Shizuoka Prefecture Railway Stations: Izu Hakone Railway Sunzu Line (Mishima City~Shuzenji/Izu Peninsula)

The Sunzu Line opened for operations on May 20, 1898, connecting Zuso-Mishima Station (present-day Mishima-Tamachi Station) with Nanjō Station (present-day Izu-Nagaoka Station). The terminus of the line was moved to Mishima Station (present day Shimo-Togari Station) on June 15, 1898, and the southern end of the line was extended to Ōhito Station on July 17, 1899.

The line became part of the Izu Railway (伊豆鉄道 Izu Tetsudō) on July 19, 1907, which in turn became the Sunzu Electric Railway (駿豆電気鉄道 Sunzu Denki Tetsudō) on April 1, 1912. This company merged with Fuji Hydroelectric (富士水電) in 1914, and was spun back out as the Sunzu Railway (駿豆鉄道 Sunzu Tetsudō?) on November 5, 1917. The line was electrified by June 1919, and the southern terminus extended to Shuzenji Station on August 1, 1924. In May 1933, regularly scheduled weekend services to Tokyo Station began operation, but were later suspended during World War II. With the opening of the Tanna Tunnel in 1934 and the re-routing of the Tōkaidō Main Line, the Sunzu ceased operations at Shimotogari Station and its northern terminus became the new Mishima Station. A rail yard and train factory was completed at Daiba Station on June 10, 1937.

In 1949, the Japan National Railways began semi-express and limited-express train operations from Tokyo. The Sunzu Railway Company was acquired by the Izuhakone Railway on June 1, 1957. The line was upgraded from 600 V to 1,500 V on September 7, 1959. All freight operations were discontinued as of June 16, 1972. An ATS system was installed in December 1972 and a CTC system in 1985 (upgraded in 2007). As of March 2007, all stations were equipped with automatic wickets compatible with the PASMO Smart card system.

MISHIMA STATION/三島駅

Location: 16-1 Ichiban-chō, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県三島市一番町16-1）

Mishima Station (三島駅 Mishima-eki) is an interchange railway station in Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan on the Tōkaidō Main Line and the Tōkaidō Shinkansen of Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central), and was a freight terminal of the Japan Freight Railway Company (JR Freight). It is also a union station with the Izuhakone Railway. The station is 120.7 rail kilometers from Tokyo Station.

Mishima Station shortly after completion in 1934.

The original Mishima Station was opened on June 15, 1896 in the town of Nagaizumi. However, with the completion of the Tanna Tunnel between Atami and Numazu, this station was renamed Shimo-Togari Station, and a new Mishima Station was opened at its present location on December 1, 1934. The terminus of the Izuhakone Railway was also relocated to Mishima Station at this time. On April 25, 1969, Tokaido Shinkansen services began serving Mishima Station. Regularly scheduled freight service was discontinued in 1974, however, private freight services to the Toray Industries Mishima plant continued on a spur line until 2007. In 2008, Mishima Station was extensively remodeled, and an ASTY shopping complex was opened at the station.

JR Mishima Station has two island platforms serving tracks 1 to 4. Track 2 and Track 3 are the primary tracks for the Tokaido Main Line, with Tracks 1 and 4 used for through passage of express trains. The Tokaido Shinkansen uses Tracks 5 and 6, which are served by a separate island platform. The adjacent Izuhakone Railway has one side platform and two bay platforms serving Tracks 7, 8 and 9. All platforms are connected by an underpass to a central concourse leading to the station building. The station building has automated ticket machines, TOICA automated turnstiles and a staffed Midori no Madoguchi ticket office.

MISHIMA HIROKOOJI STATION/三島広小路駅

Location: Hirokōji, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県三島市広小路町）

Mishima-Hirokōji Station was opened on May 20, 1898. Located in downtown Mishima, it is primarily used by commuter traffic, except during the annual Mishima Matsuri.
Mishima-Hirokōji Station has a single side platform with a small station building containing automatic ticket machines.

