Category Archives: Shizuoka City

レシピ, 美食, 酒, 蛸, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Health, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Recipes, Restaurants, sashimi, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Prefecture, Shizuoka Seafood, Tourism

Sashimi Plate at Nishiki Izakaya in Shizuoka City!

December 7, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Kind, friendly and attentive if a bit shy
Facilities and equipment: Very clean overall. Excellent washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Higher-level izakaya gastronomy. Superb fish, local for most. Great sake and shochu list.

I have known Chef Yoshiyuki Nishitani for quite some time, back to the years before he decided to fly on his own wings.
It didn’t take im much time to create himself a niche in the highly competitive izakaya scene in Shizuoka City.

Nishiki is a little away from the nightlife hubub of Shizuoka City in Aoi Ku acoss the Showa Street and is cozy with a single long counter propitious to a rich conversation with your neighbors and the chef.

I will have to taste those Kansai-style oden next time as I had little to spare on that particular visit!

There are plenty of sake at Nishiki, including local ones, so I treated myself to a small bottle of Shosetsu brewed by Kanasawagawa Brewery in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

I was given a great snack of re sweet potato and edamame salad while my sashimi plate was being prepared!

The little detail that makes you feel welcome!

The sashimi plate!

Tachiuo Aburi/Seared Scabbard Fish!

Isaki/Chicken Grunt (it’s a fish!)

Kanburi/Winter Amberjack from Northern Kyoto, the only fish of the day not from Shizuoka!

Madago Octopus!

Mebachi/Big-eyed Tuna

Great attention in small succulent details!

Winter Amberjack under skin toro!

And how much did I pay for the sashimi plate, the tidbits and the sake?
24 US $/20 Euros!
At thei level of freshness, quality and variety, izakaya and restaurants in bigger cities will be hard put to serve the same as such a reasonable price!

NISHIKI

Chef: Yoshiyuki Nishitani/西谷喜幸さん

Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa-cho, 2-2-1, Livenet Aoba, 1F
tel.: 054-251-7991
Opening hours: 17:00~02:00
Closed on Tuesdays

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

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

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

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

Recommended Lunch Restaurants In Shizuoka Prefecture: Western (American, European et al. As of December 2013-Added to)

December 7, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Foie Gras Hamburger at BLUE BOOKS cafe in Shizuoka City!

Many people only have time to visit restaurants at lunch and it is certainly not easy to find a restaurant with a better lunch with all those cheap diners around!
Here is the third installment of a series of reports on recommended lunch restaurants in Shizuoka Prefecture which will be classified as follows:
-French
-Italian
-Western (American, European, et al)
-Japanese
-Asian
-Vegan & Vegetarian
-Ethnic
-Healthy

DON KO AN

Service: Kind, smiling, and easy-going if a bit shy at the beginning.
Facilities & Equipment: Very clean overall. Excellent washroom
Prices: reasonable to slightly expensive (beef is not cheap in Japan!)
Strong points: Beef! Roast Beef! Wagyu Beef! Take out and online orders!
Entirely non-smoking!

DON KO AN
Roast Beef Restaurant
Chef: Tastuya Suzuki/鈴木達哉さん
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, baban Cho, 106 (mid way along Sengen Street)
Tel.: 054-251-7002
Fax: 054-251-7019
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~20:30
Closed on Sundays and national Holidays
Entirely non-smoking!
HOMEPAGE

D&DEPARTMENT DINING SHIZUOKA by TAITA

Service: Very friendly and smiling
Facilities: Great iverall cleanliness. Nice washroom
Prices Reasonable
Strong points: American-Western Gastronomy. Large portions. Healthy. Non-smoking until 16:00

D&DEPARTMENT DINING SHIZUOKA by TAITA
D&DEPARTMENT PROJECT in SHIZUOKA by TAITA

Manager: Ms. Chinatsu Mori
422-8034 Shizuoka City, Suruga Ku, Takamatsu, 1-24-10
Tel.: 054-238-6678
Fax: 054-238-6679
Opening hours: 10:00~20:00(Saturdays and Sundays~23:00)
Non-smoking until 16:00
Closed on Tuesdays
Large parking Lot available
HOMEPAGE

