Kinwashi Tour Japan Thread

• kinwashi

  22 Feb 15, 17:07

  Hawaii Japan.

   

  Video.

   

  冲绳 Okinawa �岛时

  http://youtu.be/jTFYmUCnmhQ

   

  On World Heritage Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu The " Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu" are cultural heritages characteristically unique to the district of the Ryukyu. They were developed sometime between the end of the 14th century when the Ryukyu Kingdom began its steps toward unification,and the end of the 18th century when the Kingdom was finally established. Katsuren- jo Site. (Katsuren Castle Remains) Located at Uruma City, Nakagami-gun [Site ] Katsuren-jo site. Viewed from southeast.

  Katsuren castle was the residence of the influential Lord Amawari at the time when the Ryukyu Kingdom was still in the stage of stabilization. Amawari resisted until the last moment and destroyed Gosamaru, an important vassal to the king. He tried to usurp the sovereignty by attacking Shuri Castle where the king resided, but instead suffered disastrous defeat and destruction. His defeat brought stability to the sovereignty at Chuzan, with Shuri Castle as its core. Katsuren Castle is designated as a historic site.   Katsuren-jo site. Castle wall of first enclosure.   Katsuren-jo site. View of first and second enclosures from third enclosure.

• kinwashi

  22 Feb 15, 17:20

   

   

  OKINAWA沖繩四天三夜

   

  video.

  http://youtu.be/s-frNPH4PVo

• kinwashi

  23 Feb 15, 22:46

  Japan's oldest church marks 150th anniversary

  ASAHI -- FEB 20

  A commemorative mass was held here on Feb. 19 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Japan's oldest Roman Catholic church.

   

  Around 150 worshippers attended the mass at the Oura Cathedral, a national treasure that was built in 1864, shortly after the Tokugawa Shogunate, which ruled during the Edo Period (1603-1867), ended its seclusion policy.

  The church was built mainly under the leadership of French missionary Bernard Petitjean and held its consecration ceremony in February 1865.

  - See more at: http://newsonjapan.com/html/newsdesk/article/111469.php#sthash.HLPWT33y.dpuf

• kinwashi

  23 Feb 15, 22:51

  We covered this before Nagasaki.

   

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• kinwashi

  23 Feb 15, 22:53

  • In spite of the prosecutions to Christians, some of them succeeded in handing down Christianity to their next generation. It is said that the total number of Catholic believers in Nagasaki city is lover 30,000. You can find many churches in Nagasaki city. 
    Two of the most famous churches are Urakami Cathedral and Oura Cathedral.
    
    
    Urakami Cathedral
    
    This Catholic cathedral was once the largest in Japan, but the cathedral was destroyed by the A-bomb. The present building was completed in 1959.
    
    
    Oura Cathedral
    
    The cathedral was built in 1865 and is the oldest wooden church in Japan. It is said that this church was built for relieving the souls of the 26 martyrs. This church is built to face in the direction of the hill of Nishizaka where 26 martyrs were crucified.

  • 12 Sep `12, 3:29PM

    source

     

     Oura Catholic Church (Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture)   Oura Catholic Church was constructed in the last years of the Edo Period in 1864 for the growing community of foreign merchants, who took up residence in Nagasaki after the end of Japan's era of seclusion. 
    
    Oura Catholic Church is considered the oldest standing Christian church in Japan, and is the only Western buidling to be designated as a national treasure. 
    
    Location : Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture

  • 12 Sep `12, 3:33PM

    This was the oldest church in Japan and built by French missionaries in 1864.
    It's not used as a church any more, however. It's located right next to Glover Garden.

     

     

    Oura Catholic Church (Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture) 

    http://youtu.be/bTeMCH1TS3I

    Edited by kinwashi 12 Sep `12, 3:34PM
  • 12 Sep `12, 3:38PM

     

     

     

    http://www.nfs.nias.ac.jp/index.html

     

    source
    
    
    
     
      
    
         
    
    

     

    Edited by kinwashi 12 Sep `12, 3:41PM
  • 12 Sep `12, 4:55PM

    

• kinwashi

  23 Feb 15, 22:56

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• kinwashi

  23 Feb 15, 23:05

  10 Places to Visit in Kawagoe: Little Edo

  Kawagoe flourished as a castle town in the Edo period. It was also called Ko-Edo or Little Edo as it had a strong relationship with the Tokugawa family. The vestiges of the Edo period still remain here. Let us go back in time to explore Japan in the Edo period.

  ---

  KIYOMIN 

  

  Kawagoe-shi, Saitama Prefecture, flourished as a castle town of Kawagoe castle in the Edo period. It had a strong connection with the Tokugawa family and was called Little Edo. Old warehouses, temples and ruins of castles still remain today. As it is not far from Tokyo, it is an ideal town for a day out.

   

  Access to Kawagoe

  JR Kawagoe Station or Honkawagoe Station of the Seibu Shinjuku Line is convenient for sightseeing in Kawagoe.

    Shinjuku to Kawagoe (60 mins)   JR Saikyo Line

    Yurakucho to Kawagoe (60 mins)   Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line

    Shibuya to Kawagoe (60 mins)   Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line

    Seibu Shinjuku to Honkawagoe (45 mins)   Seibu Shinjuku Line Red Arrow Limited Express

  

   find-travel.jp

  You can look around the town by foot, but if you buy a free pass for 500 yen, you can ride the Ko-Edo Loop Bus, which cruises around 16 spots in the city, covering most of the tourist spots. 

  1. Kita-in Temple

  

   photozou.jp

  

  photozou.jp

  Kita-in Temple is a renowned Tendaishu temple. It had a strong connection with the Tokugawa famiily and was specially protected by the regime. Inside the temple are 538 stone Buddhas carved more than 200 years ago. Each Buddha has a different expression and takes a different pose. Also, there are many other important cultural assets such as Senba Toshogu.

  2. Kaiun Dango

  

   blog.livedoor.jp

  Kaiun Dango, rice dumplings dipped in soy sauce, is sold near Senba Toshogu. Because of its location, it is said to bring you good luck and many people visit to buy this every day.

  3. Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten

  

   blog.livedoor.jp

  

   plaza.rakuten.co.jp

  Kawagoe was a castle town of Kawagoe Castle in the Edo period. Most of the Castle does not remain anymore today, but the entrance and a few rooms are open to the public.  The outfit back in those days and dolls of feudal lords are on exhibit. The stately atmosphere makes you feel almost as if you were back in those days.

  4. Hikawa Shrine

  

   blog.livedoor.jp

  

   zexy.net/wedding

  Hikawa Shine is said to have been built about 1500 years ago, dating back to the 6th century. Many women visit this shrine, as it is known for enshrining the God of Marriage. 20 charms prayed over by a miko, a maiden who conducts ceremonies to worship gods at shrines, are sold every day from 8 am. There are also many couples who hold their wedding at the shrine, so if you are lucky you may be able to see a beautiful Japanese bride.

