Category Archives: Photography

レシピ, 美食, 野菜, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Food, Food Health, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Recipes, Recommended Lunch Restaurants, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism, Vegan, Vegan Cuisine, Vegan Dessert, Vegan Restaurant, Vegetarian cuisine

Vegan Gastronomy: Vegan Lunch Set & Vegan Cake at Cafe Sain in Shizuoka City!

November 30, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Shy but very friendly
Facilities & Equipment: Spotless clean overall. A bit small but perfect washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Exclusively vegan gastronomy with local vegetabes and fruit!
Entirely non-smoking!

Yesterday walking along Genan Street in Ryogae=cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, I couldn’t help notice this board at street level!

Cuisine using no meta, fish, dairy products, nor eggs!
Well, well, Shziuoka City seems to have taken a special like for vegan gastronomy as this is the ofurth one I have discovered!

Actually I found out later that Ms. Akino Yabutani/藪谷安希乃さんopened her restaurant 2 years ago, making Cafe Sain (“Sain” stands for “Healthy” in French!) the second oldest vegan Restaurant & Cafe in Shizuoka City!

I knew my hunch had been correct when I discovered the beautiful vegan cakes in their display window as I entered the establishment!

Although there are quite a few choices of single dishes or set I opted for the Vegan Quiche Lunch Set!

Comforting hot soup on a cold day!

Konnyaku with carrots and walnuts, and sauteed mushrooms!

Plenty of fresh lettuce served with home-made dressing!

Really yummy vegetables quiche!

Fried beansprouts!

And superb home-made bread for great total balance!

Akino’s parents grow Benihoppe/red Cheeks Strawberries in Shizuoka City so these were picked in the morning to find themselves atop my cake!

Soy milk whipped cream!

I do have a real weakness for fruit tarts!

Not only beautiful and tasty but also really satisfying!

I’m no vegan and never will be but I’ll come again!

CAFE SAIN
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryogae Cho, 2-4-29, Aspis Bldg. 2F
Tel.: 054-221-5514
Opening hours: 11:00~20:00 (until 18:00 on Tuesday)
Closed on Sundays and first Monday (might sometimes close unannounced)
HOMEPAGE
Entirely non-smoking!

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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,

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-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

静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Statues, Tourism

Hiroshige Wood Block Prints for All in Gofuku Cho Street in Shizuoka City! 11~20

November 29, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Wood Block Print 11)
28th Station: Mitsuke (Tenryuu, presently Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

SYNOPSIS

Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese: 歌川広重), also Andō Hiroshige (Japanese: 安藤広重; 1797 – 12 October 1858) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, considered the last great master of that tradition.
Hiroshige is best known for his landscapes, such as the series The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō.

Although you can see all 53 wood block prints at the Hiroshige Museum in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City, did you know you can see 42 (that what I counted and took in pictures yesterday although I’ll double check today!) of them daily if you walk along Gofuku Cho Street?

Actually I double checked and found a few more!
Moreover, the indications to find them were slightly wrong!
You will find all these ukiyo-e and more from along Gofuku Cho Street in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, past the first crossing up the street from Gofuku Cho Scrmable, that is where Gofuku-Cho Street crosses the main Street called Egawa Street up the Shizuoka Bank headquarters!

Geisha Visage!

Actually, these ukiyo-e/Wood Block Prints by Hiroshige is only part of a whole city decoration concept including statues and benches made of similar material with Edo period “Characters” that I thought useful to show you before proceeding with the Wood Block Prints

Boy!

Pillared bench!

Dancing Geishas!

Edo Travelers!

Riding Boy!

Mount Fuji overlooking Shizuoka City, formerly called “Fuchu” or “Sumpu”!

Ball Bench!

Hole and rest Bench!

Ring Bench!

Handle Bench!

Alright, let me take you back to the Wood Block Prints!

Pedestal 11) Two-sword Samurai!

Wood Block Print 11)
28th Station: Mitsuke (Tenryuu, presently Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

Pedestal 12) Traveling Woman!

Wood Block Print 129
30th Station: Maisaka (presently part of Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

Pedestal 13) Porter!

Wood Block Print 13)
31st Station: Arai (presently part of Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

pedestal 14) Sitting Woman!

