juku Tea House!

More tea houses!

An elegant entrance!

The back entrance to Nishi Chaya Street with many shops!

Some shops like Rakugan are famous all over Japan!

In the vicinity some old houses are still restored in between modern buildings!

An old and small temple and and house from across a bridge!

I’ll take you along Higashi Chaya Street next!

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 Art Houses Japan Japanese architecture Japanese Culture Japanese Life Kanazawa Ciy Old houses Photography Tourism

観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Kanazawa City, Kura, Photography, Tourism

Kura: Japanese Traditional Warehouses in Kanazawa City!

January 10, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Real gold-gilded kura!

“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.

Kanazawa, a City replete with history and things of the past offered me quite sights when I stayed there beginning of this week!

This old kura whose wall are entirely gilded with real gold leaves could be seen only from the inside garden of a famous shop specializing in gold leaf accessories!

Not an easy picture to take at any time of the day or night!

The walls inside were also completely gilded in pure gold!
Of visitors are expressly requested not to touch the walls!

I couldn’t guess at first the purpose of this splendid kura restored to its full splendor!

Such a widow awning made of fired tiles is rarely seen!

From the opposite side.
Notice the “namako” pattern on the lower part of the wall!

The roof peak decoration gave me an inkling of what its real use was!

Looking at the side entrance I hadn’t noticed because of the fence wall I discovered its religious vocation!

A beautiful “mon” in the middle of another extravagant fired tile awning!

It was sheltering a praying wheel!

I belatedly discovered this kura inside “The Site of Samurai House” (aricle coming soon!)!

Beautifully restored, which was normal as it is part of a whole museum complex!

Th windows have actually been boarded up from the inside!

Very solid-looking architecture!

No, this is not a ghost light, but the reflection of lantern!

The reflection from another angle!

I suspect this kura has been turned into a direct access annex of the neighboring ancient house!

A sneak view of the side wall!

The door has been replaced with the wall but it was apparently boarded up from the inside!

But the lower wall base gives a clear indication its true origin!

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 Art Houses Japan Japanese Culture Japanese kura Japanese Life Japanese Warehouses Kanazawa Ciy Kura Photography Tourism

美食, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Kanazawa City, Photography, Recipes, Restaurants, sushi, Sushi bars, Sushi restaurants., Tourism, 寿司

Gastronomic Destinations: Kanazawa City 1-Mori Mori Sushi!

January 10, 2014 dragonlife 3 Comments

Service: Easy-going and friendly
Facilities and Equipment: Overall very clean. Very clean wasroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Very good value for many local fish and seafood! Better than average conveyor belt sushi! Entirely non-smoking!

Usually I’m not so keen on kaiten sushi/回転すし/Conveyor belt sushi, but when you happen to enjoy food in a Prefecture and City famed for their fish and seaood I’m willing to make a concession, with a few conditions attached that is!

Mori Mori Sushi is a big sushi restaurant chain in Japan, with no less than 15 establishments allowing them to make extensive use of computerized service.

It is a busy place, but you do not have to sit elbow to elbow with other customers as the “belts” also run along the booth-style table seatings!

The table we were offered was the epitome of sushi high tech!

You can choose your morsels in two different manners:
via the computer digital screen or by picking plates running along on belts!

Now I must admit that this system should appeal to non-Japanese speaking tourists as you can switch to English, Korean, Chinese and Mandarin (Taiwan) Chinese!

The lid covered plates running along is a show by itself!

Plenty of simple instructions:
Smoking prohibited!
Do not ride the belts (that’s for silly kids!)!
Mind your sleeves!
Do not return a plate onto the belt!

You are free to collect leftovers to take back home! (no waste!)
Pay your bill to the staff at your table (no need to search for the register. You can pay by card at your table!)!
Refrain from drinking alcohol if you are driving!
No pets allowed!
Do not block large trays on the belt (such large trays are private oreders, anyway!)!

The belt move slowly enough for you to look and pick up an individual plate!

Yummy!

These trays on the train are private orders that will be delivered at only one table. Don’t try to block it!

Don’t worry, there are plenty of cartes on hands for the analogs like me to have a good look at the offereings!

have a good look at the sets, too!

Gunkans/ships and Rolls!

There is also a special additional daily menu! You might need some help there!

Our first set, all different shrimps!

Our second set!

We had just disembarked from a 4-hour train trip and were very hungry at this first lunch so we ordered some extra!
“Gasuebi sshrimps”!

