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

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

January 28, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

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

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

Bathers certainly had a great time in the cold wind!

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

Incidentally smoking and drinking alcohol are prohibited!

One foot at a time?

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

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

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Must-see tasting websites:

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-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
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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Bath, 静岡県, 観光, Foot Bath, Fujieda City, Hot Springs, Japan, Japanese Culture, Life, Life in Japan, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Public Hot Spring Foot Bath in Fujieda City!

January 28, 2014 dragonlife 8 Comments

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

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

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

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

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Urban Art: FITS Bar in Fujieda City!

January 28, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

I was walking along the streets in daytime Fujieda City yesterday when I discovered this establishment not far from the JR Station north exit!

I cannot guarantee the quality of that bar/izakaya although the menu posted outside seemed to mean that the prices were quit reasonable, but the art outside is certainly worth a second and third look!
It is somewhat Halloween-inspired and very unusual in concept for Japan although the humor is very strong there!

The Cat or the Pussy is definitely the most untrustworthy member, very probably representing the Mama san or lady encouraging you to drink!

The Teddy bear is definitely the gullible, fat, probably rich middle-aged customer!

I certainly have a special fondness for the Night Owl!

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Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Mein Schloss Brewery-HELLES

January 26, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Mein Schloss Brewery in Hamamatsu City brews 4 regular beers and a few seasonal draughts.
They can be drunk only on site as the brewery does not sell any in bottles!

Product name: HELLES
Alcohol: 5.5%
Color: Golden, very clean and clear
Shortish head
Very fine bubbles
Aroma: Discreet. Bread.

Tasting: Bayern-style.
Very dry attack. Nuttty
Refreshing.
Turns slightly milder with food.
Very easy to drink in spite of its marked dryness

Overall: Refreshing. Thirst-quenching.
Very similar to big Japanese brewers’ thirst-quenching beers

MEIN SCHLOSS BREWERY & RESTAURANT

430-8691 Hamamatsu City, Naka ku, Chuo, 3-8-1
Tel.: 053-452-1146
Opening hours: Tuesdays~Fridays, 11:00~14:30, 17:00~23:00
Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, 11:00~23:00
Closed on Mondays
Cards OK
HOMEPAGE
Car park available
Entirely non-smoking!

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

January 26, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Osaka-style ikayaki!

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

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

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

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

AS it is opened!

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

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

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

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

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

Of co

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

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

EBISU

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

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

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Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Mein Schloss Brewery-MUNCHNER

January 26, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Mein Schloss Brewery in Hamamatsu City brews 4 regular beers and a few seasonal draughts.
They can be drunk only on site as the brewery does not sell any in bottles!

Product name: WUNCHNER
Alcohol: 5.5%
Color: Dark brown, very clean
Longish head
Very fine bubbles
Aroma: Discreet. Bread, hints of caramel

Tasting: Dunkel (Schwarz) type. Bayern-Style.
Deep, drier than announced. Caramel.
Takes on an even drier turn with food.
Very easy to drink.

Overall: For all its dark style is very easy to drink.
Can be enjoyed as a thirst-quenching beer with more character than usual.

MEIN SCHLOSS BREWERY & RESTAURANT

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Pavement Tourism Signs in Shizuoka Prefecture 2

January 26, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Mein Schloss Brewery-WEIZEN

January 26, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Mein Schloss Brewery in Hamamatsu City brews 4 regular beers and a few seasonal draughts.
They can be drunk only on site as the brewery does not sell any in bottles!

Product name: WEIZEN
Alcohol: 5.5%
Live yeast
Color: whitish golden, smoky
Longish head
Fine bubbles
Aroma: Discreet. Citruses

Tasting: Refreshing. Dry fruity attack. Lemon, citruses
Bayern-style beer.
Varies little with food but for a drier turn.
Very easy to drink.

Overall: Another thirst-quenching beer with more character than usual.

MEIN SCHLOSS BREWERY & RESTAURANT

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Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Mein Schloss Brewery-ALT

January 26, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Mein Schloss Brewery in Hamamatsu City brews 4 regular beers and a few seasonal draughts.
They can be drunk only on site as the brewery does not sell any in bottles!

