Category Archives: Shizuoka Prefecture

Japan, Japan Gastronomy, Matcha Tea, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Taiyaki, Yakisoba

Matcha Tea Taiyaki, Oden & Yakisoba at Taiyakiya in Ieyama, Shimada City!

February 17, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Shy but very friendly
Equipment & facilities: Old but very clean. Excellent washroom.
Prices: Very reasonable
Strong points: Matcha Tea Taiyaki, Shizuoka-Style Oden, Yakisoba, Ramen.

Many visitors, local or tourists, make a point to stop at Ieyama Station along the OOi River Railway Line for many reasons.
One of them is a place where they make rare taiyaki with a dough mixed with local green tea matcha powder.
Incidentally the region is famed all over Japan for its green tea!

Taiyakiya takes years back into old Japan. It is more than 50 year old in any case, although the washroom has been renovated.
As for the rest it is typical Japan of the 1960’S!

The owner, a second generation, must be the most photographed local personality as TV from as far as Tokyo come for regular shows!
He and his wife are a bit shy but so kind and attentive!

Their takiyaki are enormous by Japanese standards, The husband cook them and his wife cut them!
“Taiyaki” is called such because “tai” means “seabream”, a symbol of abundance, and “yaki” for “baked/grilled/cooked”!

If you do not eat them on site they will be carefully packed in a tea green paper bag to take back home or on your trip! (140 yen a piece/1.20 US$/1.10 Euro in 2016)

In fact they will wrapped twice!

Enormous taiyaki! The green color will start fading with the decrease of temperature, so take photos of them out of the plaque!

They are filled with sweet, but not cloy, red bean paste called “anko/餡子” in Japanese! The chef explained that he tried a long time ago to fill them with white bean paste mixed with matcha tea, but it just did not work!

Ieyama can be cold in winter and their oden are very popular, especially the locals!

Typical very dark Shizuoka-style oden! (80 yen a piece/0.70 US$, 0.65 Euro in 2016)

Served with “aonori/dry seaweed and dry fish” powder mixture and hot Japanese mustard in typical Shizuoka fashion!

The chef just moves to another hot plate for yakisoba!

Enormous serving for a ridiculously low price! (450 yen/4 US $/3.50 Euros in 2016)

Interestingly enough, the owners expect you to share it and provide small plates for you and friends!

To tell the truth I ate it all by myself!

Japanese yakisoba is a cross between Chinese fried noodles and western pasta, so they should please everyone!
Next time I will sample their ramen!

TAIYAKIYA/たいやきや

428-0104 Shimada City, Kawane Cho, Ieyama, 668-3
Tel.: 0547-53-2275
Opening hours: 10:00~15:30
Closed on Thursdays (sometimes closed on Wednesdays and 3rd Sunday of the month)
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

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Backpackers Hotel, Backpackers Hotel in Japan, Japan, Japan Tourism, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Backpackers’ Hotel: Momotaro International House in Shizuoka City!

February 13, 2016 dragonlife 1 Comment

All pictures taken by Robert-Gilles Martineau with the authorization of Momotaro International House.

Service: Smiling & very friendly. English spoken
Equipment & Facilities: Overall great cleanliness. Non-smoking. All basic equipment and more than usual. Excellent modern washroom
Prices: Very reasonable
Strong points: Short and long stays OK. Practical location in Shizuoka City. Close access to all shops. Personalized service

Yes, you can find cheap backpackers hotels of a higher level than usual in Shizuoka City!
One such place is “Momotaro International House”
It is located about 20 minutes walk straight away from Shizuoka JR Station at the entrance of Sengen Shrine Street.
Once you reach the big red torii/sacred gate at the entrance of the main street look for the entrance of the backpackers hotel on the left hand side!

It is a thin tall building whose entrance is clearly marked!

That’s the place!
Walk upstairs or use the elevator if your luggage is a bit too heavy!

You will find the reception office on the second floor where English-speaking Mrs. Shizuka Nishibata/西畑静佳さん will be waiting for you!
Check the many free pamphlets there for an enjoyable stay in Shizuoka City and Prefecture!
Don’t hesitate to ask question about the current events and attractions of our region!

Small common office space on the third floor.
Floors are separated by genders. The third floor is for gentlemen, the fourth floor for ladies.

All in all, there 9 rooms to cater for 13 persons.

The third floor for gentlemen.
Note that guests are requested to take off their shoes beforehand. Easy shoes are provided for quick outings for shopping, etc.

Hot shower room!

Computerized toilets with washlet and others!

Full laundry room!

Fully equipped kitchen!

Single room on the men’s floor!

Each room has a small desk and refrigerator!

And a TV set!

