Kinkato - Japanese Sweets Displayed at the Doll Festival in Kanazawa, Ishikawa This video, titled "[4K Video] Kinkato at Hinamatsuri in Northern Japan: Kanazawa, Ishikawa｜nippon.com" (【4K動画】北国の雛（ひな）祭りを彩る金花糖：石川県金沢市| nippon.com), was uploaded by "nippon.com." It introduces "kinkato," a lucky sugar candy displayed with Hina dolls during Hinamatsuri (The Doll Festival), a traditional Japanese event held on March 3 every year to wish for the healthy growth of girls. In Kanazawa, Ishikawa, located in Japan's Koshinetsu region, the tradition of displaying "kinkato," a traditional Japanese sweet, has been passed down as part of Japanese confectionery culture and colorfully decorates Hinamatsuri, which comes at the end of the long winter in northern Japan. This article will explain the culture and traditions of kinkato. In the video, you'll see kinkato in various shapes, including sea bream, gourds, etc., which are displayed with the dolls on the hina-dan (the stage that holds the dolls during Hinamatsuri). Be sure to check out the video to get an idea of what kinkato is like and how it's used as a decoration. More About the Traditional Japanese Sweet Kinkato Photo：Hina dolls It is said that the origin and roots of kinkato can be traced back to trade with the Portuguese in the mid-1500's, when things like konpeito and ariheito were presented to rulers during Hinamatsuri in Kanazawa, a castle town of the Kaga Domain during the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.). After the Kaga Domain was abolished, these products spread to the general public as sweet confections to be displayed with Hina dolls, and were also used as wedding gifts. In the process of making kinkato, white granulated sugar that has been melted and turned into syrup is poured into a wooden mold carved by a skilled confectioner, which is then cooled gradually to make the inside hollow. After that, it is removed from the mold and pieces are colored one by one with food coloring by a Japanese confectionery chef. Kinkato is a delicate, handmade product that requires careful monitoring of temperatures, humidity, and other factors. Source :YouTube screenshot Kinkato is often shaped to look like seafood, such as sea bream, clams, and turban shells, or vegetables, such as bamboo shoots, eggplants, cucumbers, and mushrooms, or fruits, such as peaches and grapes. They are also shaped into lucky talismans, such as mandarin ducks. Kinkato" is similar to kohakuto, but the difference is that kohakuto is made from sugar and agar. Kinkato is still carefully handmade by long-established Japanese confectioners in Kanazawa and can be purchased online from Yamamoto Seika (山本製菓), Mannendo (まんねん堂), and other retailers. Since these sweets are elaborate and so difficult to make that only skilled wagashi craftsmen can make them, the price for a small decoration of two or three items can cost around 3,000 yen, while some larger items can exceed 10,000 yen. In addition, they are often sold only during Hinamatsuri and other limited periods of the year. From 0:20 in the video, you can see a close-up of kinkato, so be sure to check out the colorful and delicate handiwork. You may also be wondering what happens to kinkato after it's been used as a decoration. The most common use of kinkato is to season nimono. It can also be crushed into small pieces and eaten as a candy-like snack, or added to coffee. This makes kinkato a waste-free decoration that can be used as sugar. Mint flavor is also available, and there are products that can simply be eaten as is. Summary of Kinkato, a Tradition Springtime Confection in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Please enjoy the video "[4K Video] Kinkato at Hinamatsuri in Northern Japan: Kanazawa, Ishikawa｜nippon.com," which shows beautiful images of kinkato displayed with Hina dolls. If you find these cute and colorful sweets appealing, consider purchasing your own kinkato and displaying it in your home with the arrival of spring!