Wood Block Print 14)
35th Station: Yoshida (presently part of Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture)!

Pedestal 15) Woman with Umbrella!

Wood Block print 15)
36th Station: Akasaka (presently in Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture)!

Pedestal 16) Traveling Samurais!

Wood Block Print 16)
39th Station: Chiryu (Chiru City, Aichi Prefecture)!

Pedestal 17) Wooden Sword Fencing Practice!

Wood Block print 17)
41st Station: Miya (presently part of Atsuta ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture)!

Pedestal 18) Porter!

Wood Block Print 18)
43rd Station: Yokkaichi (Yokkaichi City, mie Prefecture)!

Pedestal 19) Sword dancer?

Wood Block print 19)
46th Station: Kameyama (Kameayama City, Mie Prefecture)!

Pedestal 20) Child dancer?

Wood Block Print 20)
52nd Station: Kusatsu (Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture)!

To be continued…

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静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, Hiroshige, Japan, Japanese Culture, Museums, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism, Ukiyo-e, Wood Block Prints

Hiroshige Wood Block Prints for All in Gofuku Cho Street in Shizuoka City! 1~10

November 28, 2013 dragonlife 3 Comments

Wood Block Print 1)!
15th Station: Kambara (presently Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City) in the snow!

Map of old Sumpu/Shizuoka City at the crossroads by the Mitsukoshi-Isetan Department Store.

“Fuchu”

They concentrated on both sides of Gofuku Cho Street between Mitsukoshi-Isetan Department Store and Shizuoka Bank Headquarters Building.
As far as I know, the order seemed haphazard and I found only 42 of the 53 wood bock prints but I will hav e to double check!

I just realized yesterday I had been walking past them for years. The reason for this crazy miss is that people have the habit of stacking their bicycles against the red granite pedestals on which they stand.
A real pity as the stands themselves are carved into beautiful reliefs , all different!
I sometimes wish that the Japanese, and the Shizuokaites in particular, gave a little more respect and recognition for their culture…

Alright, there is no point crying about it, let me take you along, then!
And don’t forget your camera or sketch book!

Pedestal 1) A porter?

Wood Block Print 1)!
15th Station: Kambara (presently Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City) in the snow!
Actually Hiroshige never traveled in the snow and drew this picture from his own imagination!

Pedestal 2) Mother and Child

Wood Block print 2)
13th Station: Hara (presently in Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

Pedestal 3) Hiroshige traveling on a horse?

Wood Block print 3)
12th Station: Numazu (Shizuoka Prefecture)

Pedestal 4) Geisha

Note: I started moving bicycles away without any ceremony form that point!
Passers-by just ignored me! LOL

Wood Block Print 4)
14th Station: Yoshiwara (Just between Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City and Fuji City)

Pedestal 5) Farmer Housewife and son?

Wood Block Print 5)
16th Station: Yui, Shimisu Ku, Shizuoka City

Pedestal 6) Young Lord or Kabuki actor?

Wood Block Print 6)
18th Station: Ejiri (presently Shimizu harbor, Shimizu ku, Shizuoka City)

Pedestal 7) Boy hanging onto a branch or bar
How do I know it is a boy/ Look carefully! LOL

Wood Block Print 7)
20th Station: Mariko (presently in Shizuoka City)

The same was reproduced on a Japanese commemorative stamp!

Pedestal 8) A tired porter!

Wood Block print 8)
22nd Station: Fujieda (Fujieda City. Shizuoka Prefecture)

Pedestal 9) Servant sweeping with a broom

Wood Block Print 9)
24th Station: Kanaya (presently in Shimada City. Crossing of the Oi River. Shizuoka Prefecture)

Pedestal 10) Porter

Wood Block print 10)
26th Station: Kakegawa (Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

To be continued….

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Shizuoka Tourism: Shizuoka City Zagyo-So Museum Saionji Kinmochi Villa in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

November 28, 2013 dragonlife 6 Comments

Saionji Kinmochi/西園寺公望 (1849~1940) was a prominent diplomat for Japan especially in France who witnessed the passage of japan from feudalism to modern times.
He was born in October 1849 as the second son of Tokudaiji Kinito, the Minister of the Right. One of Japan’s modern elder statesmen, he live d a long life spanning the Meiji, Taisho and Showa periods as a liberal politician until the age of 91 when he passed away in November 1940.

