Category Archives: Life in Japan

Environment, 静岡県, 観光, Food Humor, Humor, Japan, Japanese Culture, Life, Life in Japan, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Signs, Tourism

Weird Japan (44): Ramen-eating Skeleton Restaurant Sign in Yaizu City!

February 11, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

I knew there was something strange about that restaurant sign board in Yaizu City, even from a distance!

I understand that some restaurants will go to any length to attract customers, but I don’t understand the logic here!

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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

Design, 静岡県, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Kappa, Life, Life in Japan, Photography, Statues, Tourism, Yaizu City, 河童

Kappa (Water Goblins) Street in Yaizu City!

February 11, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Kimono-clad female kappa!

If you get off at Nishi Yaizu JR Station and go to the Kappa Museum, you will discover at one moment little stone statues of kappa (water goblins) in front of homes or stores indirectly advertising that Yaizu City holds a Guinness World Record in the shape of a 10,000+ collection of kappa in a private museum (report coming soon)!
For more information on Kappa/河童, read HERE!

These are all very cute kappa, but do remember they are still feared in some areas in Japan!

The kimono-clad female kappa in front of a cake shop!

Kappa enjoying his sake!
A kappa cannot live without a river, sake, cucumbers and plenty of raucous fun!

Cucumber-eating kappa!
Have you ever wondered what was the meaning of a “Sushi Kappa Maki”? Now, you know!

Tortoise-riding Kappa!

A Kappa calling for a refill!

A Kappa sleeping off his sake!

A kappa builder!

A studious young Kappa!

A beckoning Kappa!
Careful with that one!

A welcoming Kappa!
Careful with that one, too!

A young Kappa bringing flowers to her Mummy!

Naturally in front of a flower shop!

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

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Sushi Millefeuille at Sushi Ko: “Hagetora, s’il vous plait!”

February 3, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Pro and very friendly
Facilities: Very clean. Excellent toilets
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive
Strong points: Great variety of seafood from Shizuoka Prefecture and the rest of Japan. Great list of sake and shochu

To the surprise of our neighbors (it is not on the menu!) we challenged Chef Kenta Birukawa/尾留川健太さん at Sushi Ko in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, to come up with a different/new millefeuille sushi!
Chef Kenta Birukawa/尾留川健太さん obviously likes the challenge and as long as the place is not too busy he is more than willing to comply to such requests!

Moreover he knows that photos will be taken and kept for posterity!
This time the ingredients placed between layers of sushi rice were pieces of raw ika/cuttle fish and boiled shrimps!

The toppings were pretty complicated as they included tamagoyaki/Japanese omelette, anago/conger eel, tako/octopus, leek rolls, menegi/leek sprouts and tobikko/flying fish roe!
Not to mention the dressing artistically placed around the millefeuille!

Now the naming of this millefeuille was a bit of a revenge to make him work so hard! I was already in my cups wen I made a mistake ordering sake, that is I asked for “hage tora/bald tiger”! The “s’il vous plait” is a jab at my nationality! LOL

Mind you, I had my own revenge, destroying the whole succulent edifice!

SUSHI KO
420-0032 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryogae-cho, 2-3-1 (Aoba Park Street)
Tel.: 054-251-9701
Business Hours： 17:00~25:00. 17:00~23:00 （Sundays）
Closed on Wednesdays
Reservations recommended
Credit cards OK
HOMEPAGE</strong> (in Japanese)
Smoking allowed. Private room can be arranged for non-smoking (4 people)

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

静岡県, 静岡市, Fashion, Fashionistas, Japan, Japanese Culture, Life, Life in Japan, Photography

Japanese Ladies Fashion in Shizuoka 52: Another Snow White?

January 31, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Discovered her today waiting for her bus at Shizuoka JR Station!

Actually I like her style all in plain colors.
The shoes mauve does marry well with her tight blue pants.
I wonder what could be Her work?
Probably still a student!

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

静岡県, 観光, Festivals, Izu Peninsula, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Festivals, Life, Life in Japan, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Festival, Tourism

Japanese Festivals: Nue barai Matsuri in Izu Nagaoka, Shizuoka Prefecture-第４９回鵺ばらい祭

January 29, 2014 dragonlife 4 Comments

The picture of the day: a smiling face inside a monster’s mouth!