Grandma's Osechi-ryori: Video Introduction This video, titled "Grandma's Recipes｜Grandma Masami's Osechi" (Grandma's Recipes｜まさみおばあちゃんのおせち), was uploaded by "Grandma's Recipes." Osechi-ryori is a traditional Japanese dish eaten on New Year's in Japan. In Japan, people are so accustomed to Osechi-ryori that many people don't know about the meanings attached to the dish. In this article, we'll take a look at traditional Japanese Osechi-ryori through the recipes of Grandma Masami who has lived through 4 Japanese eras. Grandma Masami left her parents' house at the age of 8 and began working, and she is now 99 years old. In just half of her life, she endured many hardships, including two wars, the Great Kanto Earthquake, the Isewan Typhoon, the Great Hanshin Earthquake, and the Great East Japan Earthquake. Even so, she says with a smile how she lived an ordinary life. In this day and age when it's difficult to live an "ordinary life," these words must have a very significant meaning. The purpose of these videos is to learn recipes for happiness from energetic grandmothers over the age of 80 who have lived through turbulent lives. This video focuses on Osechi-ryori, a recipe for happiness handed down by a grandma in Nagano, Japan. The History of Osechi and Its Name Photo：Osechi-ryori Osechi-ryori was originally prepared as an offering to New Year's gods during seasonal festivals, such as Sechie (an official event held at the Japanese Imperial Court on national holidays) and Sekku. It is said that it was not until the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.) that they began to be served in stacked boxes and prepared as New Year's dishes as they are in modern-day Japan. "Osechi" is written as either "お節" or "御節" in Japanese. This naming also comes from Sekku, and the common interpretation is that the meaning is an abbreviation of Sechie. Classic and Regional Recipes for Osechi-ryori Photo：Osechi-ryori, three side dishes Although there are regional differences in osechi-ryori recipes, the basic recipe consists of three celebratory dishes (three side dishes), nishime (simmered vegetables), sunomono (pickled or vinegared food), and yakimono (grilled food). These three dishes are commonly made across Japan with black soybeans and herring roe. However, there is a difference: in Japan's Kanto region they use gomame (dried young anchovies), while in the Kansai region they use tataki-gobou (burdock root seasoned with sesame). The most common style of osechi-ryori is to use a four-tiered box containing 20 to 30 different dishes. Some of the most popular classic dishes in osechi-ryori are datemaki (a rolled omelette mixed with fish paste), kinton (mashed sweet potatoes), kohaku namasu (thinly sliced carrots and daikon radish), kamaboko, grilled sea bream, teriyaki amberjack, simmered tiger prawns, boiled clam, kombu-maki (sliced dried herring or other fish wrapped in kombu seaweed and boiled), and chikuzenni. The use of such auspicious and high-quality ingredients as sea bream, amberjack, and prawns gives the dish a celebratory atmosphere on this special day. In recent years, ingredients for osechi-ryori can be found in supermarkets after Christmas. There are many items that are nearly fully prepared, so osechi-ryori are relatively convenient to eat nowadays. The Meanings Behind Osechi-ryori Photo：Osechi-ryori, kurikinton Here are some of the meanings and hopes attached to osechi-ryori. ●Kurikinton (chestnuts and mashed sweet potatoes) In addition to its gorgeous and beautiful golden appearance, chestnuts are said to bring good luck in victory and prosperity. ●Kuromame (black soybeans) This dish is to wish for good health and the power to work another year. ●Kazunoko (herring roe) This dish is associated with wishes for prosperity of one's children. This dish is a celebratory food, and is associated with fertility. Photo：Osechi-ryori, Kombu-maki ●Kombu-maki Kombu is associated with happiness and comfort in old age. Kombu-maki, a type of kelp roll, is also used as a symbol of union and contains wishes of prosperity for one's offspring. Grandma Masami's One-Person Osechi-ryori It is becoming more and more common to have osechi-ryori delivered on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day in Japan, rather than making them at home, through commercial or online delivery services. Osechi-ryori themselves are becoming more and more varied, with Chinese, French, and even children's osechi-ryori appearing at the end of the year, rather than being solely Japanese style. The focus of this video, Grandma Masami, is now 99 years old! She lives alone, but she makes her own osechi-ryori every year. Although it looks like a simple osechi for one person, the handmade miso soup made from dried sardines, walnut rice cakes, steamed rolls, kinpira, namasu, and nishime all look delicious. [Video] 5:00 - Making Burdock and Carrot Kinpira [Video] 7:14 - Making Steamed Rolls Soybeans – The Secret to a Long Life? Photo：Soybeans When Grandma Masami is asked about the secret to her long life, she explains how she was poor and worked hard, but ate a lot of soybeans and other legumes, saying that maybe this was the secret to her good health. When Grandma Masami is asked about the secret to her long life, she explains how she was poor and worked hard, but ate a lot of soybeans and other legumes, saying that maybe this was the secret to her good health. Soy sauce, miso, natto, tofu, okara (soy pulp), and soybean flour. We can see that soybeans are as important an ingredient in the Japanese diet as rice. It's also an essential ingredient for making osechi-ryori. Soybeans are said to be a "kanzen shokuzai" (完全食材, a food that contains all the nutrients necessary for humans to maintain good health) with a well-balanced combination of lecithin, dietary fiber, isoflavones, protein, carbohydrates, and various vitamins and minerals. It's no exaggeration to say that soybeans are the secret to the longevity of the Japanese people. Soybeans have played a prominent role in Japanese food and the health of the Japanese people since the Heian period nearly a thousand years ago. Summary of a Japanese Grandma's Osechi-ryori While gorgeous osechi-ryori are a feast for the eyes, simple and healthy homemade osechi-ryori like Grandma Masami's recipes are also good. Why not try making your own this winter?