MISHIMA TAMACHI STATION/三島田町駅

Location: Kitada, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県三島市北田町）

Mishima-Tamachi Station was opened on May 20, 1898 as Mishima-machi Station (三島町駅 Mishima-machi eki), the terminal station of the initial phase of line construction extending from Nanjō Station (present-day Izu-Nagaoka Station). The line was connected to the former Mishima Station (present day Shimo-Togari Station) on June 15 of the same year. On May 25, 1919 the line was electrified. The northern terminus of the line was moved to present-day Mishima Station in 1934. The station was renamed to its present name on February 1, 1956.

Mishima-Tamachi Station has a side platform and an island platform serving three tracks. The manned station building has automatic ticket machines.

MSHIMA FUTSUKA MACHI STATION/三島二日町駅

Location: Minami-Futsukamachi, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県三島市南二日町）

Mishima-Futsukamachi Station was opened on December 15, 1932
Mishima-Futsukamachi Station has a single side platform. The small manned station building has automatic ticket machines.

DAIBA STATION/大場駅

Location: Daiba 136-2, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県三島市大場136-2）

Daiba Station was opened on May 20, 1898, as part of the initial construction phase of the Sunzu Line. The station building was rebuilt in 2005
Daiba Station has an island platform and a bay platform serving three tracks. Platforms 1 and 2 are used for both normal and express traffic. Platform 3 is used primarily during commuting hours, and the track at Platform 3 terminates at Daiba Station. The manned station building has automatic ticket machines.

IZU NITTA STATION/伊豆仁田駅

Location: Nitta, Kannami Cho, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県三島市函南町仁田）

Izu-Nitta Station was opened on June 30, 1921
Izu-Nitta Station has two opposed side platforms. Platform 1 is the primary platform, and used for bidirectional traffic. Platform 3 is used only during commuting hours for traffic to Mishima. The manned station building has automatic ticket machines.

BARAKI STATION/原木駅

Location: Baraki, Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊豆の国市原木）

Baraki Station was opened on May 20, 1898 as part of the initial construction phase of the Sunzu Line
Baraki Station has two opposed side platforms connected to the station building by a level crossing. Platform 2 is the primary platform, and is used for bidirectional traffic. Platform 1 is in occasional use only. The station building is unmanned and has automatic ticket machine.

NIRAYAMA STATION/韮山駅

Location: Yokkamachi, Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊豆の国市四日町）

Nirayama Station was opened on August 5, 1900 as Hōjō Station (北条駅 Hōjō-eki). It was given its present name on May 25, 1919.
Nirayama Station has two opposed side platforms connected to the station building by a level crossing. Platform 2 is the primary platform, and is used for bidirectional traffic. Platform 1 is in occasional use only. The station building is unmanned and has automatic ticket machines.

IZU NAGAOKA STATION/伊豆長岡駅

Location: Nanjō, Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊豆の国市南条）

Izu-Nagaoka Station was opened on May 20, 1898 as Nanjō Station (南条駅 Nanjō -eki) as the terminal station for the first phase of construction of the Sunzu Line. The line was extended onwards to Ōhito on July 17, 1899. The station was given its present name on May 25, 1919. The station building was rebuilt in 1986.
Izu-Nagaoka Station has one side platform and one island platform connected to the station building by an overpass. However, only the island platform serving tracks 2 and 3 is in normal use for passenger traffic and is used for bidirectional traffic for both normal and express services. The station building is manned and has automatic ticket machines, a manned service counter and shops.

TAKYOO STATION/田京駅

Location: Takyō, Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊豆の国市田京）

Takyō Station was opened on July 17, 1899 as part of the extension of the Sunzu line from Nanjō Station (present-day Izu-Nagaoka to Ōhito).
Takyō Station has an island platform and a side platforms connected to the station building by a level crossing. The station building has both a manned service counter and automatic ticket machines.

OOHITO STATION/大仁駅

Location: Ōhito, Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊豆の国市大仁）

Ōhito Station was opened on July 17, 1899 as part of the extension of the Sunzu line from Nanjō Station (present-day Izu-Nagaoka. The line was further extended to its preset terminus at Shuzenji in 1924.
Ōhito Station has an island platform and a side platform connected to the station building by a level crossing. The station building has both a manned service counter and automatic ticket machines.