TEQUILA’S DINER

Service: Shy but very friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Good general cleanliness
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive but very good value
Strong points: Tex-Mex gastronomy of superior quality. Doubles up as bar in evenings

TEQUILA’S DINER
420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 8-6 (near Aoba Park Street), ACT 7, 1F
Tel.: 054–255-7595
Business hours: 12:00~14:00, 18:00~24:00
Closed on Wednesdays
HOMEPAGE

GOOD OLD TABLE

Service: Very Friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Old but clean. Very clean washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Hamburgers and Tec-Mex gastronomy.

GOOD OLD TABLE
420-0858 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenmacho, 8-15, Asahi Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-273-0707
Opening hours: Monday~Saturday, 11:30~15:00, 18:00~02:00. Sundays. 12:00~22:00

BLUE BOOKS cafe

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!

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

BROCHETTE

Service: Very friendly and great explanations
Equipment and facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Superb Washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Great use of local meats and Vegetables. Very healthy BBQ and brochettes. Excellent reasonable wine list.

AOI BEER STAND

Service: Easy-going and friendly
Facilities: Very clean overall. Beautiful washroom inside Den Bulding.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Craft beers only! Not much food but the best hot dog in the Prefecture!

AOI BEER STAND
420-0847 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki-Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK

DIEGO (Spanish)

Service: Excellent and very friendly
Facilities: Great general cleanliness
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Relaxed atmosphere, reasonable prices and excellent tapas!

DIEGO
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajyo, 1-12-12, Jyouhara Bldg, 102, 静岡市葵区鷹匠1-12-12 篠原ビル102
Tel.: 054-253-0808
Business Hours: 11:30~14:00, 18:00~24:00
Closed on Mondays
Credit Cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

KICHI TO NARU KITCHEN

Service: Smiling, friendly and easy-going
Equipment & Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. Superb washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Very fresh local vegetables. Healthy and filling fusion bistro food. Wines served all day long

Kichi To Naru Kitchen
Chef: Ryo Ogihara
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken-Cho, 5-8, Miraie Shichiken Cho Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-255-5036
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00 (until 24:00 on Saturdays & Sundays)
Closed on Mondays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

Other establishments:
Kichi To Naru Kitchen
Fuji City, Takane Cho, 11-9
Tel.: 0545-57-0111

Kichi To Naru IzakayaALOHA TABLE Hawaiian cafe & Dining
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den Bilg, 2F
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00 (Lunch until 17:00)
Non smoking until 17:00!
HOMEPAGE
Fuji City, Urijima Cho, 108
Tel.: 0545-53-0187

ALOHA TABLE

Service: Friendly and smiling
Facilities and equipment: Great cleanliness overall. Superb washroom on same floor
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Hawaiian gastronomy

ALOHA TABLE Hawaiian cafe & Dining
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den Bilg, 2F
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00 (Lunch until 17:00)
Non smoking until 17:00!
HOMEPAGE

TAKAJYOU PANCAKES By Cafe Studio

Service: Smiling and attentive
Equipment & Facilities: Overall very clean. Superb washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Pancakes! Local vegetables. Healthy food.

Takajyo PANCAKES by Cafe Studio
420-0839 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Takajyo, 1-3-2
Tel.: 054-266-4804
HOMEPAGE
E-mail: cafe-s@rx.tnc.ne.jp
Opening hours: 11:30~21:30
Closed on Tuesdays
Cards OK (from April 2013)

NON-SMOKING… unless you wish to feel like a recluse locked outside!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, Beef, 牛肉, 美食, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Non-smoking restaurants, Photography, Recipes, Recommended Lunch Restaurants, Restaurants, Roast Beef, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Sirloin Roast Beef Lunch at Don Ko An Restaurant In Shizuoka City!

December 7, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Don Ko An has now been in business in Aoi Ku along the Sengen Street< Shizuoka City for the last 15 years and as far as I know they are the only restaurant specializing in Roast Beef in the whole Prefecture!

it certainly has a good reputation in Shizuoka City and since I was visiting Sengen Street yesterday it was only normal I finally visited the place!