Zagyo-So named by Viscount Chifuyu, was built facing the scenic Kiyomi lagoon in 1919 when Saionji was 70 years old as a place to lead a quiet life in his later years.

Times change and on March 18th, 1971, Zagyo-So was moved to Museum Meiji Mura located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture. It is still shown today as a National Tangible Designated Cultural Asset.

Now a reproduction of Zagyo-So has been created on the land where it once stood thanks to the strong will of Okitsu (Shimizu Ku) people, the business world and the full cooperation and guidance from the Meiji Mura Foundation!

To reach Zagyo-So get down at okitsuJR Station along the Tokaido railway Line, go straight to the main street, turn right and walk past Seikenji Temple.
You will eventually find the sign above on your left-hand side. You v\can’t miss it!

A sign both in Japanese and in English will exlpain where you are!
Incidentally visits are free and volunteer guides (Japanese only usually) are on hand to show you around!

Walk towards the entrance.

The place is not that big, so take your time to notice the small details!

The entrance!

The back garden side facade!

Past the entrance!

Kaguya Hime Dolls!

The whole place is very much naturally lighted in daytime!

Photographs of the original Zagyo-So and Saionji Kinmochi in his late years!

Time slip!

Main room with Tokonoma!

A well-lit “tsurou/hall”!

the small musueum dedicated to the life of Saionji Kinmochi!

Many pictures taken during his long life!

Saionji Kinmochi as a samurai at 17, a student in Paris, an Ambassador in Germany at 40 and as a Minister for Culture in the 2nd Itoh Prime Minister Cabinet!

More pictures, especially as a foreign diplomat who met French Minister Georges Clemenceau many a time!

Personal artifacts and personal seals!

Apparently he had a special liking for amanatto/sweet fermented beans confectionery!

More original photos!

The traditional Japanese bathroom!

The washroom besides the toilets!

Walking around the place gives you a good idea of traditional Japanese households before WWII!

More recent pictures of the original building!
The guide told me it had to be moved and replaced as it was nearly falling apart!

Emperor and Empress Showa visited the place in Novemeber 1957!

Detailed pictures of the reconstruction!

City workers pruning the trees in the garden!

A so simple and so beautiful Tokonoma!

Another view to give an idea of the room!

One of the studies!

Japanese style wall cupboard with Japanese tea box!

Traditional Japanese toilets!
The guide told me it must have been hard on the old man’s knees!

The traditional Japanese kitchen!

Another time slip!

Valuable utensils, especially tea ceremony ones were washed in this separate basin outside the kitchen.
The guide told me that the Master of The House washed his hands there, too!

A space dedicated to Saionji Kinmochi’s personal maid, the second most important person after his spouse!

A picture of the phone they were using at the time!

Shizuoka City Zagyo-So Museum Saionji Kinmochi Villa

424-0206 Shizuoka City, Shimizu Ku, Okitsu, Seikenji Cho, 115
Tel. & Fax: 054-369-2221
Visiting hours:
Weekdays: 10:00~17:00
Saturdays, Sundays & national Holidays: 09:30~17:30
Closed on Mondays (or the day after if a National Holiday) and from December 29th thru January 3rd
Free entrance

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レシピ, Beef, 牛肉, 美食, 野菜, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Food, Fusion Gastronomy, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Italian Cuisine, Italian Restaurants, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Italian Gastronomy: Beef Cheek Stewed in Red Wine at Soloio in Shizuoka City!

November 28, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

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

have you ever tasted beef so tender that you don’t need a knife at all in spite of the big chunks of succulent meat?
Well, in this case you certainly must try the Beef Cheek Stewed in Wine painstakingly prepared by Chef Takehiko Katoh/加藤武彦 at Solio in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

Served with deep-fried Autumn eggplants/aubergines and potato slices it certainly makes enough for a dinner some bread and wine!
It took the two of us to finish in the middle of a dinner, so it should be enough for a single person!

Another real Italian “comfort food”!