MAKINOKOO STATION/牧之郷駅

Location: Makinokō, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊豆市牧之郷）

Makinokō Station was opened on August 1, 1924, as part of the final extension of the Sunzu line from Ōhito to its present terminus at Shuzenji.
Makinokō Station has two opposed side platforms connected to the station building by a level crossing. The station building is unmanned and automatic ticket machines.

SHUZENJI STATION/修善寺駅

Location: Kashiwakubo, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊豆市柏久保）

Shuzenji Station was opened on August 1, 1924 as part of the final extension of the Sunzu line from Ōhito.
Shuzenji Station has two island platforms serving four tracks. Tracks 1 and 2 are used for local service only; Tracks 3 and 4 are used for both local and limited express Odoriko services. The station building has both a manned service counter and automatic ticket machines.

Related Article on Shuzenji Station HERE!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Prefecture Railway Stations: Izu Kyūkō Line (Ito City~Shimoda City/Izu Peninsula)

Ito Station

The Izu Kyūkō Line (伊豆急行線 Izu Kyūkō-sen) is a privately owned railway line of Izukyū Corporation in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan

The line approximately parallels the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula, a tourist district noted for its numerous hot spring resorts and golf courses, between Itō Station in Itō and Izukyū-Shimoda Station in Shimoda. The line opened in 1961.

Since March 13, 2010, PASMO and Suica cards are accepted on the line.

Initial plans called for the Japanese National Railways (JNR) to build a spur line linking Atami on the Tōkaidō Main Line with Shimoda. However, funding was limited in the 1930s due to a combination of a tight fiscal policy under Prime Minister Osachi Hamaguchi during the Great Depression, and a number of technical issues.

On March 30, 1935, the initial 8.7km section of the Itō Line linking Atami with Ajiro was opened. The second (8.3km) section from Ajiro to Itō was opened on December 15, 1938. Both sections were electrified at 1500 VDC when opened. Further work was delayed, and then canceled due to the outbreak of World War II.

Construction south of Itō resumed when the private-sector Tokyu Corporation acquired the rights to complete the line to Shimoda and established the Izukyū Corporation to manage construction and operations of this section. The line to Shimoda opened in 1961.

The northern terminal station for the Izu Kyūkō Line is at Ito Station, from which local trains depart for the southern terminal station of Izukyū-Shimoda. However, several varieties of limited express trains operated by JR East originate at Tokyo Station travel via the Itō Line tracks to Ito, and then terminate at Izukyū-Shimoda. These include the Odoriko and Super View Odoriko named trains. Similarly, the Resort Odoriko operated by the Izu Kyūkō Line also makes the same run, but using different rolling stock.

ITO STATION/伊東駅

Location: 3-chome, Yukawa, Itō City, Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県伊東市湯川三丁目12-1)

Itō Station opened on December 15, 1938 when the section of the Itō Line linking Ajiro with Itō was completed. On December 10, 1961, Izu Kyūkō began operations on a line linking Itō with Shimoda. Freight services were discontinued from October 1, 1980, but were resumed on March 31, 1987. On April 1, 1987 along with division and privatization of the Japan National Railway, East Japan Railway Company started operating this station.
Itō Station has a single island platform serving Track 1 and Track 2 and a single side platform serving Track 3. The platforms are connected by an underpass. The Izu Kyūkō trains use the outer Tracks 1 and 3, whereas the Itō Line pulls into Track 2, and reverses out in the opposite direction. The station building has automated ticket machines and Suica and PASMO automated turnstiles; its “Green Window” service counter is open between 9:00 and 18:00.

MINAMI ITO STATION/南伊東駅

Location, 1, Sakuragaoka-chō, Itō City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊東市桜が丘町１）

Minami-Itō Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
Minami-Itō Station has a single elevated island platform, with the station building underneath.

KAWANA STATION/川奈駅

Location, Kawana, Itō City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊東市川奈）

Kawana Station was opened on December 10, 1961. The station building was rebuilt in 1980.
This station has two ground-level side platforms.

FUTO SATION/富戸駅

Location: 179-1 Futo, Itō City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊東市富戸178-1）

Futo Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
Futo Station has two ground-level side platforms.