  5. Toki no Kane

  

   morgennebel.net

  Toki no Kane is a symbol of Kawagoe. Because there were no clocks in the Edo period, this tower has told the time to the people of Kawagoe by its ringing bell. Even today, you can hear the bell at 6 am, 12pm, 3 pm and 6 pm. Toki no Kane, along with the surrounding environment retains the vestiges of the Edo period.

  6. Ko-Edo Yokocho

   

   blog.club-d.net

   There are many restaurants in this warehouse-style building. You can eat Japanese dishes such as kamameshi (a rice, meat and vegetable dish served in a small pot) and ramen. There is also a free rest place, so why not take a rest here when you are tired from walking?

  7. Museum of Kurazukuri

  

  blogs.yahoo.co.jp

   

    www45.tok2.com

  Not only did Kawagoe flourish as a castle town, but there were also many prosperous merchants living in warehouse-style architectures.  Such a streetscape, where many warehouse-style buildings remain is rare even in Japan. In this museum, you can actually enter the warehouse and look around it.

  8. Kashiya Yokocho Edoya

  

   tachikawa.mypl.net

  

   tc-echo.com/repo

  In the old days, Japanese children went to small shops called dagashiya that sold dagashi, cheap, small sweets. There were at least one dagashiya in the city. Not only did it sell sweets, but it also sold small toys and it became a place for children to gather. This shop Edoya, sells dagashi even today. Some taste a little strange, but for the Japanese people it is something that evokes their childhood memories. How about trying one out?

  9. Tamariki Seika

  

   www.koedo.org

  

   r.gnavi.co.jp

  Tamariki Seika is a shop selling traditional Japanese candies. On some days, you can actually see how the candies are made. There are a variety of candies with different flavours, colours and designs. It will be a perfect souvenir for your friends!

  10. Kumano Shrine

  

   ton-q.at.webry.info

  

   www.kawagoejob.net

  The God of Good Luck, the God of Success in Business and the God of Marriage is enshrined in Kumano Shrine. As yatagarasu is the symbol of this shrine, a three-legged mythical raven which is used as a motif for the Japanese Football Assciation logo, there are many football fans that come here. You can write your wish on an ema, wooden plaques or try your luck by playing quoits. It is said that you will receive good luck if you wash your coins in the Takara Ike.

  What did you think of Kawagoe? In an hour from Tokyo, you can enjoy Japan’s historical scenary and delicious cuisine. 

  
• kinwashi

  23 Feb 15, 23:08

  Hatsuzekku: A child’s first celebration of life

  From ancient times, there is a tradition in Japan that is carried out to celebrate children and to pray for their growth. This traditional ritual is known as Hatsuzekku and in this article, we will discuss about its background and customs.

  ---

  HONOCA. 

  

  In Japan, there are a few customs that celebrate a child’s birth with wishes for a healthy and long life for the child. 

  Among the many children festivals what we have in Japan, the first celebration that a child has after his or her birth is known as the “Hatsuzekku”. 

  Hatsuzekku celebrates the birth of a new born and calls for rituals to pray for the baby’s growth and to ward off any bad luck. Hatsuzekku for baby girls is called “Momo no sekku” and is celebrated on 3rd of March when the peach blossoms start to bloom, while for the boys, the celebration is called “Tango no sekku” and is celebrated with the family on 5th May. 

  Momo no sekku

  

  blog.livedoor.jp

  Tango no sekku

  

  www.heroes2009.jp

  During the celebrations, households will get their houses ready with colourful carp streamers, replicas of ancient Japanese samurai helmets called “kabuto” and little samurai dolls called “Gogatsu ningyo” for the boys, or dolls that symbolise the princesses (called Ohinasama) and lords from the Heian period for the little girls. 

  Ohinasama, a Heian period princess

  

  idcturkey.com

  Kabuto, a Japanese samurai helmet

  

  www.uedaningyou.net

  The little samurai doll called “Gogatsu Ningyo”

  

  gogatsu-ando-doll.com

  Flying carp streamers

  

  debz-di.kabocha.to

  Carp

  

  ganref.jp

  It is believed that these dolls are necessary for the children’s smooth growth and development and that these dolls will protect the children from harm. 

  In the past, during the tango no sekku, families will decorate their homes with the samurai figurines and build a pole in their garden to hang the carp streamers. However, lately, as many houses now do not have enough garden space or more families live in apartment buildings, we seldom see poles of carp streamers during the celebration. 

  The significance of carp in the festival originates from a legend that tells of a carp that turned into a dragon after swimming up the Ryumon waterfall. The carp symbolises hope for success in a boy’s life. Hence, even if there isn’t enough space to construct a pole in the garden, you will notice some families installing carp streamers from their balcony instead. 

  

  sesamenikki.naturum.ne.jp

  In the past when medical facilities are not as advanced as our modern day’s, the number of children, who passed away young were significant and the community depended on such rituals to pray for the child’s growth and health.

  Hence, the birth of a child is an important event and to mark the special occasion these decorations were bought and prepared beforehand in every household. Due to the important social value that it holds, it was sold at a high price.

  But even with today’s medical technologies that ensures every child to be able to grow up healthy and strong, this tradition of hatsuzekku is still practiced today to commemorate the birth of a precious life into a household. 

  
• kinwashi

  25 Feb 15, 21:39

  What do Japanese women want for White Day and how much do they hope a guy spends?

  ROCKETNEWS24.COM -- FEB 25

  With the exception of the girls at a few high schools with especially generous male student bodies, women don't usually receive presents for Valentine's Day in Japan. Instead, it's the guys who get gifts, returning the favor one month later on March 14, White Day.

   

  But while guys' Valentine's Day aspirations are pretty standardized (just about everyone wants homemade chocolate), the options are a little more flexible for White Day. A recent survey asked Japanese women just what they hope to receive, and how much they envision guys spending.

  The survey of 1,000 men and women, aged 20 to 59, was conducted by Yahoo! Japan, which aside from its general Internet portal operations also runs a sizeable online shopping network. Starting things off was a question just for the ladies: What White Day present will make you think better of the guy who gave it to you?

  The results indicate that White Day is becoming as much about sweets as Valentine's Day, with desserts accounting for four of the top five answers. At number five was cookies (28.7 percent of respondents), with fashion accessories at 36.1 percent being the only non-edible present in the top five.

  - See more at: http://newsonjapan.com/html/newsdesk/article/111526.php#sthash.uXwUD89B.dpuf

• kinwashi

  25 Feb 15, 21:50

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  this already over.

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• kinwashi

  25 Feb 15, 21:59

  Wow... Cherry Blossom?