SOLOIO
420-0858 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenmacho, 9-7, Kita, 1
Tel./fax: 054-260-4637
Business hours: 16:00~24:00
Closed on Monday
Credit cards OK
Private parties welcome!
Happy hour: 16:00~17:00: 1,000 yen set-3 appetizers plate and 1 glass of house wine!
Smoking allowed BUT Non-smoking until 20:00 everyday!

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静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Life in Japan, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tombs, Tourism, Tumulus

Miikeidaira Tumulus: Keyhole Tomb in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

November 27, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Courtesy of Atsuko Kurata!

If your are keen on Japanese history, and I mean ancient history, it might be an excellent idea to combine tourism and study by visiting one of the few remaining funeral tumuli left in Japan by visiting the Miikeidaira Tumulus/三池平古墳 in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

one easy way is to take the bus to the National Training Center from Bus Platform 4 on the west side of Shimizu JR Station (bear in mind there is only one every hour!) and go till the last stop!

And check the return schedule!

National Training Center in Shimizu Ku is a vast (by Japanese standards) training center especially dedicated to high level soccer teams from all over Japan!

You should be able to see the tumulus and find the right way to walk uo there!

The tumulus is not only visible but its surroundings are well equipped including washrooms!

Check the map before climbing the stairs!

now, do you understand why it is also called a “keyhole tomb”?

Plenty of indications!

As you climb the tumulus you will realize that you can benefit of vast views at the same time!

The tumulus!

Take your time and read the explanations both in Japanese and (somewhat quaint) English!

The Miikedaira Tumulus was built as a key-holed shaped mound tomb at the beginning of the 5th century A.D.
The total length/diameter of the tumulus is 68 meters.
The inner/underground structure reveals a type of tomb belonging to comparatively ancient times and the like of ones very few in Shizuoka prefecture and even in the entire West Japan.

Have a good look at the diagram!
Such tombs are not open to the public and even scientists and historians need a permission to inspect them.

These stones were brought here more than 1,500 years ago!

A sobering thought!

You will be able to admire a view extending as far as the Izu peninsula beyond the ocean!
Walk down the other side to discover what’s beyond!

Mind your steps!

Steeper than the front!

Well indicated again!

You will discover a very old Shinto Shrine dating back to the beginning of Edo Era!
What you see in the forefront under blue tarp is a sumo wrestling mound!

A sumo meet is held there every year in October!

This Shinto Shrine is called Toga Jinja!

The area is famous for its citrus fields and orchards!

Very expensive “dekopon” oranges!

A different type (I found more than half a dozen!) of oranges!
I did taste them (except the dekopon!) and they are about ripe enough!

beautiful, aren’t they?

A visit to combine history, tourism and gastronomy!

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Mount Fuji: Urban Sights from Shimizu JR Station!

November 26, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Mount Fuji is an ever-changing sight and can be caught in most interesting situations if you one corner of your eye at the horizon especially in the Fall and Winter!

Just coming out of Western Exit of the Shimizu JR Station on the Tokaido Railway Line I noticed Mount Fuji far away in distance through a fence!

Mount Fuji behind barbed wires!

Mount Fuji held prisoner by a blue cross sect?

On my way I noticed a marked change of color!
Can you see the train run by?

Taking the train to Mount Fuji!

Just before my train back to Shizuoka I even managed a somewhat psychedelic picture of Mount Fuji from upstairs!

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レシピ, 美食, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Food, French gastronomy, French Restaurant, Fusion Gastronomy, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Recipes, Restaurants, Sandwiches, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

French-American Gastronomy: Terrine de Campagne Sandwich at BLUE BOOKS cafe in Shizuoka City!

November 26, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Very friendly, smiling and attentive
Equipment & Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Superb washroom in same building separated from the cafe.
Prices: Reasonable for such big servings!
Strong points: Very generous cafe/bistro multi-genred gastronomy. Great variety. Great products. Entirely non-smoking in very modern atmosphere. Great books!

The bar and drinks corner!

The great thing about a good restaurant/cafe is the regular, even if partly, change of menu!
This is why I’m always having difficulties keeping away from BLUE BOOKS cafe in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

The kitchen!

Actually, I had planned only a light snack that day, that is before I saw the menu!

I soon realized it was a lost cause when I saw “”Sandwich in Pate de Champagne”!
Being French, I knew they meant “Terrine de Campagne Sandwich”!
Just reading this reminded me of the many such sandwiches back home!