The lunch menu was certainly very attractive!

Beautiful noren/暖簾/entrance curtain!

The team (not including Tatsuya Suzuki’s founding father) of two smiling staff, the Chef of the House, 2nd generation Tasuya Suzuki and his spouse!

Part of the lunch menu! And it is a big one!
I chose the 3-slice sirloin roast beef lunch set!
At night there is a Wagyu Roast Beef Dinner available!

There is also a vast choice of take-outs on site and through the Internet!

The three-slices of roast beef lunch set!
Very reasonably priced when you consider the volume!

It comes with green salad,

very healthy Japanese soup,

and steamed white rice!

And the roast beef slices are truly enormous by Japanese standards and by my own!
Great sirloin meat you don’t need a sharp knife to cut through!

And served with grated horseradish!
very healthy actually!

Note: as lunch time is very busy you’d do well to come at 13:00 when customers are not so many!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

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

All Security Bus in Shizuoka City!

December 7, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

I said the other day: “One day I will have to write up a compilation or a full post about advertisements on Buses in Shizuoka!”
Well, that could come sooner than later!
But there is still this “Shark Bus” I keep chasing…

Alsok is probably the biggest security company in Japan and they are nor afraid to advertiSe everywhere!

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, Daikon, 野菜, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Indecent (Well-Hung?) Daikon!

December 6, 2013 dragonlife 2 Comments

No, I didn’t make up this photograph!
I found this interesting daikon at Akutsu Organic Food Store!
This often happens in Organic culture, especially when water is lacking, forcing the daikon to grow more roots!

As you can his friends do not stand the comparison!
All were grown organically in Ishigami Garden, Suruga Ku, Shizuoka City!

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, 酒, 野菜, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, 農業, Fish, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Italian Cuisine, Italian Restaurants, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism, vegetables

Italian Gastronomy: Dinner at Storia in Shizuoka City!

December 6, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Friendly and attentive
Facilities & Equipment: Extremely clean overall. Splendid gender separated washrooms
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Light & mild Italian gastronomy. Great use of local products
Entirely non-smoking!

I hadn’t planned to back to Storia, the newest Italian Restaurant in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, but my worse half suddenly developed an interest for it and we were there for dinner last night!
The Dragon “took care” of the ordering (there were some items I definitely wanted to sample, so I suppose I will have to come again on my own!)!

Storia offers an interesting deal with wine for dinner: if you order a full bottle the House will offer you an appetizer plate!

The appetizer plate!

Parma ham!

Succulent Shizuoka seabream carpaccio with home-made semi-dried tomatoes!

Terrine de campagne!

Chef Koushin Saita/才田亨辰さん has the knack and patience to choose some of the best vegetables in Shizuoka Prefecture and his oven-roasted vegetable plate is a must!

Actually I’m persuaded a vegetarian and even a vegan could enjoy a truly Italian dinner there!

Roasted to the perfect minimum and such beatiful colors!

Do try the home-marinated olives with your wine!

Chef Koushin Saita/才田亨辰さん also specializes in some great meat dishes including game.
It was a bit of a battle but we agreed on the quail legs wrapped in bacon and served with a Marsala sauce!

Some famed yakitori restaurants should take note!

For fish we had a typical fish from Suruga Bay: Isaki/伊佐木/Chicken Grunt (what a name for a fish!)!
Sorry, I took only one picture, busy as I was serving the Missus!

We had a bit of a fight again about the pasta so we left it to Chef Koushin Saita/才田亨辰さん to decide for us!

Beef Ragu Tagliatelle! Another must-try!

Of course we had to have dessert!

Home-made semi freddo ice cream!

And coffee served as it should be!

