Category Archives: Shizuoka City

Quiche Lorraine & Eikun Brewery Tokubetsu Junmai at La Sommeliere Wine & Sake Bar in Shizuoka City!

Service: Shy but very friendly
Equipment and facilities: Spotless clean. Superb washroom. Entirely non-smoking!
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Local sake by the glass. Extensive wine list by the glass. Bottles on sale. Great local bread and pastries. Home-made light food

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Frankly speaking I prefer conducting sake tastings in the right environment but not many places are propitious for that exercise or willing to help.
But La Sommeliere in Miyuki Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City is just perfect as not only you can conduct your tasting in the best conditions possible but also exchange views at the same time!

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It was actually my second tasting in this very new bar and like the first one it concerned a brew concocted by Eikun Brewery in Yu, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

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The fact that the rice used is Shizuoka-grown Homarefuji and that the yeast is the Shizuoka NEW-5 added to the interest!
Report coming soon!

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I had thought of conducting my tasting away from food but sitting in front of a menu persuaded me of the contrary!

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Quiche Lorraine comes into many guises, especially in Japan, and I wanted to savor Mrs. Hiromi Hasegawa/長谷川浩美さん’s own version!

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Hiromi’s quiche is made without any dough, thus presenting a very light and elegant savory.
It is obviously designed for small feminine appetites, but it was prefect for my tasting, being at the time so elegant, tasty and well-balanced!
I definitely have to explore the appetizers/tapas menu!

LA SOMMELIERE

420-0857 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 7-5, Aiseido Bldg, 1F
Tel. & Fax: 054-266-5085
Opening hours: 11:00~22:00
Closed on Sundays & National Holidays
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, Pie
rre.Cuisine
, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Kura: Traditional Japanese Warehouse in Shizuoka Prefecture 21: Old Farm House Kura in Shimo, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

“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.

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The other I noticed the pinion of a kura peeking over the greenery as I was cycling along a back road in Shimo, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

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I didn’t really know what to do of it as the access seemed completely blocked.

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Anyway I decided to walk around and find out!

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I did meet a neighbor farmer who kindly told me this was not his, bit a neighbor’s kura and that I would have to walk around to find an access, if there was one.

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I only met another farmer who also kindly explained it was another farmer’s property!
He mentioned that it was practically abandoned but that it served as a rice storage kura in old times!

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Since then it had probably been transformed into a farm tool shack judging from the somewhat decrepit lower half!

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But the front is still worth looking at!

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Still a great window!

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, Pie
rre.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

Suijinsan Shrine (水神社) in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

There are many shrines in the Tomoe Rvier and the Jiroucho areas as they were nearer to the sea and the harbor in the old times.

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The torri gate!

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Although the name written on the torii gate plaque reads “みず神社/Mizu Jinja”, the locals prefer to call it “Suijinsan”!

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There is a second torii gate with the the same name on its plaque!

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Two fairly recent stone lanterns stand on both side of a signboard!

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The shrine was built between 1624 and 1643 and its festival is held on the 25th of June!

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The second stone lantern!

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The main shrine!

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The stone hand-washing basin under its roof!

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The “smiling” lion guard!

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The roaring lion guard!

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The wooden money offerings box and the bell rope!

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Can you see the bell?

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The worshipers ring the bell by shaking (not pulling) the rope, before prayers!

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The guarding lion and wild boar under the eaves!

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“Wild boars” do very much look like “elephants” sometimes but the ears give them away, although this is very debatable!

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Their golden eyes are also unusual!

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That tree must have witnessed a lot of history!

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A back slanted view of the second shrine behind the main shrine!

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Great roofing!

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The two shrines with roofs looking like waves!

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Good-bye, Suijinsan!

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, Pie
rre.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

Local Shizuoka Fish & Seafood at Parche Fish market in Shizuoka City: Including Splendid Alfonsino!

these last past weeks have witnessed extreme heats and it must be reaaly tough work for fishermen to go at sea even at night!
Yesterday I visited Parch Market in JR Shizuoka Station to find out what was available as local fish and seafood!

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Beautiful red fish over there!