Video introduction of eels and wild boar meat cooked by artisans at Japanese ryokan "Yamanoi" in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture This video, titled "Japanese cuisine – Wild Boar and Eel – Kanazawa – Seafood - Japan," was uploaded by by "Travel Thirsty." It gives an inside look at how skilled chefs prepare eel and wild boar, traditional ingredients in Japan. This video was filmed in the Japanese Ryokan (inn) "Yamanoo" (山乃尾) located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture (石川県金沢市) in Japan's Hokuriku region (北陸地方). You can take a close look at how skilled chefs prepare and cook both eel and wild boar meat. You'll be amazed at the speed at which the chef fillets the eel! Preparing and Cooking Fresh Eel Photo：raw eel From 4:45 in the video, you can see how eel is filleted and cooked Eel is high in protein and rich in vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin D, vitamin E, DHA, EPA, and minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium and copper. In Japan, eel is often eaten as "Kabayaki" (蒲焼き) or "Unadon" (鰻丼). You can take a look at a prepared Unadon dish at 14:54 in the video. Another popular way to eat eel is "Hitsumabushi" (ひつまぶし), which is Kabayaki style eel chopped and served over rice in an earthenware pot. Preparing and Cooking Wild Boar Photo：wild boar meat Wild boar, a highly nutritious game meat, has been eaten in Japan since the Jomon period (14,000 BC-400 BC). The boar meat is introduced at 0:56 and 16:14 in the video. Wild boar meat used to be referred to as "Botanniku" (牡丹肉). From 21:41 in the video, you can see the wild boar dish "Botannabe" (牡丹鍋). Wild boar meat is higher in protein and has a higher water content compared to other meats such as pork, and it is surprisingly delicious! There are many wild boar dishes you can try, such as "Shishijiru" (シシ汁, boar soup), "Shishinabe" (シシ鍋, boar hot pot), "Kakuni Chashu" (角煮チャーシュー, boar char siu). Wild boar meat can also be barbecued, fried or simmered, all of which are extremely delicious. Trying the Eel and Wild Boar Dishes Introduced in the Video Photo：Stewed wild boar meat If you would like to try eel or wild boar dishes such as those introduced in the video, we highly recommend visiting a Japanese restaurant in Japan. There are many restaurants with private rooms where you can relax and enjoy Japanese cuisine for lunch or dinner. A quick search online is all it takes to find a popular restaurant in your area! It's also possible to prepare eel and wild boar dishes in your own home! There are many surprisingly simple recipes available, so why not give it a try? Cooking Eel and Wild Boar: Introductory Video Summary Photo：Kabayaki We hope you enjoyed watching the eel and wild boar cuisine preparation video introduced in this article. We highly recommend this video to anyone interested in Japanese cuisine or anyone looking to learn more about how these traditional dishes are prepared. Feel free to watch the video once more and enjoy watching the amazing skills of the chefs as they prepare both eel and wild boar! 【Tripadvisor】Yamanoo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298115-d1110364-Reviews-Yamanoo-Kanazawa_Ishikawa_Prefecture_Hokuriku_Chubu.html

What is the pride of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Hokuriku Region, and its food culture Kami-gashi? This video, titled "Jonamagashi: Kanazawa Food Culture, Seasonal Japanese Sweets｜nippon.com" (上生菓子：四季を彩る金沢の菓子文化| nippon.com), was created by "nippon.com." Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture was a castle town of the Kaga domain during the Edo Period, and the traditional Japanese sweets produced here are some of the best in Japan, on par with those produced in Kyoto (京都府) and Matsue, Shimane (島根県松江市). There are three main types of Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets): Higashi (干菓子), Namagashi (生菓子), and Jonamagashi. Of these three types of wagashi, Jonamagashi is thought to have played an integral role in the development of tea ceremony culture in Japan. Kanazawa is a city steeped in culture and history, second only to Kyoto in Japan, and has a tradition of producing high quality, artistic Jonamagashi famously decorated with gold leaf. A high level of skill is required to make Jonamagashi, which is what makes them so special amongst Japanese sweets. They are a confectionary that appeals to all five senses and are a great way to celebrate the changing of the seasons. The History of Jonamagashi and Tea Ceremony Photo：Tea Ceremony Tea ceremony in Japan dates back to the Azuchi-Momoyama Period when it was systematized by Sen no Rikyu (千利休) who is considered the founder of tea ceremony. It wasn't until the 1,700's, during