Product name: ALT
Alcohol: 5.5%
Live yeast
Color: Dark orange
Shortish head
Fine bubbles
Aroma: Discreet. Bread

Tasting: Refreshing. Deepish. Bread, dry citruses. Welcome acidity.
Dusseldorf-style beer.
Varies little with food.
Very easy to drink.

Overall: A thirst-quenching beer with more character than usual.

MEIN SCHLOSS BREWERY & RESTAURANT

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Drainspotting/Japanese Manhole Covers by Remo Camerota!

January 25, 2014 dragonlife 8 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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Hamana Lake Garden Park & Hamamatsu Flower Park Coming Events in Shizuoka Prefecture!

January 25, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Just outside Hamamatsu JR Station North Exit you will find an annoucement board you might do well to consult next time you travel to Hamamatsu City!

Just to put you in the mood, you will discover a tree trimmed into the shape of Ieyasu Kun!

The Hamana Lake Garden Park will hold its special opening from April 5th thru June 15Th!
Check their ENGLISH HOMEPAGE for great information!

The Hamamatsu Flower Park will hold its special opening from march 21st thru June 15Th!
Check this ENGLISH HOMEPAGE for great information!

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On the Shizuoka Prefecture Beer Trail 1: Mein Schloss Brewery & Restaurant in Hamamatsu City!

January 25, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Alt Beer at Mein Schloss!

Service: Friendly, smiling and and willing to please
Equipment and Facilities: Very clean overall. Superb washroom. Entirely non-smoking!
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Home-brewed beer, great variety in pub grub. Convivial

the sign just outside Hamamatsu JR Station!

Yesterday due to a sudden change of venue I found myself having lunch (and drinks!) at Mein Schloss Brewery and Restaurant at Mein Schloss in Hamamatsu City!

Mein Schloss means “My Castle”!

Very skitch, but oh well!

At least the opening hours are plain and easy to understand!

Two month schedules and menu easy to check outside!

Grand portal!

Beer garden on use during the week ends!

Entirely non-smoking!
Now, this is a big plus!

Have a good look at all the displays inside!

One can check their menu without entering!

The beer brewed on site!
Incidentally they do not sell bottles!
Everything has to be drunk inside!

The staff are ever so smiling and helpful!

A different kind of welcoming staff! LOL

Everything is brewed on site!

More displays!

Beware the guards!

Large space overhead and more displays!

Pizza oven!

Plenty of food on the menu for any taste!

Great collection of beer jugs along the walls!

Worth a second good look!

The hall can hold no less than 850 guests!
Even so, they are completely booked from time to time!

Useful beer card!
The establishment has been producing 4 regular beers and seasonal ones since their foundation in March 1997.
They also serve schnapps, cocktails, Japanese sake, shochu, spirits, wine ans soft drinks lunch and dinner!

For the collectors!

Alt Beer!
Tasting notes coming soon!

They have some good and reasonable lunch sets!

Deep-fried oysters with plenty of salad! A specialty more Japanese than German! LOL

I found these oysters and tartar sauce very tasty and great with the beer!

Good value!

Weizen Beer!
Tasting notes coming soon!

Munchner Beer!
Tasting notes coming soon!

Nice cheese plate to help with the fourth beer!

Helles Beer!
Tasting notes coming soon!

Before you leave have a good look at the ingredients that go into the making of your beers!

MEIN SCHLOSS BREWERY & RESTAURANT

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Non-Smoking Japan: No Smoking Pavement Sign in hamamatsu City!

January 24, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

I saw some (only a few unfortunately) of these signs south of Hamamatsu City JR Station.

The great thing is taht not only it asks people not smoking while walking along the pavement, but also warns not to throw cigarette butts or empty cans on the pavement!

“For the ske of goo manners in our city” says the line at the bottom.

Still some hope left if cities start a real non smoking streets campaign.

So far in Shizuoka Prefecture, Shizuoka City is the most ahead!