Bear in mind that due to the strict hotel fire safety rules in Japan rooms in such hotels cannot be completely separated, hence the narrow, but fenced, opening between the partitions and the ceiling! Guests are kindly asked to limit noise to the lowest possible level.

Each floor is equipped with a space for drying clothes.

A double-bunk bedroom on the Ladies floor!

Now, the ladies floor laundry room has been better equipped to satisfy basic ladies’ needs!

Actually, the ladies’ common room is more comfortable than the Men’s!

The kitchen is also of a different design!

A little finishing touch for the ladies’ floor!

FACILITIES

Air conditioning. Bicycle parking & rental. Common rooms. Elevator. Free city maps. Free internet access. Free WiFi. Hair dryers. Hair dryers for hire. Hot showers. Housekeeping. Internet access. Self-catering facilities. Linen included. Luggage storage. Reading light and desk. Tea & Coffee making facilities. Towels for hire. Washing machine.

POLICIES

Breakfast not included. Pets and children are not allowed. Credit cards not accepted. Payment all in cash. Non smoking. Taxes included. No parking available.

Boarding availability: 9 rooms for a maximum of 13 guests.

BOOKINGS

By e-mail: shizuka03032006@yahoo.co.jp

Through FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MOMOTARO.I.H/?fref=ts

By phone (only in emergencies): 054-266-6654

ROOM RATES

Small single private: 3,150 yen per day, 18,900 yen per week, 40,000 yen per month
Standard single private: 3,360 yen per day, 20,160 yen per week, 47,670 yen per month
Double-bunk room (per person): 2,625 yen per day, 15,750 yen per week, 38,600 yen per month
All guests must provide ID (passport or driver’s license) on arrival.
Monthly guest will be requested to pay a 30,000 yen deposit.

ADDRESS

117-1, Baban Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, Japan 420-0867
Reception open from 08:00 to nightfall
From Shizuoka Station (north exit)
-Only 5 minutes by bus (100 yen). No 9 bus stop (Buses No 109~119, 124, 125, & 127). Get off at “nakacho” bus stop and 2 minutes walk.
-15~20 minutes on foot. Just keep walking along Miyuki Street

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Shizuoka Green Tea Shochu: Hachijyuhachiya Chakkiri Bushi!

February 12, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Shizuoka Green Tea has been overused, and this in very dubious ways, all over Japan to create so-called “true Shizuoka Green Tea products” although not made inside our Prefecture and with untraceable ingredients.
Hachijyuhachiya Chakkiri Bushi by Fujinishiki Brewery in Fujinomiya City is the only authentic Shizuoka Green Tea Shochu. Full stop!

Accordingly Fujinishiki Brewery is the only one to dare advertising it as such in no uncertain terms: 静岡茶焼酎/Shizuoka Cha Shochu/Shizuoka Green Tea Shochu!

Rice shochu/rice honkaku shochu
Rice white lees
Tokugawa Yukari no Honyama Cha Tea variety only used
Tea leaves: at least 10% of total volume of ingredients.
Single distilling method
Alcohol: 25 degrees

Clarity: very clear
Color: transparent
Aroma: dry and fruity. Green tea.greens
Body: very fluid
Taste: dry and fruity attack.
Very marked green tea leaves.
Lingers for quite a while on the palate with green tea expanding with its temperature rising inside the mouth.
Extremely elegant and easy to drink.

Overall: A rare, elegant and intriguing shochu!
The rare kind that even ladies would drink straight at any time of an evening or of a celebration.
Thoroughly enjoyable at any temperature or on the rocks, although best on its own.
Will beautifully marry with any food.
A splendid gift to offer anywhere in Japan and overseas!

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Atami City: The Hot Springs City of Yore in Shizuoka Prefecture!

February 9, 2016 dragonlife 1 Comment

All photos taken by Robert-Gilles Martineau

Atami must be the most famous hot springs city in Shizuoka Prefecture and in Japan! And one of the oldest to boot.
It has always been a favorite destination for Tokyoites in particular.
Shizuoka people do visit the city but in markedly smaller numbers.
The main reason for this state of affairs is that Atami is at the eastern extremity of the Prefecture.

The welcoming hot spring just outside the JR Railway Station.

The City counts 7 different hot springs more or less connected to Mount Fuji.
Be careful not to touch the water! It is truly scalding hot!

But you can take a foot bath at a reasonable temperature.
Bear in mind that at 16:00 the bath will be emptied!

If you don’t believe me, take a plunge! You won’t come back alive! It does look hellish, after all!

The city is celebrated for its plum tree flowers especially in February (and March if you are lucky!)!

One main attraction is the MOA Museum. You had better take a day bus ticket to keep expenses low as the city is half along the coast, half perched on top of steep cliffs. Walking is just a bit too tough. Bus is best!

One can enjoy great vistas from the MOA Museum and other sites atop the nearby mountains!