Note: Contrary to what the Dragon thought, although she loved the food, I love the sheer simplicity of the place. The cuisine is high standards even by Shizuoka standards, and it is traceable!
I especially recommend Storia to ladies, although I plan to go there again on my own! LOL

STORIA
Chef: Koushin Saita/才田亨辰さん
422-8076 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajyo 1-7-13, Espacio Takajyou, 2F
Tel.: 054-260-7552
Opening hours: Lunch-11:30^14:30; Cafe-14:30~18:00, Dinner-18:00~22:30
Closed on Mondays and 2nd Tuesday (the next day in case of National Holiday)
Credit cards OK
Entirely non smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, Chicken, 美食, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Restaurants, Rice, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

American Gastronomy: Jerked Chicken with Coconut Milk & Beans Rice at BLUE BOOKS cafe in Shizuoka City!

December 5, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

A busy place even behind the scenes!

Kawaii/cute staff!

I went for my weekly lunch at BLUE BOOKS cafe in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, as I know that they change half of the lunch menu every week.
I must admit I’m almost in an American gastronomy these days!
Barring some typos (LOL), I ordered the jerked chicken served with rice cooked with coconut milk and beans!

Even the movie was a bit jerky! LOL

Quite a big lunch as it included one drink!

I found the approach very healthy with grilled chicken rice, vegetables and bread!

The rice was really tasty and new to me!

Ceasar salad as usual with Shizuoka-grown vegetables!

A special mark for the carrot bread/pound cake!

And plenty of lemon tea to wash it all down!
I actually had recommended to my neighbor who was new to the place. When she saw it she said “too big!” in English.
She opted for a hamburger. Only then she understood what “big”meant! LOL

See you there again next week?

Credit Cards OK
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
Twitter: @BlueBooksCafe

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

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, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Old Gingko Tree in Kyomizu Shrine in Shizuoka City!

December 5, 2013 dragonlife 2 Comments

Autumn is arguably the best season in Japan for taking photographs of nature both in towns and in rural country as the colors are constantly and fast changing.
You do though have to look around as sometimes one single tree might be a lot more worth than the whole forest!

I had a half hour to spare before cycling back for a rare home lunch so I decided to have a look at Kiyomizu Shrine, a small one with a medium sized park abut a forested cliff in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City.

There wasn’t much in the park so I decided to climb some stairs up to the shrine itself.
The shrine is not that remarkable and I was about to abandon the whole idea when I discovered a tall and ancient gingko tree rising between evergreen trees!

It was really, ancient with a thick bole and many gnarled if straight branches and a whole wig og golden leaves!

The tree being sheltered from most of the wind by the surrounding trees and nearby shrine was taking time shedding its leaves which had started blanketing the ground around it!

I realized that the tree was very old indeed when I discovered unusual outgrowths on a bottom branch looking like thick aerial roots!

Actually, I saw them on a single branch only. I wonder what had started such an unusual growing pattern!

I took this last picture when I climbed the stairs behind it consciously avoiding the aerial eletric wires!

When a single tree is worth a second look!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Shop with Intent by Debbie
BULA KANA in Fiji
Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: 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

レシピ, 美食, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Recommended Lunch Restaurants In Shizuoka Prefecture: Japanese (December 2013)

December 5, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Tempura at Setsugekka in Shimada City!

Many people only have time to visit restaurants at lunch and it is certainly not easy to find a restaurant with a better lunch with all those cheap diners around!
Here is the fourth installment of a series of reports on recommended lunch restaurants in Shizuoka Prefecture which will be classified as follows:
-French
-Italian
-Western (American, European, et al)
-Japanese
-Asian
-Vegan & Vegetarian
-Ethnic
-Healthy

TOTOYA

Service: Friendly and attentivr. Easy-going.
Equipment & Facilities: A bit old but overall very clean. Clean washroom
Prices: Reasonable~Slightly expensive
Strong points: Traditional Japanese gastronomy. Great local fish and seafood. Excellent sake and shochu list. French spoken!

TOTOYA
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenmacho, 8-9, Kubota Building
Tel.: 054-274-0077
Opening hours: 11:30~14:30, 17:00^22:30
Parties welcome
Small private room up to 8 guests, party room for up to 24 guests
Credit cards OK (dinner only but warn them before ordering!)

SETSUGEKKA

Service: Very friendly and attentive
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Beautiful washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: High quality soba. Beautiful tempura. Great local sake

SETSUGEKKA/雪月花
Shimada City, Hontouri, 2-3-4
Tel.: 0547-35-5241
Opening hours: 11:30~14:30, 17:00~22:00
Closed on Monday and third Tuesday
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Entirely non-smoking for lunch!

