From souvenir hunting to lunch or dinner during your trip, or even late-night snacks at your hotel, Depachika is truly a “food treasure trove” for international visitors. After reading this article, you’re sure to be captivated by Depachika!

What is “Depachika”? Japan’s Unique Food Culture Space

Depachika literally means “department store basement” food floor. It’s not just a grocery section but a unique Japanese food culture space where high-quality ingredients, bento boxes and ready-made dishes from famous shops, artistic sweets made by patissiers, and rare foods from around the world are all gathered in one place. Its appeal lies in the fun of browsing various products as if on a treasure hunt, and the ability to feel Japan’s dedication to food firsthand.

Complete Guide to Shinjuku Isetan Depachika! Must-Buys & Must-Tries

Among the many department stores, Shinjuku Isetan’s Depachika stands out for its scale and product range. Spanning the first and second basement floors, it offers a selection of domestic and international famous brands, long-established Japanese confectioneries, and seasonal ingredients. Here are the categories and representative delicacies especially recommended for international visitors.

1. Artistic Sweets: Perfect for Souvenirs or a Personal Treat

The colorful sweets corner is arguably the face of Depachika. The visually stunning cakes and tarts, and delicate Japanese confections unique to Japan, make you feel happy just by looking at them.

• Cakes from Famous Patisseries: Stores by world-renowned patissiers like “Patisserie Sadaharu Aoki Paris” line up.
• Popular Kyoto Wagashi: “Cha no Ka” from Kyoto’s “Malebranche” and other rich matcha-based sweets are particularly popular.
• Long-established Japanese Confections: Seasonal fresh confections, and long-lasting senbei (rice crackers) or yokan (bean paste jelly) are also abundant, perfect for souvenirs.

2. Gorgeous “Deli” & “Bento Boxes”: A Luxurious Dinner to Enjoy at Your Hotel

Depachika’s ready-made dishes and bento boxes are varied and visually appealing. Taking “Depachika gourmet” back to your hotel to enjoy leisurely is one of the true pleasures of travel.

• Specialty Bento: Numerous luxurious bento boxes, both in appearance and taste, supervised by famous Japanese restaurants and eateries, offering Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisines.
• Wide Variety of Deli Items: A diverse range of ready-made dishes including fried foods, simmered dishes, salads, and international deli-style foods. You can buy small portions to try various flavors.

3. Unique Japanese “Sake” and “Seasonings”: Recreate Japan at Home!

The selection of sake and shochu is also extensive, where you might even encounter rare brands. Additionally, high-quality Japanese staple seasonings like miso, soy sauce, and dashi are available, perfect for those who want to recreate Japanese flavors at home.

• Sake from Across Japan: There are also tasting corners where you can find your favorite flavor.
• Artisan Seasonings: Unique items not usually found in supermarkets, such as regional miso and soy sauce made by artisans.

Smart Tips for Conquering Depachika

Here are some tips to make the most of your Depachika experience.

Shinjuku Isetan Depachika Basic Information

MAP

Depachika: A New Way to Enjoy Your Trip to Japan

Japanese Depachika is not just a place to buy food. It embodies the depth of Japan’s food culture, the dedication of its artisans, and the aesthetic sense that expresses the changing seasons. Why not embark on a gourmet journey that stimulates your five senses at Shinjuku Isetan’s Depachika and discover your own “ultimate food wonderland”?

From souvenir selection to memorable dining experiences, Depachika will enrich your trip to Japan even further. Be sure to stop by a Depachika on your next visit to Japan.

This article provides a complete guide to fully enjoy the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, thoroughly explaining how to purchase tickets, access from major cities, seasonal highlights, and the charm of the “Snow Wall Festival.” With this guide, your journey along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route will be perfect!

Find Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Tours

What is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route? A Grand Mountain Sightseeing Route Connecting Toyama and Nagano

The “Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route” is a world-renowned mountain sightseeing route that penetrates the Northern Alps, with peaks around 3,000 meters, connecting Toyama Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture. By transferring through various modes of transportation such as cable cars, trolley buses, and ropeways from Tateyama Station in Toyama Prefecture to Ogizawa Station in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture, you can enjoy magnificent nature up close. The continuous series of breathtaking views is truly a panorama that Japan is proud of.

How to Buy Tickets for Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

There are various types of Alpine Route tickets depending on the section you use and your departure point. To ensure a smooth trip, understand how to purchase them in advance.

1. Web Tickets (Advance Booking)

Especially during busy periods like weekends, Golden Week, and Obon, ticket counters can be very crowded. By purchasing “Web Tickets” online in advance, you can significantly reduce waiting time. You can also specify your departure date, section of use, and vehicle departure times.

2. Same-Day Tickets

You can also buy same-day tickets at the ticket counters at each station. However, at major stations like Murodo and Ogizawa, long queues can form from early morning. There’s a possibility you might not be able to get on the desired vehicle at your preferred time, so it’s recommended to visit with plenty of time or during the off-season.

3. Round-Trip & Through Tickets

If you plan to travel through the Alpine Route from the Toyama side (Tateyama Station) to the Nagano side (Ogizawa Station) or vice versa, there are advantageous tickets such as “All-Line Tickets” or “Round-Trip Tickets” that cover transfers between various modes of transportation. Choose the best ticket according to your plan.

Check Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route tours

Access from Major Cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya)

Access to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route varies depending on whether you enter from the Toyama side (Tateyama Station) or the Nagano side (Ogizawa Station). Let’s look at how to access from major cities and the required time.

1. Access from Tokyo

• From Toyama side (Tateyama Station):
  • From Tokyo Station to Toyama Station by Hokuriku Shinkansen (approx. 2 hours 10 minutes)
  • From Toyama Station to Tateyama Station by Toyama Chiho Railway (approx. 1 hour)
  • Total travel time: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes~
• From Nagano side (Ogizawa Station):
  • From Shinjuku Station to Shinano-Omachi Station by JR Limited Express Azusa (approx. 3 hours 45 minutes)
    • *If no direct connection, transfer at Matsumoto Station
  • From Shinano-Omachi Station to Ogizawa Station by local bus (approx. 40 minutes)
  • Total travel time: approx. 4 hours 30 minutes~

2. Access from Osaka

• From Toyama side (Tateyama Station):
  • From Shin-Osaka Station to Kanazawa Station by JR Thunderbird (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes)
  • From Kanazawa Station to Toyama Station by Hokuriku Shinkansen (approx. 20 minutes)
  • From Toyama Station to Tateyama Station by Toyama Chiho Railway (approx. 1 hour)
  • Total travel time: approx. 4 hours~
• From Nagano side (Ogizawa Station):
  • From Shin-Osaka Station to Nagoya Station by Tokaido Shinkansen (approx. 50 minutes)
  • From Nagoya Station to Matsumoto Station by JR Limited Express Shinano (approx. 2 hours)
  • From Matsumoto Station to Shinano-Omachi Station by JR Oito Line (approx. 1 hour)
  • From Shinano-Omachi Station to Ogizawa Station by local bus (approx. 40 minutes)
  • Total travel time: approx. 4 hours 30 minutes~

3. Access from Nagoya

• From Toyama side (Tateyama Station):
  • From Nagoya Station to Toyama Station by JR Limited Express Shinano (approx. 2 hours 40 minutes)
  • From Toyama Station to Tateyama Station by Toyama Chiho Railway (approx. 1 hour)
  • Total travel time: approx. 3 hours 40 minutes~
• From Nagano side (Ogizawa Station):
  • From Nagoya Station to Matsumoto Station by JR Limited Express Shinano (approx. 2 hours)
  • From Matsumoto Station to Shinano-Omachi Station by JR Oito Line (approx. 1 hour)
  • From Shinano-Omachi Station to Ogizawa Station by local bus (approx. 40 minutes)
  • Total travel time: approx. 3 hours 40 minutes~

It takes another 1 to 1.5 hours to reach your destination (e.g., Murodo) by transferring between modes of transportation on the Alpine Route. Depending on your travel plan, consider staying overnight before or after your journey.

Seasonal Highlights and What to Wear: To Comfortably Enjoy the Spectacular Scenery

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route reveals different charms in each of the four seasons. Let’s cover the highlights of each season and appropriate attire.

1. Spring (April ~ Early June): The Great Snow Wall and Snow Play

Highlights: Without a doubt, the “Great Snow Wall” (Yuki no Otani). The snow walls, towering up to 20m high, are overwhelming. You can also enjoy snow play on the snowfield and spectacular views from the Panorama Road.

Attire: It’s still winter cold on the mountain. A proper cold weather preparation is essential, including down jackets, thick fleece, hats, and gloves. Waterproof trekking shoes are recommended for footwear. Don’t forget sunglasses due to strong snow reflection.

2. Early Summer (Mid-June ~ July): Snowmelt and the Blue of Mikurigaike Pond

Highlights: As the snowmelt progresses, the beautiful cobalt blue surface of “Mikurigaike Pond” appears. This is also when Raicho (rock ptarmigan) become active for breeding, so you might be lucky enough to spot one.