The park around the Museum is worth a leisurely walk in all seasons!

There are some great photos to be taken outside!
Unfortunately the inside is almost completely prohibited to cameras!

Inside the museum lobby.

Do have a look at the vistas from inside!

One of the rare sights allowed to photographers!

A grand view of the Atami Harbor! The locals call it the Japanese Napoli! LOL

The actual entry of the Museum!

They also have plenty of plum trees in their own park stretching over the mountain slopes.

Difficult to right focus!

It is a vast park that provides with plenty of physical exercise!

What did I tell you?

Next we shall visit the local markets!

Botarga/Mullet Roe/Karasumi/カラスミ!

The shopping streets in Atami City are quite old-fashioned. You almost seem to slipped back 30 years when you stroll along them browsing old-fashioned shops of every kind.

Once out of Atami JR station you will find two parallel streets going down sharply on the right. There you will find the epitome of land and sea products of the region.
Will you follow me?

Atami is located at the northern tip of Izu Peninsula, which means an access to an incredible number of fish. Can you believe that Shizuoka produces 50% of all dried and semi-dried fish in Japan?
And of a great quality!

These dried fish are shirasu/白子/sardine whiting. Rare of that size (and not cheap!)!

The himono/干物/dried fish on the left are not cheap either: globefish/fugu/河豚!

One Japanese confectionery typical of Atami is Onsen Manju!

Onsen manju/温泉万寿/means hot spring steamed sweetmeat cake. Many shops are competing with each other!

A great array of fresh fish paste cakes you eat either as they are, or as oden! Very tasty!

A giant Japanese brochette! The sign says to be careful and not to push the display with your hands (apparently some did with a disastrous result!)!

One great thing about Japan is that most (Japanese-style) restaurants display their cuisine as plastic models in their shop windows! At least you have a good idea of what is available!

More seafood left out to dry to become tasty himono! Traceabilty guaranteed!

More, including rare tuna himono (bottom right)!

Now, the beautiful kinmedai/金目鯛 (Top right) is expensive (but not by Tokyo standards!)!

Izu Peninsula and Atami City are also famous for all kinds of citruses!

Golden oranges/貴金柑 (front) are beautiful and expensive!
They tend to come up with a new variety every year in that region!

Now, if you want to eat sushi, you will know that the seafood is fresh!

Although this is a sushi chain of the cheaper kind, they have the merit to explain clearly the varieties and the prices (very reasonable!)!

Now, what are these?

Karasumi/カラスミ/Botarga, or mullet roe! You can find anything more traceable. This is a truly expensive gastronomic marvel, even in Shizuoka!

A last long look at the shops and then we’ll go to another tourist attraction!

Atami resort harbor/marina.

Strolling in Atami City, that is in the downtown area by the sea can be interesting indeed if you know where to look!

Don’t look up but down for directions!

Difficult to get lost!

There are 7 hot springs (including the one in front of the JR station), but I couldn’t find them all…

3rd one. Don’t put your hand inside!

4th one. The temperature was alright!

The 5th one. A little beauty!
I couldn’t find the last two. Pity, when you realize they have been used for hundreds of years!

The other major Atami attraction is the Baien Koen/梅園公園/plum tree Park!
It was created more than 120 years ago and subsequently donated to the city!
Let’ take a stroll!

I forgot to check how many kinds are planted there. I can assure you you need a few visits to exhaust them all!

Now, this is Japan!

Take your time and enjoy the sights!

Flower trees everywhere. You should come on bright sunny day!

A man-made waterfall! Great in summer!

A view from “inside” the waterfall!

Plum tree blooms…

Interesting tree…

Beautiful color!

Can you see the daffodils?
Spring is near and we shall to think and come back again in the summer!

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Shizuoka Craft Beer: Baird Beer The Carpenter’s Mikan Ale (Tasted at Hug Coffee Espresso in Shizuoka City!)

February 1, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Hug Coffee Espresso Roaster just behind Cenova Department Store in Shizuoka City is known for serving limited brews by Baird Beer (Shuzenji, Shizuoka Prefeｃture) and I certainly never miss them!

The latest one: The Carpenter’s Mikan Ale!

“Mikan” are mandarin oranges grown in Shizuoka Prefecture!

Name: Baird Beer The Carpenter’s Mikあｎ Ale
Bottle contents: 330 ml
Wheat, wheat malt, mikan (mandarin oranges), hops, sugars, yeast
Double fermentation
Unfiltered
ABV: 7%

Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. creamy, white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: orange
Aroma: very fresh, dry and fruity. Oranges, faint biscuits
Taste: Dry and fruity attack.
Oranges.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a more acid note and more oranges and lemon.
Sweetish biscuits tend to appear before leaving place to dry oranges.