KIIRO IZAKAYA

Service: Very kind and smiling
Equipment and Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. No shoes allowed inside. Very clean washroom
Prices: Reasonable considering the enormous portions!
Strong points: Pork and tonkatsu!

KIIRO
Shizuoka City, Aoi ku, Takajo, 2-3-2, Sun City Takajo, 1F
Tel.: 054-254-0453
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~22:30
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

TAGATA ZAIRAI SOBA

Service: Smiling and friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Overall extremely clean. Superb washroom if a bit small
Prices: Very reasonable
Strong points: Only native buckwheat used. Good sake and shochu list

TAGATA ZAIRAI SOBA (make sure you understand the address as Tagata is a very common name for restaurants in Japan!)
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa Cho, 3-3-4　(left of Tokai Bldg across the street)
Tel.: 054-251-0707
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~21:00
Closed on Sundays

SOBA SAKE KAWAKATSU

Service: Friendly
Equipment: traditional. Clean. Beautiful toilets
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Very fresh ingredients. Most ingredients not only local but sef-grown or self-raised! Local sake and shochu!
Entirely non-smoking!

Sake Soba Kawakatsu
426-0034, Fujieda Shi, Eki mae, 1-8-4
Tel./Fax: 054-645-1770
Business hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~22:00
Closed on Mondays, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays

EKIMAE MATSUNO SUSHI

Service: Very friendly, attentive and informative
Facilities: Overall clean if a bit old-fashioned
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Mainly local fish and seafood. Local sake. Always ready to improvise!
Entirely non-smoking!

EKIMAE MATSUNO SUSHI/駅前松乃寿
Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Koya Machi, 3-3 (Just in front of Shizuoka JR Railway Station
Tel.: 054-252-0123
Business hours: 11:00~21:00
Closed on Wednesdays and 3rd Tuesday
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Entirely Non-Smoking!

TOMII

Service: Professional and attentive
Equipment: Great overall cleanliness, superb washroom
Prices: Slightly expensive
Strong Points: Refined Japanese gastronomy. Great list of Shizuoka Sake.

TOMII
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa-cho, 1-2-7, Tomii Bldg, 1F
Tel.: 054-274-0666
Business hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:00~22:00
Closed on Sundays

SOBA NO MI

Service: Friendly
Equipment: a bit old but clean
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Very fresh ingredients. Old-fashioned atmosphere
Entirely non-smoking!

Soba No Mi
Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Kawabe Cho, 2-2-3
Tel.: 054-251-8000
Business hours: 11:00~21:00 (or until soba are exhausted)
Closed on Tuesdays and third Wednesdays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

SUMPU NO NKUDOKORO

Service: Friendly, attentive and smiling
Equipment & Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. Beautiful and modern gender-separated washrooms
Prices: Reasonable (wayuu is not cheap anywhere!)
Strong points: Almost completely local ingredients. High class beef and pork. Great local sake and shochu list! Non-smoking at lunch time!

Sumpu No Nikudokoro
Shizuoka Sodachi
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Oote Machi, 2-15, MRK Bldg., 2f (across Cenova Dept. Store above 7 eleven convenience store)
Tel.: 054-251-4129
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:00~23:00
Closed on third Wednesday of each month
Credit Cards OK
Reservations highly recommended for dinner!
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

NARUKAWA SUSHI

Service: Professional and very friendly. Keen to please customers
Facilities: Very clean overall. Great washroom
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Extensive usage of local fish. Shizuoka sake.

NARUKAWA
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryogae-cho, 1-5-2
Tel.: 054-221-1689
Business hours: 11::30~13:30, 17:00~02:00
Closed on Mondays
Credit cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Jpanese)

IZAKAYA HACHOKURA

Service: Friendly
Facilities: Clean
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Lots of fresh local fish and produce. Great range of sake and shochu.