  Or Plum Blossom!

  

• kinwashi

  25 Feb 15, 22:05

  
  

  梅花祭 ~ Plum Blossom & Geisha at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

   

  SOURCE: DEEP KYOTO   Kitano Tenmangu Shrine has a huge flea market on the 25th of every month, but on the 25th of February this coincides with the peak period for plum blossom viewing. Naturally this calls for a special celebration so every year they hold a special outdoor tea ceremony with geiko and maiko (Kyoto’s geisha) serving the tea. I went along today and found the place packed out with people. Despite the crowds though I could still enjoy the blossom. There was a long queue of people lining up for tea with the geisha. For 1,500 yen you can get matcha tea and some kind of traditional Japanese sweet… I’m not a big fan of matcha tea, so I opted to peek over the fence with these guys instead. Unlike all the other fellows straining for that perfect maiko shot, I did not have a massive telephoto lens, and so I didn’t really think I’d be able to get a decent picture. But one lady there today, happened to be taller than all the other maiko. She was quite literally head and shoulders above the rest. Plum blossom at Kitano Tenmangu will be viewable until mid-March. To get there take Kyoto City Bus #50, and get off at Kitano Tenmangu-mae. The shrine is open from 9:00~17:00 (7:00～21:00 on the 25th for the flea market). Find out more at the Kitano Tenmangu website: www.kitanotenmangu.or.jp/

• kinwashi

  27 Feb 15, 21:31

  Weird Japanese Drinks: Shizuoka Green Tea Cola

  Posted on 27 February, 2015 by Grace Buchele Mineta in Things I love about Japan // 9 Comments

  Recently Ryosuke came home with a can of Shizuoka Green Tea Cola. He found it on a business trip up in Shizuoka. It looked like this:

  

  It’s a carbonated beverage that tasted suspiciously like a cross between Melon Soda and Inca Cola (a famous Peruvian drink). There was a very faint aftertaste of green tea – but if I wasn’t looking for it, I wouldn’t have noticed it. Like, at all.

  There might have been a hint of Dr. Pepper too, but I’m not terribly up-to-date with my sweet carbonated beverages. I drink mostly just tea and water.

  

   

  I would give this drink a solid 9/10. Not a full 10/10 because aparently  it was rather pricey (and difficult to find). If I’m looking for a regular carbonated beverage, I will probably just stick to Melon Soda and Coca Cola.

  But as far as experiences are concerned, it was a good one. It was a delicious drink. Go Japan!

  Want to read about other weird Japanese drinks? Check out:

  Salty Watermelon Pepsi

  Sour Pickled Plum flavored Fanta

  Alcoholic Green Tea in a Can

  Coca-Cola Soy Milk

• kinwashi

  27 Feb 15, 21:33

  Home » Reviews » Salty Watermelon flavored Pepsi: Weird Japanese Drinks

  Salty Watermelon flavored Pepsi: Weird Japanese Drinks

  Posted on 26 May, 2013 by Grace Buchele Mineta in Reviews, Things // 0 Comments

  

  Every summer, Japanese soft drink companies rack their brains to come up with the weirdest “limited time offer” drinks for the summer. Hands down, the winner for the weirdest summer promotional drink in Japan for 2012 was Pepsi-Cola’s “Salty Watermelon” drink. Pepsi is one of my favorite soft drink brands (I don’t drink much soda) – so this is a compliment).

  This bright, florescent red fizzy liquid tasted like, well, a sweet and salty watermelon. It was also very sticky and surprisingly delicious. Like clockwork, every summer, Pepsi (and often Coca-Cola) will release a limited time only summer beverage. Past versions of Pepsi summer drinks have been Ice Cucumber, chestnut, and boiled red bean paste. Needless to say, I cannot wait to see Pepsi’s 2013 summer drink.

  

  Pepsi’s Salty Watermelon beverage was delicious, to say the least. It tasted like a watermelon jolly rancher (no kidding) with a dash of salt. The only unsettling thing about the drink was the fact it was a bright (and somewhat sketchy) crimson liquid.

  Watermelon is a bit of a delicacy in Japan; whereas American watermelons are enormous, cheap, and a bit tasteless, Japanese watermelons are small, perfectly round, and incredibly sweet. Oh yeah, and they are also freakishly expensive. Watermelon is often eaten in groups of friends (or families) in celebration. I’ve celebrated two birthdays in Japan; both have included expensive watermelons.

  It was only a matter of time before someone tried to pair the Japanese love for fine watermelon (especially in the summer) with their unique soft drink flavors. I’m glad Pepsi did it; I only hope I can get another couple bottles of Salty Watermelon Pepsi this summer (because you can’t even find them on ebay anymore…).

  

• kinwashi

  27 Feb 15, 21:34

  Ume (Pickled plum) flavored Fanta: Weird Japanese Drinks

  Posted on 26 May, 2013 by Grace Buchele Mineta in Reviews, Things // 2 Comments

  

  Every summer, soft drink companies scramble to come up with the craziest drink inventions for the summer seasons. Last year’s crown of weird drinks in Japan went to Pepsi-Cola’s Salty Watermelon fizzy drink. The title for the 2013 weirdest drink in Japan, on the other hand, goes to Coca-Cola’s Ume (梅 / ã�†ã‚� /salty plum) flavored Fanta drink.

  Ume is the symbol of spring-time in Japan. While Ume (ã�†ã‚�) is often translated as “plum,” it is, in fact, a particular type of apricot that is supposedly inedible if eaten as a raw fruit; instead it is either pickled, turned into wine, or  strained into a non-alcoholic juice. The Ume tree blooms in early spring; the fruit is harvested in early June (hence it being a summer fruit). Someone on the Coca Cola team obviously thought it would be a good idea to try and create a carbonated beverage that captures the Japanese love for umeboshi (梅干 / ã�†ã‚�ã�¼ã�—)(picked plum) and ume fruits.

  

  Unfortunately, the taste fell short.

  I’m a huge fan for weird drinks. I couldn’t get enough of the 2012 “weird Japanese summer drink,” Salty Watermelon. I also love Ume boshi – the saltier the better. Friends around Japan are always amazed by my “iron stomach” that loved guzzling down those pickled, maroon tidbits.

  However, this carbonated, light brown liquid called Fanta Ume tastes less like the pickled Ume I adore and more like “the artificial cherry gummy bears” (as one of my friends so eloquently stated after her first sip). In the end, Ume plum flavored Fanta tastes more like a non-alcoholic plum wine and less like the vinegary, salty ume drink I was expecting (then again, expecting a vinegary and salty carbonated beverage was probably a pretty stupid thing to do).