Overall: Splendid craft fruit beer!
Great balance with a remarkable acid finish.
Very elegant for a fruit craft beer!
Will please every gender of any age all year round (that is if it is still available!)!
Another beauty by Baird Beer!

HUG COFFEE ESPRESSO ROASTER

420-0857 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenma Cho, 8-1-1, Sunrose Bldg., 1F, No. 1-2-8
Opening hours: 12:00~24:00
Closed on Tuesdays
Non-smoking!
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK

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Local Reasonable Wagyu Beef at Sumpu No Nikudokoro Restaurant in Shizuoka City!

January 7, 2016 dragonlife 1 Comment

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!

I had been curious for some time about a new restaurant which had been opened three years ago above a convenience store of all things this year when the far corner across Cenova Department Store in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, was reclaimed for development.

The name of the restaurant is “Sumpu No Nikudokoro/駿府の肉処”. Sumpu stands for the old name of Shizuoka City and Nikudokoro means “the Place for Meat”!
Pity they don’t take the pains of at least writing the English pronunciation when you hear that Shizuoka Prefecture and City have recently declared to promote tourism more actively…

I had noticed this advert for a single donburi/bowl dish priced at 800 yen/8 US $/6 Euros for quite a while and I had thought that the place was maybe a very reasonable and simple restaurant subsidized by the Shizuoka Prefecture Government, the Agriculture Department in particular. I was proved slightly wrong!

Frankly speaking the lack of explanations and introductions on the ground floor was a bit frustrating and I was somewhat surprised to find out after climbing nondescript stairs to stand in front of small but elegant entrance!

An the surprises only continued after I had stepped inside!
Wow! Special Wagyu certified from Shizuoka Prefecture!
Actually no less than 12 breeders have been awarded the distinction in our Prefecture!

They were not shy about exhibiting the meat used in the restaurant, a sure sign of superior quality!

Then I started to understand!
Wagyu is horribly expensive in Japan, wherever it is produced and moreover if it has received the label ‘Special Choice” by the Government!

The restaurant is owned and run by the Shizuoka JA (Japan Agriculture), the biggest Agricultural Association in Shizuoka Prefecture (and also heavily subsidized by the country!)!
Now, I knew why the prices were still comparatively reasonable, even for local products!

The establishment is absolutely spotless clean with a direct view into the kitchen! Talk about superior hygiene!

Not only the meat, but most of the sake and shochu are also brewed in Shizuoka Prefecture!

There are three types of seating: A counter by the window, very practical for individual guests or couples, benches and tables for 4 people apiece and a dig-in kotatsu Japanese room you can partly or completely reserved for a meal away from other guests’ sight (500 yen extra per person in that case). The Japanese room can be completely reserved for up to 8 guests. Otherwise parties up to 26 guests are accepted. Total reservation can be insured for up to 66 guests.

The sliding doors of the private Japanese-style room.

My first visit was for lunch at which you can a choice of single bowl dishes between 800 and 980 yen (very popular with office workers and doctors working nearby!), and three meat lunch sets between 1,200 yen and 3,000 yen. I chose the latter, which at 25 US $ is still very reasonable!

Next time I will strongly suggest that they write an English translation!

Not only the wasabi (of course!) but even the salt is local!

Supreme fat to coat the BBQ plate with before grilling the meat and vegetables! Extravagant!

Absolutely beautiful!
Now, what do we have?

Two kinds of Wagyu Beef and Kinton-o Pork form Shizuoka Prefecture!
Actually our Prefecture is nationally renown for its supreme pork!

They need to translate that, too!
It does make for good reading, actually!

In the bckground lean Wagyu Beef and in the forefront Kinton-O Pork!

Great attentions to detail: served with grilled garlic slices and chopped thin scallions!

Naturally the vegetables are exclusively local!

Local vegetable salad and Shizuoka green tea as a bavarois with jelly!

Shizuoka-grown Koshihikari rice! A real beauty!

They should translate that too in English:
Shizuoka Koshikari rice is the earliest to be harvested in the island of Honshu: planted in April, rice grains appear in July and the rice is harvested end of August!
It is nicknamed “Pearl Rice”!

A light soup, perfect to wash all that good food down!

100% Shizuoka orange juice! The real article!

You grill everything at your own pace and order!

So tender and so juicy Wagyu Beef!
What else can you ask for?

Look forward to more reports as I want to investigate some of the ridiculously cheap meat bowl lunches and of course a full dinner with local sake and shochu!

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)

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Shizuoka Sake Tasting: One-Cup Series 14): Shidaizumi Brewery-Nyan Cup Shidaizumi Junmai Ginjo

December 25, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

A very interesting and reasonable way to taste sake is to acquire one-cup sake!
They also make for cute collection of glasses or cups!