HACHOKURA/八丁蔵
Shizuoka City, Kurogane Cho 48 (inside Shizuoka JR Railway Station), Asty West Building
Tel.: 054-255-8180
Opening hours: 11:00~22:30
Credit Cards OK
Parties welcome
Smoking allowed

KOGAWA HARBOR (YAIZU CITY) CANTEEN

Service: Friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Tradional and clean
Prices: Very Reasonable
Strong points: All fresh fish from Kogawa (Yaizu) fishing harbor!

Kogawa Fishing Harbor Canteen/小川港魚河岸食堂
425-0033 Yaizu Shi, Kogawa, 3392-9
Tel.: 054-624-6868
Business hours: 07:00~14:00
Open all year round except for the New Year and mid-summer O-Bon

YOSHINO

Service: Shy but friendly
Facilities: old but clean. Traditional
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: 10 wari soba. Good list of Shizuoka sake.

YOSHINO
420-0839 Shizuoka Shi, Takajyo, 1-7-10
Tel.: 054-255-3277
Business hours: 11:00 until they run out of buckwheat!
Closed on Tuesdays

CHIGUSA

Service: shy but very friendly
Facilities: traditional but very clean
Prices: reasonable for eels (eels are very expensive in Japan)
Strong points: Eels! Only local fish used! Great view on Hamana Lake

CHIGUSA ちぐさ/千草
Hamamatsu City, kita Ku, Mikkabi Cho, Mikkabi, 1148-10
Tel.: 053-525-0218
Opening hours: 11:00~14:00, 16:00~20:00
Closed on 31st of December and 1st of January only
Reservations strongly recommended
Take-outs OK!
Cards OK
Non-smoking at lunch time
Car park available (30 spaces)
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
BLOG (Japanese)

UKIDONO

Service: Friendly and attentive
Facilities & Equipment: Superb cleanliness overall and beautiful washroom
Prices: Slightly expensive but good value
Strong points: Superb Japanese gastronomy in a beautiful setting. Great list of Shizuoka sake!

UKIDONO
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Koyamachi, 11-1, Fugetsuro
Tel.: 054-2520131
Business hours: 11:30~15:00; 17:00~22:00 (until 21:00 on Sundays)
Closed on Mondays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Credit Cards OK

CHOJIYA

Service: Friendly and informative
Equipment & Facilities: Old but very clean
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Traditional japanese food in a traditional environment full of history!

CHOJIYA
421-0103 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Mariko, 7-10-10 (Take the bus going to Fujieda from North Exit Platform No 7 at Shizuoka JR Station. Get off at Marikobashi Iriguchi stop!)
Opening hours: 11:00~19:00
Closed on Thursdays and last Wedenesday of the month
Entirely non-smoking!
HOMEPAGE (English)

KUROMUGI

Service: Friendly
Equipment: Old but clean
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: 100% soba noodles (ju-wari soba). Traditional Japanese Soba Restaurant.

422-8078 Shizuoka Shi, Suruga Ku, Satsuki Cho, 8-15
Tel.: 054-287-8539
Fax: 054-287-8309
Business hours: 11:30~15:00, 17:00~21:00; 11:30~21:00 (Saturdays)
Closed on Mondays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
MAP(Japanese)

IWA ICHI

Service: Very friendly and easy-going.
Facilities: Very clean overall. Excellent amenities
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Soba of course, but traditional Japanese gastronomy on the whole. Excellent all-rounder.
English spoken!
Non-smoking at tables.

IWA ICHI
420-01816 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Kutsunoya, 3-4-22
Tel.: 054-293-4151
Business hours: 11:30^14:00, 17:30~22:00
Closed on Mondays

TSUDONO ZARU SOBA

Service: Very kind and a bit shy
Equipment & Facilities: Spotless clean. Superb washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Soba! Very Japanese atmosphere.

TSUDONO Zaru Soba
421-2121 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tsudono, 514-2
Tel.: 054-294-1005
Opening hours: 11:00~15:00 or until the soba are sold out!
Closed on Mondays (except on National Holidays)
Car parking available
Entirely non-smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Christmas, 静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, Humor, Japan, Japanese Culture, Life, Life in Japan, Santa Claus, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Scary Santa Claus and Garish Christmas Illuminations in Shizuoka City!