  So far, three of my friends (excluding myself) have tried Fanta Ume; neither of us are particularly fond of it. However, I also detest artificial cherry flavoring (which, to be honest, this drink really does taste like the artificial, seedless cherries you would find on a cheap ice cream sundae) – so my pallet is slightly biased. If you like Japanese plum wine or artificial cherry flavor, you will probably love this unique, Japanese summer drink.

  If you’re in Japan this summer, head on down to your local convenience store and try out this new, limited time offer. Even if you think you won’t like it – it makes for a great story later.

   

  期間�定 = Limited time offer!

  Seriously, it’s a limited time only thing. By the time Fall rolls around, these things will be off the shelf. The crazy summer drinks in Japan have a very short shelf life.

• kinwashi

  27 Feb 15, 21:35

  Alcoholic Green Tea in a Can – Weirdly Gross Japanese Drinks

  Posted on 20 June, 2014 by Grace Buchele Mineta in Reviews, Things // 11 Comments

  

  One of the (many) reasons I love Japan is because it is full of all sorts of weird and interesting things. Some of these “weird things” are places, such as the Robot Restaurant or a Rabbit Cafe, others are food and drinks, such as Salty Watermelon Pepsi or Sour Pickled Plum flavored Fanta.

  Basically, Japan is never boring.

  One of my (many) hobbies is to try “weird Japanese things.” Recently I’ve been on a drinking binge – where once or twice a week I try out the weirdest drink I can find in a grocery store. 

  This is how I discovered both Salty Watermelon Pepsi  and Sour Pickled Plum flavored Fanta (which I like). Recently, I’ve been out of luck and mostly hitting awkwardly bad drinks.

  Like the alcoholic green tea in a can. 

  

  This alcoholic drink is a “chuhai” (supposed to be Japanese shochu or vodka with carbonated water) type…

  But, well, it didn’t taste like any of the chuhais that I love.

  

  It was 5% alcohol. I bought it for a friend from America while she was visiting, because she LOVES green tea and was like “alcoholic green tea in a can? That sounds awesome!”

  Except it wasn’t.

  It tasted like watered down, stale green tea with a dash of cheap vodka.

  My friend, the wonderful guest that she is, did drink the entire can. Ryosuke and I all tried it, but couldn’t stomach it…

  

  Apparently if you dissolve a bunch of sugar into it, it doesn’t taste “too bad.” I still thought it was nasty.

  Sadly, this one is going to get a 2/10 on my scale of drinks – not a full “0” because it IS alcohol green tea in a can, which is a pretty neat novelty.

  Just, you know, it’s pretty gross. Sorry. If you’re looking for delicious and weird drinks, I recommend both Salty Watermelon Pepsi and Sour Pickled Plum flavored Fanta. Or really anything else on the shelf.

• kinwashi

  27 Feb 15, 21:37

  Coca-Cola Soy Milk: Weirdly Gross Japanese Drinks

  Posted on 1 August, 2014 by Grace Buchele Mineta in Reviews, Things // 20 Comments

  

  Living in Japan is interesting, to say the least. I have good days and bad days – but never boring days. As anyone who has spent significant time on the internet (or you know, actually lived in Japan) can tell you, Japan is full of all sorts of weird and interesting things.

  Some of these “weird things” are places, such as the Robot Restaurant or a Rabbit Cafe, others are food and drinks, such as Salty Watermelon Pepsi or Sour Pickled Plum flavored Fanta.

  Basically, Japan is fascinating. I could live here for 20 years and probably never run out of new, interesting things.

  One of my (many) hobbies is to try “weird Japanese things.” Recently I’ve been on a drinking binge – where once or twice a week I try out the weirdest drink I can find in a grocery store. 

  This is how I discovered both Salty Watermelon Pepsi  and Sour Pickled Plum flavored Fanta (which I like). Recently, I’ve been out of luck and mostly hitting awkwardly bad drinks. Like the last drink I reviewed, Alcoholic Green Tea in a Can.

  And this Coca Cola Soy Milk Drink. 

  

  Ok, but didn’t I have this coming? I mean, it’s “soy milk cola” – that doesn’t even SOUND appetizing, right?

  Not really. I honestly had high hopes for this drink.

  I’m allergic to milk; this company produces all sorts of delicious soy milk flavored drinks. My favorite are “black tea soy milk,” “pear soy milk,” “banana soy milk,” “chocolate soy milk,” and “strawberry soy milk.” I was at the grocery store last week and say they just released a new flavor, “cola soy milk.”

  I liked all their other stuff.

  So… why not?

  Hint: it was… odd.

  

  First of all, the cola soy milk legitimately looked like regular soy milk. It was a barely off-white, pale, liquid, basically the EXACT same color as their regular soy milk (whereas other flavors are usually colored).

  If you closed your eyes and drank it, it kind of tasted like warm, creamy, non-carbonated coca cola. So not too bad. Ish.

  But then you had to open your eyes and realize you were drinking something that looked NOTHING like coca cola (also, it kind of tasted flat because there was no carbonated bit inside).

  Overall, I give it a 5/10. It wasn’t a bad flavor, per say, it just was… off. Kind of like stale, creamy coca cola.

  I wasn’t able to finish the whole carton. The next time I went to the grocery store, they were out of stock. That was two weeks ago. I haven’t seen it since.

  

• kinwashi

  27 Feb 15, 21:41

  8 Attractive Southern Islands in Japan

  In Japan, there are many southern islands you should visit. They have their own cultures where you can have truly unique experiences.

  ---

  IWAMAYU2003 

  

  Japan is surrounded by sea and is well known for its variety of islands. There are so many beautiful places to go, so those islands are very attractive even for the Japanese.

  Let me introduce the southern islands of Japan. Those islands still have an ancient atmosphere. This area has mild weather throughout the year. They also have their own unique culture, containing aspects different from Japanese culture.

  Here are my recommendations for your next destinations in Japan.

  1. Ishigaki-jima

  Ishigaki-jima is one of the most famous island in the Yaeyama Islands and is the third largest island of Japan.  It is the perfect place to feel nature. You can enjoy canoeing in the Mangrove forest, or trekking mountains. You might be astonished by the Sabichi Limestone cave. It is said that the limestone cave was made almost 370 million years ago. This is the only cave you can go through to the sea in Japan.

  

  Photo by  nakimusi on Flickr

  

  Photo by nimame on Flickr

  

  Photo by  Guwashi999 on Flickr

  2. (Other) Yaeyama Islands

  You can enjoy a completely unique experience in the Yaeyama Islands. The Yaeyama islands consists of 10 inhabited islands, including Ishigaki-jima and many surrounding inhabited islands. This area is the very southeast area of Japan, 2,000 kilometers away from Tokyo. You will be the last person to see the sun set on the day as the sun goes down very last in this area. In Yonaguni island, an old monument was discovered under the sea and this mysterious monument is getting a great deal of attention.

