Tag Archives: Shizuoka

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

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 10

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SHIMIZU-B-1Sodeshi 袖師

Beautiful Shimizu City (before it was merged with Shizuoka City) manhole cover for “river waters” discovered by my good friend Atsuko Kurata in Sodeshi, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

For this particular blog let me come back to Shizuoka City where I found more “technical information”!

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The “mint” of the above manhole cover!

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An old manhole cover in Shimizu City (now Ku) for soil running.

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A yellow version of the original orange type in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

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The same without enamel coating!

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An old Shimizu City (now Ku) sewer manhole cover!

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A big double manhole cover in Shimizu City (now Ku)!

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I found this one on the Internet describing a commemorative manhole cover inside the Shizuoka Prefectural Park, Suruga Ku, Shizuoka City!

I will have to investigate for bigger pictures!

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The same as above in different colors!

YUI-1

Unknown motif on a manhole cover in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

YUI-2

A beautiful Fire Hydrant manhole cover in Yui Cho before it became Yui in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

YUI-3

Another fire hydrant manhole cover in Yui Cho before it became Yui in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

YUI-CHO-1-GATE-BULB

A gate bulb Manhole cover manhole cover in Yui Cho before it became Yui in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!
Note the sakura ebi/cherry shrimp motif!

YUI-CHO-2-FIRE-HYDRANT

The same as above in different color over a fire hydrant!
Also not Mount Fuji you can see from Yui!

KAMBARA

Fire hydrant Manhole cover in Kambara, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

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

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

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 9: Western Shizuoka Prefecture

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IWATA-1

Fire hydrant in Iwata City!
Iwata City is the home of the Iwata Jubilo Soccer Club whose symbol is the “Sankouchou/Paradise Fly Catcher”, which is also the bird of Shizuoka Prefecture

IWATA-RYUUYOU-1

For this posting I decided a move to the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture with pictures I have again found on Japanese blogs until I can investigate further on my own!
The above manhole cover is over a water access.
Obviously a commemorative one, it extols the virtues of Ryuuyoo Town inside Iwata City: A Town of Water, sunshine and Greenery!

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The same as above but with a landscape of shore, marine pine tree and lighthouse!

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A sewer manhole cover in Iwata, Ryuuyoou Town!

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An already old fire hydrant manhole cover installed in Ryuuyoo Town, Iwata City in 1985!

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A manhole cover in Hamamatsu City representing Sakekawa River in Hamamatsu City!

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Another splendid manhole cover in Hamamatsu City in Gouryuu Distroct!

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Another simpler manhole cover in Hamamatsu city but note the motif at the center!

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Tenryuu in Hamamatsu City! Water access manhole cover with a beautiful bird design!

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A splendid flowery manhole cover in Toyoka Mura in Hamamatsu City!

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A water access manhole cover in Mikkabi, Hamamatsu City, introducing the joys of sailing!

MIKKABI-2

A colorful fire hydrant manhole cover again in Mikkabi!

MIKKABI-3

An old manhole cover in Mikkabi over the access to a fire department water tank!

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, 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!

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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!

A busy place even behind the scenes!

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Kawaii/cute staff!

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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

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Quite a big lunch as it included one drink!

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

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The rice was really tasty and new to me!

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Ceasar salad as usual with Shizuoka-grown vegetables!

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A special mark for the carrot bread/pound cake!

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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?

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

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

静岡県, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 8: Atami City!

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SP-ATAMI-13

Taken in Atami city, a sewer “manhole” representing the famous story of the “Izu Dancer”!

I and my friends can’t be everywhere in the Prefecture of Shizuoka, which accounts for almost 4,000,000 souls, the equivalent of New Zealand or Ireland!
Moreover distance are pretty awesome due to its shape. It takes 3 hours by train non-stop to travel from Shinjohara in the west to Atami in the east and more to to travel to Shimoda at the southern tip of Izu Peninsula.
English reports or postings on manholes in Shizuoka do not exist and this is a pity, but there are many Japanese blogs, live or defunct which depict them! I certainly found a lot, and until I can travel and confirm them, as well as find more, I will try to run a kind of compilation to help all who are interested in such an unusual form of art!

This particular post show pictures taken as far back as the 17th of July, 2007 in Atami City for a blog which has ceased quite a few years ago. I did travel to Atami City and remember most of them!

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Another rectangular sewer “Manhole cover” in relation with the one above depicting not cherry blossoms but plum blossoms for which Atami City is famous!