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Kinmedai/金目鯛/splendid alfonsino!
A local delicacy with a great name!

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Not cheap for a medium-sized fish!
They had been brought in the morning from Kogawa harbor in Yaizu City!

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there still some beautiful fish left in the “mixed batch”, too!
Kinmedai/金目鯛/splendid alfonsino (above) and Hobou/方々/red robins 8below)!

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Small but expensive Kuchimidai/口美鯛/haarder, redlip mullet-Liza haematocheila (Temminck and Schlegel)!
A local expensive grouper also going by the name of “Menada/目奈陀・目魚”!
Other names I will have to add to the lexicon!

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Usumebaru/薄目張 (also called Okimebara/沖目張): sebastes Thompson (Jordan and Hubbs): a variety of Japanese sea perch, Japanese rock fish.

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Ko Aji/子鯵: very young horse mackerel (also called Mame aji/豆鯵)!

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Kuromutsu/黒鱫、黒鯥: Black gnomefish from Ito City!

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Kisu /鱚、鼠頭魚: sand boarer!

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Kuro shitabirame/黒舌平目: Black Sole!

Looking forward to my next visit!

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, Pie
rre.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

Nishinomiya Shrine (西宮神社) & Masa Ichi Inari Shrine (正一位稲荷神社) in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

Shinto shrines in Japan very often are associated with other shrines, especially in harbor cities where the locla worshipoers like to combine them for better fortune.
The other day before I reported on a local festival I found these two shrines in Shimizu Ku (formerly Shimizu City) in Shizuoka City, near Jirochou, one of the oldest and most tradtional areas of the town.

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The main entrance through the torii gate.

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The name plaque having disappeared I was a bit confused about its name first!

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Fortunately a placard was there for explantions!
The shrine name is Nishinomiya/西宮神社. It also has the second name of Abessan and is deicated to the God Ebisu.
It was built between 1596 and 1614!

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A stone lantern has all but disappeared!

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Apparently, its lion guards have also disappeared!

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The main shrine!

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The money offerings wooden box and the rice straw garland are nonetheless well looked after!

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At least the lion guards still strive under the eaves!

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And gracefully laughing!

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The ame of the shrine is clearly written!

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You will find the second smaller shrine on the right!

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Masa Ichi Inari Shrine (正一位稲荷神社)!

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All shrines bearing the name of Inari/稲荷/rice bag, have fox guards!

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Apparently they have to be protected from theft!
Theft is rare in this country, but I noticed many fox statues being protected in the same way!

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The small shrine!

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The rice straw garland is regularly replaced!

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A symbol of prosperity!

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The doors of the shrine were padlocked for a good reason!

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No one wants these cute foxes stolen!

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, Pie
rre.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

Jirochyou O-Mikoshi Parade at Shimizu Harbor Festival!

One more attraction at the Shimizu Harbor Festival in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City was of course the O-Mikoshi Parade held in Jirochou Street, otherwise called “Jirochou Douchuu”!

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The O-Mikoshi arriving through Jirocho Bridge across the Tomoe River!

A mikoshi (神輿 or 御輿) is a divine palanquin (also translated as portable Shinto shrine). Shinto followers believe that it serves as the vehicle to transport a deity in Japan while moving between main shrine and temporary shrine during a festival or when moving to a new shrine. Often, the mikoshi resembles a miniature building, with pillars, walls, a roof, a veranda and a railing.

Roots:
The altar of the harvest festival carried out to the time which repeated migration by hunting and collection is the origin of a mikoshi.
Some theorize that “The origin of Japanese mikoshi is ancient Jewish tabernacle ark”.
Actually, mikoshi and the ark of the covenant do not have much in common. They differ in production and decoration (a phoenix or a crane being very different from cherubim.).

First use:
A mikoshi was believed to have been first used to transport Hachiman to Tōdai-ji temple from Usa Shrine 八幡宇佐宮御託宣集 in 749.

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Arriving to the sound of drums hit by children!

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Slowly moving across the bridge!

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Yo ei! Yo ei!

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Interesting pants!

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The drumming kids are all local!

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Many worshipers form other shrines have come to end a hand!