  Taketomi island

  

  Photo by ajari on Flickr

  Iriomote island

  

  Photo by  Kentaro Ohno on Flickr

  Hateruma island

  

  Photo by tomooka on Flickr

  Yonaguni Monument

  
  ja.wikipedia.org

  3. Miyako-jima

  Miyako-jima is located far south from the mainland of Japan. It is 1,800 kilometers away from Tokyo. Miyako-jima is well known for its beautiful sea with coral reefs. If you really like diving, this place is perfect for you as this area has not only beautiful species of fish, but also caves and arches in the ocean.

  

  Photo by Ippei & Janine Naoi on Flickr

  

  Photo by cyber0515 on Flickr

  4. Kume-jima

  Kume-jima is 100 kilometers away from Okinawa. This place used to be a very important place for sea traffic for the Ryukyu Dynasty. There still are the ruins of castles and you can enjoy the old historical view.

  You can enjoy whale watching, and spending your precious time in a relaxing mood, surrounded by beautiful blue sky and ocean.

  

  Photo by lefty1007 on Flickr

  

  Photo by Nao Iizuka on Flickr

  5. Yakushima

  Yakushima is the best place for nature trekking. Beautiful mountains (Miyagaura-Dake), fountains and very well known Jomon-Sugi (Jomon Ceder Tree, 2,600 – 7,200 years old).There is a lot to see. After nature trekking, you can enjoy hot springs in this southern island of Japan!

  

  Photo by gnta on Flickr

  

  Photo by caseyyee on Flickr

  6. Kerama Islands

  Kerama islands are 40 kilometers away from Naha City, Okinawa. There are 3 residential islands and many uninhabited islands. This place is perfect for diving and snorkeling as there are many kinds of tropical fish and coral leaves in Kerama.

  If you visit the uninhabited islands, you will have a very private and wonderful beach experience!

  

  Photo by Misenus1 on Flickr

  

  Photo by keiyac on Flickr

  7. Amami Oshima Islands

  The Amami Islands are located between Kagoshima prefecture and Okinawa prefecture. On these islands you can enjoy unique plants, like the Mangrove and Banyan trees which are not seen on mainland Japan. You should try to visit Kinsakubaru forest as there are so many unique animals like the Amamino Kurousagi (Amami black rabbit) and Lidth’s jay which are nationally protected species.

  

  Photo by Ippei & Janine Naoi on Flickr

  

  ja.wikipedia.org 

  8. Ogasawara Islands

  The Ogasawara Islands are located 1000 kilometers south of Tokyo. An ocean liner to goes there once a week, and it takes almost 1 day to get there.

  

  Photo by Froschmann : ã�‹ã�ˆã‚‹ã�Šã�¨ã�“ on Flickr

  The Ogasawara Islands do not belong to the mainland of Japan. So they have their evolution of plants and animals and this is one of the reasons it is registered as a World Heritage Site.

  There are a lot of activities you can enjoy in Ogasawara Islands. Nature trekking, star watching, taking part in night tour…if you have plenty of time, your trip to the Ogasawara Islands can be a perfect vacation for you as you are going to have a truly unique experience unlike anywhere else.

  

  Photo by PhoTones_TAKUMA on Flickr

  
• kinwashi

  28 Feb 15, 23:13

  Video.

   

  USJ�リーポッター���������HarryPotter Universal Studios Japan

   

   http://youtu.be/92whU5y4-UM

  http://youtu.be/eEVfgx7iDxM

   

  Universal Studios Japan waves magic wand to set visitor record

  ASAHI 

  Harry Potter is working his magic at Universal Studios Japan, where themed attractions on the Hogwarts wizard are helping to break the park's visitor record.

   

  The theme park opened on March 31, 2001, and attracted 11.02 million visitors in its first fiscal year of operation.

  That figure, unsurpassed until now, will be broken in coming days, USJ officials said.

  They said visitor numbers have risen sharply since the opening last July of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

  In October, Universal Studios Japan recorded its highest monthly total of 1.46 million visitors. Then in January, the park clocked its 10 millionth visitor since April 1, 2014, a record pace for any fiscal year.

   

• kinwashi

  28 Feb 15, 23:22

  Japanese Fastfood : Tachigui Soba (Noodle Stand)

  Recently, "Tachigui Soba" or Noodle stand which is located at the station in Japan is very popular for foreign tourists. What is "Tachigui soba"? We will introduce about it.

  ---

  HONOCA. 

  

  In Japan, there is a fast food called Tachigui Soba – standing-up-eating soba that you can eat in your busy time or when you feel a bit hungry. The shops mainly placed in the train station platform or inside the station

  Among the foreign tourists, this Japanese Tachigui Soba – standing-up-eat soba has becoming hot topic and gaining its popularity.

  

  hayashimasaki.net

  Soba is a food made from the buckwheat fruits that processed into the soba flour, mix the flour with hot water and make a long and narrow shape of noodle when it kneaded, boil it and you can enjoy it with the broth.

  

  www.sobakobo-sakichi.com

  Tachigui Soba – standing-up-eating Soba is not a food that you eat slowly while sitting, but you need to eat it while standing. The way to order is also unusual, you have to buy the meal coupon on the vending machine and give it to the shop’s staff or you can directly order to the person who make it.

  After you order it, the cook will make it for you on the spot. You can enjoy the steaming hot soba in around 3 minutes.

  You can enjoy the kakesoba – soba in hot broth only for 400 yen. There are many kinds of toppings for soba such as kakiage – fried vegetables & shrimp, sansai – edible wild plants and ebiten – fried prawns. You can enjoy all these toppings that you like by paying additional charge.

  Kakiage Soba – Soba with Fried Vegetables & Shrimp

  

  www.nikusoba-narihira.com

  Sansai Soba – Soba with Edible Wild Plants

  

  mishoku-club.seesaa.net

  Ebiten Soba – Soba with Fried Prawns

  

  dt125kazuo.blog22.fc2.com

  After you finished eat the soba, you can put the tray in the counter and say “Gochisousama – Thank you for the meal” or you can give the tray to the staff inside the shop.

  In particular the Shinshuu Soba from Nagano Prefecture is the famous one. In the first place, it is been said that the current long and narrow noodle shape was originally from Nagano Prefecture. The Shinshuu Sobahas the reputation for its good taste because this soba made from the good quality of buckwheat cultivated with the advantage of Nagano Prefecture’s climate that processed into flour and the usage of a clear clean water.

  Tachigui Soba at Nagano Train Station Platform

  

  plaza.rakuten.co.jp

  Tachigui Soba inside Karuizawa Train Station

  

  www.jalan.net

  Why don’t you try to eat this soba when you come to Nagano for a sightseeing tour such as skiing? It’s a perfect food to warm up your body in a cold ski season.