Attire: Daytime is relatively pleasant, but mornings, evenings, and shaded areas are chilly. Layering with long-sleeve shirts, thin fleece, or jackets for temperature control is basic. Having warm clothing prepared is also reassuring.

3. Summer (Late July ~ August): Alpine Plants and Full-Scale Trekking

Highlights: Alpine plants are in full bloom, creating beautiful flower fields. Hikers enjoy full-scale climbing and trekking. The water discharge from Kurobe Dam is also very impressive.

Attire: Relatively light clothing is fine, but mountain weather can change quickly, so bring rain gear and something to wear over your clothes. Trekking shoes are essential.

4. Autumn (September ~ October): Breathtaking Autumn Foliage

Highlights: The entire mountain turns red and yellow, a breathtaking season for autumn foliage. The view from the ropeway, in particular, is spectacular. You can enjoy the grand nature in the clear air.

Attire: It gets cold rapidly, so thick sweaters, fleece, and down jackets are essential warm clothing. Layering for adjustment and windproof/waterproof outerwear are recommended.

“Tateyama Kurobe Snow Wall Festival” Explained in Detail! Event Highlights and How to Enjoy

Held annually from April 15 to June 25, the “Tateyama Kurobe Snow Wall Festival” is one of the highlights of the Alpine Route. It’s an event where you can fully experience the charm of Tateyama, one of the world’s heaviest snowfall regions.

Main Event “Snow Wall Walk”

The giant snow wall, “Yuki no Otani,” appears when the Tateyama Toll Road is cleared of snow. The Snow Wall Walk, where you can enjoy this scenery up close, is the highlight of the event. The course starts at the Murodo Terminal and stretches about 500 meters. You will be overwhelmed by its immense height. Information on snowfall periods and other details are also displayed on the cross-section of the snow wall, allowing you to learn how snow accumulated and how the snow wall was formed through quizzes.

On the day of coverage, it was over 20 degrees Celsius in Tokyo, but it was -4 degrees Celsius on the mountain! Although the daytime sun was warm, there’s a significant temperature difference, so make sure to prepare for the cold. For reference, the author wore an inner layer, turtleneck, light sweater, foldable down jacket, and windbreaker. It’s recommended to wear clothes that you can easily take off as it gets warm while walking.

Other Highlights and Activities

• Panorama Road: A snowfield promenade enjoyable until early May. It’s a scenic spot with views of famous peaks of the Tateyama Range, including Mount Tsurugi. It’s about 200m from the Snow Wall entrance.
• Snowplow Exhibition: Rotary snowplows and snowplow bulldozers essential for creating the Snow Wall are exhibited. You can see these powerful vehicles up close.
• Tateyama Spring Water Omikuji: There’s also an omikuji (fortune slip) using melting snow water (paid). It’s a unique experience where your fortune appears when immersed in the melted snow water.
• Commemorative Photo Service: Photo services are also offered, such as photos with a Snow Wall-designed mat (paid), making for a great travel souvenir.

Exploring Major Alpine Route Tourist Spots

1. Murodo – Spectacular View from the Alpine Route’s Highest Point

Murodo is a key base for the Alpine Route, and the 360-degree panoramic view from an altitude of 2,450m is stunning. Mount Dainichi, Mount Tsurugi, and Mount Tateyama spread out before your eyes. From late May, as the snow melts, it bustles with people enjoying trekking. Some also enjoy backcountry skiing, and if you’re lucky, you might spot skiers/snowboarders. “Tateyama Tamadono Spring Water,” selected as one of Japan’s 100 famous waters, can be drunk after the snow melts (from around June).

2. Daikanbo – Snow Pockets and Snow Tunnels

From Murodo, take the “Tateyama Tunnel Trolleybus” (approx. 10 minutes) to Daikanbo. From the station’s rooftop observatory, a grand panorama of Lake Kurobe and the rear Tateyama Mountain Range unfolds. Here, there’s a giant kamakura (igloo-like snow shelter) called “Snow Pocket.” From mid-May to mid-June, an arched snow path leading to the observatory, the “Snow Tunnel,” also appears, offering photogenic scenery.

3. Kurobe Dam – The Grandeur of Japan’s Largest Arch Dam

If you have time, extend your trip to Kurobe Dam. From Daikanbo, take the “Tateyama Ropeway” (approx. 7 minutes) to Kurobedaira, then transfer to the “Kurobe Cable Car” (approx. 5 minutes) to reach “Kurobeko Station” (Lake Kurobe). Walking across the dam for about 15 minutes will leave you overwhelmed by its sheer size. From Kurobe Dam, you can also exit to the Nagano side via the “Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus” (approx. 16 minutes) to Ogizawa.

4. Raicho (Rock Ptarmigan) – A National Special Natural Monument Native to Tateyama

The Raicho, inhabiting the Tateyama mountain range, has long been revered as a messenger of the gods. They are not easily scared, and if you’re lucky, you might spot their charming figures up close. Their activity is particularly high during the breeding season from late May to late June, increasing your chances of encountering them.

5. Mikurigaike Pond – The Most Beautiful Volcanic Lake in the Northern Alps

While covered in snow in early spring, by June, as the snow melts, you can walk along the promenade (approx. 15 minutes one way) from Murodo Terminal to see the crystal-clear cobalt blue “Mikurigaike Pond.” The translucent blue lake surface with floating white snow creates a fantastical scene visible only in early summer. On a clear day, the reflection of the surrounding 3,000m-class mountains on the water offers a stunning view, so be sure to visit.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Basic Information

What to Know Before Your Trip

Experience an Unforgettable Scenic Japan with the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route!

The “Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route” is a unique place where you can truly feel the power of Japan’s magnificent nature. Especially the “Great Snow Wall” in spring is a breathtaking spectacle that captivates people worldwide. A major charm of the Alpine Route is that you can enjoy the journey itself while transferring between various modes of transportation.

By following the access methods, ticket purchase tips, seasonal highlights, and clothing advice introduced in this article, you can create the best travel memories. We hope your trip will be a memorable and wonderful one!

And there, to the left front, a crowd gathers around the sound of “Petan, Petan, Petapeta Peta…!” – the rhythm of pounding mochi.

It’s the famous Nakatanidou, known for its high-speed mochi making.

Amidst the shouts of “Watch out for cars‼” through a megaphone, travelers with smartphones in both hands and freshly made Yomogi Mochi are watching the superhuman mochi pounding spectacle.

The restaurant name is Mentouan!

 

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Popular No.1 Menu at Mentouan “Kinchaku Kitsune”

Kinchaku Kitsune 950 yen (tax included)

A large piece of fried tofu (aburaage) floats in a generous amount of broth!
It’s shaped like a drawstring bag, with udon noodles inside.

The owner, who studies delicious udon from all over Japan, came up with the idea to make something interesting.

It’s very popular because of its impressive appearance and delicious taste!

The fried tofu is stuffed with noodles and cooked in broth, so the noodles inside are well-flavored.

Please split open the drawstring bag, scoop out the udon, and don’t forget to take a commemorative photo.

The Broth is Rich with the Flavor of Fried Tofu

The shop’s original drawstring bag is about the size of a palm, with rounded noodles and neatly tied green onions, which looks adorable.

The broth has a good mix of fried tofu oil, enhancing its umami and sweetness!

The udon is soft, perfectly matching the gentle broth.

Takeout for Home Cooking and Customization is Also Recommended

For those who want to enjoy the famous “Kinchaku Kitsune” at home, and as a perfect souvenir, a take-home set is also available.

Named “Kogitsune Set.”

I bought it myself, and both the name and the packaging are very cute◎

The “Kogitsune” drawstring bag and broth set is 900 yen, the “Kogitsune” alone starts from 700 yen, and a value set of 3 is 2,000 yen.

I bought 2 “Kogitsune” and 1 bottle of broth, allowing for custom combinations.
※Only the broth is not sold separately.

The Evolution of the Owner Who Devised Delicious and Fun Udon Continues

Owner Mr. Tsuhoi cultivated Mentouan into a super popular store in Nara through experiences from his salaryman days, and his unique research and inventive ideas.

He shared his passion for udon with a gentle smile.

Besides delicious udon making, you can feel his dedication in his work clothes (samue) and hairstyle.

New Seasonal Menu “Shika Udon” to Enjoy

Popular among fried tofu lovers is “Shika Udon.”

This dashi udon topped with three pieces of 7cm square simmered fried tofu, features burnt-in designs related to Nara, like “Daibutsu-san,” “Ashura,” “Kasuga Lanterns,” and “Shika” (deer).

Part of the ongoing “Nara Tourism Series.”

It seems to add delicious and fun memories like “We’ve been here,” “The Bambi was cute～♪.”