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This large type blending in its surroundings also exists elsewhere but with a small and important difference, the little central hot spring motif!
After all, Atamai City is arguably the most famous hot spring resort town in Japan!

SP-ATAMI-2

But I think this sewer type manhole cover also blending in its surroundings can be found only in Atami City!

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Again this type is found all over the Prefecture but not with the central hot springs motif!

SP-ATAMI-4

Unusual manhole cover over an access to hot springs hot water!

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A double spent waters manhole cover with the central hot springs motif!

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This gas and electricity meter manhole cover can be seen all over the Prefecture.

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The same for this gas manhole cover although I haven’t noticed the central motif yet!

SP-ATAMI-8

Fire hydrant manhole cover with a central hot spring motif!

SP-ATAMI-9

Another hot spring hot water access manhole cover!

SP-ATAMI-10

Fire hydrant manhole cover found all over the Prefecture!

Loads more coming soon!

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

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

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka CitySHIMIZU-H-14

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”!

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

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They seem to point in different in different directions.

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

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

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

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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!

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

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

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

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

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

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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!

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No color and “T-14”!

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No color and “T-25”!

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

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

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

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

Some beauties coming next!

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

祭, 美食, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Handcrafts, Island, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Festivals, Japanese Gastronomy, Japanese Handcrafts, Kume Island, Okinawa, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Festival, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism, 写真, 沖縄, 久米島

My 20 Best Pictures in Japan (so far!)!

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SN3O5018

My favorite piscture!
4-year old boy dressed as a lion dancer at the Shimada Obi Festival!

I’ve been recently running through all the pictures kept in my PC and decided to show a few of the pictures I particularly like. Saying they they are “My 20 Best Pictures in Japan” is a bit of a misnomer as I ought to say “My favorite 20 Pictures in Japan” with all the biases it includes!

Anyway let me show them through with a minimum of explanations!

2

Pinky Flower Mount Fuji!
Hamamatsu Flower Park. I will have to visit it again and run a full report!

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Kimono Christmas Tree!
Japanese ingenuity and business acumen in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

4

“Ishi tatami Umibe/石畳海辺/Stone Mat Beach” in Kume Island, Okinawa Archipelago!
My worst actually took the picture but according to my instructions!
Millions of years ago an undersea volcanic eruption created this incredible natural art!

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Noh mask!
It took my good friend Roger Voltz in Shizuoka City a year to carve it!

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Owls Noren!
“Noren/暖簾” in Japanese mean the shop entrance curtain to mean they are on business.
There are millions of them, but this one was just too cute!
In fact it does not exist ant more as the izakaya in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, ceased business!

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Pyschedelic mount Fuji!
There are millions of pictures of the symbol of Japan and I don’t know how many I have, but this picture taken in winter just before sunset from Shimizu JR Station holds a special attraction!

8

Geisha Geta/Geisha clogs in Shizuoka City!
Shizuoka City and Prefecture are famous all over Japan for their traditonal geta!
Bear in mind there are very few made in Japan now!

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Halloween Melon at Cenova Department Store in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!
Shizuoka Prefecture is famed for its melons all over the country!

10

Sashimi Plate in Kume Island, Okinawa Archipelago!
Gastronomy offers an unlimited inspiration to photographers!
I could take pictures of sashimi and sushi all day long!
Kume Island is one of the lesser known isalands in the Okinawa Archipelago and ought to deserve far more attention what with beautiful sites and sea, and superlative seafood!
I can’t remember the name of the two local fish but the live kuruma ebi/large prawns were sublime!

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Organic Shizuoka vegetables at Tetsuya Sugimoto Restaurant in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!
Every time Tetsuya cooks local organic vegetables it turns into a real palette of colors!

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Vegan Sushi Plate at Sushi Ko in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!
Shizuoka prefecture is arguably the most welcoming region in Japan for gastronomes with special priorities!

14

Mother and Daughter “Pair Look” Fashion in Shizuoka City!
I agree that that mothers and daughters ought to exchange views on fashion but there is something wicked in a mother trying to stay cute and young and her daughter attempting to allure men from an early age!

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Vegan Steak at Tetsuya Sugimoto Restaurant in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!
Another example of artistic gastronomy!

15

“Gremlin” in Shizuoka JR Station!
I just could help risking arrest taking a picture of this zany minuscule Japanese girl!

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Oumura House in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!
Built in the 19th Century just at the beginning of the Meiji Era along the Abe River by local Tea growers whose family traces back its origins to Edo period!