the genroku portion of the Edo Period, that tea ceremony really spread throughout the rest of Japan, and Kanazawa is thought to be the birthplace of Noto (能登) Jonamagashi. Tea ceremony is held based on a particular theme, and the tools used vary depending on the chosen theme. This is called "dougugumi" (道具組). Wagashi are carefully selected and only those which complement the tools used in tea ceremony are chosen. This is also taken into consideration when creating Jonamagashi, resulting in a variety of beautiful shapes and designs. Artisan wagashi makers must channel all of their skills into the creation of one type of wagashi. You can hear Ishikawa Prefecture Tea Ceremony Association representative Sosui Oshima (大島宗翠) speak more about the subject from 0:54 in the video. How To Make Jonamagashi Source :YouTube screenshot Second generation wagashi maker Hironobu Yoshihashi of the well-established wagashi store "Yoshihashi" (吉はし), which has been in business for over 70 years, is featured in the video from 1:17. Enjoy watching the skilled hands of the artisan wagashi makers. Since Japan has a very warm and humid climate, a high proportion of sugar is necessary to preserve the wagashi. However, in the past, sugar was a luxury product that could only be afforded by the rich and wealthy. A great deal of thought and care is put into the taste, texture, design and feel of Jonamagashi. Jonamagashi are often referred to as the ultimate wagashi, with an extremely high level of artistic quality. From 1:58 in the video, you can take a look at Jonamagashi which have been designed to represent each month of the year. Summary of Kanazawa's Jonamagashi Source :YouTube screenshot From 0:45 in the video, you can see "Ajisai" (紫陽花), the most famous Jonamagashi. This is one of the items available for purchase at Kanazawa's wagashi store, "Yoshihashi". You can purchase Jonamagashi from Yoshihashi by ordering online before visiting the store. Beautiful Jonamagashi from the wagashi store Yoshihashi are the perfect souvenir to take home from your trip to Kanazawa! Jonamagashi are also a great way to enjoy the changing seasons, a treat which is pleasing for both the eyes and taste buds!

Imizu City's Kamaboko This video, titled "Shinminato Kamaboko- Imizu City, Toyama" (新湊かまぼこ -富山県射水市- Shinminato Kamaboko -Imizushi,Toyama,Japan-), was produced by "_kashi77." It shows the manufacturing process of kamaboko (fish cake), a local specialty of former Shinminato, Imizu city, Toyama, in the Hokuriku region. Kamaboko is a kind of "kneaded paste product" that is made by making white fish meat into surimi (minced meat) and then kneading it. It's also a Japanese food used in New Year's dishes for New Year's celebrations. In this way, it is an indispensable and popular Japanese food. Cod, shark, golden threadfin, wrasse and other white fish are used as ingredients; however, "Shinminato Kamaboko" uses surimi made from tile fish to enhance the flavor of the minced meat. It's called "Kamaboko" when steamed, "chikuwa" when baked, and "satsuma-age (a type of tempura) when fried and eaten. The origin of the word kamaboko comes from wrapping the surimi around a bamboo stick in a tubular shape. Because the shape resembled the ear (boko) of a cattail (kama), it came to be called "Kamaboko." Making Kamaboko Source :YouTube screenshot Here, we'll introduce how kamaboko are made. 1. Preparation Cut the raw fish into three pieces, removing the bones, innards, and skin. 2. Cut it up into smaller pieces Finely chop it with a knife. 3. Soak in water Soak the minced fish in water to get rid of the odor This is an important part of the process to bring out the elasticity of the kamaboko. 4. Drain Remove water from the fish until it is dried. 5. Surimi Grind it down finely. 6. Seasoning Season with salt, egg whites, and other ingredients. 7. Molding There are different types of kamaboko such as "Ita Kamaboko," which involves molding the ingredients into a half cylindrical shape, onto a small board made of wood such as cedar; and "Sumaki Kamaboko," which involves wrapping straw around the ingredients. As you can see at 0:12 in the video, each Kamaboko is made by hand, one by one, into the shape of a fish. 8. Steam The kamaboko is then steamed. This can be seen at 0:55 in the video. 