Now, this is the sixth tasting of the second batch of Shizuoka Prefecture One Cup Sake I obtained at Matsuzakaya Department Store in Shizuoka City!

Shidaizumi Brewery-Nyan Cup Shidaizumi Junmai Ginjo!
Actually, this is the original Nyan Cup which has now 4 different types all with different sake inside!

If you look at the inside of cup once empty you will find out that the cats look at with different eyes!

Rice: Yamada Nishiki
Rice milled down to 55%
Alcohol: 16 degrees
Bottled in July 2015

Clarity: very clear
Color: very faint golden hue
Aroma: assertive, dry and fruity.
Banana, pears, custard, green apple.
Body: fluid, a little sirupy
Taste: dry and very fruity attack backed up with puissant junmai petillant.
Complex. Bananas, dry oranges, faint almonds.
Lingers only for a little while before departing on a drier note with drier chocolate, custard and mandarin oranges.
Oranges and coffee beans will make a surprise appearance once in a while.
Turns drier with food with faint coffee beans appearing.
Stays dry all the way through with plenty of junmai petillant.

Overall: very elegant and extravagant one cup sake!
　　　　　I wonder if people understand its real value as a premium sake and as a splendid souvenir!
To take with you on any trip and to forget the crowds!
No wonder it sells out so quickly!

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Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Hollyhock Christmas Ale

December 17, 2015 dragonlife 1 Comment

Christmas is around the corner and Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City has put out or the second year running a special craft beer to commemorate the event!

Hollyhock Christmas Ale!
“Hollyhock” means “Aoi” or “Tachi Aoi” in Japanese and is the symbol flower of Shizuoka City!
Actually I had suggested that name myself when Aoi Brewing was looking for names for its beers back last year in June!

The truth is that the secret name given to that Strong Belgian Type Ale is “Dozen Roses Ales” as it includes 12 different main ingredients!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Munich malt, Crystal malt dark, Chocolate malt, Australian Galaxy hop, Styrian Golding malt, Coriander, Orange peels, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Vanilla beans, Sugars, live yeast.
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 10%
IBU: 31
Natural carbonation
Production: 450 liters
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Shortish head. White color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: dark amber
Aroma:Light, dry and fruity. Biscuits, citrus
Taste: Soft, deep and dry attack with only a little acidity.
Complex: oranges, citruses, honey, cinnamon, biscuits.
Big gap between aroma and actual taste due to high alcohol contents.
lingers long enough for true tasting before leaving on more dry honey, citruses and cinnamon.
Citruses and persimmons surging back with every sip.
becomes even more complex as its temperature rises.

Overall: generous and extravagant ale!
Very deep and complex craft beer.
Although tasted fist only slightly chilled, performs best at room temperature .
To be savored slowly!
Should please both genders of any age in spite of its alcohol contents!
Suggested pairings: pickles, salami, cheese.
To be expected every year before Christmas!

Beer Junkie MOTEL

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 11-5, IMAKKOKO Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-253-6558
Opening hours: 17:00~25:00, 17:00~26:00 (Saturday), 15:00~22:00 (Sunday)
Closed on Tuesday
Parties welcome
FACEBOOK

BEER GARAGE

Aoi Brewing Co.,Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyagasaki Chyo, 30
Tel.: 054-294-8911
Opening hours: 17:00~23:00 (Monday~Friday), 15:00~23:00 (Saturday), 15:00~22:00 (Sunday)
Closed on Tuesdays
COD, Cash On Delivery only for all orders.
MAP
FACEBOOK

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

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

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
FACEBOOK

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Airbnb: “Shimada Ieyama Shounso” with Osamu Kurosawa’s in Ieyama, Shimada City

December 15, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Mr. Osamu Kurosawa, a very old friend of mine, decided after retirement as an officer at the Shizuoka Municipal Library to buy an old farm house in Ieyama, Shimada City for a meaningful life, now that he has plenty of time not only to really enjoy it but to make other people also share his pleasure.
Osamu is actually the recognized expert on Shizuoka, especially Shizuoka City, history and culture and has already published a number of books and papers on it.
He does not intend whatsoever to rest on his laurels and has embarked on a mission to promote the town he is presently living in.
He has just registered his home a member of Japanese Airbnb under the name, “Shimada Ieyama Shounso”, to provide cheap accommodation with all necessary facilities for people and tourists wishing to experience the real Japanese rural life in the “outback” of Shizuoka Prefecture!

The small farmhouse has been completely refurbished for comfort and everyday life at a walking distance from Ieyama Station along the Oigawa Railway Line extending from Kanaya, Shimada City to Ikawa in the Japanese Southern Alps!

The view from the first floor entrance!

It stands by real tea fields of Kawane, producing top-class green tea in Japan!