JOOGASAKI STATION/城ヶ崎海岸駅

Location: 919-8 Futo, Itō City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊東市富戸919-8）

Jōgasaki-Kaigan Station was opened on March 15, 1972. The station building was rebuilt as a log house in commemoration of 30th anniversary of the opening of the Izu Kyūkō Line in 1991.
Jōgasaki-Kaigan Station has one ground-level side platform.

IZU KOOGEN STATION/伊豆高原駅

Location: 1183 Yawatano, Itō City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊東市八幡野1183）

Izu-Kōgen Station opened on December 10, 1961.
Izu-Kōgen Station consists of a side platform and an island platform serving three tracks.

IZU OOKAWA STATION/伊豆大川駅

Location: Ōkawa, Kawaharada, Higashiizu Cho, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県東伊豆町大川字川原田）

Izu-Ōkawa Station was opened on December 10, 1961. The station is located next to Ōkawa hot springs, and there is a foot bath on the grounds of the station.
Izu-Ōkawa Station has two opposing side platforms serving two tracks. Track 2 is used for trains in both directions, and is the track in normal use. Track 1 is used at times to permit the passage of an express train, as the station does not have a headshunt.

IZU HOKKAWA STATION/伊豆北川駅

Location: Naramoto, Higashiizu Cho, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県東伊豆町奈良本）

Izu-Hokkawa Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
Izu-Hokkawa Station has a single elevated side platform. The station building is located underneath.

IZU ATAGAWA STATION/伊豆熱川駅

Location: Naramoto aza Hamada, Higashiizu Cho, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県東伊豆町奈良本字浜田）

Izu-Atagawa Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
zu-Atagawa Station has a single elevated island platform serving two tracks. The station building is underneath.

KATASE SHIRATA STATION/片瀬白田駅

Katase-Shirata Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
Katase-Shirata Station has two elevated opposing side platforms serving two tracks. The platforms are connected by an overpass, and the station building is underneath the platforms and tracks.

IZU INATORI/伊豆稲取駅

Location: Inatori-aza, Deguchi, Higashiizu Cho, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県東伊豆町稲取字出口）

Izu-Inatori Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
Izu-Inatori Station has two elevated opposing side platforms serving two tracks. The platforms are connected by an overpass, and the station building is underneath the platforms and tracks.

IMAIHAMA KAIGAN STATION/今井浜海岸駅

Location: 180 Mitaka, Kawazu Cho, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県河津町見高180）

Imaihama-Kaigan Station was opened on December 10, 1961, initially as a temporary stop only open during the summer months due to its proximity to nearby swimming beaches. It became a permanent station on March 1, 1969.
Imaihama-Kaigan Station has one island platform sandwiched between two tunnels. The platform length is equivalent in length to eight train cars access to trains is limited only to the middle seven cars. The station building, which is located alongside Japan National Route 135, was rebuilt in a log cabin style, using wood from the surrounding forests.

KAWAZU STATION/河津駅

SANYO Digital Camera

Location: Nakakōji, Hama-aze, Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県津町浜字中耕地）

Kawazu Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
Kawazu Station has two elevated opposing side platforms serving two tracks. The platforms are connected by an underpass, and the station building is underneath the platforms and tracks.

INAZUSA STATION/稲梓駅

Location: Ochiai, Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県賀下田市落合）

Inazusa Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
Inazusa Station has a single island platforms serving two tracks.

RENDAIJI STATION/蓮台寺駅

Location: Kawauchi, Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県賀下田市河内）

Rendaiji Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
Rendaiji Station has a single elevated island platform serving two tracks, and the station building is underneath the platforms and tracks

IZUKYUU SHIMODA STATION/伊豆急下田駅

Location: 1 Higashi Hongō, Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県賀下田市東本郷一丁目）

Izukyū-Shimoda Station forms the southern terminus of the Izu Kyūkō Line.
Izukyū-Shimoda Station opened on December 10, 1961.Izukyū-Shimoda Station has a double bay platform serving three tracks. Tracks 1 and 3 are used for normal train service, and Track 2 is used by the limited express Odoriko.