9. Decorate As you can see at 1:06 of the video, they decorate the steamed kamaboko with colors, such as the pink of a sea bream and other colors and patterns. More About Kamaboko In Toyama Prefecture, kamaboko is famous as a gift for celebratory occasions, and it is used as a gift for engagement ceremonies and wedding receptions. In addition, kamaboko is often presented at births and milestones in life, such as entrance exams, graduations, coming of age ceremonies, housewarmings, and at Buddhist ceremonies. It is said to be customary to cut kamaboko that was received as a wedding gift and to distribute it to people who are close to you and to neighbors in order to share the joy. Toyama prefecture’s consumption of kamaboko is said to be the 6th highest in Japan. Kamaboko is often given as an end-of-the-year gift or present and it's possible to purchase it from online retailers such as Amazon or Rakuten. Fishing and Cuisine Around Imizu City Photo：Firefly squid with vinegar miso Toyama prefecture, where Imizu city is located, is home to Toyama Bay where you can catch delicious and nutritious seafood. The seafood caught in Toyama Bay consists of, white shrimp, firefly squid, and yellowtail caught in the cold season. Himi’s cold season yellowtail is rich in fat and melts in your mouth. Himi's yellowtail is a gourmet's delight, with its fatty, melt-in-your-mouth taste. Trout sushi is another popular local specialty in Toyama. Summary of Kamaboko, the Local Specialty of Imizu City, Toyama Japan has its own unique culture that has been nurtured by the customs of each region. Kamaboko, a craft perfect for celebrations, is a tradition in Imizu City, Toyama and Miyagi Prefecture. The Shin-Minato Hikiyama Festival, which heralds the arrival of autumn in Imizu City, Toyama Prefecture, is introduced at 2:02 in the video. This festival, along with kamaboko, is part of traditional culture that has been handed down through generations in Imizu city. What did you think of Izumi's kamaboko? At Yume Terrace Kaiou, a museum of food and health in Imizu City, around 40 different kinds of kamaboko, such as kelp-wrapped kamaboko and sea bream-shaped kamaboko, as well as local marine products and healthy teas, are available at reasonable prices. You can also visit the kamaboko factory that shown in the video, and experience making kamaboko yourself. At the Yume Terrace Kaio, there are no restaurants or cafes, so you will not be able to have lunch; you can buy some kamaboko as a souvenir and eat it to keep yourself nourished. A popular souvenir is the kamaboko chips. When you visit Toyama prefecture, be sure to try the Shinminato Kamaboko introduced in the video!

Video introduction of an exquisite crab dish prepared by a chef in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan. This video, titled "Japanese Food - SNOW CRAB Sashimi Hotpot Grilled Seafood Kanazawa Japan," was produced by "Travel Thirsty." It introduces the crab dishes prepared by the skilled artisans at Ryokan Ryokusoune in Kanazawa. Crab is one of the most popular dishes in Japanese cuisine. You can enjoy a wonderful time eating delicious snow crab, especially when it's served as sashimi, crab hot pot, or grilled crab in a traditional kaiseki meal. How to Make and Eat Crab Cuisine Photo：Cooked crab miso Skill and knowledge of ingredients is essential for chefs of high-end restaurants when preparing crab. Chefs quickly process the prepared crabs early in the morning and use a variety of recipes to prepare them. Since the shells of crab are very hard, they have to use sharp knives to process them. Crab is a popular foodstuff that has been traditionally eaten in Japan since ancient times. The Japanese have a tradition of cooking and eating not only the crab meat, but also the crab miso (miso-like paste found inside a crab) inside the shell, which is delicious. You can see the crab miso being prepared at 18:34 in the video. Each type of crab has a different season, so you can enjoy delicious crab dishes throughout the year. The video is about 30 minutes long and shows a variety of delicious crab dishes. Check out the video to see the exquisite display. Seaside Towns with Delicious Seafood Photo：Crab kaiseki cuisine Japan's seaside ryokan and traditional dining establishments offer a superb menu of fresh crab dishes and other seasonal seafood. Traditional Japanese kaiseki dishes are eaten in the following order: appetizer, wanmori (stewed dishes), sashimi, grilled food, boiled food, side dish, rice, and lastly, the jelly desert. The beauty of crab is that it can be used in every possible way, from appetizers to main dishes, and even in desserts. Summary of Japan’s Delicious Crab Cuisine Photo：Crab cuisine While there are of course other cultures that eat crab outside of Japan, there are many variations of Japanese crab dishes that will keep you coming back for more. Check out the various items on the menu when you're eating Japanese food and find your favorite crab dish. When you travel to the Kanazawa, Kaga, and Noto areas, be sure to try some of the exquisite crab dishes shown in the video! ◆Ryokan Ryokusone｜General Information◆ 【Address】YUZUYA RYOKAN KANAZAWA RYOKUSONE 2-1-10-1 TENJINCHO KANAZAWA-city ISHIKAWA-pre 【Access】Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa Station and from there it's approximately 20 minutes by taxi (※Tell the driver "Tsubakihara-Tenmangu-mae") 【Telephone】076-208-3999 【Official Website】YUZUYA RYOKAN KANAZAWA RYOKUSONE http://ryokusone.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Ryokusone https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298115-d8677845-Reviews-Ryokusone-Kanazawa_Ishikawa_Prefecture_Hokuriku_Chubu.html