＜MENU＞
・Curry Kinchaku　　1,200 yen
・Shika Udon　　1,100 yen
・Tempura Udon　1,100 yen
・Tendon (IN・OUT)　1,100 yen
・Kogitsune (3 pieces with concentrated broth)　2,200 yen

Udon Restaurant Mentouan (Mentouan)

Udon Restaurant Mentouan
Address: 30-1 Hashimoto-cho, Nara City
Business Hours: 11:00～15:00 approx. ※Ends when sold out
Regular Holidays: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Access: 6 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, 15 minutes walk from JR Nara Station
309m from Kintetsu Nara Station
Seating: Counter 7, Tables 15
TEL: 0742-25-3581

The island is attracting attention not only from Japan but also from abroad as an island of art.

It’s a small island, but it’s a unique island with artworks and museums scattered all over the island.

In this article, we’ll introduce some of the best art spots on the island.

In addition to art, Naoshima also has other sightseeing spots where you can experience nature and history.

Here are some of the most popular sightseeing spots in the art island of Naoshima.

Please take a look at them together with recommended local gourmet foods!

What is Naoshima?

Naoshima belongs to Naoshima Town in Kagawa County, Kagawa Prefecture.

Naoshima Town is composed of the Naoshima Islands, and Naoshima is the largest island in the Naoshima Archipelago.

Most of the population of Naoshima also lives on Naoshima Island.

Access to Naoshima

There is neither an airport nor a bridge to Naoshima.

So, access to Naoshima is only by ferry.

Because Naoshima is in Kagawa Prefecture, many people cross from the port of Takamatsu by ferry, but in fact Naoshima is located just a stone’s throw from Okayama Prefecture.

So, unless you want to visit Naoshima after sightseeing or doing something on Shikoku, or if you live in Shikoku, it’s more economical and less time-consuming to take a ferry from Uno Port in Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture.

There are two main ports that serve as gateways to Naoshima.

Honmura Port on the east side of the island and Miyaura Port on the west side.

From Uno Port, there are ferries to Miyaura Port and small passenger boats to Miyaura and Honmura Ports.

The journey time for both ferry services is about 15 to 20 minutes.

Uno ⇔ Miyaura

Uno ⇔ Honmura

Check here for more information.

To get to the Port of Uno, take the Uno Line (Uno Minato Line) from JR Okayama Station, get off at Uno Station, the last stop, and walk for a few minutes.

From the Port of Takamatsu, there are ferries to the Port of Miyaura, which take about 50 to 60 minutes.

The Port of Takamatsu is a few minutes’ walk from JR Takamatsu Station.

Area of Naoshima

We have divided the island into three areas to introduce you to some of the tourist attractions on Naoshima.

The northern part of the island is mostly occupied by businesses, so it is not subject to dividing.

These areas are divided into the following areas.

East / Honmura area

This is an area in the eastern part of the island with Honmura at the center.

The area is the center of the island, with Honmura Port and Naoshima Town Hall located in the area.

Ando Museum

ANDO MUSEUM is a museum and archive.

It is one of the activities of Benesse Art Site Naoshima and was designed by the world-renowned architect Tadao Ando.

It is a renovated old wooden house built about 100 years ago.

The combination of wood and concrete, with cast-in-place concrete built into the interior, creates a space with a unique atmosphere.

At the ANDO Museum, you can learn more about Tadao Ando’s activities, the history of Naoshima, and a number of photographs.

In addition, books and goods related to Tadao Ando, as well as autographed products are on sale.

Minamidera Temple

Minamidera is part of Benesse Art Site Naoshima, an art project in the Honmura district called “Ie(house) Project“.

In the House Project, artists renovated vacant houses in the Honmura district and turned them into works of art.

It started in 1998, and there are currently seven houses in the project, including Minamidera .

Minamidera Temple is one of the most popular of the House Project and was designed by Tadao Ando to match the work of the American artist James Turrell.

The area around Minamidera was once the hub of Naoshima, with five temples, shrines and the ruins of a castle.

Minamidera Temple was designed with the concept of conveying that history.

Hachiman Shrine

Hachiman Shrine is the main shrine of Naoshima.

It sits on a hill in the Honmura district.

The torii gate at the entrance to the shrine is 3.8 meters high and the pillars are 0.5 cm in diameter.

It is made of granite from Naoshima and was built from the Momoyama period to the early Edo period.

It is one of the few cultural assets in Naoshima and was designated a tangible cultural property of Kagawa Prefecture in 1972.

The main hall of the shrine is small, but the small staircase from the main hall is made of glass, giving it an artistic island feel.

An autumn festival is held on the third Saturday and Sunday in October every year.

Twenty-eight representatives of the shrine parishioners carry portable shrines on their shoulders and parade around the area with drums.

It is commonly called “Abare Taiko”.

West / Miyaura Area

The area around Miyanoura Port in the western part of the island.

Like the Port of Honmura, the Port of Miyanoura is the gateway to Naoshima.

The port of Miyanoura is larger than the port of Honmura, so it has a larger population and more shops, making it the largest area on the island.

Umi no Eki Naoshima

Umi no Eki no Naoshima(Sea Station Naoshima) is a tourist base facility located at Miyanoura Port, one of the sea gateways of Naoshima.

It is a huge building with a roof of approximately 3,600 square meters.

Inside, there is a ferry waiting area, a tourist information center, an event hall and a cafe.

There is also an event square and cargo handling area outside.

It’s also a park-like place to relax.

About 30 bicycles are availabel for rent for 500 yen per day, making it a good base for sightseeing.

The roof of the station is clearly visible from the ferry, making it a landmark facility that reminds visitors that you have arrived at Naoshima.

Outdoor Art Bbjects

Outdoor art objects are displayed in the grounds of Miyanoura Port.

Yayoi Kusama’s “Red Pumpkin”, Fujimoto Sousuke’s “Naoshima Pavilion” and José de Guimarães’ “BUNRAKU PUPPET” are three works in total.

The most famous of these works is the red pumpkin.

It is known as a representative landscape of Naoshima.

You can go inside the red pumpkin.

The red pumpkin is a symbolic presence on Naoshima, and it’s a popular tourist attraction on the island, where many tourists take pictures.

The two works of Naoshima Pavilion and BUNRAKU PUPPET are lit up at night and create a fantastic atmosphere.

It is also a must-see spot.

Naoshima Public Bath

Naoshima Sento is one of the activities of Benesse Art Site Naoshima.

Artist Shinro Ohtake created this work with the theme of “I Love Bath”.

You can actually take a bath in a renovated public bathhouse that is still in operation.

It is also possible to view the work without taking a bath.

The eccentric exterior with various decorations has a great impact.

The interior and the restrooms, too, are works of art.

It’s fun to relax in the hot water and watch the street art.

This bathhouse is managed by the NPO Naoshima Town Tourist Association.

South / Tsumuura and Gotanji areas

The area extends from the southern part of the island to the southeast.

The southern part of the island has few settlements and is mostly mountainous and coastal.

The Chichu Museum, Benesse House and other facilities are located here, making it the center of the art scene on Naoshima.

The Gotanji area has facilities that make the most of the nature, such as beaches and a fishing park.

The community of Sekiura in the southeastern part of the island is centered around a fishing port, and is characterized by the large number of guest houses in this area.

Chichu(underground) Museum

Chichu Museum is one of the most popular tourist facilities and art museums in Naoshima, and is part of Benesse Art Site Naoshima.

Opened in 2004, the theme of the museum is “A Place to Think about Nature and Humanity“.

It was designed by the architect Tadao Ando.

It was named Chichu Art Museum because most of the building is underground so as not to spoil the view.

Works by Claude Monet, James Turrell and Walter de Maria are on display in the museum.

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The museum is also illuminated by natural light, creating an artistic atmosphere.

You can enjoy viewing artworks while being immersed in a fantastic atmosphere.

Lee Ufan Museum

The Lee Ufan Museum of Art is a part of Benesse Art Site Naoshima.

The museum is a collaboration between world-renowned architect Tadao Ando and Korean artist Lee Ufan.

The building was designed by Tadao Ando.

It is a unique building with a semi-underground structure, and the paintings and sculptures of Lee Ufan from the 1970s to the present are displayed inside.

It is a must-see destination with objects on display outside as well.

Benesse House Museum

Benesse House Museum is one of the facilities of Benesse Art Site Naoshima.

Opened in 1992, it is unique in that it is an art museum and hotel all in one.

Designed by Tadao Ando, the museum has a unique structure based on the concept of “Symbiosis of Nature, Architecture and Art”.

Site-specific works by a variety of artists are on display inside the hotel.

There are also unique works of art outside, so take a look at them!

Gotanji Beach

Kotanji Beach is Naoshima’s representative beach and beachhead.

It is at the southern end of the island, just south of Benesse House.

The yellow pumpkin object at the end of the jetty overhanging the sea is the work of Yayoi Kusama.