  In recent years, the Japanese Tachigui Soba – standing-up-eating soba in train station platform has become popular among the foreign tourists. What is Tachigui Soba? We will introduce to you the Tachigui Soba.

  
• kinwashi

  2 Mar 15, 22:03

  The appealing history and culture of rice in Japan

  Even though food is imported from all over the world and the Japanese eat universal foods nowadays, Japanese rice culture never changed and the Japanese still eat rice commonly as a staple diet. Japanese rice is the best in the world. We would like to introduce the appeal of delicious Japanese rice culture.

  ---

  HONOCA. 

  

  The Japanese have eaten “Okome or Kome (Rice)” as a staple diet since the ancient times.

  

  www.rakuten.co.jp

  Even though food is imported from all over the world and the Japanese eat universal food nowadays, the Japanese still eat rice commonly.

  Rice has a long history and “Inasaku” which is rice cropping started in the Jomon period.

  

  www.shin-kowa.co.jp

  Following the Shinto religion in Japan, they dedicate rice as well as Japanese Sake and salt to god in regional festivals since ancient times.

  

  ameblo.jp

  So, for the Japanese, rice is not only food but also a crop with a spiritual value.

  There is plenty of food used with rice in Japan, such as “Onigiri (rice ball)”, “Ochazuke (rice poured green tea, dashi or warm water)”, “Takikomi Gohan (rice seasoned dashi, soy sauce, vegetable, meat, fish or mushroom etc), “Donburi or Donburimono (rice bowl dish)”,”Tamago kake Gohan (raw egg on rice)” and so on.

  Onigiri (Rice Ball)

  

  oisiso.com

  Ochazuke (Rice poured green tea, dashi or warm water)

  

  item.rakuten.co.jp

  Takikomi Gohan (Rice seasoned dashi, soy sauce with vegetable, meat, fish or mushroom etc.)

   

  www.marusui-net.co.jp

  Donburimono or Donburi (Rice bowl dish)

   

  miyamahonpo.com

  Tamago kake gohan (Raw egg on rice)

   

  item.rakuten.co.jp

  Mochigome is the sticky rice which is slightly graded up from normal rice. The Japanese eat Mochi (sticky rice cake) made of Mochigome.

  Omochi or Mochi (Sticky rice cake)

  

  motto.tips

  Omochi or Mochi is eaten in special ceremonies such as Oshogatsu (New Year) when Japanese celebrate the beginning of the New Year. They make the sticky rice into a powder called “Shiratama-ko (Rice glutinous flour) or “Joshin-ko (Japanese rice flour) and then these flours are used to make Odango (or Dango, Japanese sweet dumpling), Wagashi(Traditional Japanese confectionery) and Osenbei (or Senbei, Japanese rice cracker).

  Joshin-ko (Japanese rice flour)

  

  www.ruan-yk.co.jp

  Odango or Dango (Japanese sweet dumpling)

  

  www.rankingshare.jp

  Wagashi (Traditional Japanese Confectionery)

  

  chicory02.exblog.jp

  Osenbei or Senbei (Japanese rice cracker)

  

  zaou.co.jp

  A recent development is Kome-ko (rice flour) made of plain rice. This Kome-ko can be used the same as flour to make bread and Udon (Japanese thick flour noodle).

  Kome-ko Pan(Rice flour bread)

  

  11578678.at.webry.info

  Kome-ko Udon (Rice flour noodle)

  

  www.kyoya-ramen.co.jp

  “Inasaku” which is rice cropping starts from the planting of rice seedlings called “Taue (Ta-rice field, Ue-planting)” in April and rice is harvested in September. From the planting of rice seeding to the harvest, there are many things to do and are lots of care in each process.

  Some elementary schools in Japan have lessons in rice cropping so that students can understand the preciousness of the rice they eat every day. And after gathering rice, they cook and eat themselves. The rice they cultivated must be the most delicious.

  

  www.city.nanjo.okinawa.jp

  

  www.city.nanjo.okinawa.jp

  For the Japanese, rice is always treasured and will always be eaten eternally.

  
• kinwashi

  2 Mar 15, 22:06

  7 impressive sights in Okayama

  Okayama is located between two big tourist spots - Hiroshima and Himeji, and many people just pass by. However, if you have time to stop, Okayama prefecture has lots of amazing sites to visit.

  ---

  KEIKO KAWASAKI 

  

  1．Kurashiki Canal Area

  

  pixabay.com

  Kurashiki was one of the most important points for distributing rice. Along the canal, there are many warehouses with white walls and black tiles, which were used for storing rice. Rice was delivered here from the countryside by boat and brought to Osaka and Kyoto.

  2. Korakuen Garden

  

  Photo by autan on Flickr

  Korakuen is known as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, and it was completed in 1700. The garden consists of ponds, tea houses and Edo period buildings including a stage for “Noh” – Japanese classical operas.  

  3. Ohaganishi Rice Terraces

  

  ja.wikipedia.org

  Ohaganishi Rice Terraces are located at an altitude of 400 meters, in the northwest mountainous part of Okayama prefecture. It is selected as one of the 100 best rice terraces in Japan.  

  4. Bicchu Matsuyama-jo Castle

  

  Photo by PhoTones_TAKUMA on Flickr

  Bicchu Matsuyama Castle stands on a steep mountain in Takahashi City. It was constructed in 1240, as a defensive fortress, and is the unique example of remains of a mountain castle that survived.  

  5. Seto Ohashi Bridge

  

  ja.wikipedia.org

  Seto Ohashi Bridge is a series of six bridges spanning five islands, and it connects Kojima in Okayama prefecture on Honshu and Sakaide in Kagawa prefecture on Shikoku. The bridge took 10 years to build, cost US$7 billion, and it was completed in 1988.

  6．Kibitsu Shrine

  

  Photo by frasercgraham on Flickr

  Kibitsu Shrine is located about 8 km west of central Okayama City. The main building is one of the largest shrines in Japan with a unique style – it has two gables on the roof. This shrine also has a famous 398 meter-long corridor.  

  7. Fukiya Village

  

  Photo by cotaro70s on Flickr

  Fukiya Village was a centre of red oxide produce. The red oxide was mined and used for porcelain, and they still use it for painting. Here you can enjoy the unique townscape with red roof tiles.

   

  
• kinwashi

  2 Mar 15, 22:18

  I,  only got seven days to do Okayama.

  • Only seven days, not enough.

     

    So many here.

     

    http://okayama-japan.jp/en/genre.html?ditto_tag_search_tagData=tagging&tag_search_tags=%E8%A6%8B%E3%82%8B

     

    TOP » Nature

    Beautiful landscapes

    Okayama Prefecture has a lot of beautiful landscapes, covering the northern area from the Chugoku Mountains to the plateau regions and the southern plains, with a mild climate, and faces the peaceful Seto Inland Sea. This rich variety of nature creates many region-specific cultures and histories, and gives us beautiful scenery.