The entrance itself gives a good indication of what to expect inside!

Ask Osamu to translate his own life’s philosophy!

I have already described the interior during my first visit and second visit.
The place has been considerably reformed since, especially the kitchen and the tatami room here above!

The guest room on the second floor! Sorry, it was a bit dark when I visited it!

It has its own terrace!

A real Japanese atmosphere!

The place is still full of artifacts and real history and antiques that Osamu will have a pleasure to introduce to all!

But my favorite place is still the Japanese traditional hearth (irori/囲炉裏), whatever the season!

Always ready for a cooking fire!

A landscape pot made with local wild plants!

Osamu went as far as to create his own coasters and under-plates!

For that particular visit I had brought a very unusual sake from Niigata prefecture for Osamu who is a great lover of good food drink!

We shared around a barbecue of enormous chicken wings cooked over charcoal!

Looking forward to the next visit!

Do visit Osamu Kurosawa on his FACEBOOK blog as he is fluent in English and Spanish!

OSAMU KUROSWA/黒澤修さん

Shimada City, Kawane Cho, Ieyama, 763-2
Tel.: 09085525739

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Heda, Izu Peninsula, Japan, Japan Tourism, Shizuoka Prefecture

Heda, a secret cove off the beaten tracks in Izu Peninsula

December 10, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Heda, a harbor tucked away inside an almost closed cove is the epitome of what Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture has best to offer to any tourist, be he/she Japanese or from distant shores!
-A resort off the beaten tracks.
-A spa renowned for its thermal hot springs.
-A major fishing harbor part of Numazu City, one of the main providers of seafood to Tokyo.
-Arguably one of the best spots to admire Mount Fuji in the whole of Japan!
-A gastronomic venture with its deep-sea fish and marine life including the largest crab in the world, Takaashigani/高足蟹/Japanese Spider Crab!
-History: It was visited in 1854 by the Russian frigate Diana of the Imperial Russian Navy, the flagship of the Russian explorer Yevfimy Putyatin when it was damaged in a tsunami, following the powerful Ansei-Tōkai earthquake of 23 December 1854. The Diana sank while sailing from Shimoda to Heda for repairs!

Board in front of the tiny but extremely useful Heda Tourist Bureau.

Before I can extol on the reasons to visit the village let me explain the easy access:
Go down at Mishima JR Station (Shinkasen Bullet Train Stop) and proceed to the neighboring Izu Hakone Line Station (right of the Mishima JR Station South Exit). Board the local train/Izu Hakone Line to Shyuzenji (30 minutes, 510 yen). Take a bus from Shuzenji Station, terminal No 6 to Heda (54 minutes, 1,000 yen).
The bus will reach Heda just beside the Tourist Bureau you ought to visit to get as much information and as many pamphlets as possible from the very kind staff!

First of all, Heda is a paradise for photographers, amateur and professional alike, who can take innumerable shots of Mount Fuji from various view spots all year round as the sacred mountain is changing its robes daily!

In Autumn, one may sight Mount Fuji as a dark and mysterious figure shrouded in mists looming beyond the sea.

Sometimes it does look as surging out blue expanses!

At dusk it will be blurred out of the sky by magnificent sunsets irreverently crossed by returning squid fishing boats!

Once you have managed to take your eyes off Mount Fuji you will realize that the cove itself is also worth clicking away all day long!
In the middle of November the surrounding mountains will explode into autumnal colors and the first snow will don a cap to the faraway Mount Fuji!
But before you linger on the inside beach let me take to the tiny Shipyard and Suruga Bay Deep-Sea Museum past the old lighthouse!

It is an old and almost decrepit building, the more when you realize that the various monuments left and donated by the Soviet Government date back to 1947!
But the entrance fee is a mere 200 yen as the Museum is managed by the City!

The largest crab in the world, Takaashigani, almost 3 meters from leg tip to leg tip!

The Museum is divided into two distinct parts, the Shipyard & Suruga Bay Deep-sea Hall on the lower level and the upper level dedicated to Yevfimy Putyatin and his frigate Diana.

A real Sakegashira, a variety of deep-sea mahi mahi, even bigger than the Japanese Spider Crabs!

Most of the displays were donated by local fishermen or well-wishers. All names of fishermen, places and dates of catch are clearly indicated!

Tasmanian Giant Crab, the crab with the largest body (legs not included) in the world!

Crabs out of the deeps…

Spiders of the deeps…?

Hands off me, guys! (I know that I’m tasty!)

A ghost of the deeps…?

Sharks of the deeps…

They call that critter from the deeps a fan globefish!

Seesaw sharks!

Shark eggs!

For the marine history buffs!

Walking from the Museum towards the inlet you will go past the small quaint Shinto Shrine Maorokuchi Jinjya/諸口神社!