Along with the red pumpkin object at Miyanoura Port, it is one of Naoshima’s most iconic works of art.

Incidentally, unlike the red pumpkin, you can’t enter it.

Naoshima Furusato Umi-no-ie Tsutsuji-so

Naoshima Furusato Umi no Ie Tsutsuji-so is an accommodation facility where you can enjoy dining and shopping.

Opened in 1992, it was designed by architect Kazuhiro Ishii.

It was named after the island azalea(tsutsuji), the town flower of Naoshima.

There are three types of rooms: a Japanese cottage, a Mongolian tent pao, and a trailer house, all of which are unique in their construction.

There are no bathrooms or toilets in the rooms, so it’s a bit inconvenient, but you can enjoy nature while enjoying an extraordinary experience.

Why not stay at Tsutsuji-so and create a unique Naoshima memory?

Naoshima Fishing Park

Naoshima Fishing Park is as the name suggests, you can enjoy fishing.

Fishing piers, fishing rafts and fishing rafts are all available for fishing.

It is also possible to walk around the park without fishing.

The highlight of Naoshima Fishing Park, besides fishing, is the “Sea bream sashimi set meal”.

It is served in the park for a limited time only.

The Sea bream is caught from a live fish in the park, so it is very fresh.

Recommended Gourmet Spots in Naoshima

Eastern Honmura Area

Mai-mai

Mai Mai is located near the town bus stop in front of Nokyo mae bus stop.

The signature menu item is the “Naoshima Burger”, a local burger from Naoshima.

The main ingredient in the Naoshima burger is fried hamachi (hamachi is also a prefectural fish in Kagawa).

The burger is seasoned with plenty of tartar sauce, making it a very hearty burger.

It also features a wide variety of toppings.

The restaurant also has a terrace, so if it’s a nice day, it’s a great place to sit outside and enjoy your hamburger.

Nakaoku

Nakaoku is a café in an old house in Nakaoku village, a little bit uptown from the main village.

Its signature dishes are omelet curry rice.

The omelet is especially popular for its fluffy eggs.

The curry has a special roux with coconut.

Baked cheesecake and chiffon cake for dessert are also delicious, so we recommend stopping by for a break.

West Miyaura Area

Cin.na.mon

Cinnamon is a cafe in Miyaura village.

Curry and rice is very popular, and there are several kinds of curry dishes available.

You can choose from a variety of dishes from the set menu.

In the evenings, it becomes an izakaya (Japanese style pub).

They have a wide selection of alcoholic beverages on the menu, including beer that is only available on Naoshima.

There are also many other snacks and a la carte dishes.

You can enjoy curry for lunch and alcohol in the evening.

Kinosaki Udon

Kinosaki Udon is located to the southeast of Miyanoura Port.

Although Kagawa Prefecture is famous for its udon noodles, there are few udon shops on the remote island of Naoshima, and Kinosaki Udon is one of the few shops near the port.

The word “Udon(うどん)” is clearly written on the outside of the restaurant, so it’s easy to find.

Kinosaki Udon is a self-service udon shop, and there are many types of tempura in the shop.

There are many types of tempura inside the shop.

The udon dipping sauce with a strong taste of dashi.

The noodles are firm.

South / Tsumuura and Gotanji Area

Benesse House Terrace Restaurant Umi no Hoshi

Benesse House Terrace Restaurant Umi no Hoshi is a French restaurant located in Benesse House.

It is supervised by renowned French chef Ken Yoshino.

This restaurant is popular for its course meals, using local ingredients from Naoshima and the surrounding areas such as Kagawa and Okayama prefectures.

Guests can also enjoy a variety of breakfast buffet dishes.

This is a wonderful restaurant with a view of the Seto Inland Sea.

Tsutsuji-so

Naoshima Furusato Umi no Ie Tsutsuji-so is an accommodation facility, but you can also enjoy eating and drinking.

The menu includes keema curry, hashed meat with rice, pizza and beef bowl.

Keema curry is very popular because of its moderate spice.

After playing at the Gotanji Beach in front of the beach, if you are hungry, you can have a meal here instead of the beach house.

It’s a self-service restaurant with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Model Course in Naoshima

A Course in Art

Sea Station Naoshima
Outdoor Art Objects
Naoshima Public Bath
Chichu Art Museum
Lee Ufan Museum
Benesse House Museum
Andor Museum
Minamiji temple

Course to enjoy nature and history

Sea Station Naoshima
Kotodanji Beach
Naoshima Island Furusato Umi no Ie Tsutsuji-so
Naoshima Fishing Park
Hachiman Shrine

Transportation in Naoshima

Car

If you want to get around the island, it’s convenient to use your own car, but be aware that there are many narrow streets and parking spaces are limited.

During the busy tourist season, it can be difficult just to get around the island.

It’s a good idea to take Prefectural Road 256, which circles the main area of the island, as a guide.

Bus

There is also a town bus service on Naoshima.

There are bus stops at major points in the area, but they are few and far between, so check the bus service before you go sightseeing.

If you’re in the middle of a busy season, you may not be able to get on a bus because it’s full.

Bicycle

It’s a good idea to rent a bicycle to enjoy nature and relax.

However, please note that it can be difficult in rainy weather and in winter, and that the number of bicycles you can rent is limited.

Walk

In addition, Naoshima is a small island of about 8 square kilometers in area, so you can also get around on foot.

As mentioned above, please be careful of the sloping roads.

The distance between Honmura Port in the east, Miyaura Port in the west, and Benesse House in the south is about 2 km each.

Of course, it takes longer to get there than by car or bicycle, so please plan your visit as much as possible.

Check from here for more information.

Finally

The following are some of Naoshima’s recommended tourist attractions.

Naoshima is a small island, but it’s full of unique artworks.

Seto Inland Sea is also rich in nature.

The combination of art and nature on Naoshima is a must-visit destination.

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MAP

What makes Yuda Onsen even more appealing are the inns(ryokan).

There are many unique and wonderful inns in Yuda Onsen, including interesting inns with a famous landlady and inns associated with patriots of the Meiji Restoration.

In this article, I will introduce three inns in Yuda-Onsen that I especially recommend, as well as sightseeing spots in the area!

What kind of hot spring is Yuda Onsen?

Yuda Onsen Station is located 15 minutes by train from Shin-Yamaguchi Station.

It is close to the center of Yamaguchi, so it is an easy place to stay when visiting Yamaguchi.

This hot spring area has a history of about 800 years, and is known as a “hot water for beautiful skin” because of its clear, colorless, alkaline simple spring water.

The symbol of Yuda Onsen is the white fox

There is a legend that the white fox used to come to Yuda Onsen to heal wounds, and you can see statues and illustrations of the white fox in various places.

The “white fox” is a symbol of Yuda Onsen.

Access to Yuda Onsen

You can get Yuda Onsen Station in 15 minutes by train from Shin-Yamaguchi Station on the Shinkansen.

Or in 10 minutes by car from the Ogori Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway or the Yamaguchi Interchange on the Sanyo Expressway.

It is a hot spring resort with easy access.

“Nishi no Miyabi Tokiwa”, Unique inn in Yuda Onsen

The first inn in Yuda Onsen that you must visit is Nishino miyabi Tokiwa.

This inn is famous for the landlady’s “landlady theater” where the landlady herself stands on the stage, and it is so popular that it is taken up on TV.

Check in and Meet the Famous Landlady

When I arrived at the Nishino miyabi Tokiwa, I found a sign for the old and tasty landlady theater.

This alone is enough to make its presence felt.

What kind of landlady will I be able to meet?

I’m looking forward to meeting the landlady.

While I was waiting in the lobby, the landlady, Takami Miyagawa, appeared and I had a quick chat with her.

I had a vague image of a good-natured, jocular person, but it’s not like that at all.

I felt the power of his extraordinary determination to perform on stage.

I would like to see the way of life of the landlady at the “Landlady Theater”.

Go to Guest Room

The attraction of Tokiwa is not only the landlady theater.

They showed me the room.

Spacious Japanese style room.

The scent of tatami mats makes you feel at home.

If you open the shoji, you can see the whole view of Yuda Onsen from the window.

An illustration of the landlady of the tea confectionery.

It is indeed a famous landlady.

6 Different Baths at Nishino Miyabi

At Tokiwa, there are six different types of baths, each with a name associated with Yuda Onsen or Yamaguchi.

The men’s and women’s baths change between evening and morning, so guests can enjoy all the baths in one night.

This is the Ishin Remei no Yu.

The Ishin Remei no Yu was originally an open-air bath that was built by renovating the garden of Shinagawa Shrine, which is dedicated to the deity of Yajiro Shinagawa.

Visitors can enjoy a bath while gazing at the beautiful garden.

The dressing room still retains the atmosphere of the building from that time.

It is said that in the period just before the Meiji Restoration, many samurai, who were considered to be emperors, gathered in Yuda Onsen to devise a secret plan to defeat the Tokugawa shogunate.