    

    

    Which do you prefer to visit first, the mountains or the seas?

    
    

    We can feel the mighty power of nature and the eternal passage of time.

    Mountains

    The changes in the scenery in all four seasons makes us feel the power of nature, all that more attractive.

    Seas

    Blue sky, sparkling waves, and the flame of the setting sun in the Seto Inland. The enchanting beauty of nature can be seen.

     

    

    Okayama Farmers’ Market North Village

    This area includes a ranch, livestock barns, processing facilities for animal products and fields. Dairy and agricultural experiences are available.

    

    Ojigatake Hill

    Ojigatake is one of the most picturesque places, with a full view of the Seto Inland Sea, and has a great number of massive, oddly shaped granite formations. A flight point for paragliding is located at the top of the hill.

    
    

    

    Satosho Utsukushii-mori (Beautiful Forest)

    This park, located in the forest, covers about 17 hectares. It has a cabin for bird-watching, walking trails, open spaces and camp sites.

    

    Maejima Island

    In Maejima Island, in front of the Ushimado harbor, training programs and accommodations are available. Marine sports are also available. Setouchi City

    
    

    

    Ohaganishi Rice Terraces

    The scenery of 40 hectares, having 800 rice terraces, and selected as one of the 100 best rice terraces in Japan, spreads out before you.

    

    Mushiake

    The beauty of the sea’s changing color over time is memorable. Rafts for cultured oysters float on the calm sea.

    
    

    • Click here for a list of Nature “Mountains”.
     
    • Click here for a list of Nature “Seas".

    Tour of “Flowers and Trees” in Okayama

    There are a lot of must-see sights in Okayama, including cherry blossoms in spring time, sunflowers in summer time, and giant trees, hundreds of years old.

    The list of must-see “Flowers” and “Trees” in Okayama

    Sakazu Park

    

    A comprehensive park built on the theme of "Water and Cherry Blossoms”. The cherry blossoms in spring are especially marvelous.

    Best time for flower watching: 4月上旬

    Sunflower Garden

    

    A million sunflowers bloom in approximately 10 hectares of drained land.

    Best time for flower watching: Mid to late August

    Cosmos Road

    

    A band of pink, white, and purple cosmos flowers that is approximately 9 kilometers long can be seen along the Bitchu River.

    Best time for flower watching: Early to late October

    
    

    Big Ginkgo Tree in Bodaiji Temple

    

    This is the biggest tree in Okayama Prefecture, thought to be over 900 years old. It is designated as a national natural treasure and selected as one of the 100 best trees in Japan.

    Best time for flower watching: mid to late November

    Sodo Cherry Blossoms

    

    One type of Yaezakura (cherry blossom with double petal) cherry tree is designated as a natural treasure in Okayama Prefecture. There are approximately 80 of these trees.

    Best time for flower watching: Mid April

    Achi Wisteria

    

    Renowned wisteria trees near the top of Mt. Tsurugata in the north of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical District are said to be approximately 300 to 500 years old.

    Best time for flower watching: Late April to mid May

    
    
    Edited by kinwashi 27 Nov `12, 10:38PM
  • 27 Nov `12, 10:39PM

    Historical cityscape

    There are many unique and distinctive cityscapes in Okayama Prefecture, including the nationally known Kurashiki Bikan Area and Okayama Cultural Zone, scattered with many museums. Many tourists come to this area to visit this origin point of culture.

    

    

    You feel deep emotion when visiting this cityscape and in witnessing the history of the town.

    In Okayama, there are many unique sights scattered across the area, reminding us of history and the atmosphere of days past.

    Take time to walk through the distinctive cityscape, so full of character.

    Let's take time to walk in the wide array of sights, such as the traditional white-walled houses and cityscape with beautiful colcothar lattice-work.

    

    Beautiful garden completed over a long period of time

    In addition to the Okayama Korakuen Garden, which is one of three major recognized Japanese-style gardens in Japan, there are many other beautiful Japanese-style gardens in the prefecture as well. The gardens are artistic places of historic interest, constructed over a long period of time, in order to perfect their beauty.

    A design which lords and shogunate appreciated in olden days

    The landscape of the garden was created by utilizing nature, made with a highly calculated design. The lords loved to view and walk amongst the scenery. Please feel the aesthetic sense of Japanese culture in this garden, providing colorful scenery and changes with the season.

    Two major sights illustrate a history which Okayama proudly presents to the world.

    
    

    Okayama has a wide range of cityscapes which are both historically and artistically important.

    Cityscape of BIZEN

    In addition to the Okayama Korakuen Garden, a “symbol” of Okayama Prefecture, there are other areas presenting scenes that stimulate one’s artistic senses.

    Cityscape of BICCHU

    An area of nostalgic cityscape, along with the Kurashiki Bikan Area

    Cityscape of MIMASAKA

    This area abounds with nature sites, such as Tsuyama Castle and Kakuzan Park, famous for its cherry blossoms. Please visit here to find comfort.

    

    Okayama Korakuen Garden, Okayama Castle

    This is a famous castle compound, composed of a great garden, one of three major Japanese-style gardens in Japan, and an eminent castle called “Ujo” (meaning “crow castle” in Japanese) due to its dark appearance.

    

    Kurashiki Bikan Area

    A cityscape with white walls extending along the Kurashiki River. It is designated by the government as a historic building preservation area.

    

    Joto Mukashi Machiya (old urban houses)

    There is an old streetscape built along the Izumo main street in the 17th century, which still remains.

    
    

    

    Inujima Island

    A plant which used to be used for copper refinery is now revitalized as the Inujima Art Project, “Refinery”. Inujima is an island where legend, history and modern art all exist side-by-side.

    

    Takahashi

    City in which old samurai culture still exists.

    

    Shurakuen Garden

    A garden a lord constructed in the early Edo Period (17 AD). Elegant Kyoto-style articles can be seen throughout many places in the garden.

    
    

    

    Hayashibara Museum of Art

    This is a museum where many national treasures and important cultural assets, including utensils that lords used to use, along with antiques, including swords inherited from the Ikeda family who was the former domain lord of Okayama District and Bizen swords, are collected.

    

    Shimotsui Area

    This is an old historic port town where many of the shops from long ago still exist. It also offers the classic atmosphere of fishermen’s town.

    

    Tsuyama Castle, Kakuzan Park

    In 2005, the “Bitchu Yagura Tower,” the largest tower in Tsuyama Castle, was rebuilt. This castle is well known as one of the best cherry blossom watching spots in western Japan. There are approximately 5,000 cherry trees in this park.