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The O-Mikoshi belongs to the Shimizu Harbor Association!

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A portable shrine in truth!

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Interesting faces!

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Smiles everywhere!

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Hard work!

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More hard work!

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Waiting for their turns!

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Great support from other shrines!

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Great control!

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First and third generations!

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More faces!

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No age limit!

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The phoenix!

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Beer-guzzling mothers?

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Having a closer look at the drums!

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Overlooking the event!

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Having a closer look at the shrine and its phoenix during a break!

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Great kid!

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Family power!

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Taking a break at Jirochou’s birthplace before starting all over again!

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, Pie
rre.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

Drummers at Shimizu Harbor Festival!

On the first week end of August every year a festival is held in Shimizu Harbor, Shimizu Ku (formerly Shimizu City), Shizuoka City.
I finally managed to visit it on its last yesterday and one of the events that particularly attracted me were the drums played by different local amateur groups!

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I cam early enough to witness the preparations!

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A lot of prep talk as ever!

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Each group brought their own drums!

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Heavy work!

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Getting slowly ready!

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Adjusting their costumes!

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Taking it easy before the action!

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Big smile!

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All set!

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Still smiling on the third day of the festival!

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Kids first!

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Very energetic!

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Bright future!

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The next group had an unusual technique!

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Drumming sideways?

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Back to a more traditional technique!

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Change of colors with the next group!

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Waiting for the signal!

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Age doesn’t matter!

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Cute!

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The men of the next group conferring!

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Smiling faces from the same group!

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Pose!

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The younger members in action first!

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Musical loop next!

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Woman power!

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Adults in action!

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Thank you all!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.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

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Bitter Ale

Yesterday I finally managed some free time to taste Aoi Brewing’s new beer at Aoi Beer Stand in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City: Bitter Ale!

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Bitter Ale is part of Aoi Brewing’s second batch which includes Summer Stout!

Incidentally we will be able to savor the third batch from mid-August with 4 types: Alt, Brown Ale, IPA and Stout!

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Served on tap
Barley, barley hops, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol: 4 degrees
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: orange
Bubbles: very fine. Short head, white
Aroma: discreet and dry. Roasted oats.
Taste: Very refreshing and dry attack.
Roasted oats, bread, hints of oranges.
Pleasantly lingers for a while in back of the palate.
Later appearance of nuts.
Not really as its name would suggest, but dry with some gentle acidity.
Changes little with food but for stronger oranges.

Overall: Very refreshing beer, far better than owner Naoki Mando would admit.
Great thirst-quenching craft beer with a twist!

AOI BREWING

Temporary address:
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

Aoi beer is also available at Aoi Brewery’s two more restaurants in Shizuoka City, namely

420-0852 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Koyamachi Naka Building, 5F
Tel.: 054-293-9331
Opening hours: 17:00~25:00 (Mon.~Thurs.), 17:00~27:00 (Fri & Sat.), 17:00~24:00 (Sun.)
Parties welcome (reserve!)
Credit Cards OK

and Mando:

Mando, Neo Japanesque Bar
420-0031, Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Gofuku Cho, 2-4-6, Mori Blg, 1F
Tel/Fax: 054-221-5103
Business hours: 17:00~26:00
Parties possible on 2F
Credit cards OK

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, Pie
rre.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

Miwa Shrine (三輪神社) in Shizuoka City!

As I was cycling along the Abe River in Shimo (下), Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, I barely noticed this torii gate on my right against the wooded slope!

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Naturally I turned back, got off my bicycle and started exploring the alley between old cedars past the torii gate!

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What is that in the distance?

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Getting nearer!

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A hand-washing stone basin and its awning!

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Very unusual hand washing stone basin!

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Stone lantern at the bottom of a flight of stairs!

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The flight of stairs leading to the main shrine!

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Very much against a steep slope!

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The main shrine!

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The guarding lions!

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The smiling lion guard!

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Its roaring counterpart!

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The money offerings box!

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An offering of red beans from a local farmer!

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The shrine has been used for a long time by local farmer as witnessed by the old photographs!

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The back of the shrine sheltering festival tools and an altar!