This video, released by "National Gourmet Tours of Japan" (日本全国食い倒れグルメツアー), is titled "[Vlog｜Gourmet] Miura Udon in Fujikawaguchiko Town｜The Secret to Its Taste Is Its Strength｜Exquisite Yoshida Udon [Food Porn]" (【vlog｜グルメ】富士河口湖町のみうらうどん　コシの強さが美味さの秘訣　絶品吉田うどん【飯テロ】). This video shows Miura Udon in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture. It's so popular that people line up before the restaurant opens. Their noodles are characterized by their strength, and the overall price is reasonable. The most popular item on the menu is the udon noodles, but there's also tenkasu on the table that you can add as you please. Check out the video to see what the restaurant is like!

About Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture This video, “Enjoy Rice Wine and Salmon Cuisine in Murakami!” (村上で堪能！日本酒と鮭料理（Enjoy rice wine and salmon cuisine in Murakami!)), is an introductory video of the local specialties, sake and salmon, in Murakami City, located in Niigata prefecture in Japan's Koshinetsu region. The video is produced by “City Murakami Channel, Murakami City, Niigata prefecture.” Murakami City in Niigata prefecture is a place where Murakami Castle and Samurai residences developed long ago, and there still remains the elegant castle town scenery. Take a sightseeing trip to Murakami City and enjoy watching the spectacular scenery of the Murakami Castle ruins, tasting local cuisine, or relaxing at some secret hot springs. In the video, 3 girls from the local idol group “Negicco,” active in the Niigata area, introduce the local cuisine in cute Kimonos. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the video introducing the charms of Murakami City, Niigata. There's plenty of delicious food to be seen! Murakami City, Niigata- Sake and Salmon Source :YouTube screenshot The Niigata area is surrounded by the sea and mountains, and is known as the most flourishing rice crop area in Japan. High quality rice made in Murakami City makes for the highest quality sake you can find. And it just so happens that the sake here is popular as the local specialty. Murakami City is also known as “the city of salmon,” and you can enjoy many kinds of salmon dishes, being that it is the other local specialty of Murakami City. You might be surprised hearing that there are more than 100 varieties of salmon dishes in Murakami City. However, In Murakami City, people enjoy all parts of the fish without wasting anything. From the bones to the skin, everything gets eaten. When going sightseeing in Murakami City, stop by some local restaurants and try delicious gourmet dishes like Ochazuke (boiled rice in tea) and Shiobiki Salmon (salty salmon). There's also the superb salmon roe. These salmon dishes are introduced at 1:14 in the video. Just looking at the myriad of salmon dishes is enough to get your mouth watering. Enjoy the Exquisite Cuisine of Murakami City When purchasing local sake made by Murakami City’s sake breweries as well as Murakami City’s specialty salmon, we recommend purchasing them at the road side station Sasagawanagare Yuuhi Kaikan. The salmon museum Iyoboya Center is also a popular sightseeing spot. If you want to purchase some traditional Japanese crafts, stop by Machiya’s Gallery Yamakichi, a gallery shop renovated from a historical building. Source :YouTube screenshot You can also find Murakami City's first-class sake online. Murakami City’s sake can be seen at 0:55. It is explained that "thanks to fresh, clear water and the careful manual labor of brewers, high quality rice turns into sake that is easy to drink without any off-flavor. Summary of Murakami City's Local Cuisine In Murakami City, Niigata, you can enjoy top notch sake and salmon cuisine. Through the video, you can feel the luxurious taste of sake and salmon. It's something you've got to try at least once in your life! We hope you enjoy your trip to Murakami CIty! 【Official Website】Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture City Hall Website http://translate.google.co.jp/translate?hl=ja&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.city.murakami.lg.jp%2F