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Izu Peninsula: Strolling through Shuzenji Hot Springs Resort

All photographs taken by Robert-Gilles Martineau

If you have the chance to visit Shuzenji (now part of Izu City) in Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, one of the oldest hot springs resort in Japan whose history has been traced back more than 1,400 years, even a single day return trip would make it worthwhile! There are lots of things to see, experience and taste there! I make a point to pay it a visit at least twice a year at different seasons!
The access is very easy: Change lines and Station at Mishima City, it is only 510 yen and 30 minutes away!
The other day I only had a couple of hours to enjoy the place on my way back to Shizuoka City, but I managed to take some pictures just to share a small glimpse of the village (it used to be a city!)!

Many traditional houses along the river, be they private abodes or restaurants or shops!

A beautiful stream bisects the site into two distinctive halves!

Leaves are finally starting to change colors!

Take a stroll across the large bamboo grove park…

and take a peek at old houses though the bamboo trees…

Keep your eyes open and you will surely discover calligraphic designs to emulate!

Talking of design, who might have thought of a car for a cafe ensign? Beautiful cafe, incidentally!

A sight rapidly disappearing in Japan, but there are still at least three of these doll rifle shooting stands in Shuzenji!

You are bound to discover some beautiful noren/暖簾/shop entrance curtains! This one is at the entrance of a busy soba restaurant!

Shuzenji is also a paradise for antiques and collectors!

Restaurants are still built and re-built in the traditional way!

Simplicity made beautiful in another noren!

What’s left hanging in front of this big electric fan?

Squids!
The Izu Peninsula produces half of the whole Japanese sun-dried seafood/himono/干物 in Japan!

There are plenty of mysterious lanes, streets, passages and stairs to explore!

This “tower” is the actual entrance to a public (for a fee) hot springs bath!

This public and free foot hot spring bath in the middle of the river has a 1,400 year-long history!

A welcome dip for my tired feet!

The best way to finish the day: a cold beer in one of the many cute cafes!

An avatar from Star Wars?

Do not forget some unusual sights to take in photo in posterity!
You should find some inside the Shuzenji Shinto Shrine!

A grinning lion?

A ravenous dragon?

One of the Seven Deities…

A hand-waving goblin?

I’m sure you will find enough sights to fill a book!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Japanese Festivals: Nue barai Matsuri in Izunagaoka, Shizuoka Prefecture:\-第４９回鵺ばらい祭

The picture of the day: a smiling face inside a monster’s mouth!

Yesterday I traveled all the way train from Shizuoka City to Izu Nagaoka Station by train and took the the local bus to Yu Rakkasu Park to attend an unusual Matsuri/Japanese Festival!
I managed to arrive one hour before the start of the festivities which allowed me to have a good location at the location and its people!
As in any festival the locals were selling food to the visitors!

Okonomiyaki and karaage!

A local specialty, big deep-fried gyoza!

The stage!

I saw the students from Nagaoka Junior High School arriving directly from their school!
The lady in the middle is Ms. Kamoshita, Director of the Izu No Kuni City Tourism Bureau who had faxed me the details of the vent!

Mount Fuji was looking after us all the time!

The program clearly indicated for everyone’s benefit!

One of the great staff in attendance who kept me informed me all afternoon!

A great hapi/festival coat!

Great kids from Nagaoka Junior High School!
So well-mannered, ever smiling and enthusiastic!
Years ago the festival used to be performed by adults. Now it is exclusively enacted by Nagoka Junior High School!
And from this year boys and girls are equally represented!

the drummers practicing before the event!

The “nue/鵺”!
The nue is a monster of old Japanese lore. Check the NUE LORE HERE!
It is monster with the head of a monkey, the body of a tiger and a snake as a tail in Izu Nagaoka.
The legend was brought a lot time ago to Izu Peninsula from Kyoto by a Lord’s wife.
It is a monster/spirit thought to be a bringer of misfortune and illness.
This festival is held every year to make sure it does not appear to mistreat the local inhabitants!

Great kids again including some big boys!

One of the very old drums used during the festival!

A last practice!

But before the Nue Dance we witnessed a Japanese archery/Kyuudou/弓道 demonstration, which an integral part of the festival, held by the local Japanese Archery Association!