Yesterday I traveled all the way train from Shizuoka City to Izu Nagaoka Station by train and took the the local bus to Yu Rakkasu Park to attend an unusual Matsuri/Japanese Festival!
I managed to arrive one hour before the start of the festivities which allowed me to have a good location at the location and its people!
As in any festival the locals were selling food to the visitors!

Okonomiyaki and karaage!

A local specialty, big deep-fried gyoza!

The stage!

I saw the students from Nagaoka Junior High School arriving directly from their school!
The lady in the middle is Ms. Kamoshita, Director of the Izu No Kuni City Tourism Bureau who had faxed me the details of the vent!

Mount Fuji was looking after us all the time!

The program clearly indicated for everyone’s benefit!

One of the great staff in attendance who kept me informed me all afternoon!

A great hapi/festival coat!

Great kids from Nagaoka Junior High School!
So well-mannered, ever smiling and enthusiastic!
Years ago the festival used to be performed by adults. Now it is exclusively enacted by Nagoka Junior High School!
And from this year boys and girls are equally represented!

the drummers practicing before the event!

The “nue/鵺”!
The nue is a monster of old Japanese lore. Check the NUE LORE HERE!
It is monster with the head of a monkey, the body of a tiger and a snake as a tail in Izu Nagaoka.
The legend was brought a lot time ago to Izu Peninsula from Kyoto by a Lord’s wife.
It is a monster/spirit thought to be a bringer of misfortune and illness.
This festival is held every year to make sure it does not appear to mistreat the local inhabitants!

Great kids again including some big boys!

One of the very old drums used during the festival!

A last practice!

But before the Nue Dance we witnessed a Japanese archery/Kyuudou/弓道 demonstration, which an integral part of the festival, held by the local Japanese Archery Association!

These two gentlemen might be of a grand age but they did not miss their target!

Male archers!

And female archers!

The nue did not stand a chance!
The target made of paper was subsequently shredded into small pieces to be distributed among the onlookers for good luck!
I got mine, which might come useful when facing the home dragon!

By then the nue dancers had got ready and were coming out of the changing room!

Some of the costumes had to be carried by hand!

Samurais!

I would like to thank these two young ladies who were so kind to answer this strange foreigner’s questions!

Peace!

Getting ready in the cold wind!

The choreographer giving his last advice!

And the dance starts!

The nue and its minions ready to pounce!

The fever went up a grade with the drumming!

The nue’s minions are taunting the samurai!

Mind you the kids inside are no monsters!

The nue has crept among its minions!

The minions first attempt to frighten the onlookers!

There must be some kind of hierarchy among the minions as a few carry big tail snakes!

The minions are attacking!

Why have they stopped?

This is the reason!

The samurai have come to defend the onlookers by first loosing arrows!

But the nue’s minions are undaunted and chase the samurai who have to unsheathe their swors!

All the while the nue is looking at the action from a safe distance!

Nothing frightening about these two sweet young ladies!

While the nue kept looking at the action I crept behind it for some photoes!

Big and horrible tail!

Nasty head!

The samurai were starting to get the upper hand!

Take that!

The nue’s minons were getting killed one by one!

The nue’s minoons had all been cut down!

The Nue still did not intervene!

Things seemed to be all but lost…

But this is when the Nue finally came into the fray!

The drummers lustily encouraged the samurais!

But the onlookers started throwing beans at it!

The Nue roars back into the fight!

But the samurais show no fear!

The Nue is struck with fear!

The samurais have started their killing dance!

The Nue has no chance!

The Nue is finally down!

The Town and its citizens are saved again this year!

Well done, lads and gals!

The onlookers picking the beans which contributed to the demise of the Nue!

The two choreographers who teach the kids every year!
They are brothers and volunteers.
As the second generation of choreographers they confided that they are aiming at teaching the next generation to make sure the Festival outlives them!
Well done, gentlemen!

All the while local geishas working at the hot springs establishments had been stoically waiting for their turn in the cold!

And they graciously danced for all!
Don’t ask me why I chose this particular lady! LOL

The Nue mascot!

Looking forward to my next visit to Izu Nagaoka!

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Bath, 静岡県, 観光, Foot Bath, Hot Springs, Izu Peninsula, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Hygiene, Life, Life in Japan, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Public Hot Spring Foot Bath in Izu Nagaoka, Izu Peninsula!