December 4, 2013 dragonlife 4 Comments

Christmas, or Santa Claus, are not a feast but big business in Japan or Shizuoka!
But it can turn the landscapes into dubious spectacles….

On my way to Shizuoka JR Station today I found myself confronted with an “illuminated” Asty Building which is part and parcel of the Railway Station!

Mind you, some do like such illuminations…

What’s that red thing over there?

Somebody told me Santa Claus was using a snowmobile these days…

Look above….

Oh well….

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

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

Mount Fuji Bus in Shizuoka City!

December 4, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

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One day I will have to write up a compilation or a full post about advertisements on Buses in Shizuoka!

I caught this one this evening in front of Shizuoka JR Station but had only the time to take a single picture!

In this case the Prefecture/City is only advertising for the benefit of Shizuoka Tourism!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Education, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Not so Well-mannered Japanese High School Girls….

December 4, 2013 dragonlife 3 Comments

href=”https://shizuokagourmet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/manners.jpg”> SN3O5420

Sitting on the ground in public places, Shizuoka JR Station today in this instance, is a telltale sign of teen rebellion in Japan.
Mind you, I was no model at high school myself and I do empathize.
But the way those two act is counteractive, especially since they wear their uniform.
Albert Camus had the right of it: when his kids were misbehaving, he never punished them but asked why they did so.
A little suggestion for Japanese educators?

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, 美食, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, Fish, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Restaurants, seafood, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Shizuoka Seafood, Tourism, tuna

Japanese Gastronomy: Lunch at Totoya in Shizuoka City!

December 4, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

I had been intrigued by this particular Japanese restaurant as it has stood for a long time in a location near my work. I knew it was a busy place but I just couldn’t get the opportunity to give it a try!

As I cycled past it I noticed they were also busy at lunch time, usually a good sign at such an establishment!

Great noren/暖簾/Entrance curtain with a big catfish!

I discovered these karasumi/botarga/boutargue/mullet roe drying just past the entrance! The fish were caught in Suruga Bay off Numazu harbor! It confirmed the good impression!
And I had a really unusual surprise: I found out that the lady serving me was speaking fluent French! A rarity as she is only the second such lady I know work for a Japanese restaurant in Shizuoka City!

One can eat on four different floors in a very traditional Japanese atmosphere depending on priorities and affluence!

I had lunch on the second floor for my first visit but next time I might be tempted to eat at the minuscule counter on the first floor to have a good look at the chefs!

I opted for the full lunch “Totoya Zen/ととや膳” to taste as many things as possible!

here is my lunch, although two more dishes came later!

Steamed rice and cold hijiki seaweed kinpira!

I looked at my neigbors’ other orders and I found out they were even bigger than mine! Very generous portions indeed!

Red miso soup and home-made pickles!

A Shizuoka specialty: Sakura ebi kakiage/Cherry shrimps deep-fried in batter!

Tuna skin salad with vinegar and miso dressing!

The sashimi plate and the salmon roe!

Bottom left to right: uni/sea urchin, tako/octopus
Second row: hotate/scallops, kanburi/winter amberjack
Back row: freshly caught sakura ebi/cherry shrimps

Actually my neighbors ask for them as a supplement when they saw served to me! Obviously they were not from Shizuoka as they ate them one at a time!

A specialty at Totoya! Broiled tuna cheek!

Another sign of excellence: Succulent home-made almond blanc manger!

I’ll have to go there alone in my own good time in the evening again soon!
Until then…!

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

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

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 7

December 4, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

My friend Atsuko Kurata discovered this old manhole cover in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City.
“出雲式” or (“Bursting Cloud Systme”) was apparently developed by a single company called Miyoshi Shokai.

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 again 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!
I’m pretty sure that we should be able to come with a “Ten Best” very soon, at least for the year 2013!

Actually I have found some interesting sources of defunct and live Japanese blogs which should direct me to dozens more soon in the whole Prefecture!
Some are real works of art!
Keep tight!

Until then the present post will be slightly “technical”!

Atsuko found the above and the two below in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City.
They seem different but they are actually the same type!

They seem to point in different in different directions.