These two gentlemen might be of a grand age but they did not miss their target!

Male archers!

And female archers!

The nue did not stand a chance!
The target made of paper was subsequently shredded into small pieces to be distributed among the onlookers for good luck!
I got mine, which might come useful when facing the home dragon!

By then the nue dancers had got ready and were coming out of the changing room!

Some of the costumes had to be carried by hand!

Samurais!

I would like to thank these two young ladies who were so kind to answer this strange foreigner’s questions!

Peace!

Getting ready in the cold wind!

The choreographer giving his last advice!

And the dance starts!

The nue and its minions ready to pounce!

The fever went up a grade with the drumming!

The nue’s minions are taunting the samurai!

Mind you the kids inside are no monsters!

The nue has crept among its minions!

The minions first attempt to frighten the onlookers!

There must be some kind of hierarchy among the minions as a few carry big tail snakes!

The minions are attacking!

Why have they stopped?

This is the reason!

The samurai have come to defend the onlookers by first loosing arrows!

But the nue’s minions are undaunted and chase the samurai who have to unsheathe their swors!

All the while the nue is looking at the action from a safe distance!

Nothing frightening about these two sweet young ladies!

While the nue kept looking at the action I crept behind it for some photoes!

Big and horrible tail!

Nasty head!

The samurai were starting to get the upper hand!

Take that!

The nue’s minons were getting killed one by one!

The nue’s minoons had all been cut down!

The Nue still did not intervene!

Things seemed to be all but lost…

But this is when the Nue finally came into the fray!

The drummers lustily encouraged the samurais!

But the onlookers started throwing beans at it!

The Nue roars back into the fight!

But the samurais show no fear!

The Nue is struck with fear!

The samurais have started their killing dance!

The Nue has no chance!

The Nue is finally down!

The Town and its citizens are saved again this year!

Well done, lads and gals!

The onlookers picking the beans which contributed to the demise of the Nue!

The two choreographers who teach the kids every year!
They are brothers and volunteers.
As the second generation of choreographers they confided that they are aiming at teaching the next generation to make sure the Festival outlives them!
Well done, gentlemen!

All the while local geishas working at the hot springs establishments had been stoically waiting for their turn in the cold!

And they graciously danced for all!
Don’t ask me why I chose this particular lady! LOL

The Nue mascot!

Looking forward to my next visit to Izu Nagaoka!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

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

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

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

Bathers certainly had a great time in the cold wind!

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

Incidentally smoking and drinking alcohol are prohibited!

One foot at a time?

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

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

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Wasabi Ice Cream, Wild Boar, Ayu Trout And Joren Waterfalls in Yugashima, Izu Peninsula

The false and the true wasabi ice cream!LOL

If you wish to visit Izu Peninsula, one of the most famous tourist spots in the whole of Japan, be it for a single day or longer, there is a very simple way to do that allows you to explore the area on or off the beaten tracks.

Wherever you come from in Japan or Shizuoka Prefecture, first go to Mishima City and change trains from the JR Railway Line to the Private Izu Hakone Senzu Line which will take you all the way to Shizenji, its final destination.
Then at the Shuzenji Bus Station (beside the Railway Station) choose your destination (buses cover the whole peninsula from there) and enjoy a quiet ride. Take the very back seats if you can as they are always elevated and enable you to enjoy the views on the way from a better angle!

This time my destination was the Joren Waterfalls/浄の滝 in Yuugashima/湯ヶ島.
Don’t forget to take a picture of the bus stop sign for your collection!

What’s that inside the bus stop shelter?

“Beware of the Wild Boars!”
It’s not a joke! (Mind you, they make for good food, too!)

They look cute, but their sausages are a local delicacy!

They are also delicious as Inoshishi Man/猪まん/large steamed wild boar dumplings!

Incidentally visit the nearby souvenir shop where you can find Shizuoka Green Tea, real Shizuoka Wasabi Schochu and extravagant Shizuoka sake!

Now, what does that sign say?
Wasabi Soft!

Here they are! Here they are!

Real wasabi (soft) ice cream (I mean the one in the front!) made with wasabi grown in Izu peninsula!
Really piquant and sweet! A must-taste!