The Terrine de Campagne Sandwich Lunch Set!

For a closer look!

Enormous sandwich!
I knew I had to use fork, knife and all the fingers of both hands!

A very generous portion of terrine!
Note that the bread was lightly seasoned and toasted, although a bit soft by French standards, but making it easier to eat!

The bread!
Actually I ate the bread separately in between mouthful of vegetables and terrine!

Plenty of lettuce, sliced onions and pickles!

From another angle to show you the good balance, both in design and ingredients!

And of course plenty of French (Belgian) fries!

Always a local vegetable salad included!

And plenty of tea to wash it down!

What is it to be next, I wonder?

BLUE BOOKS cafe
420-0857 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki-Cho, 4-6, Den Bldg 1F (5~10 minutes walk straight ahead from Shizuoka JR Station North Exit, around the corner at the large crossroads)
Tel.: 054-280-7644
Opening hours: 11:00~14:30 (lunch), 14:30^17:30 (cafe), 17:30~23:00 (dinner)
Entirely non-smoking!

Credit Cards OK
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
Twitter: @BlueBooksCafe

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静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Life in Japan, Manhole covers, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 5

November 25, 2013 dragonlife 1 Comment

Courtesy of Atsuko Kurata!
She found this brightly colored manhole cover in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City, outside Shimizu JR Station West Exit near bus stand No 3!

I already know of many blogging friends in Japan taking pictures of manhole covers all over this country.
The reason is simple enough: as there is little chance of them being stolen (I can’t say the same thing back in our countries!) the local/municipal government often use them as touristic advertisements !

I keep on looking for them during my many travels through the Prefecture.
And this time I was lucky to enjoy some great help from a new friend working for the Shizuoka City Touristic Information, namely Atsuko Kurata!
Like me she is chasing all kinds of cultural artifacts, especially the unusual ones!

Atsuko Kurata discovered this beautiflly patterned one along the promenade to the Prefectural Museum from Kenritsu BijutsuKan Shizutetsu Railway Line Station!

Atsuko Kurata discovered this unusually double square cover placed by the Chubu Denryoku Electrical Company along Sengen Shrine Street in Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku!

Atsuko Kurata discovered the one above and the next one along Miho no Tsubara Beach!
The one above states “河川”, “Kasen/River”!

The second one states “雨水”, “amamizu/rainwater”!

I found a series of this very old type along one single street in neighborhood in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, and they are definitely municipal sewers manhole covers as stated by “市”/”City”! I doubt they exist elsewhere as their weight would cost much!

I discovered the above near a primary school in my neighborhood in Aoi Ku, Shziuoka City!
“流量軽計室” means “running water flow measuring machine”!

The above is the largest one I have found so far. It must lay above a a real manhole as it is wide enough for a strong man. It is a Prefectural one, probably over underground cables!

Atsuko Kurata discovered this very large one, most probably over a hole leading to underground cables in front of Shimizu JR Station West exit in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

It must be a pretty old one as it is marked “清水市”/Shimizu City, that is before it was merged to Shizuoka City!

There are similar manhole covers in Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, but in different colors.
This one is a bit excepyiona as this the first one of this type also mentioning “市の花”/”City Flower” as the Hollyhock/Aoi/葵 is the official flower of Shizuoka City!

A different color from others of the same type witten witten “T-14” instead of “市の花”, but the colors might have changed due to the natural elements, unless it is a lot older!

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笑い, 静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, Humor, Japan, Japanese Culture, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Weird Japan 40-: Dying For A Piece of Cloth?

November 24, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

When a single letter can a hell of a difference!

I discovered this (these) sign(s) in Suruga Ku, Shizuoka City this afternoon!
Such a mistake is a pity because it is a truly beautiful shop!

“Dyeing”, not “Dying”!
Mind you, the crest is such a beauty!
Oh well…..

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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:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Buses, 静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Japanese Floats Bus in Shizuoka City!

November 24, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Buses are extensively used for advertizing especially by Shizutetsu Company in Shizuoka City and Central Shizuoka Prefecture!
Depending on the line one can discover some very interesting sites!

Kintaroo!