January 28, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Izu Nagaoka, now part of Izu No Kuni City in Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture is a nationally known hot spring spa/resort and I had to visit it today to cover a local matsuri/festival (report coming soon!).
The place where the matsuri was held is called Yuu Rakkusu Koen/Hot Water Relaxing Park.
I was wondering about the meaning of the park’s name.
It took me little time to discover why!

The sign means “Health Pleasure walking Road”, or the equivalent!

Bathers certainly had a great time in the cold wind!

Th hot water flows directly from a subterranean hot spring!
And it is hot, at least 40 degrees Celsius!

Incidentally smoking and drinking alcohol are prohibited!

One foot at a time?

It was founded by the city 14 years ago as proven by the feet print of the then mayor of the Village before it was merged into Izu no Kuni City!

The reason why it is called a Health Pleasure Waking Road!
Visitors are invited to walk barefoot on three different surfaces covered with stones of different sizes and shapes!
A bit tough to me, but they go to length to explain the benefits!
You would certainly need a long bath after that!

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Public Hot Spring Foot Bath in Fujieda City!

January 28, 2014 dragonlife 8 Comments

Shizuoka Prefecture has the greatest number of hot springs and hot springs spas in Japan.
But recently another type of hot spring bath is getting increasingly popular: public hot spring Foot baths!

One day the Municipality of Fujieda City which sponsors the foot bath would do well to translate in English those explanations and instructions as they are certainly worth it!

Don’t worry the brown color is the real color of the water which is constantly changed although the water flows only in daytime!
Just take your shoes and socks/stockings off and dip your tired in the water for great healthy relaxation!

This sign, among others, explicitly says that smoking is strictly forbidden!

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Ikayaki, Takosen & Takoyaki at Ebisu in Shizuoka City! 静岡市ーたこ焼きー戎!

January 26, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Osaka-style ikayaki!

Service: Very friendly. Great explanations
Facilities and Equipment: Very clean if old overall. Washroom in nearby Shizutetsu Store
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Osaka-style takoyaki, senbei takoyaki, ika yaki, yakisoba
Entirely non-smoking inosde!

I only waited two days before my second visit to Ebisu in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City as a friend of mine couldn’t wait to visit the place!
In any case I already told you I wanted to sample the rest of the menu!
Unfortunately the yakisoba were already sold out at 6:30 in the evening!

The man at work!
Years of apprenticeship in Osaka and 5 ears spent in the shop his mother and he opened 5 years ago on the first floor of their abode had made him a real artist!
Very hard work in the heat actually. A job that keeps you trim!

At last I had the pleasure to sample the Osaka-style Ikayaki!

AS it is opened!

It is actually a kind of cuttle-fish omelette/pancake the mother makes with a very strange contraption!

Plenty of pieces of cuttle fish inside!
A real comfort in the cold weather!
Actually beer cans are available at the shop, so don’t hesitate!

While my friend had her takoyaki with (cold) dashi soup stock I asked a plate of plain takoyaki!

I seasoned them myself with the shop’s tare sauce and white mayonnaise sauce for two different tastes!

The mother must have felt in love with me as she gave us takoyaki as service!
The above is a Shizuoka and Osaka love affair as they were seasoned with dry bonito shavings, a Shizuoka specialty!

Of co

Of course we had to sample another takosen!
Japanese or expat you try that!

I’ll have to come back for the yakisoba soon!
Actually the place closed one hour early because all the takoyaki were sold out!
In any case I have an inkling that the son is a rocker!

EBISU

Shizuaok City, Aoi Ku, Tamachi, 7-1 (go along the Hon Toori Street and turn right onto the karge street going at a slant before the bridge. You will find Ebisu just past Shizutetsu Stire)
Tel.: 054-253-1637
Opening hours: 11:30~20:00 (earlier if sold out!)
Closed on Thursdays
Entirely non-smoking!

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EBISU/戎
shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tamach, 7-1 (along the Hon Toori Street, Turn right into the 45 degrees main street before the bridge, on your left hand side just beyond Shizutetsu Store)
Tel.: 054-253-1637
Opening hours: 11:30~20:00
Closed on Thursdays
Take-out possible
Entirely non-smoking!