Alright let’s go to the waterfalls!
But first consult the board for some useful information written in English!

Quite a few stairs waiting for you!

More wasabi is apparently waiting for you downstairs!

More English information on the way to the waterfalls!

Do make a point to read it! You will be able to bosat your knowledge back home!

More wasabi ice cream waiting for you!

And fresh wasabi roots on sale!

Can you see the wasabi water fields on your way down?

Impressive, isn’t it? All grown organically in running natural water!

What are they doing?
Fishing ayu trout/鮎!

Now, here is some great fun for you and your kids:
Ask (for a fee) the small shop below to lend you a rod, line and lure to catch the ayu trouts in the river flowing away from the waterfalls and have your catch grilled for immediate pleasure!

Go there in the colder season when the water is pure and crystal clear!

Our destination: Jouren No Taki/Jyoren Waterfalls!
You will realize there why the water in Shizuoka Prefecture and Izu Peninsula is so famous!

I must take a dip there next summer! (I wonder if they will let me?)

Looking forward to visit other spots in the Izu Peninsula!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 17: Izu Peninsula (Part 2)

A magnificent mint manhole cover in Itoh City with the characters of “The Izu Dancer” story by Yasunori kawabata!

Another beautiful mint manhole cover in Itoh City!

The same in black and white!

Sea bathers on a mint manhole cover in Itoh City!

The same in black and white!

Camelias Manhole covers in Itoh City!

Fish design manhole cover in Itoh City to remind you that Izu Peninsula is surrounded by one of the richest seas in Japan!

A fire hydrant manhole cover in Itoh City!

A very ancient medium-sized sewer manhole cover in Itoh City!

A beautiful mint water manhole cover in Izu Nagaoka which has been since merged into Izu no Kuni City!

A beautiful mint manhole cover in Shuzenji which has since been merged into Izu City!

Irises manhole cover in Shuzenji!

A beautiful mint Manhole cover in Nagaizumi!

The same on a pavement!

A beautiful fire hydrant manhole cover in Nagaizumi!

A cute mint manhole cover in Minami Izu Cho, a touristic spot!

The same in black and white!

Another beautiful mint manhole cover in Minami Izu Cho representing the Teishi Koina Festival and lobsters!

A sewer manhole cover in Minami Izu Cho!

Fireworksand Bon Odori dance in Minami Izu Cho!

A double manhole cover in Matsuzaki!

Fish manhole cover in Higashi Izu Cho!

A small manhole cover in Higashi Izu Cho!

A rectangular manhole cover with a map of Higashi Izu Cho!

A rectangular fire hydrant manhole cover in Higashi Izu Cho!

A manhole cover type found elsewhere but with the central motif of Naka Izu Cho!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 16: Izu Peninsula (Part 1)

A beautiful mint sewer manhole cover from Ohito Town which merged into the new city of Izu No Kuni City!

This time let’s have a look at Izu Peninsula!
It is pretty complicated as the whole map of Izu Peninsula was revolutionized with the mergers of many towns and villages into cities, some of them brand new!

The same without the colors!

A flowery manhole cover without the colors in Ohito!

Also in Ohito a sewer type seen in many places in the Prefecture with slight differences in their central motif!

Another type in Atami City I hadn’t discovered in the former article on Atami City!
Note the central motif!

Shimoda City at the southern tip of Peninsula City boasts a lot of manhole covers due to its place in history with the arrival of the Black Ship in the 19th Century!
The above mint does not have colors inside the sails!

The sails in this mint are colored!

Same mint as above but with a different background color!

Same as above but without the colors!

A different type without the colors!

A sewer manhole cover type found elsewhere but with the Shimoda central motif!

A rain water manhole cover type found elsewhere but with the Shimoda central motif!

The same as above but for sewers!

This one is not from Shimoda but doanted to Shimoda City by Funabashi Village as they share history with the Black Ship!

The above was also donated to Shimoda City by Naga City for the same reason!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Shizuoka Tourism Autumn Campaign Posters in Shizuoka JR Station!