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

January 22, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

i my case for takoyaki initiated recently I got some help from Japanese friends.
The next place i was recommended no later than yesterday was Ebisu/戎 (one of the seven Luck Deities in Japan!)!

Now, this particular takoyaki is Osaka-style because the son/chef did learn his trade in that big city!

Smokers are requested to damage themselves outside in the cold!

Now, as the place is really busy at lunch time (and around 17:00 when high school teens flock the place) I had plenty of time to take pictures to supply myself with enough information!

I want this noren/暖簾/entrance curtain!

My first order: takoyaki as they are! One can use sauces et al as he/she wants or have a small bowl of cold/hot dashi stock soup with it!

it was lunch time today and I was hungry, so I asked quite a few things to the surprise of the mother! It is a mother and son’s venture.
The mother is a great smiling lady with an almost maternal attitude towards her customers she repeatedly advise on how to eat her shy son’s preparations!

The small bowl of stock soup!

You drop the takoyaki inside the stock soup, break it with your chopsticks (easy as they are soft) and eat ii by picking the pieces with your chopsticks. When you have finished you drnk the soup and all the tiny pieces you didn’t take out! Delicious until the very end!

Next I ordered another serving seasoned with sauce, chopped scallions and white sauce (mayonnaise)!

For a closer view!

Have a peek under to see how they are presented!

As they are very hot, it is a good idea to break them first….

and have a look inside!

my third order: takosen!

“takosen” is a combination of “tako” for “takoyaki” and “sen” for “senbei/rice cracker”!
The rice cracker is a large and thin but crispy and solid enough shrimp rice cracker which is broken manually to sandwich a couple of takoyaki inside and served inside a hamburger paper bag!

The insides of the rice cracker are coated with no less than three seasonings!

For a closer view!

You may eat the lt as a sandwich/hamburger, but do be careful as it is flaming hot!
I guarantee you I ate it very slowly!

Mark: 91/100

I’m planning to visit the place again with a friend the day after tomorrow as I want to taste their ika yaki/girlled cuttle fish and yakisoba!

EBISU

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Takoyaki at Gindaco, Ceneovea Department Store, Shizuoka City!

January 21, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Friendly and smiling
Facilities and equipment: Cenova Department Store facilities. Very clean overall
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: Tokyo-style takoyaki

Until a few years ago I wouldn’t have bothered looking for takoyaki in Shizuoka City or Prefecture as we had the best in the whole Tokai area, but following the departure of the owner to another world and squibbles between the inheritors, the building and property ( a lot of money!) were sold and we found ourselves in no man’s land.
But at the same time it offered an opportunity for new owners and chains to open shop.
Therefore, I found myself on the road again to re-discover my favorite Japanese comfort food!

Gindaco銀だこ is a big chain from Tokyo which opened a shop on the third floor of renovated Cenova Department Store in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

The takoyaki are all the same but with different toppings and you can eat them on site.

I’m not keen on food chain stores, but since a Japanese friend recommended them I had to give it a try!

Being it inside a busy department store two staff are constantly churning out the takoyaki while a third staff takes care of the orders and cashier!

Fast work in a clean environment!

Almost ready!

These takoyaki are definitely Tokyo-style.
You can find Osaka-style takoyaki in town which are quite different, especially in texture!

I ordered the basic kind to discover the real taste. Some people tend to attach more importance to the sauce and toppings, but I don’t!
At 8 pieces for 550 yen, they were reasonable.

For a closer view.
They were seasoned in the basic way with sauce/tare, finely shaved katsuo bushi/dry bonito shavings and finely chopped greens.

The outside is comparatively thin but solid and crisp, making it easy to eat with chopsticks or toothpick.
The piece of octopus is of a good size and crunchy.
The dough inside is soft and contains plenty of ingredients.

Overall: Easy to eat, tasty enough, hot and ready.
Mark: 62/100

Continuing the investigation!

GINDAKO

Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajyo, 1-1-1, Cenova Department Store, 3F
Opening hours: 10:00~20:00

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