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Design, 静岡県, 観光, Hamamatsu City, Japan, Japanese Culture, Life, Life in Japan, Pavement art, Pavement signs, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Signs, Tourism

Pavement Tourism Signs in Shizuoka Prefecture 2

January 26, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

A beautiful design found outside Hamamatsu City JR Station North exist welcoming tourists and commuters to the City!

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

Hamamatsu City has recently applied some sturdy “stickers” on the pavement in front of the North Exits of their JR Station and around Act City Building Complex not only to welcome all visitors, but also to advertise they are in fact the music capital of Japan thanks to the big music instruments makers such as Kawai and Yamaha!

If you look carefully at them you also understand that Hamamatsu City is the home of great flower and garden parks!

And last but not least Hamamatsu City gastronomy is famous for its eels!

Other cities and prefectures should take heed to promote their tourism!

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Drainspotting/Japanese Manhole Covers by Remo Camerota!

January 25, 2014 dragonlife 8 Comments

The cover represents a fire hydrant Manhole cover in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture!

Last Wednesday, my good friend Philip Kreiner made a man very happy when he gave a book called Drainspotting, Japanese manhole Covers by Remo Camerota!
Remo Camerota had an inspiration calling his book so as everyone has heard about the film, “Trainspotting”!

The book was issued by Mark Batty Publisher in New York in 2010 but I couldn’t manage to get in touch with them.
Maybe more information could be got through WHITEWALL STUDIOS.

Remo Camerota, a New York-based writer authored the book with his pictures and those of friends during a trip through Japan.
A must for all lovers of Urban Art, and Urban Art in Japan in Particular!

NOTE: If Remo happens to read this introduction, I would be extremely grateful to him for contacting me!

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Bars, Beer, Beer Brewery, 美食, Drinks, Environment, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Beer, Japanese Gastronomy, Life, Life in Japan, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Beer, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

AOI BEER STAND: News of Forthcoming Brewery in Shizuoka City-Aoi Beer Brewery!

January 20, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Service: Easy-going and friendly
Facilities: Very clean overall. Beautiful washroom inside Den Bulding.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Craft beers only!

Things are starting to move fast in Shizuoka City with Aoi Beer Brewery planned to start producing craft beer in early summer!

I ordered the Kurofune Porte by Baird Beer in Numazu City!

I paid a visit to Aoi Beer Stand in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, yesterday hoping to meet Naoki mando/萬藤直樹さん to have a chat about the progress of his new venture, namely Aoi Beer Brewery.
Unfortunately he was still away on a research trip but the present staff was more than helpful!

Kurofune Porter
Alcohol: 6%
Long head
Fine bubbles.
Color: dark brown
Very clean

Aroma: Bread, caramel
Taste: Refreshing attack. Deep and dry. Caramel, bread.
Varies little with food but for a sweeter turn

I can’t wait to dink Aoi Beers in such a glass!

Naoki Mando is not only creating history by starting the first craft beer brewery in Shizuoka City and central Shizuoka Prefecture, he is also contributing to the devlopment of the local economy by building his brewery on the very site of Yasumoto sake and soy sauce Shop, which used to produce soy sauce on the same premises for 151 years until 1962 (the shop since had been stocking rice, soy sauce, sake and others in their warehouse).

In Spring 2013, Naoki struck an agreement with its owner, Mr. Masatoshi Yasumoto/安本正俊さん to reform the warehouse, located near Sengen Shrine in Miyazaki Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City.
Actually Mr. Yasumoto had thought until then to eventually pull down the whole warehouse and transform it into a car park, but Naoki convinced him that the building was ound enough to be preserved and transformed into a craft beer brewery!
The outside facade will be preserved as such and only the inside will be reformed!
In Naoki’s words:”Beer is best enjoyed in its birthplace and if there is a supplementary story to the brewery and its buildings, so much for the better!”
For the moment Naoki is thinking of producing 6 types of craft beers including Pale Ale, Weissen, one very local with Shizuoka oranges and the like.

There is a new item on the menu these days!

“Very simple takoyaki”!

Simple maybe, but perfect with craft beer!

I had another craft beer before taking my leave:
North Island Brown Ale (Hokkaido)
Kurofune Porter
Alcohol: 5%
Long head
Fine bubbles.
Color: dark orange
Very clean, slightly smoky

Aroma: Oranges
Taste: Deep, refreshing,. Apricots, loquats
Lingers for a while with very dry citruses appearing later

Look forward to the next report!

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

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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>

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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

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

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

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