It took a long time but finally the Shizuoka Government pledge to promote Shizuoka Prefecture Tourism seems to switched to action mode!
To all visitors (and residents) to Shizuoka City and Shizuoka Prefecture it would be time well spent to stop for a few minutes and have a good look at the posters the Government has put in the middle of Shizuoka JR STation for all to see!
And have a good look at the bottom of each poster which gives 3 good reasons to enjoy our Prefecture!
So let’s start with the first one!

The SL train running from Kanaya Station/Oigawa Steam Locomotive/大井川ＳＬ to Senzu Station and its hot springs in the Japanese Southern Alps is feature known of all train buffs in the country!

Sakura Ebi! Cherry Shrimps/桜海老 which are exclusively caught in the Suruga Bay in Autumn and late Spring are a delicacy that the Japanese are ready to travel a very long way just to taste fresh and raw!

Kunozan Toshogu/久能山東照宮 is a Japanese Natonal Treasure with the relics of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the Overlord of Japan who retired to Sumpu/Shizuoka at the beginning of the 17th Century!

The second poster!

Okuni Shrine/小国神社 is a beautiful Shinto Shrine in the middle of beautiful forest in Mori Machi in Western Shizuoka Prefecture.
Now is the best time to visit it with all the leaves changing colors!

Hamamatsu Gyoza/浜松餃子are famous all over the country and are served in a peculiar crown shape with plenty of fried beansprouts in the middle!

For people interested in Buddhism a three day Buddhist Monk Life Experience can be enjoyed in Fukuroi City!

The third poster!

For Japanese hot spring lovers do visit one of the many hot springs by the sea in Kitagawa, Izu Peninsula!

And you cisit Izu Peninsula do not forget this is the season for succulent spiny lobsters!

For history amateurs visit Nirayamあ in Northern Izu Peninsula to have a look at the only existing ship gun foundry/hansyarou/反射炉 (Meiji Era) in Japan!

The fourth poster!

near Mount Fuji you will discover Kakita Gawa/Kakita River/柿田川, one of “Three Clear-Flowing Rivers in Japan”!

Shizuoka Prefecture is famous all over Japan for its eels/unagi/鰻!

For people interested in Shinto and Shinto Shrines do visit the Sengen Shrine by Mount Fuji!

Looking forward to the Winter Canmpaign!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Hot Springs Spa Resorts in Shizuoka Prefecture: Yoshiharu Hotel in Izu Peninsula! 3: Breakfast

Service: Smiling and attentive
Facilities & Equipment: Traditional and ancient, partly renovated, but extremely clean. Great washrooms. Spacious lobby with free coffee et al.
Prices: Appropriate to expensive. Cheaper on weekdays and in low seasons.
Strong points: Great baths overall. Private outdoors bath in rooms. Local gastronomy with local products.

Japanese breakfasts in Japanese hotels, hot springs spa hotels in particl\aular, are so enormous!
They do make sure not only that you enjoy this important meal of the day but that you are well-fed for a long time to be during your coming trip!

Your breakfast will always include plenty of freshly steamed rice, dry seaweed/nori, onsen tamago/soft-boile egg cooked in hot springs water, raw seaweed, and green tea (especially in Shizuoka)!

Then it will depend on the products of the region.
In Shizuoka you can expect dry shirasu/sardine whitings, wasabi zuke/pickles made of wasabi stems and leaves and Japanese sake white lees, chawan mushi/Japanese steamed salty pudding, and mentaiko (not from Shizuoka!)!

Hot pot with tofu and mushrooms!
That alone will please guests who do not wish to eat meat or fish!

Fish is also a must!
Above is “himono/sun-dried fish” which had been grilled before serving.
Did you know that Shizuoka Prefecture produces as much as half of all himono in Japan?

And of course steamed local vegetables served with gomadare/sesame seeds dressing!

What a healthy way to start the day!

YOSHIHARU HOTEL
Izu No Kuni City, Nagaoka, 989-10
Get down at Izu Nagaoka Station along the Izu Hakone Railway Line (leaving form Mishima City). Take a taxi (under 1,000 yen)
Tel.: 055-948-1212
Credit Cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Shop with Intent by Debbie
BULA KANA in Fiji
Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City