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Star Wars?
Acturally the face of a famous past monk in Shuzenji, Izu Peninsula!

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Italian gastronomy jewel at Al Porto Restaurant in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!
Avocado, snow crab, Shizuoka-grown Ameera sweet Tomato, caviar and raspberry coulis!

19

My all-time favorite bento/lunch box!

20

Flower Bouquet Millefeuille Sushi at Sushi Ko, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!
This picture was actually taken by my good friend Camille Oger, but according to my instructions!
The roses are made of sole, salmon and tuna!

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

Beer, Beer Brewery, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Beer, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

BBC Beer Fest at BLUE BOOKS cafe in Shizuoka City: The Beers!

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SN3O5429

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!

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On Friday BLUE BOOKS cafe in Shizuoka held their first BBC Beer Fest and I decided to conduct a tasting of all the beers offered on an all-you-can-drink deal for 2 two hours/2,500 yen (including one snack)!

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I went there early enough around 18:00 but the event lasted until 24:00 in a very easy manner with customers coming in regularly instead of crowding the place all at once!

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The menus!

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Except for the Kirin Ichiban Shibori and the Cider, all beers were brewed by Jyourokuno NEST Brewery in Ibaraki Prefecture!

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All extra food was priced at 500 yen for generous portions!

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I tasted the beers in the order advised by the manager Kondo san!

AMARILLO FRESH

Limited edition, only 200 small barrels produced.

Alcohol: 4.5 degrees
Clarity: Slightly smoky
Color: Light orange
Foam: Long head, very fine bubbles
Aroma: Fresh and flowery
Taste: Dry and fruity. Citruses. Very refreshing

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WHITE ALE

Belgian type with added coriander and orange peels

Alcohol: 5.5 degrees
Clarity: Smoky
Color: Whitish yellow
Foam: Long head. Very fine bubbles
Aroma: Spicy. Herbs
Taste: Fruity and herbal Lingers smoothly for quite a while. Very refreshing

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BROOKLYN LAGER

Brewed under American license

Alcohol: 5.2 degrees
Clarity: Very clear
Color: Orange
Foam: Long head. Fine bubbles
Aroma: Bread, roasted nuts
Taste: Dry caramel. Bread. Assertive. Deep, dry and refreshing. Stands well too food

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EXTRA HIGH

Matured in cask for 1 year

Alcohol: 8 degrees
Clarity: Slightly smoky
Color: Dark orange
Foam: Long head. Very fine bubbles
Aroma: Bread, dry roasted nuts
Taste: Dark Ale Type. Dry and deep. Bread, caramel, dry roasted nuts. Marries well with food. Very refreshing but solid at the same time. Pleasant alcohol

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KIRN ICHIBAN SHIBORI

Premium Beer/Braumeister

Alcohol: 5.5 degrees
Clarity: Very clear
Color: Golden
Foam: Longish head. Coarse bubbles
Aroma: Herbal
Taste: Dry. refreshing. Thirst quencher. herbs, dry bread and nuts. Stays extremely dry all the way through. Better than “usual” big breweries beers

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STRONGBOW CIDER

English cider

Alcohol: 4.2 degrees
Clarity: Very clear
Color: darkish golden
Foam: Very short head. Coarse bubbles
Aroma: Dry apples
Taste: Very dry cider. Very clean and refreshing. Dry apples.

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

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, 野菜, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Life in Japan, Photography, Recipes, Recommended Lunch Restaurants, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism, Vegan, Vegan Cuisine, Vegan Restaurant, vegetables, Vegetarian terrine

Recommended Lunch Restaurants In Shizuoka Prefecture: Vegan & Vegetarian (November 2013-Added To)

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LUNCH-VEGAN

Veggie Burger at Rama 45 Organic Cafe & Shop!

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 fifth 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
-For families

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CAFE SAIN

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

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

LUNCH-RAMA

Rama 4.5 Organic Cafe & Shop

Service: Friendly, smiling and helpful
Facilities: Overall very clean. Washroom a bit small but clean.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Exclusively vegan cuisine. A great scope of vegan ingredients on sale. Entirely non-smoking!

Rama 4.5 Organic Cafe & Shop
420-0031 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Gofuku Cho, 2-4-5
Tel.: 054-266-3845
Business hours: 10:00~19:00
Closed on Wednesday
Entirely non-smoking

Other home-restaurant at:

Rama
422-8052 Shizuoka City, Suruga Ku, Midorigaoka, 19-6
Tel.: 054-260-5186
Business hours: 11:00~23:00
Closed on Wednesday
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

LUNCH-KISSA

Service: A bit shy but very friendly and attentive
Facilities & Equipment: Superb cleanliness overall. Superb washroom
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: Exclusively vegan gastronomy. No wheat flour. Only mineral water used. Entirely non-smoking!