This is the most elegant bath among the many baths in Nishino Miyabi.

“Yamaguchi Nontanoyu” is an indoor bath with a unique gourd-shaped bathtub.

The bath is a mixture of Western and Japanese styles, and you can see stained glass windows in the bathtub.

There are six other baths to choose from in total, including the half open-air bath “Sanzoukino-yu,” the “Yang Kiki-Bath,” and the “Bamboo Forest Open-air Bath Wakatake”.

The landlady says, “I think it is more fun to have many baths.”

As she says, it’s fun to have many baths, and you’ll feel as if you’ve been to many inns.

This is an interesting feature of Nishi no Miyabi Tokiwa that is not found in other inns.

Meals are Excellent Kaiseki Cuisine

I went to the dining room at the designated time and found the meal ready to be served. (*This is usually a restaurant-style dining hall.)

Excellent sashimi.

It would be great to have it with a beer.

Here’s a colorful, Yamaguchi specialty: kawara-soba.

The tea-soba is grilled with tiles and then dipped in a dipping sauce with grated radish.

Delicious!

The hamo nabe finishes up nicely as I taste the tile soba.

I was happy and busy.

The hamo were fluffy and soft.

The hamo had a strong flavor, but it didn’t have a bad smell at all.

The hamo dashi was so good in the soup that I drank it all at once.

To finish the dish, let’s have some takikomi gohan (rice cooked with vegetables).

There were clams in the takikomi rice.

There was also some burnt rice in some places, and it was very tasty.

I was very happy to be able to eat so much delicious food from Yamaguchi.

Good rooms, plenty of baths, good and hearty meals.

I’m completely satisfied, but the night in Tokiwa has a long way to go.

Specialty of Yuda Onsen!”Landlady’s Theatre” Begins

The performance at the Landlady Theater starts at 8:45 p.m.

Oh, they’ve already taken the front seat.

I knew I should have come sooner.

I could tell how popular it was by the conversations of the customers.

As soon as the show started, the landlady appeared on stage with a big smile on her face.

She brings the audience up to the stage one after another, communicates with them actively, and dances with them to the music.

She also does some illusionary magic tricks…….

There was also a “water trick” in which the performers skillfully manipulated water with music.

I was completely overwhelmed by the many entertaining performances that included not only amazing tricks, but also de-stressing tricks that left me breathless.

The landlady’s drumming skills were also excellent.

For the last trick, she dipped ink in her hair and drew a calligraphy with a hair brush.

The landlady was very popular afterwards, surrounded by customers.

The year was 1964.

The landlady theater has been held every night since the year the last Olympics were held in Tokyo.

The landlady’s theater is also her “theater of life”.

In the shop, you’ll find outstanding items for the landlady.

You can enjoy talking about the landlady while eating her sweets.

It’s wonderful???!!!

When you visit Yuda Onsen, I hope you will have a hot and elegant time at Tokiwa, Nishinoga.

“Ume-no-ya” Homemade Food and Onsen

There are still many good inns in Yuda Onsen.

Ume-no-ya is an inn with a 100% flowing hot spring and home-made dishes that emphasize the importance of ingredients carefully selected by the landlady and head chef, who is a vegetable sommelier.

The hot spring is a mix of their own good quality hot spring containing sulfur, which is good for the skin, and the Yuda hot spring.

They are proud of the hot spring which is not heated by water addition or heating at all.

The open-air baths are tasteful and you will be healed by the hot water from the hotel’s own source.

You can enjoy a variety of dishes such as hamo and fugu.

I recommend this inn for those who want to enjoy the hot water and cuisine of Yuda Onsen to your heart’s content.

Matsudaya Hotel with Charming Garden

Matsudaya Hotel has a rich history, and many of the leading figures in the Meiji Restoration gathered here.

The bath tub in the “Restoration Bath” was built in 1860.

It is said that patriots of the Choshu, Satsuma and Tosa emperors are said to have bathed in the bathtub.

Historically Great men may have bathed in the bathtub.

Many history fans visit the Matsudaya Hotel to see this bathtub.

The hotel has many materials related to the patriots of the Meiji Restoration.

The hotel also has a room called the “Restoration Materials Room” where visitors can see a variety of interesting documents.

It’s a great space for history funs.

The Japanese garden at the hotel was also very impressive.

This garden is registered as a national monument (a cultural asset).

In the garden, there are historically valuable cultural assets such as the red pine tree, which appears in Ryotaro Shiba’s book, and the meeting place for Saigo, Kido, and Okubo, so I recommend checking in early and taking a walk in the garden before the sunset.

Sightseeing spots to Around Yuda Onsen

Yunoya, Experience Yuda’s Hot Springs

Yunoya is located almost opposite Ume-no-ya.

It is one of the seven onsen sources managed by the Yuda Hot Springs Association, and was renovated from a dilapidated facility for tourism purposes.

Through a viewing window in the onsen building, you can see how the source of the hot water is pumping 125 liters per minute.

Experience the energy of Yuda Onsen!

In the onsen building, there is a drinking fountain, where you can drink the source of the Yuda Onsen.

The water here is very hot, so be careful not to touch it.

There is also a “hot water river” where you can feel the steam and aroma of the hot spring, but be careful, it is not a footbath.

This is a free spot that doesn’t take a long time to visit and you can easily stop by.

The 7.8-meter high tower is lit up at night, making it a great place for a nighttime stroll.

“Kitsune no Ashiato(Fox Footprints)” Footbath Cafe

Kitsune no Ashiato(means Fox Footprints) is a spot that has been designated as a Yuda-Onsen Tourist Information Center.

It provides information on how to enjoy Yuda Onsen, such as seeing, eating, and shopping.

Inside the facility is a cafe where you can enjoy drinks and desserts.

But the highlight of the cafe is here, footbath.

At Kitsune no Ashiato, you can enjoy a footbath while enjoying the cafe’s menu.

If you wish to use the footbath, please pay 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students at the reception desk.

You can use a coin-operated locker key and an oshibori (hand towel) to wipe your feet.

Change into a pair of lending clogs and enjoy the various types of footbaths.

At the outdoor Shiki no yu(Four Seasons Bath), you can enjoy the feeling of an open-air bath.

You can enjoy the seasonal attractions such as cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, and at night it is lit up.

At “Kotone no Yu”, located in a different building from the main building, you can enjoy a footbath and a cafe menu while listening to soothing music.

These are Nakaya’s Cafe Latte (420 yen) and Gogitsune Baum (600 yen).

“Chuya Latte” is a unique latte with a portrait of Chuya Nakahara, a poet born in Yuda Onsen, Yamaguchi City.

The Kogitsune Baum is a moist baumkuchen with ice cream in the shape of a cute fox on top, which is so cute!

When you eat something cold when you’re feeling warm and fuzzy, the ice cream tastes even better than usual because it’s cooler than usual.

I think it’s the “finest” of “ice cream in a kotatsu” for Japanese.

It was perfect.

I highly recommend you get in the footbath and eat it while it’s still warm and crispy!

You can also enjoy local Yamaguchi sake while soaking in a footbath with the “Tasting Set” (500 yen).

It was great too!

You can rent a free “footbath Yukata” for the footbath.

This is recommended for those who find it difficult to enjoy the footbath in skirts.

Inoue Park, Hot spring Resort Area with Sense of History

Inoue Park was built on the birthplace of INOUE Kaoru, one of the former orders of the Meiji Restoration, and is home to a statue of INOUE Kaoru.

A bronze statue of INOUE Kaoru stands in the park to commemorate his achievements.

He looks stylish holding a walking stick in his hand.

There are various stone monuments in the park, including a poetry monument by Nakahara Chuya and a monument to Taneda Santoka, which reminds us of the history of the park.

There is a footbath in Inoue Park with a hot spring water source.

It is open from 10:00-22:00.

Children can play to their heart’s content on the playground equipment, so parents can take a break and let their children play.

The white fox, the symbol of Yuda Onsen, can be seen on the playground equipment.

There is also a resting place called “Kaen-tei” in the park, which is available for free.

It was built at the end of the Edo period for Sanjo Sanetomi to stay at the residence of Inoue Kaoru’s brother, Inoue Gorosaburo, who was the brother of Kaoru Inoue.

Visitors can rest on tatami mats and enter free of charge.

The current building was newly built in 2015 based on the original layout of the house.

Yuda Onsen is a pleasant hot spring town with a historical flavor

Yuda Onsen is a fun hot spring town with historical romance and a series of unique inns.

It’s close to the center of Yamaguchi, so stop by Yuda Onsen on your trip.

Today, the curtain will rise again at 8:45 p.m. at Nishino Miyabi Tokiwa, with the “Landlady Theater”.

Legendary landlady will continue performing.

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MAP of Yuda Onsen

The opening of the new restaurant has been postponed for some time, but it will finally open on July 21, 2020.