Shinshu Matsumoto Utsukushi-ga-hara Onsen "Hotel Shoho" in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture Video Introduction Hotel Shoho, introduced in this video, is a famous hot spring hotel in Shinshu (信州, Shinshu) Matsumoto (松本,Matsumoto) in Nagano Prefecture (長野県, Nagano-Ken) Here, you can enjoy Japanese cuisine with excellent ingredients, and spectacular views of the Northern Alps from the open-air baths using natural hot spring water. Hotel Shoho has received high reviews on review and comparison websites. The hotel has also been selected as one of the "Top 100 Hotels and Ryokans" in Japan, as selected by professionals, so we mean it when we say that this hotel is worth the visit. In this article, we will introduce you to the interior facilities of the Japanese modernist (hotel-style ryokan) onsen inn, filled with the rich nature of Shinshu, healing, relaxation, and hospitality. Sit back and enjoy a taste of this luxury hotel style onsen ryokan (Japanese style hot spring inn)! Enjoy Some of the Finest Gourmet Food in Japan at Hotel Shoho Source :YouTube screenshot First, we’ll introduce three restaurants in Hotel Shoho, all of which offer dishes using local ingredients from Shinshu. At ‘Shunsai Dining Shinshu,’ they offer freshly prepared dishes, such as Shinshu beef in an open kitchen, and the guests enjoy the meal in a private room. The second restaurant is the Japanese restaurant ‘Shokusai Kamikochi,’ which boasts a private space that offers freshly cooked Shinshu brand ingredients. We recommend this restaurant for small groups. The third one is the dinner / Izakaya style restaurant ‘Kihachi.’ Here, you can enjoy more than 40 kinds of local Sake. The Japanese cuisine, cooked by the first-class Itamae chef utilizing the bounty of the mountain, served side-by-side with local Shinshu Sake, are beautifully arranged. Be sure to take some pictures for your instagram! The Hotel Spectacular Views of Shoho's Prized Guest Rooms and Splendid Open-Air Baths Source :YouTube screenshot Hotel Shoho has both Japanese-style rooms and western-style rooms, and each room is equipped with an onsen bath. In the VIP room on the top floor, you can enjoy a large panoramic view in the open-air bath. The pride of Hotel Shoho is the open-air bath overlooking the Northern Alps and Matsumoto Castle. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of Matsumoto while soaking in a relaxing hot spring. The open-air bath is open from 3 PM to 11 PM for women and from 6 AM to 11 AM for men. You can also walk around the hotel wearing a Yukata. Sightseeing Around Shinshu Matsumoto ©Suganu0405 Modifying The area around Shinshu Matsumoto is a land surrounded by the Northern Alps, with scenic spots such as Azumino, Kamikochi and the national treasure Matsumoto Castle. Kamikochi is one of Japan's leading mountain resorts, and is a popular tourist sight, with 2 million people visiting the location every year to enjoy mountain climbing and hiking. The water of the rivers and ponds is crystal clear and are famous for their shiny emerald color. If you want to enjoy the great outdoors of Shinshu on your sightseeing tour around Hotel Shoho, you've got to check out Utsukushigahara plateau! Utsukushigahara Onsen has footbath and a one-day bath as well, making it a popular spot where guests at Hotel Shoho can spend their time relaxing. Shinshu is known for its harsh climate, but is blessed with colorful natural scenery, such as cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, autumn leaves in the fall, and beautiful snowscapes in winter, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of beautiful scenery no matter when they visit. Summary of Hotel Shoho The Hotel Shoho official website is updated with day trip plans and other various events. Amenities for children are also provided, making it a great place for family trips as well. Rates vary by plan, season, and day of the week. Due to the popularity of this inn, we recommend booking as soon as possible. The video also gives a look at the atmosphere of Hotel Shoho's rooms, restaurants, and hot springs. We hope this article has inspired you to visit Hotel Shoho; It's definitely worth the visit! There's a free shuttle bus available by the police station near JR Matsumoto Station that will take you to Hotel Shohoho. Remember, when booking your trip, the sooner the better! ◆Hotel Shoho Facility Overview◆ 【Address】527 Yamabe, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture 〒390-0221 【Access】20 minutes by taxi from Matsumoto Station on the JR Chuo Line 【Parking】Available 【Tel】+81 263-38-7711 【Official Website 】Hotel Shoho http://www.hotel-shoho.jp/en/