Keep walking under the pines and you will find the sacred shrine portal/torii/鳥居/ overlooking the inlet. Needless to say that the shrine is there to protect the fishermen and their families!

In summer that small pine forest is a welcome haven from the hot sun!

Away from the summer bathers, fishing buffs enjoy the day on the small pier in front of the shrine portal!

A last picture of Mount Fuji before walking back along the beach!

The shrine portal as it looks from inside the cove!

The beach is a great promenade out of season (I mean the bathing season!)!

Calm blue and beautiful waters away from the rough seas!

A monster from the deeps…? Utsubo/ウツボ/Moray eel!

A Nessie monster for the kids!

One can walk all the way to the center of Heda past fishing boats!

A squid-fishing boat! Red squids are a delicacy abundant in the Suruga Bay waters. The boats go at sea at night only.

Time to go back to our hot springs hotel!

HEDA TOURISM ASSOCIATION & BUREAU
410-3402 Shizuoka Prefecture, Numazu City, Heda, 289-12
Tel.: 0558-94-3115
HOMEPAGE (English)

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sake, Sake Brewery, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Oomuraya Brewery-Nagai Ki No Hashi Junmai Ginjo (conducted at la Sommeliere in Shizuoka City)

December 5, 2015 dragonlife 1 Comment

I don’t mind repeating it all the time but 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 certainly becoming a habit as not only I can conduct my tasting in the best conditions possible but also exchange views at the same time!

This time we tasted a classic by Oomuraya Brewery in Shimada City: Nagai Ki No Hashi Junmai Ginjo!
“Nagai Ki No Hashi” stands for Horai Bridge in Shimada City which holds the Guinness Book World Record of the longest pedestrian wooden bridge!

Rice milled down to 55%
Yeast: Shizuoka NEW-5
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Dryness: + 2.0
Acidity: 1.3
Amino acids: 1.1
Bottled in December 2015

Clarity: very clear
Color: faint golden hue
Aroma: assertive, dry, fresh and fruity
Lime, pears, green apples, banana, gin
Body: fluid
Taste: dry and fruity attack backed up with solid junmai petillant.
Complex. Green apples, dry custard.
Stays dry all the way through.
Lingers on palate only for a while before departing on strong notes of dry coffee beans, dry dark chocolate and dry almonds.

Overall: Both elegant and straightforward sake.
Can be enjoyed on its own at room temperature or as “nurukan” up to 45 degrees, or with a meal, especially as an aperitif as its dryness will disappear quickly enough and enhances the following glass of wine.
Actually drinks like a very dry Alsace wine!
Suggested pairings: sauerkraut, cold meats, feta cheese.

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, 12:00~18:00 on Sundays & National Holidays
FACEBOOK (Japanese)
Entirely non-smoking!

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Izakaya, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka Prefecture, Yaizu City

Izakaya: Minato Machi Okamura Ikichi in Yaizu City!

November 30, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

IZAKAYA RANKING: +1~+2
Service: +3 very friendly and smiling. Easy-going but attentive
Equipment & Facilities: +3 Very clean overall. Superb gender separated washrooms
Prices: +2 reasonable
Strong points: Traditional izakaya cuisine including oden. Excellent seafood and drink list including local sake.

Located a few minutes walk from Yaizu JR Station south exit Minato Machi Okamura Ikichi is actually one of the 6 similar establishments owned by Fujieda City-based Okamura Roman Co. with restaurants in Fujieda City (2), Shizuoka City, Yaizu City, Shimada City and a vegetable bar in Fujieda City
They all seem to share two traits:
-Modern design outside (which does not always feature the name of the restaurant) and generally young but knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff!
The food and concept are both traditional and modern for the pleasure of all genders and age groups!

They both have a regular and seasonal menu.
Although they will soon have to think of an English menu the staff will be more than happy to explain it!

I found the range of local sake quite excellent for such an establishment which can seat no less than 134 guests on two different floors!
Of course all kinds of drinks are available!

And the sake comes in generous portions!
Now, as for the food you will to come quite a few times before exhausting the whole menu!
Let me show you what we had for our first visit there!

A Shizuoka delicacy/comfort food: oden/Japanese pot au feu.
The broth not being as dark and strong as in some other izakaya in Shizuoka Prefecture, you certainly drink it up!

A reasonably-priced sashimi plate (for two)!

Featuring mackerel, seabream and local horse mackerel!

And many types of tuna!

There plenty of vegetables available too fresh or cooked, from the traditional fried potato sticks,

to a unique plate of deep fried burdock root shavings!

Well, I suppose other visits are on the cards before I move to their other establishments!