Carp floats can be seen flapping in the wind around May 5th, or Boys’ day in Japan.
Sagyou Company in Shizuoka is big maker of Hina Dolls and Carp Floats
They use this ukiyoe/wooden print design of Kintaroo, the famous young boy of Japanese legends!

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Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Environment, 静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Mount Fuji, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Mount Fuji: Urban Sights from Suruga Ku, Shizuoka City!

November 24, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Now is the season when you can see Mount Fuji clearly from Shizuoka City even from spots that are not evident for most of the year!

I had cycled a long way down Suruga Ku, the Southern half of Shizuoka City when I reached some paddy fields just beyond the last buildings before a long break in the landscape becoming more rural in spite of the recent building boom!

Mount Fuji has received a lot of snow of late and it helps for a great contrast in the distance.
Actually you have to travel a lot before the buildings stop hiding it from everyone’s view!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

美食, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, Foie Gras, Food, French Cuisine, French gastronomy, French Restaurant, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Italian Cuisine, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

My Ten Best Foie Gras Dishes in Shizuoka City!

November 24, 2013 dragonlife 3 Comments

Pain de Foie Gras Matured with Mirin White Lees, Chouchou Farm Kankankan Musume Corn Vychissoise and soft pancake made with inca mezame potatoes served at at Pissenlit French Restaurant in Shizuoka City!
Mirin is sweet sake, and brewed in Fujieda City! A rare dish if there was one!

I love foie gras! Well, I’m French!
But the Japanese, especially in Shizuoka City, have convinced me that they have the right way to prepare it in the most delicious and (comparatively) healthy manner!

Here is, including the above, a selction of the arguably best 10 foie gras dishes I have enjoed in this gastronomic City of Shizuoka, Japan!

The love story between America, Japan anf France continues!
Foie Gras Hamburger at BLUE BOOKS cafe in Shizuoka City!

Organic Eggplants, Foie Gras and Organic Burdock Root Sauce at pissenlit in Shizuoka City!

Sauteed Landes Duck Foie Gras with Madeira Sauce on Truffles Risotto at Pissenlit in Shizuoka City!

Potofu di fegato e ravanello giapponese: Foie gras atop stewed daikon as served at Al Porto Restaurant in Shizuoka City! A must in Japan!

Seared Foie Gras in black truffles sauce on Porcini risotto as served at Hana Hana in Shizuoka City!

Pressed Confit of Hungarian Foir Gras with Balamico reduction and Dentelle/Sugar Lace Crepe as srved at Beau Ciel in Shizuoka City!

Foie gras poele on Corn Galette with Madeira Sauce as served at Pissenlit in Shizuoka City!

Country-style foie gras and wild boar terrine as served at Chz Satsukawa in Shizuoka City!

Sautéed Foie Gras with Toukun strawberries, fried and glazed Toukun Strawberry, Foie Gras Mousse on Aromatic Herbs Tile and Toukun Strawberry Jelly as served at Gentil in Shzuoka City!

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Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

静岡県, 静岡市, Japan, Japanese Culture, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Tourism

Seikenji Temple in Okitsu, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

November 23, 2013 dragonlife 2 Comments

I’m an agnostic and cares little for religion but it would be a grave oversight to ignore some of the grand Buddhist temples or Shinto Shrines in Japan and Shizuoka Prefecture as they are a great source of history, architecture, art and culture.
I can always leave the obvious religious connotations to the care of friend bloggers with different priorities!
There is a major Buddhist Temple in Okitsu, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City, which definitely deserves a lot of attention, namely Seikenji Temple/清見寺 along the Tokaido Road.
Just follow me and I’ll explain along the way!

First take a train on JR Tokaido Line and get off at Okitsu Station.

Get out of the station and walk till the main road and turn right.
At the station you will see this sign clearly indicating you are about to discover Seikenji Temple!
Bear in mind this is a good 15~20 minute walk, so choose a bright shiny (no hot) day!

While you are at it take the time to read the other signs describing the Tokai Nature Trail Bypass Course!

Definitely worth reading it!

Halfway find this sign along the right hand side signboard for a little history of the Tokaido Road!

You cannot miss it and take the time to read the board there, too!

Walk up the stairs and through the first portal before you cross over the Tokaido Railway Line!