Sea urchin and salmon roe!

Shiroebi shrimps”!

Scallops!

Natto and cuttle fish/squid!

Negitoro and quail eggs!

Our last order came by train!

Tamagoyaki nigiri!

When you call for your bills the staff will pass a computer reader along them and voila, your bill will be ready!
Note that the plates are of different colors indicating a pre-ordained price including drinks. So do not worry if you are served empty colored plates with your drinks!
Tea is free and you can mix it and serve it yourself thanks to a hot water tap at your table!

MORI MORI SUSHI (Conveyor Belt Sushi Restaurant)

Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanzawa City, Horikawa Shin Cho, 3-1, Kanazawa Forus Department Store, 6 F (near Kanazawa JR Station)
Te.: 076-265-3510
Opening hours: Forus Department Store opening hours
Credit Cards OK
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

Conveyor-belt sushi Gastronomes Gastronomic Photography Gastronomy Japanese Gastronomy Japanese Restaurants Kanazawa City Non-smoking restaurants Photography Restaurant Restaurants sushi Tourism

観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Kanazawa City, Photography, Tourism

The Shovels are for he Snow in Kanazawa City!

January 9, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

I found these snow shovels at the bus stop near Kenroku Park in Kanazawa City!
Now, you understand that living in the snow country requires some volunteer work!

As the access to the bus and the bus stop shelter can be easily blocked in January~April these shovels are provided for such work by the city with the understanding that citizens participate to the work if they can.
Incidentally, it is clearly written that these shovels are provided for clearing the snow only! 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

Art Bus stops Japan Kanazawa City Photography Statue Tourism Urban art

Environment, 金沢市, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Kanazawa City, Photography, Statues, Tourism

“Running Amok” in Kanazawa City!

January 9, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

I was walking around the hotel on the last evening spent in Kanazawa City while the Dragon was going through her girlie shopping when I noticed those legs running on grassy slope!

I certainly felt a lot humor and artistry in this artistic creation!
I wnodered if the artist meant speed, escape or plain human running!

Looking at it at the back you can ascertain it is made of a single “loop”!
Very clever!
It must be an inspiration to the local kids!
Who said the Japanese didn’t have a sense of humor?

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 Kanazawa City Photography Sculpture Statue Tourism Urba Art

笑い, 金沢市, 観光, Humor, Japan, Japanese Culture, Kanazawa City, Photography, Tourism

Weird Japan (43): Have already eaten it ? or, Have you already been eaten?

January 8, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Found this in the famous Oumichiou Market in central Kanazawa City!

I must say to the benefit of Kanazawa City that a lot of information is also available in good English!

But this one was too funny to ignore!

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 Humor Japan Kanazawa City Photography Strange English Tourism

Design, Environment, 金沢市, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Kanazawa City, Photography, Tourism

Manhole Covers in Kanazawa City!

January 8, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

A splendid fire hydrant manhole cover with the symbol of Kanazawa City, the stone lantern in Kanazawa castle park!

I’ve just come back for a 2-night, 3-day trip to Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture, so you can expect quite a few reports in the days to come!
I start with what I could see ta my feet, namely manhole covers!

A brand new style of sewer manhole cover!

A large water access manhole cover with central motif “金” for “金沢/Kanazawa City”!

A large, probably private manhole cover although there were quite a few around!

A large rectangular manhole cover seen here and there.

The same as the brand new above but obviously a lot older and used above a fire hydrant!

The same a s above. Fire hydrant are immediately recognizable as they are painted in yellow or the pavement around them also painted in yellow!

A beautiful double manhole cover in the middle of the street!

A fairly old big manhole cover!

Interesting police manhole cover over access to traffic lights control machinery produced by Fukunishi Foundry!

A manhole cover with the city emblem motif blending into its pavement environment!

An old type of manhole cover over access to electricity machinery produced by Ohtake Foundry!

Gas valve pit manhole cover. Green seems to be the universal indicator for gas!

A medium-sized valve pit manhole cover!

A newly made intricate manhole cover!

Beautiful sewer cover (not manhole) found along the Higashi Chaya Resort Street!

Another round manhole cover with a different central indication!

Another manhole cover blending into is surrounding pavement along the street to the Ishikawa Prefecture Museum!

This type of fire hydrant manhole cover is found all over the country but each city, as shown here again, has a distinctive symbol!

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 Kanazawa City Manhole covers Photography Tourism