Sometimes, I hear like this.

In the midst of all this, a new tourist attraction, BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA, has come onto the scene.

Can we really enjoy it?

BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA, located next to the dome

I came to the quiet Fukuoka PayPay Dome which is home of Softbank Hawks, a Baseball team.

Originally, the professional baseball game should have started in spring and the dome was supposed to be bustling with activity.

The professional baseball season has somehow started, but there is still a period of no audience in the dome because of Coronavirus.

In the midst of all this, the newly completed BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA is right next to the Fukuoka PayPay Dome.

It’s right next to the dome.

It’s almost directly connected to the terrace of the dome, and I could to enter the entrance directly from the terrace.

As you enter the entrance, you’ll see a large display.

It’s futuristic and cool!

BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA is a seven-story building with a name of “E・ZO FUKUOKA” meaning “Exciting Entertainment Zone“.

The name “E・ZO” means “Exciting Entertainment Zone”, and each floor has an exciting entertainment zone.

Let’s see if it’s really an exciting entertainment zone!

Team Lab Forest

First of all, I went to “teamLab Forest” on the 5th floor.

It’s a new museum created by TeamLab.

It is divided into “Catching and Collect Forest” and “Forest of Movement”, with a total of 10 artworks on display for you to experience.

This time, I experienced the “Catching and Collect Forest”.

Once inside, there was a fantastic space with plants and animals projected on the entire wall and floor.

The name of this place is “Catching and Collect Forest”.

As the name suggests, you can catch and collect them.

If you download the special app “Catching and Collecting Forest“, you can use your phone to catch them.

When you find an animal, use the app’s camera to aim at it and throw a light arrow into it.

When the arrow hits the animal, it disappears from the wall and enters your phone. ‘Captured successfully!’

I thought, “Hey, what a pity…” but the rule is that the animal has to be released and released back into the forest.

When I released it, I was relieved to see that the dwarf pangolin, which had disappeared once, had reappeared with a bang.

Animals registered in the Encyclopedia can be seen in the smartphone even after they leave the TeamLab Forest.

It makes me want to go collecting animals.

If you succeed in releasing the arrows, you can now use the nets.

If you use your phone to release the net at the shrimp, the net will appear at your feet!

When you do this, you get absorbed in it.

I also got absorbed in catching fish and hunting animals, losing track of time.

It’s a world where you can get moved by just walking around, but once you start using the app, you get swallowed up in this world.

As a 32-year-old boy, I was obsessed with finding animals, setting up arrows and nets, and releasing them into one creature after another.

It was fun.

By the way, the creatures react when you touch them and run away when they notice humans.

In other words, you can do something like this, drive the creatures to the corner of the wall and catch them.

It’s fun after all.

This time, I only experienced the “Catching and Collect Forest”, but the other “Forest of Movement” is a fun where images and the real world are linked together.

I hope you will experience it for yourself.

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V-World AREA

The 6th and 7th floors are home to the “V-World AREA“, a state-of-the-art facility with a total of 16 types of virtual content.

There are 10 types of virtual content, the first of in Kyushu.

At first glance, it looks like a game center, but it’s not just an arcade.

Take this Beat Saver, for example.

This is the first machine in Kyushu.

The player wears a VR device and holds a controller in both hands.

The controller turns into a sword in the VR space.

▲Reference.

Players slash blocks flying forward with their two-handed swords to an exhilarating rhythm!

Cut! Cut! It’s the next generation of sonic games.

Another one that stands out is this “Photon Bike“.

This is a racing game that you can enjoy in VR.

I tried it out myself, and it was amazing.

It really feels like riding a motorcycle.

Putting on the VR device, the race starts in a different world.

It’s so much fun, dodging obstacles and flying through big jumps!

Not only does the bike shake, but the wind also comes out.

It’s an immersive experience like no other game I’ve played and I’m hooked.

Next time I go, I’ll definitely give it another try.

There are other interactive games that you can touch and enjoy on the big screen.

There was also a game called “BUG HUNTER” in which you project your own image on the screen and enjoy being the player.

Missiles were being fired one after another from my head while I was standing.

Since my own image is displayed in the screen, the shock of being attacked by an opponent is a little bigger and more emotional.

Once you enter, you can play as much as you want during the time limit.

I think even adults can have a lot of fun.

It’s great for a date.

It was truly an exciting entertainment zone.

3 Superb View Brothers

Now, the last stop is the rooftop level.

It’s the “3 Superb Views Brothers“, where you can enjoy the view while enjoying the attractions.

The naming is unique.

Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

“Tsuri(fishing) ZO” sliding alone from 60m above the ground

“Tsuri(fishing) ZO” is a one-person hanging rail coaster installed on the roof of a building, and it is the only one of its kind in Japan.

It is the only one of its kind in Japan, and it is the only one of its kind in Japan.

The ride starts at about 60 meters above the ground and slides down a 20-meter vertical course.

The view looking down on the roof of the Fukuoka PayPay Dome.

It was very powerful.

On the day I went to cover the event, it was raining hard and I wasn’t able to experience it, but there was a video.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1276440158133293056

It looks like a great coaster for those who love screaming machine, that’s for sure.

Bouldering and climbing “Nobozo” at 50 meters above the ground

Nobozo ZO is a rooftop climbing and bouldering facility.

The height of bouldering is 3m, so it’s for children, and adults can challenge the 9m high climbing.

Climbing up another 9 meters from the rooftop, you can enjoy the spectacular view while you are climbing.

The highest point is about 50m above the ground!

It only takes about 3 minutes to climb, so try it!

“Sube ZO”, Japan’s first tube-shaped slider

It is a tube-shaped slider that wraps around the building of BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA.

I’ve been curious about Sube ZO since I arrived at BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA.

A tube coming out of the building.

The length of the tube is about 100 meters and it slides down to the ground in about 30 seconds.

I couldn’t go to “Fishing ZO” and “Nobo ZO” because of the heavy rain, but I could go to “Sube ZO” somehow.

I wonder what kind of world is waiting for me…..

At last, my turn has come, so I’m going to go!

The view from inside the tube was amazing and “wow”, but soon I got in the spiral section, a magical space full of illumination and music!

When you lay down, it slides slowly, and when you wake it up, it slides faster.

I wanted to take a good, safe video, and to be honest, I was a bit scared, so I laid my body down too much.

Other Attractions of E ZO FUKUOKA!

There are many more attractions in BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA.

Here’s a summary of what else there is to see and do at BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA.

Enjoy baseball at the “Oh Sadaharu” Baseball Museum

“Oh Sadaharu” Baseball Museum was originally inside the dome, but it has been revived as E ZO FUKUOKA.

It is not only a museum that showcases the appeal of Oh Sadaharu, the current chairman of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, but it is also a fun place to teach children about the fun of baseball.

At the Oh Sadaharu History Zone, visitors can learn about the history of the world’s home run king, and at 89 Park, they can enjoy a variety of attractions.

For example, at this attraction, “Hawks DASH,” you can run a game with the Hawks players.

Other attractions include the “Reed Challenge” where you can experience a professional baseball game and the “Pro Level Pitching” where you can experience the speed of a professional baseball player’s pitches up close.

All of these attractions were created with Oh’s passion for baseball in mind, “I want people to enjoy baseball.

I think it’s great for parents and children who love baseball!

I want to stay here and play with my boys.

HKT48 and Yoshimoto Kogyo’s theater is attached to the site

BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA is scheduled to open with the HKT48 Theater (tentative name) on the first floor and the Yoshimoto Fukuoka Daiwa Securities/CONNECT Theater on the seventh floor.

With both HKT48 and Yoshimoto Kogyo’s permanent theaters located in the same building, the theater will play a major role as a source of Fukuoka’s entertainment.

In addition, an event hall on the 6th floor is also available for various events, ranging from art to subculture.

The First Goumet Store in Japan Gathers

At BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA, you can enjoy gourmet dining at the first restaurants in Kyushu and in Japan.

MLB café FUKUOKA, located on the third floor near the entrance, is the first American dining restaurant in Kyushu and is certified by the MLB.

You can enjoy the atmosphere of a major league baseball game with the Fukuoka branch’s limited edition menu, which is inspired by the authentic American stadium menu.

Also, “The FOODHALL” on the 3rd floor is a food hall floor with a variety of tenants.

It is the first time in Japan, the first time in Kyushu, and many other attractive tenants are here.

The FOODHALL’s tenants are as follows

This is the first store in Japan to open as the first store of a new business type or brand for an existing restaurant.

Please come and experience new food at “BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA”.

Please come and meet the new food at BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA

Access to BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA and where is the parking lot

BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA is directly connected to the deck of the Fukuoka PayPay Dome, and it’s only a 0-minute walk from the Fukuoka PayPay Dome.

By Subway
Get off at Toujin-Mchi Station on Fukuoka City Subway Kuko Line, and it takes about 15 minutes to get there on foot from Exit 3.