MINATO MACHI OKAMURA IKICHI/岡むらいきち
Yaizu City, Sakae Machi 1-1-34 (on the left of Yaizu JR Station south exit)
Tel.: 054-620-7880
Opening hours: 17:00~24:00
Closed on Sundays
Credit cards OK
Parties welcome!

HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

IZAKAYA RANKING SYSTEM
IZAKAYA RANKING:
+1 ought to be visited at least once
+2 could be become a regular visit
+3 must visit!

Service:
+1 standard
+2 pleasant
+3 very good

Equipment & Facilities:
+1 standard
+2 excellent
+3 Superb

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sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Sake tasting: Sanwa Brewery-Garyubai Genteihin Junmai Ginjo Aki Agari

November 27, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

The Autumn is a season impatiently awaited by sake aficionados and some breweries make a point to produce their first brews early.
In Shizuoka Prefecture, Sanwa Brewery in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City is arguably the first to do so!

And as usual they do come with long names for their sake:
Garyubai (sake name) Genteihin (limited product) Junmai Ginjo (sake grade) Aki Agari (“first to rise in Autumn”!)!

Rice: Gohyakumangoku (Toyama Prefecture), 93% + Yamada Nishiki (Hyogo Precture), 7%
Rice milled down to 60%
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Dryness + 3
Acidity: 1.3
Bottled in September 2015

Clarity: very clear
Color: almost transparent
Aroma: dry and fruity. Rice, green apples, hints of banana
Body: fluid
Taste: dry and fruity attack backed up with strong junmai petillant.
Complex: chestnuts, dry chocolate, almonds, coffee beans.
Lingers for a while before departing on a drier note with hints of persimmon, oranges and more almonds.
Tends to get even drier with food, especially sweets.

Overall: an intriguing sake with a complex approach.
Although eminently enjoyable on its own, does marry beautifully with food in spite of its elevated status.
A pity it is limited as it would definitely please many all year round!
Recommended pairings: oden, fish, cheese, fruits confits.

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Fujieda City, One Cup sake, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: One-Cup Series 13): Shidaizumi Brewery-Nyan Cup Shidaizumi “Rasta” Umeshu

November 25, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

A very interesting and reasonable way to taste sake is to acquire one-cup sake!
They also make for cute collection of glasses or cups!

Now, this is the fifth tasting of the second batch of Shizuoka Prefecture One Cup Sake I obtained at Matsuzakaya Department Store in Shizuoka City!

A one cup sake by Shidaizumi Brewery in Fujieda City

It is part of a series known all over Japan with cat designs and so-called Nyan Cups!
Although this one contains umeshu, it was originally created with junmai sake made in the same brewery!

That name “Rasta” is just great!

Alcohol: 11 degrees
Junmai sake
Ume/Japanese plums
Water
Sugar
Fruit juice

Clarity: very clear
Color: light brown
Aroma: assertive, sweet and fruity. Umeshu
Body: fluid
Taste: drier than expected and very fruity attack.
Complex. Sweetness will come with every sip to disappear quickly.
Lingers only for a little while before departing on a dry “ume” note.
Very pleasant alcohol.

Overall: an incredibly elegant umeshu, so different from most cloying products found on the market.
Its comparatively (for the market!) high alcohol content contributes to an unexpected complexity!
The ume/Japanese plum inside are of the crunchy type and quite dry.
The cup is so exquisite! A must souvenir!
To be indulged in any time, anywhere all year round!

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Baird Beer, Craft Beer, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Baird beer Shuzenji Heritage Helles (Tasted at Hug Coffee Espresso Roaster in Shizuoka City!)

November 15, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

It was certainly good to discover that it was possible to conduct the tasting of at least 9 craft beers by Bryan Baird’s brewery, namely Baird Beer Co. in a small cafe & bar in Shizuoka City!: Hug Coffee Espresso Roasters!

This time I sampled Shuzaenji Heritage Helles!

Name: Baird Beer Shuzenji Heritage Helles
Bottle contents: 330 ml
Barley, barley malt, sugars, yeast
Double fermentation
Unfiltered
ABV: 5%

Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: orange
Aroma: dry and fruity．Bread, biscuits, oranges.
Taste: dry and fruity attack.
Complex: bread, biscuits, oranges.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a soft and dry note with oranges, apricots and hints of lemon.
Very pleasant on the palate.
Soft oranges and biscuits tend to come back with every sip.

Overall Elegant and deep lager for all seasons.
Both complex and gentle on the palate, a craft beer best appreciated slightly chilled at first and slowly drunk as its temperatures slowly to reveal more facets.

HUG COFFEE ESPRESSO ROASTER

420-0857 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenma Cho, 8-1-1, Sunrose Bldg., 1F, No. 1-2-8
Opening hours: 12:00~24:00
Closed on Tuesdays
Non-smoking!
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK

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