Take your time for plenty of pictures!

From the railway line overhead bridge!

Trains run along every 5~10 minutes!

Past the bridge proceed to your right.

The main entrance Gate!

Temples are always well protected!

Buddhist temples as a general look after a big cemetery.

Being religious or not there are always plenty of quaint sights!

One of the main buildings!

Walking across the outside plum tree garden!
In the right season the place is exploding into superb colors!

But before proceeding any further turn left and penetrate a strange place with even stranger figures!

All the faces and in some many cases most of the postures of these “deities” are different!

In daytime they look quite benign!

This is one of these oldest parts of Seikenji Temple built during the Nara Era!

Great contrast between old wood and tiles and the bright sky!

The entrance portal overlooking Okitsu Harbor!

The “bonsho” bell tower!

The “garyubai/臥龍唄” plum tree variety was developed there by the Overlord Tokugawa Ieyasu in the beginning of the 17th Century.
It is also the name of a famous Japanese sake brand brewed by Sanwa Brewery in Shimizu Ku!

Over the entrance you will find the Hollyhock/Aoi/葵 represented on Tokugawa Ieyasu Mon/Japanese Arms/文!

Past the entrance, ring the (real bronze) bell and a monk will collect a 300 yen visiting fee (very small considering the importance of the place!)!

Don’t forget to take off your shoes and put on slippers before climbing the small stairs to the main room!

Note: There are plenty of “washrooms” there so take your time!

There is an advised route to follow but you are free to wander, so I went to have a look at the inner garden!

But I couldn’t walk back to take a picture of this magnificent phoenix!

The space dedicated to Buddhist services.

Plenty to read overhead!

back to the garden, which is small but is still nationally designated as a place of scenic beauty!

Wave-patterned gravel bed!

There are plenty of cultural assets including this coffer with the hollyhock crest!

Sorry for the disorder but this the real order I took pictures! Professional are going to kick me! LOL

The temple not being too big you can get a good impression of the architecture!

Guest/meeting room and sliding doors.

Another picture of the garden taken through an opening!

The main room with a “tokonoma”!

Yet another view into the garden!

A verdant island!

The famous monk, Hakuin!

An antique “shamisen”!

A colorfully decorated “tansu”!

A view of the front plum tree garden!

The real pictures of the whole crew of 104 sailors aboard the Tsukijima Maru Ship which got marooned in the Suruga Bay just in front of Okitsu.
The ship was subsequently attacked by rebel samurais who had not surrendered in spite of their defeat in Hakodate and roamed the country for many years after.
The whole crew was killed and thrown overboard.
Jirochoo, a notable of Shimizu City became a local hero when he personally collected all their bodies to give them a decent funeral.
But that is the official story… A volunteer guide confided me that the so-called hero actually was in a hurry to clean the sea and shore to allow fishing again as soon as possible…

The place does contain many precious drawings!

One can walk up to a smaller meeting room on the next floor.

For another grand view of Okitsu Harbor!

An overhead view of the entrance lobby!

Hakuin again!
His face can be seen on the labels of Hakuin Masamune Japanese Sake bottles produce by Takashima Brewery in Numazu City!

Back through the outside garden!

When you leave take the side exit down the stairs and across the railway line!

See you there again next February when the plum trees will be in full bloom!

SEIKENJI TEMPLE
Shizuoka City, Shimizu Ku, Okitsu
Tel.: 054-369-0028
Hours: 08:30~16:30 (closed during services)
Admission: 300 yen (adults), 200 yen Junior and Senior High School Students), 100 yen (Primary School Students)

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Bananas, 美食, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Food, Fruit, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Bananas In Shizuoka City! By Patrick Harrington

November 21, 2013 dragonlife 1 Comment

Guest writer, Patrick, here by kind permission of the cycling gourmet.
I must confess that I am no gourmet, but I do happen to live in the beautiful city of Shizuoka.

While taking a stroll through some green tea fields a few days ago (and this scenery is only about 20 minutes drive from downtown Shizuoka), I came across a very rare sight for these parts.

As regular readers will know Shizuoka is blessed with extremely high quality local produce, especially its fruit and vegetables, but one thing you don’t expect to see is a banana tree, and that is exactly what appeared behind the tea bushes.