By Bus
It is a 3-minute walk from the Kyushu Medical Center bus stop, a 6-minute walk from the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk bus stop, and a 9-minute walk from the PayPay Dome bus stop on Nishitetsu Bus.

E.ZO FUKUOKA is a New Sightseeing Spot in Fukuoka!

BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA is a new spot next to the Fukuoka PayPay Dome.

To be honest, I thought it was a bit of an exaggeration to call it a new tourist attraction in Fukuoka, but it was actually a lot of interesting content and an extraordinary experience.

This building certainly lives up to its name of “Exciting Entertainment Zone” and I think it’s a great place to visit!

I can’t help but giggle.

Arashiyama is a popular sightseeing spot in Kyoto.

The deepest part of Sagano, there is a small temple called Otagi Nenbutsuji.

It’s a tourist spot in Kyoto that is also a hidden place to visit for autumn leaves.

Here’s a look at this cute little temple in Kyoto that is a little mysterious.

How To Get Otagi Nenbutsuji

Arashiyama is a famous tourist attraction in Kyoto.

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Crossing the Togetsukyo Bridge, you will find Okusagano, about 3 kilometers in depth.

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is located here, where you can feel the unique atmosphere.

The photo shows the main hall.

To get to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, get off the Kyoto bus at Otagi Nenbutsuji-mae.

Take a bus from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, the closest station to the temple

Buses are also available from JR Kyoto Station and Sanjo Keihan Station.

Take the bus for Kiyotaki and ride for about 20 minutes to the Otagi Nenji-mae stop.

If you want to rent a bicycle near Arashiyama Station, it is recommended to rent an electric bicycle because the road is often hilly.

In the center of the photo is Fureai Kannondou of Temple.

There are not many people who go to Okusagano, so Otagi Nenbutsuji is the best place to see the autumn leaves and sightseeing.

Especially in the morning and evening, you can enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the ancient capital.

The photo is of Jizo Hall.

What are the Highlights of Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple in Kyoto?

Chitose Kannon, Fureai Kannondo and the Bell of Three Treasures.

Otagi Nembutsuji was built in the 8th century.

However, the temple was moved to its present location in 1922.

The temple is relatively new.

The principal object of worship, the eleven-faced thousand-armed Kannon (center of the picture), built in the Kamakura period, is a national important cultural property, as much as the main hall.

Fureai Kannondou and Ema-do are also highlights.

In the hall, a golden Kannon is placed and you can touch it with your hand.

Fureai Kannon (photo) is a gentle buddha who soothes both physical and mental pain with her hands.

Behind Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is Mt.Atago, which is believed to be the “God of Firebreaker”.

The Jizo Hall, which enshrines this deity and has protected the capital of Kyoto from fire since the Heian period, is a must-see for visitors.

The “Bell of Three Treasures” (photo), which stands on the slope of the mountain, is also tasteful.

It is said that the three bells are used to convey the heart of Buddha.

Cute Arhat! Loose-characterized Buddha Statues in Otagi Nembutsuji

The main attraction of Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is its adorable arhats.

Each of then looks like a loose character statue.

These unique arhats.

They open their mouth wide toward the sky, laugh happily, and smile with gentle faces.

There are about 1,200 happy Arhats in the temple.

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is also known as the “Temple of One Thousand Two Hundred Arhats”.

A Sanctuary of Smiling Power! Arhat at Otagi Nembutsuji

The Arhat at Otagi Nembutsuji Temple is truly unique.

I couldn’t help but giggle at the sight of them.

This is Arhat holding his cat.

Next to him is an Arhat holding a rice bag in each hand.

None of them are the same.

The appearance of the arhat is heartwarming.

This temple is a place where you can get the power of a smile.

They were carved by ordinary visitors to the temple to pray for its recovery.

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple was originally located in Higashiyama, but it fell into disrepair after a natural disaster.

However, it was repeatedly devastated by natural disasters and other factors, and it wasn’t until 1981 that the temple’s reconstruction began in earnest at its present location.

The temple’s former chief priest called for the temple’s premises to be filled with Arhat statues, and a group of complete amateurs helped to carve them, and 10 years later the number of statues had grown to about 1,200.

The hand-crafted Arhats made by ordinary people are very straightforward and have a charm that draws people to see them.

The Story of Otagi Nenbutsuji to Fulfill the Promise to the Spirit World

An arhats is a disciple of the Buddha.

He was a saint who transmitted the teachings of the Buddha.

In Japan, when many lives were lost in war and other disasters, the Five Hundred Arhats were created to comfort their spirits.

When the previous priest was in the war zone, he dreamed that  thousands of broken Buddha statues were coming out of the ground.

The priest, who was also a Buddhist, thought, “Maybe statues wants me to fix”.

So, he asked the Buddha, “I’ll fix it, so can you go back to Japan?”, then he woke up from dream.

Seems like his hope come true, he could return to Japan and restored the Buddhist statues at Sanjusangen-do, Koryu-ji and To-ji in Kyoto.

He spent ten years fixing the Arhat statues on the grounds of Otagi Nembutsuji.

Although the priest has passed away, he trained as a Buddhist monk in order to fulfill his promise to the spirit world.

Basic Information of Otagi Nembutsuji

Otagi Nembutsuji’s Arhat is very free and spontaneous.

In autumn, the arhat’s head is covered in autumn leaves, which makes us smile.

I wish I could smile like this.

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As a native of Nagoya, I love fried shrimps, but I don’t think of them as a feast.

However, the number of restaurants that serve fried shrimps as a Nagoya specialty are increasing.

The punchy specialty of “Ebi Dote”

In Nagoya, the bigger the fried shrimp, the higher the reputation of the restaurant.

However, the number of restaurants that specialize in fried shrimp is less than that of other Nagoya-style food restaurants.

Jumbo fried shrimp is currently served at tonkatsu and Japanese and Western restaurants as a specialty.

Against this backdrop, Ebi Dote Shokudo which opened four years ago in the Nagoya Station Shinkansen underground shopping mall, is the only fried shrimp specialty restaurant in Nagoya.

A huge shrimp fly object is dawn from the ceiling!

Even on weekdays, the place is crowded with businessmen on a business trip to Nagoya.

After finishing their work in Nagoya, they come to eat “Ebi Dote” which is the name of the restaurant.(6 pieces, ¥853 or more)

The freshly fried shrimp are dipped in a bowl of Dote-Miso, which is made mellow by adding a beaten egg to the mix.

By the way, the fried shrimps are made from the banana shrimp.

The sweetness of the shrimp is brought out by Dote Miso.

This menu breaks the Japanese stereotype that fried shrimp must be served with tartar or Worcester sauce.

For lunch, they also offer the “Shrimp Dote Lunch” (1,382 yen), which comes with rice, miso soup and pickles.

Excellent tartar sauce made on the spot

In Nagoya, size is the most important when it comes to fried shrimps.

So we ordered the fried shrimp set meal (usually 1,814 yen, 1,598 yen for lunch).

And what came out was the photo above.

Two extra-large flied shrimps were sitting on the plate.

The size of the extra-large fried shrimp is more than 20 cm.

Yes, it was big enough.

This is a satisfying meal.

You can eat it with Worcestershire sauce, but what you should pay attention to is the tartar sauce.

The tartar sauce at this restaurant is made on that table by crushing sliced boiled eggs.

Plenty of freshly made tartar sauce on the fried shrimp enhances the sweetness and plumpness of the shrimp.

I can’t stop eating!

What is the size of shrimps?

As we were enjoying the plump, XL sized shrimp, the Mayumi Fujita, a chief  of the restaurant grinned at us and said a few words.

You shouldn’t be surprised by this.

Actually, we have more than this. (Fujita)

When I looked at her, there was a huge piece of fried shrimp in her hands, and shrimp was protruding from the plate

What is this?

This is our specialty: “Japan’s best!It’s an extra-large fried shrimp!” (Fujita)

Japan’s best! Extra-large fried shrimp~ (single item: 2,354 yen, set meal: 2,764 yen)

It was too big to fit on the plate, and it just stuck out!

How big is it…..

Actually, there is a scale written on the chopstick bag, and you can measure the length of the shrimp.

It was 35 cm long!

I’ve seen many fried shrimps in the past, but never such a big one.

It is definitely the biggest fried shrimp in Nagoya, or even in Japan.

We sometimes see fried shrimp 20 or more centimeters in length, but we wanted to produce something so big that our customers would be surprised.

We looked around a lot and finally found a shrimp called a sea tiger, which is a member of the prawn family and is caught in the East China Sea.

Every time we brought it to tables, customers get surprised and say “Oh!“(laugh)

A lot of customers are taking pictures with their phones in hand (Fujita).

It’s also unique that it’s not cut into pieces so that you can enjoy its size.

When you eat it, you should either take a bite of it or cut it off with the scissors provided with chopsticks.