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Looking back at the hand washing stone basin downstairs!

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i discovered an older and smaller flight of stairs almost hidden on the right!

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An older and smaller shrine!

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The rice straw garland proves it is still much venerated!

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The roofing is in good repair!

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Looking down at the main shrine!

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Robust roofing there, too!

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Pleasant atmosphere!

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Many old names of local faithfuls!

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I tried to peek inside to look at the altar but it was too dark!

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That is how I found the name of the shrine!

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This seemingly old picture was taken in 1975!

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Rural Japan!

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Good-bye Miwa Shrine!

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, Pie
rre.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

Whirly Twirly Eggplants!

Nature does strange ways to deal with the weather!

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Found this eggplant in Dragon’s family’s garden last Sunday!

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I’d like to talk to the idiot who made the official announcement that this summer would be a cool one!

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The reason for this freak is unusual heat!

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, Pie
rre.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

Okitsuhiko Shrine (興津彦神社) in Shizuoka City!

People tend to overlook Okitsuhiko Shrine (興津彦神社) in Kuruma Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City as it is overshadowed by the enormous torii gate leading to Sengen Shrine on the other side of the street!

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It also tends to be dwarfed by company buildings on both sides and the big traffic running along!

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But the plaque on the torii gate denotes the grand age of the site although it is in very good repair and regularly repainted!

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Apparently it is a shrine dedicated to fire!

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More history to study!

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Some very old votive stones are still preserved on the site!

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An unusual shape for a stone lantern!

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I noticed that same cross pattern in Oi Shrine in Shimada City!

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The shrine all made of stone and concrete!
I understand why it is dedicated to fir!
Impossible to burn down like so many other shrines!

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The rice straw garland seems to regularly replaced!

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An old friend seems to be guarding the place!

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Laughing dragon!

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Lion guards!

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The phoenix is not unusual but the flying female deity is!

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The left lion guard is found on the wall!

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The right side lion guard is accompanied by a younger/smaller one as found in some other shrines!

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There is a phoenix on three of the four walls!

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Unusual sea waves!

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The third phoenix!

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The flying deity reminds so much of the sky spirit at the Matsubara Hagoromo site in Miho, Shimizu Ku!

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Praying or navigating through the clouds?

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Very attractive indeed!

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The back is bare but for a locked steel door!

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Good-bye, Okitsuhiko Shrine!

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, Pie
rre.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

Masaaki Koga, Director of Daidogei Shizuoka World Cup celebrated in France!

Masaaki Koga in Chalon sur Saone 2014

Masaaki Koga, Director for the last 23 years of the Shizuoka Daidogei Street Performance Festival was celebrated in the local newspaper during his annual visit to the C”Chalon dans la rue” Street Performance Festival in Chalon Sur Saone, Bourgogne, France!

MASAAKI-KOGA

“Chalon dans la rue” Street Performances in Chalon sur Saone inspires Japan!

[For Masaaki Koga, Japanese director, “Chalon dans la rue” is a model of originality to import to Japan]

Sitting at a terrace with his team, Massaki Koga is debating which shows to watch on that day. Like many directors he comes to Chalon sur Saone to recruit among the performing troupes, with the difference that his work is comparatively more difficult.
He is the Director of the most important Street Performance Festival in Japan, namely the Shizuoka Daidogei World Cup in Shizuoka, a city of 750,000 souls, which attracts every year 1,500,000 spectators on average as well as 95 troupes, 25 of them international.
Impressive figures on paper they might seem but he is the first to say that street performance festivals and shows are under-developed in Japan. Chalon sur Saone attracts less spectators but for example this year has invited 178 troupes, 23 of them international. A creative pool difficult to imagine in Japan.
But in a norm-conscious Japanese society where the group regulates individuality in all aspects it is difficult to witness the unlimited individuality found in our streets. “To organize a dance show around a bus stop is for instance very complicated. It is a semi private space back home. Therefore you must obtain special authorizations and ensure a regulated distance. Everything is highly controlled by the authorities.” And if a spectator standing atop the bus stop shelter happens to fall down the festival will be held responsible, not the individual.
But Masaaki Koga who has been heading the Daidogei Festival for the last 23 years believes he can import some French cultural dynamism back home in Japan.