Video introduction of "Roadside Station Nambu" in Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture, a sacred place for popular anime This video introduces the collaboration between the anime "Yuru Camp" and the stage of "Heya Camp". And it is an introduction of "Roadside station Nanbu", (called "Roadside Station Nanbu" in Japanese), which is said to be a sacred place among fans. The theme of Roadside Station Nanbu is a “Food Theme Park!” Here, you enjoy a variety of delicious local foods at various commercial facilities. There is also a dog run in the park, and those who come by car can play with their pets. Traffic access to Roadside Station Nanbu is about 7 minutes by bus from JR Minobu Line Utsubuna Station, which can be seen from 0:07 in the video. Because it is a facility built in the wilderness you can enjoy hiking as well. Let's take a look at some attractions around "Roadside Station Nanbu". Introducing gourmet locations at "Roadside Station Nanbu"! Source :YouTube screenshot The best part of Roadside Station Nanbu is the local gourmet restaurants. The delicious tuna bowl that appears at 0:24 in the video, Toro Torotoro Don, is a popular menu item. As you can see in the video, you can enjoy "special soy sauce" and "Umagoma sauce". At the end, they show Ochazuke with "Dense Yaizu Tuna Dashi". Other recommended items include Nanbu Ichshou Soba from 0:32, OInari Chan, a southern farm plate that can only be tasted at Roadside Station Nanbu, and Koshu Wagyu Toro Suki, which you can see at 0:34. As you can see from 0:39, the after-meal desserts are also great! You can enjoy three kinds of southern sweet teas, a popular tapioca drink, soft serve ice cream, parfaits, etc., all unique to the famous southern tea production area! Roadside Station Nanbu is full of popular menus listed on the food review website "Tabelog." Popular souvenirs include vegetables grown by local farmers and southern tea soba. What is Roadside Station Nanbu? Source :YouTube screenshot Roadside Stations can be seen in 1,173 places nationwide, but why did they come to be called "Roadside Stations"? The Roadside Stations are said to be a service area (SA) facility equipped with a stand, a cafeteria, and a toilet as a rest area on the highway. Each SA has a standard menu and a popular menu item, and some places with sleeping areas and accommodation facilities have appeared to differentiate themselves. It is traced to a railway station and is called a "Roadside Station" based on how drivers stop mid-way through their travels and take a break at it. It is built on a general road to make it easier to stop at and is part of the town revitalization policy. In recent years, the "Muranoeki (village station)" in Izu has also become a hot topic. The operation of this roadside station is generally performed by the road manager of each local government. There are disaster prevention building facilities, and some facilities are also used as emergency evacuation sites and relay points for relief supplies. Roadside Station Nanbu's Facilities and Attractions Source :YouTube screenshot There Are Still Many Attractions at Roadside Station Nanbu! In September 2019, the statue of the equestrian Saburo Nanbu Mitsuyuki was unveiled. There is also a children's space for families and the Nanbu Exhibition Room which can be seen from 0:56. Roadside Station Nanbu is located in Koma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture. It is an area with lots of superb greenery. Around Roadside Station Nanbu, there is Uchifuna Temple, a facility where you can enjoy fishing and barbecuing (shown in the video from 1:27), and the hot spring Nanbu-no-yu that you can see from 1:49. You can also enjoy the southern tea plantations overflowing with greenery at 1:01. Roadside Station Nanbu Summary Source :YouTube screenshot A lot of green, a Lot of nature, and a LOT of local gourmet! What'd you think of Roadside Station Nanbu? If you're interested, please come and visit Roadside Station Nanbu a popular anime fan destination where you can enjoy gourmet food, history and nature. ◆ Roadside Station Nanbu Introduction of facility outline ◆ 【Address】3034-1 Nakano, Nanbu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi 409-2211 【Access】 About 60 minutes by car from Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture on the Chubu Crossing Expressway and National Route 52. About 7 minutes by bus from JR Minobu Line Utsubuna Station 【Opening hours】 9: 00-17: 00 【Closures】 None 【Parking】 108 spaces (40 vehicles available for 24 hours) 【Phone number】 0556-64-8552 【Official Website】Food theme park "Roadside Station Nanbu http://michinoeki-nanbu.com/ 【Tripadvisor】Roadside Station Nanbu https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121180-d15051724-Reviews-Michi_no_Eki_Nambu-Nanbu_cho_Minamikoma_gun_Yamanashi_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chu.html