KISSA
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryougae Cho, 2-1-7 (behind Shizuoka City Hall, along Aoba Street, on the right-hand side)
Tel.: 054-253-1339
Opening hours: 11:00~14:00 (lunch), 14:00~17:00 (cafe)
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Completely non-smoking!

LUNCH-LOCOMANI

LOCOMANI

Service: Very friendly although a bit shy!
Equipment: Great overall cleanliness. Nice washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Vegetarian menus. Healthy rice flour cakes. Can prpeare vegan meal with sufficient advance reservation.
Completely non-smoking!

LOCOMANI
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajyo, 1-10-6
Tel.: 054-260-6622
Closed every Wednesday and one Monday
HOMEPAGE/BLOG</strong> (Japanese)

LUNCH-CAPU

CAPU

Service: Very friendly
Facilities: old but clean
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: Vegetarian and ethnic cuisine. Easy-going atmosphere for all ages and trends. Home-made umeshu and biscuits. Can prepare a vegan meal with sufficient advance reservation.
Non-smoking on Second Floor!

Food & Craft cafe CAPU/カフエカプ
3-6-13, Tokiwa-cho, aoi-ku, Shizuoka City, 静岡市葵ときわちょうー６－１３
Tel.: 054-252-5343
Business hours: 12:00~21:00 (Sat. & Sun. ~22:00)
Closed on Wednesdays.
Private parties possible.
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

LUNCH-PISSENLIT-2

PISSENLIT

Service: Excellent and very friendly.
Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. Superb washroom (mouthwash and toothpicks provided!)!
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive, very good value.
Strong points: Interesting wine list. Great use of local products, especially organic vegetables and Shizuoka-bred meat.
Can prepare vegetarian or vegan meals with sufficient advance reservation and discussion/explanations!

PISSENLIT
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 2-3-4
Tel.: 054-270-8768
Fax: 054-627-3868
Business hours: 11:30~14:30; 17:00~22:00
Closed on Tuesdays and Sunday evening
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Credit Cards OK
Entirely non-smoking!

LUNCH-SUGIMOTO

TETSUYA SUGIMOTO

Service: Highly professional and friendly
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Beautiful washroom
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Freshest produce and ingredients only, mainly from Shizuoka Prefecture. Organic vegetables, top-class Shizuoka-bred meat and Suruga Bay seafood. Seasonal food only.

Map (Japanese)

Tetsuya SUGIMOTO
420-0038Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Umeya,2-13,1F
Tel./Fax: 054-251-3051
Opening hours：11:30~14:30,17:30~21:30
Holidays: undecided (do make a call first!)
Credit cards OK
Entirely non-smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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

Crows, Environment, 静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, Japan, Nature, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Tourism

A Murder Of Crows/Food For The Crows/A Black Plague In Shizuoka City!

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Crows have been making themselves an increasing nuisance in this country, especially in towns!

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Croaking in front of my window at 5 in the morning!

They have a sorry tendency to wake you up at wee hours of the day establishing their territories, vindicative birds they are.
Their croak is often associated with the Japanese word “aho/idiot” and they are certainly impressing this opinion (nothing to do with pinions!) of theirs own on our sorry morning dreams!

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Tempting garbage!

One reason for that, and probably an overwhelming one is the involuntary abundance of food offered to these scavengers every morning by garbage left at the door (on pavements) of restaurants, diners and waterholes or on more definite days of the week by households.

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Caught red-handed/”red talonned”!

These creatures are extremely intelligent and know that plastic/vinyl can easily be shred into pieces and holes with their big beaks. Nets are no more efficient unless they are solidly secured. The only way to prevent crows from making a mess of it all is to deposit garbage bags in secured bar cages like the ones used by farming households who have to deal with kites, wild boars, stray cats, racoon dogs or monkeys (and even bears! Serious!)!

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Get away from me (6 a.m. in Ryougae Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City)!

The little beasts are very protective of their territory and do not hesitate to mark it even in front of humans especially in the morning when people a few around.

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That particularly nasty one was even screaming at a passing car!

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That is, before he turned onto my cycling self!