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, Pie
rre.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

“Sweetheart” Watermelon and “Godzilla Egg” Watermelon in Shizuoka City!

It is watermelon season in Shizuoka Prefecture and some people like to offer them in strange shapes, but it comes at a price!
Yesterday I noticed this strange combination at the basement supermarket of Cenova Department Store in Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku!!

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fairly small and in the shape of a sweetheart!
I wonder what kind of plastic case it was allowed to grow!

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Grown in Chiba Prefecture!
Sells for almost 70 US $!

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This monster certainly deserves its Godzilla Egg name!

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Grown in Hokkaido island, it fetches almost 100 US $!

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, Pie
rre.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

Fudo No Taki Shrine (不動の滝神社) in Shizuoka City with Waterfalls and Wild Bears!

Along the Abe River, about 10~12 km from the center of Shizuoka City, in Aoi Ku, Ushizuma more exactly is a small waterfall called Fudo No Taki/不動の滝/”The Unmoving Waterfalls” with a small Shinto Shrine which does not really have a real name and is thus named after the waterfalls.
I went there for the second time yesterday for another reason that you will discover right away!

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Can you imagine?

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“熊/Kuma” stands for “wild bears”!

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That is for people who can read Japanese!

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These signs are everywhere around the small car park at the bottom of the narrow lane leading to the waterfalls!
I do believe those signs as I already have had the occasion to eat bear meat in Shizuoka Prefecture!

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And one more sign before the climb announcing the waterfalls!
Do not be too concerned, bears are shy animals.
Just in case keep clapping your hands regularly to announce your intrusion and they will keep away!

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The climb lasts only 300 meters. It is steep but short and thoroughly enjoyable, although I did sweat buckets!

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The water is very clear, clean, cool and tasty!

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Getting near!

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Small but cute waterfalls!

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Thanks to the running water the air will be cooler nad more comfortable even in yesterday’s record heat!

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Photographing is a bit difficult, what with the narrow defile and steep stairs!
Real photographers should bring powerful zooms!

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It is actually possible to walk in the stream and stand under the falling water!

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The small shrine and its torii gate!

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It is quite old but in good repair!

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Interestingly enough the doors were not locked and I could take pictures inside although it was just a bit too dark!

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Sorry but the left side was really dark!

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but the window on the right allowed a nice view onto the waterfalls!

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Apparently it is still regularly used for festivals!

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Good-bye shrine, waterfalls and bears!

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, Pie
rre.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

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Summer Stout

The second batch from Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City is finally available on the tap!

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In the first batch we had the opportunity to taste a Pale Ale, a Summer Ale, an Australian Ale and Slight Stout.
The second batch introduces a Bitter Ale and a Summer Stout!
In all truth we are looking forward to the third batch which bears a lot of promises!

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Served on tap
Barley, barley hops, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol: 4.5 degrees
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: Dark brown
Bubbles: fine. shortish head, light coffee color
Aroma: discreet, caramel
Taste: Very light and soft approach, refreshing.
Dry caramel, bread, hints of coffee beans.
Lingers on for a while on the palate with welcome acidity.
Holds well with food.

Overall: Very refreshing craft beer.
Best drunk less than chilled for full enjoyment.
Great as a summer beer as not overwhelming.
Marked improvement on first batch!
Really looking forward to third batch!

AOI BREWING

Temporary address:
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

Aoi beer is also available at Aoi Brewery’s two more restaurants in Shizuoka City, namely

420-0852 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Koyamachi Naka Building, 5F
Tel.: 054-293-9331
Opening hours: 17:00~25:00 (Mon.~Thurs.), 17:00~27:00 (Fri & Sat.), 17:00~24:00 (Sun.)
Parties welcome (reserve!)
Credit Cards OK

and Mando:

Mando, Neo Japanesque Bar
420-0031, Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Gofuku Cho, 2-4-6, Mori Blg, 1F
Tel/Fax: 054-221-5103
Business hours: 17:00~26:00
Parties possible on 2F
Credit cards OK

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, Pie
rre.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