    
    

    • Cityscape of Bizen.
     
    • Cityscape of Bicchu.
     
    • Cityscape of Mimasaka.
• kinwashi

  2 Mar 15, 22:31

   

  Delicacies of Okayama

  Being blessed with harvests from the sea and mountains, Okayama has had a variety of local cuisine since early times.

  

  

  The mild climate, sunny Okayama "food" to journey

  Please enjoy the fresh fish, delicious rice and sake, as well as fruits of Okayama, famous throughout Japan.

  Rice grown in an optimum climate is extremely delicious.

  Okayama’s famous rice, Asahi-mai, is preferred by many sushi restaurants as well as by fancy, traditional Japanese restaurants for their dishes. Okayama is also the production center of good sake brewed from rice.

  Cultivation technique especially developed to grow delicious fruit.

  Fruit cultivation technique has been developed over a hundred year period. Now Okayama is called the “Fruit Kingdom.” We hope you enjoy the delicious fruit produced in Okayama.

  A variety of seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, changes seasonally.

  Affluent and delicious seafood in Okayama, such as mackerel, sardinella zunasi, black rockfish, and oysters.

  Enjoy the intriguing “delicacies” of Okayama.

  

  Fruit of Okayama Prefecture like jewel. As for Okayama Prefecture, the fruit kingdom is famous.

  Okayama has many sunny days throughout the year. In combination with its mild climate, this makes it the ideal place for growing fruit. Many different kinds of fruits, including white peaches and grapes, are grown here. The fruit of Okayama is a popular brand among the people of Japan.

  In season from the middle of May to November
  

  Muscat of Alexandria

  Due to its wonderful fragrance and elegant taste, it deserves to be called “Queen of Fruits”.

  From middle of July to middle of August
  

  White peach

  Local specialty of Okayama. Most popular fruit.

  In season from the middle of May to November
  

  New pione grapes

  Large, sweet and seedless; Okayama is the largest producer of grapes in Japan.

  
  

  

  Okayama is surrounded by both sea and mountains, and has a variety of traditional cuisine which draws ingredients from both locations.

  The cuisine has been loved by common people since long ago. Recently such types of cuisine are called “B-grade gourmet dishes”. They are tasty, and not too expensive. Such B-grade gourmet dishes include “oyster okonomiyaki pancake” and “horumon udon noodles” (made from animal entrails).

  
  

  Okayama Barazushi

  We recommend you try Barazushi, a famous local dish of Okayama. Made of rich, fresh sea food and vegetables on top of vinegared rice, this plate is served at Sushi restaurants in the southern part of Okayama Prefecture.

  
  

  Milk of Jersey cattle, dairy products

  The number of Jersey cattle in Okayama is the greatest in all of Japan. Sweet rich Jersey milk is utilized in the production of processed foods such as yogurts and cheese.

  In season from May to July
  

  Mamakari (Japanese Sardinella-a type of ray-finned fish)

  This small and tasty fish is a specialty of Okayama Prefecture. Mamakari literally means to “borrow rice from neighbors.” However, in olden days people used to say that they needed to ask their neighbors for rice because the Mamakari dish was so good that they couldn’t make enough of it with the rice they had alone, and that they needed get rice from neighbors to satisfy their appetite.

  
  

  

  Popular local cuisine

  Recently, tasty and not too expensive casual dishes so-called “B-grade gourmet dishes,” including “oyster okonomiyaki pancake” and “horumon udon noodles” (horumon is made from animal entrails), are popular among common people.

  

  Kakioko pancake

  Big oysters are added to the “Hinase-yaki pancake” popular in the Hinase area. This is a casual but sumptuous dish loaded with fruits of the sea.

  

  Hiruzen Yakisoba (sautéed noodle)

  In Hiruzen, this type of noodle, sautéed with chicken and sweet soy sauce, is popular. It is said that the people in this area use this type of hand-made sweet sauce because it was difficult for them to purchase sauce.

  

  Tsuyama Horumon Udon Noodle

  These are noodles sautéed with fresh “horumon” (made from animal entrails) and a unique sauce. It has a rich flavor.

  
  

  

  A sunny land, Okayama, is blessed with abundant nature, and is a good place for sake brewing.

  “Good rice for sake,” “abundant water,” and “fresh fruit”; Okayama Prefecture is one of the most suitable places for sake and wine brewing. We strongly recommend you to try the sake made in Okayama.

  

  Sake

  We have a variety of distinctive sake.

  

  Beer

  Beer made with fresh-tasting water and quality raw materials is popular among people throughout Japan.

  

  Shochu (distilled spirit)

  Rice and proso millet harvested in the local area are used, creating a flavorful and mellow taste.

  
  

  

  Wine

  High-quality-grape-producing Okayama is also active in the wine production.

  

  Liqueur

  There are a lineup of good liqueurs made from Okayama’s specialty products, such as from the white peaches and the pione grapes.

  
  

  

  The vegetables of each season offer a contrasting touch to cuisine.

  Vegetables grown in plentiful water in the mild climate of Okayama offer accent cuisine. Please try the fresh vegetables from Okayama District.

  
  

  Momotaro tomatoes

  The tomatoes have a good balance of both sweetness and tartness.

  
  

  Yellow chive

  The yellow chive is softer and sweeter than green chive, and is a high-end food item.

  
  

  Black soybeans

  Large black soybeans have a texture like that of sweet chestnuts when boiled. The volume of their production is number one in Japan.

  
  

  Perfect souvenirs!

  The food of Okayama is eye-catching and delicious, and thus it becomes a popular to give as a souvenir.

  [Fancy sweets]: The fancy sweets created through the technique of masters are true art.

  Kibi Dango (proso millet cake)

  

  It is a confectionery made of kibi (proso millet) and sweet rice powders. Kibi-dango are the most famous souvenir of Okayama.

  Murasuzume

  

  Kurashiki traditional fancy sweets

  Yubeshi

  

  The traditional sweets of the Bitchu District, using Chinese lemon, have a rich flavor.

  
  

  Ochiai Yokan (sweet bean jelly)

  

  Traditional sweets are loved by people in Maniwa.

  Chofu

  

  Chofu is a sweet that has the shape of rolled cloth. It is popular for its delicate, sweet taste and softness.

  Fruit Jelly

  

  Jelly is normally a western confectionery, but it is completely different when made with fruit from the “Fruit Kingdom”, Okayama.

  
  

  Tomato Jelly

  

  A whole Momotaro tomato is used to make the tomato jelly.

  Makigaki (rolled persimmon)

  

  We rolled dried persimmon to make the makigaki.

  Ohte-manju (sweet bean cake)

  

  A mild taste is created by harmonizing the richness of amazake and the sweetness of bean jam.

• Desmond36

  3 Mar 15, 06:28

  Wow~~