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I found this particular intelligent specimen completely oblivious of the rows of students passing by at 8:30 a.m.!
I have the suspicion someone had fed it scraps one day, and he is probably thinking of getting the same in that busy spot!

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, Buckwheat, 美食, 野菜, 蕎麦, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Food, Food Health, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Non-smoking restaurants, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Soba, Tourism

Soba: Shizuoka Native Buckwheat Noodles at Teuchi Soba Tagata in Shizuoka City (Part 2)!

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SN3O5187

Service: Friendly, attentive and informative
Equipment & Facilities: Very clean overall. Superb washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Only native buckwheat from Shizuoka and rest of Ja@an used. Great use of local seasonal ingredients. Great sake and shochu list.
Entirely non-smoking!

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The first lunch I had at Teuchi Soba Tagata in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, had not been enough to grasp completely and already very good image of the restaurant, so I decided to visit again as soon as possible, and with a friend, to complete my first report!

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Great local sake are a must in a soba restaurant worth its salt!

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Three different salts for the tempura!
The middle one is pure rock salt!

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There were two items I didn’t have the stomach space to enjoy the last time:
Tamagoyaki made with dashi stock soup!

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Very healthy served with shiso/perilla leaf and plenty of freshly grated daikon!

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And a great plate (for two!) of seasonal vegetables and seafood tempura!

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A special note for the succulent kabocha and avocado!

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Colors!

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Of course native buckwheat noodles from Ikawa, Shizuoka City served in “mori soba” style!

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And a great hot Japanese dessert with kinako, o mochi and beans!

See you at dinner next time!

TEUCHI SOBA TAGARA
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa Cho, 2-6-7
Tel.: 054-250-8555
Opening hours: 11:30~13:30, 17:30~22:00
Closed on Mondays and Thursday lunch
Parties welcome
Credit Cards OK
HOMEPAGE
Entirely non-smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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

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

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

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KEYHOLETOMB-1

Courtesy of Atsuko Kurata!

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

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

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And check the return schedule!

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

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

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

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Check the map before climbing the stairs!

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

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Plenty of indications!

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

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The tumulus!

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

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

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

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

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A sobering thought!

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

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Mind your steps!

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Steeper than the front!

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Well indicated again!

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

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A sumo meet is held there every year in October!

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This Shinto Shrine is called Toga Jinja!

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The area is famous for its citrus fields and orchards!

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Very expensive “dekopon” oranges!

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

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beautiful, aren’t they?

A visit to combine history, tourism and gastronomy!

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

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

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 6

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KUSANAGI-F-7

Courtesy of Atsuko Kurata!
Shizuoka Fire Department Water tank Access!
She found this very unusually patterned manhole cover in her neighborhood near Kusanagai JR Station in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

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!

The next 4 picture all taken by Atsuko Kurata show the variations on a beautiful design!

KUNOZAN-F-8

The manhole cover above and the next three below were ordered by the Municipal Government of Shizuoka Prefecture. “道路・維持” could be loosely translated as “Road Development”.
The above was discovered at the gate of Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, at the foot of mountain, in Suruga Ku, Shizuoka City!

APITA-F-9

The above was discovered in Suruga Ku, Shizuoka City, at the Ishida crossroad, right in front of the APITA shopping mall!

KENCHO-F-10

The above was discovered in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, at the front entrance of the Shizuoka Prefectural Government Office!

KENCHO-F-11

Manhole covers are sometimes designed to blend with their surroundings, but this one was “blinded” by a relief marker to help blind people walk along pavements!

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Atsuko Kurata discovered this extraordinary double manhole cover near Manseicho crossroads in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City one her way to Satsuki Street from S-Pulse Dream Plaza.
It is made of two known manhole covers to allow for two different sizes of access!

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I found this one and the ones below near the National Sports Training Center in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City.
The one above is the smaller size manhole cover by Kojima Foundry Co. for ”汚水” or waste waters.

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This large one is of an old design for electric cables with an interesting notice!

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Can bear up to 5,000 kg! Wow

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The same type (also seen at Kikugawa JR Station!) but for “雨水” or rain waters but a different notice at the bottom allowing for maker’s identification!

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Kojima Seisakusho Co/Kojima Foundry!

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

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

Mount Fuji: Urban Sights from Shimizu JR Station!

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

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

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Mount Fuji behind barbed wires!

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Mount Fuji held prisoner by a blue cross sect?

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

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Taking the train to Mount Fuji!

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

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

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

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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When a single letter can a hell of a difference!

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

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

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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