They seem to do so, but in fact the outer rim is fixed whereas the cover is movable!

I found this in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City.
I wonder what a “gas bulb” stands for?

Another very large rectangular manhole cover in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

I found this one in front of the Shizuoka Main Police Station in Aoi Ku.
It was produced by Kaneso Foundry Co.
It seems that the police have their very own manhole covers as the character “警” of “警察” meaning “police” tends to indicate!

Another,almost rare, old type in Aoi ku, Shizuoka City!

It was made by yet another foundry called Daidore Co Ltd.

A very large one for Chubu Denryoku Electric Company in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

Not all the manhole covers of Chubu Denryoku/中部電力” are marked such!

A smaller one with an indicator in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

This is a reminder of a type found in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City which comes in different color or with none, and can be subdivided into groups, one station “shi no hana aoi/市の花葵”/”Shizuoka Flower: Hollyhock” or with a “T” foolwed by a number!

No color and “T-14”!

No color and “T-25”!

A medium-sized one for a fire hydrant in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

We see more and more of these large ones blending into the surrounding decor in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

The same type as above blending into the surroundings but for NTT/National Telephone & Telegraph Co.in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

I don’t have a clue what ” Gas P” stands for!

Some beauties coming next!

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Culture, Environment, 静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, Hiroshige, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Statues, Tourism, Ukiyo-e

Hiroshige Wood Block Prints for All in Gofuku Cho Street in Shizuoka City! 31~45

December 3, 2013 dragonlife 2 Comments

Wood Block Print 31)
Hamamatsu (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 45 (at the final check today!) of them daily if you walk along Gofuku Cho Street?

I’m preparing a total compilation of the ukiyo-e only, including the ones missing, that is a total of 53+2= 57!

Before I proceed with the last ukiyo-e of this series I want to show you a few more pictures of art works created with them!

Gofuku Cho Street Sign at the entrance of Gofuku Cho Street!

Double bar bench?

Geisha’s Face!

Geisha and Suitor’s faces!

Alright, let’s proceed to the pedestals and wood block prints!

Pedestal 31)
Geisha in the Wind!

Pedestal 32)
Traveling Porter!

Wood Block Print 32)
27th Station: Fukuroi (Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

Pedestal 33)
Traveling Mother and Child!

Wood Block Print 33)
25th Station: Nissaka (presently in Kakekagawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

Pedestal 34)
Shamisen-Playing Geisha!

Wood Block Print 34)
23rd Station: Shimada (Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

Pedestal 35)
Mother Carrying Child on her Back!

Wood Block Print 35)
21st Station: Okabe (presently in Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

Pedestal 36)
Mother Carrying her Son on her Back!

Wood Block Print 36)
19th Station: Fuchu (presently Shizuoka City)!

Pedestal 37)
Two-Sword Samurai in the Wind!

Wood Block Print 37)
17th Station: Okitsu (presently in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City)!

Pedestal 38)
Housewife!

Wood Block Print 38)
10th Station: Hakone (Hakone, Kanagawa prefecture)!

Pedestal 39)
Farmer’s Wife Carrying Produce on her Head and Son on her back!

Wood Block Print 39)
5th Station: Totsuka (presently Totsuka Ku, Yokohamam City, Kanagawa Prefecture)!

Pedestal 40)
Porter!

Wood Block Print 40)
2nd Station: Kawasaki (Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture)!

Pedestal 41)
Resting Mother and Two Children!

Wood Block Print 41)
Not a Station but the starting point at Nihonbashi, The Bridge o Japan in Edo (presently Tokyo)!

Pedestal 42)
Young Girl with Umbrella!

Wood Block Print 42)
1st Station: Shinagawa (presently in Tokyo)!

Pedestal 43)
Horse Rider!

Wood Block Print 43)
4th Station: Hodogaya (presently Hodogaya Ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)!

Pedestal 44)
Mother Carrying Child on her Back under Unbrella!

Wood Block Print 44)
6th Station: Fujisawa (Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture)!

Pedestal 45)
Mother and Grandmother Playing with Child!

Wood Block Print 45)
11th Station: Mishiima (Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City