The taste is like it’s not so tasty, but you can never eat the moist texture in other shrimps.

However, as I’ve said many times, in Nagoya, it’s all about the size of the fried shrimp!

Store Information And Access

Ebi Dote Shokudo is in “Esca underground shopping area” in JR Nagoya Station.

It takes about 2 minutes on foot from the west exit of JR Nagoya Station.
Follow the signs of Esca from the Shinkansen station gates, take just a few steps out of the Taikoo-guchi exit and immediately take the escalator down to the basement.
Then, you can get Esca.

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To a new type of Instagrammable cafe “Anamune“, we went for gathering information!

Experiencing easily a hospital.

Three enjoyable points of the hospital cafe “Anamune”

Even hard to reach the store!? The world full of Anamune

A five-minute walk from Shinsaibashi station.

We checked the place of the building again and again, but it is absolutely here.

We got inside while being scared.

An entrance at last.

What came jumping in our sight was…

Brain…?  Lungs…? Heart…? A bit in panic in my head.

Finally, we started an interview.

We stood ready thinking that such a person who thought of opening a cafe with a theme of a hospital must be a bit of punchy person…, it was surprising that she was a very cute person.

Her name is Miss Pink!

Even the name is cute.

It is frustrating that we could not post her photo due to circumstances!

Please visit and confirm bi youself!

My anxiety was relieved all at once.

It was five years ago when the hospital cafe “Anamune” opened.

We asked “Why did you choose the hospital as a theme of this shop?”

She replied with a smile as “I wished to live in a hospital from long time ago“.

Also she said that “Anamune (anamnesis)” of the store name means “medical consultation” of medical terminology.

Most of the customers are overwhelmingly women, and it is said that also nurses on active service come sometimes.

Interior that is too medical space, There is even  ***?!

The interior of “Anamune” is anyway greatly elaborated.

We can feel the love and respect for the hospital.

All the medical equipment etc. are surprisingly the collections of Miss Pink.

It is said that there is one of high performance, which even a nurse on active service surprises, and also precious one that is not used today.

When you look around inside of the store, there is everything that you wish to shoot photos spontaneously.

It is a new type of “Instagrammable”.

Inside the store is inorganic and medical space.

The numbers of seats are about 30 seats.

A person? who is the center of the photo is “Johnny” of an anatomical human model.

He is an owner of the store.

He is a bit playful surrounded by Halloween costumed girls.

How happy you are that you can also do a vision test.

Next to it, there also is that thing for X-ray.

That thing for X-ray is so precious that a nurse on active service was moved as “where at all did you get it!?”

On the ceiling, there is “a urine bag”, and even that equipment familiar for intravenous drip!

A table made of stainless steel that evokes an operating table.

I never took an operation, though.

It is one that seen in a TV drama often.

The inside of the store is elaborated even in detail.

It is full of playfulness.

It is a doll that is displayed.

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How the taste is of Anamune

There are about ten kinds of food menu.

There are also surprisingly prepared about 100 kinds of the drink menu.

As a cold drink will be served in a beaker, we recommend you to order a cold one for your drink.

For lunch menu, what we recommend is a set menu that is 1,100 Yen with main, salad, rice or bread, soup or petite dessert, and a drink.

My choice was a popular Loco Moco.

A hamburg steak is a size of a fist!

It was tasty because meat juice spread gradually.

How did you like it?

A simple fashionable cafe is already outdated!?

Why don’t you try experiencing a cafe full of stimulation that is different from usual at the hospital cafe “Anamune”?

It is an extremely hideaway bar that even local people do not know.

So, let me introduce menus and the interior, which is your concern, of the submarine bar “Shinka” that is a hot topic now.

A thorough survey of the submarine bar “Shinka”

Do you know the submarine bar “Shinka” that is a hot topic now?

It is a popular bar of Osaka that is recommended to the one who wishes to go a bit eccentric bar.

So, let me introduce menus and the interior, which is your concern, of the submarine bar “Shinka”.

It is an unusual space, and it’s sure that you will like it as it is a bar of very high quality.

What is the submarine bar “Shinka”?

What the submarine bar “Shinka” is a master’s particular bar that resembles a submarine of a hot topic now.

It is recommended to the one who wishes to go to a bit eccentric bar in Osaka.

It is a fantastic bar overflowing with a man’s sense of adventure, so everyone, if a man, will surely be excited.

Though it is not suited to a purpose, such as a romantic date, it is a store that is gradually getting popularity now because you can enjoy an unusual atmosphere.

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How to access to the submarine bar “Shinka”

The submarine bar “Shinka” is the store of the hot topic that is said that impossible to reach there even if you input it to car navigation.

Let me explain in detail to the one who does not know about.

First, let’s go toward the south after getting off at Tanimachi 4-chome station.

As you proceed, “Don Quijote Hoenzaka store” will come to be seen, so let’s find it at first.

When you turn your back to “Don Quijote Hoenzaka store”, there continues a long road, so let’s just go there straight single-mindedly.

Beyond this narrow alley, which is located around almost near the end, there is the store of the purpose.

Neither any signboard nor any placemark.

As it is located at the end of a narrow alley that barely one adult can go through, it is very difficult to find it.

So the one who comes for the first time will surely be lost the way.

When you walk through the dark and narrow alley, you will find an iron door that is connected metals.

This is an entrance of the submarine bar “Shinka”.

This door that is quietly located in a residential area seems as if a door connecting to a different world, so you will be somewhat exciting.

As it is the store of high difficulty level to find, once you find it, you will feel touched.

The attractive interior of the submarine bar “Shinka”

When you enter the inside of the store, you will find the interior that is too real appeared of the submarine.

Excellent in elaboration, and you will feel sound and vibration at the whole time as if it is moving with “rumbling low noise and of machines”.

The interior of the store overflowing with a man’s sense of adventure is a very cool and great space.

There are counter seats and table seats.

In the counter, a master of shaved-head and a bit formidable look is making drinks.

As the interior of the shop is so elaborated, you might think that he likes a submarine much, but it seems that he does not like it so much.

So, it is funny that the master is reticence and full of mystery.

Although it is a store difficult to arrive at, as it is a popular bar of hot topic secretly in Osaka, when it is crowded, it becomes full of people.

Although it is an atmosphere as if you are moving to somewhere ride in a real submarine, it is surprising that the bar is admirable.

Gentlemen surely will enjoy the interior of the store, but it is recommended as ladies also will be thrilled.

Be sure going to a restroom of “Shinka”

Anywhere of the interior of the submarine bar “Shinka” is created with fine elaboration, and the restroom is also of course elaborated.

First, to enter the restroom, you cannot reach if not open a door from bottom to top like a shutter.

Opening the door, when you enter, you will find a familiar Japanese toilet, but it is surrounded by the mechanical design.

It is not a restroom that you can settle in, but let’s try going there by all means when you visit.

Menus of “Shinka”

As the bar is so particular about a submarine just like this, you might think that the food menu is also fulfilled.

But, surprisingly, the menu is only jerky and nuts of finger food.

So, before you come to the submarine bar “Shinka”, you would be better to finish dinner.

There are some restaurants around the bar.

There is not the drink menu either, and it is a system that you directly order what you wish to drink to the master who is in the counter.

As a result of the limited space of the store, it is said that the stocks and varieties of drinks that are in the bar are limited.

Although varieties of the food menu and the drink menu are little, it is recommended to those who wish to enjoy an eccentric atmosphere.

Bars around the submarine bar “Shinka”

Bar Whisky

Although it is a long-standing, the Bar Whisky is a bar of very cheap.

The varieties of beverages are abundant, and although it is a long-standing bar of Minami of Osaka, you can drink beverages without a cover charge.

Since there are also the food menu and finger foods, it is a recommended bar for those who wish to drink various kinds of alcohol beverages relaxed.

Nihonshu to Watashi (Sake wine and me)

Nihonshu to Watashi is a standing Izakaya (Japanese drinking place) where you can drink a reasonable and tasty sake wine.

Although sake is the main, there are also beer, sour, and whisky with soda, etc.

The menus of food are lined up abundantly, and as you can reasonably enjoy alcoholic beverages and light meals, it is recommended.

Shimanouchi Fujimaru Winery

Shimanouchi Fujimaru Winery is a restaurant attached to an urban-type winery that is rare even in the world.

You can enjoy wines of course made at the winery on the ground floor, but also wines finely selected from in and outside of Japan.

Moreover, the dishes are used particular foodstuff mainly of the products of Osaka, and there are lined up with dishes that match a glass of wine.

It also opens for lunchtime, so, please visit there by all means.

Why don’t you try submarine bar “Shinka”

We have introduced the menu of the submarine bar which is hot topic now, including the shop inside, the gourmet and spots around.

How was it?

It is very cool, full of man romance, but women can also enjoy it.

Also, there are plenty of gourmet and spots in the surrounding area, so please enjoy it before going to the submarine bar “Shinka”.