Tag Archives: Railway Stations

Railway Stations in Shizuoka Prefecture 3: Yui JR Station and Vicinity

SN3O5064

Some stations, even larger ones, are better left alone, but one should give at least one chance to any you venture to get off as there is always a chance that such a station and its vicinity contain enough helpful information, especially in a touristic spot.

SN3O5065

Yui is such a station along the Tokaido Railway Line about 20 minutes from Shizuoka JR Station in the east direction and found between Okitsu and Kambara Stations.
After all Yui has always been an important stage along the various routes coursing Japan between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto as superbly described in many ukiyo-e/woodblock prints.
So, although the railway station is tiny, keep your eyes open (and don’t forget you can espy Mount Fuji from the overhead tracks bridge!)!

SN3O5066

I know a lot of stations which don’t bother, but you will find a window display of the local products typical of Yui.
Bear in mind that Yui was a city of its own before being recently merged with Shizuoka City and Shimizu Ku!

SN3O5067

Ogura Co. specializes in processed sakura ebi/cherry shrimps and fish!

SN3O5068

Yui Cannery Co. is famous all over Japan for its “White Ship” olive oil tuna cans!

SN3O5069

Inaba Co is another big tuna cannery!

SN3O5070

Kakusa Co specializes in processed fish products, especially dry and liquid fish dashi/soup stock!

SN3O5072

The Yui Cake (Japanese cakes) Association is also featuring their products!

SN3O5073

With all that fish around Yui is home to high end brand of dog and cat food producers!

SN3O5074

Yui is also home of famous kamaboko/steamed fish paste and kuro hanpen/black sardine fish paste cakes, the latter found only in Shizuoka Prefecture as demonstrated by the Yui Kamaboko Makers Association!

SN3O5075

Next time you visit Yui buy some in the many shops along Sakura Ebi Street as an unusual souvenir! Great with sake or beer!

SN3O5080

The small but renown Hiroshige Museum hang their posters inside to inform all-comers of their events!
A must visit in Yui!

SN3O5077

Yui might be small but you will gratified to discover that most signs are bi-lingual (sometimes with funny renditions!)!

SN3O5076

A must take picture: the Sakura Ebi Portal at the the entrance of Sakura Ebi Street!
The contraption was only moved there recently!

SN3O5083

You will find the double Yui Emblem of Sakura Ebi and Mount Fuji everywhere, so keep your eyes open for some interesting shots!

SN3O5087

You will find big signs hung by local establishments but like in any touristic spots big signs do not always guarantee the best of quality. To take with a pinch of salt! After all there is plenty around!

SN3O5081

Past the exit on your right you will find this first map board. Have a look at it even if you do not understand Japanese as more bilingual boards are near!

SN3O5082

It will give you a first idea of what to look for!

SN3O5084

Tokai Nature Trail bilingual board! Take your time to consult it!

SN3O5085

Take good note!

SN3O5086

You must take a look at Village Head Koike’s Mansion on Tokaido (meaning “Village Head/Chief’s Mansion along the Tokaido route. Free entrance) that I will talk about in an article soon to be posted and the Museum of Light, one of the only three lighting (candles and so on) museums in Japan! (entry 500 yen including coffee and an oral and manual demonstration!)!

SN3O5135

The Yui Edo Period Lodging Stations Guide Board!

SN3O5136

Take your time and read it!

SN3O5119

And don’t forget the sakura ebi & Mount Fuji emblems, they are everywhere, even on manhole covers!

FOR MORE REPORTS ON YUI AND SAKURA EBI do consult the following reports:

Sakura Ebi/Cherry Shrimps: Catching Season Opened in Yui!
Sakura Ebi/Cherry Shrimps Catching in Yui. Still Hard Work!”
Japanese Crustacean Species 7: Sakura Shrimp-Sakura Ebi-桜海老
O Taiko Festival at Toyosumi Shrine in Yui, Shizuoka City on the New Year!
Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 14: Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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

Must-see tasting websites:

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

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Railway Stations in Shizuoka Prefecture 1: Shuzenji in Izu Peninsula!

The only real Wasabi Shochu in the whole world by Bandai Brewery in Shuzenji!

If you wish to visit the Izu Peninsula, especially away from the beaten tracks, Shuzenji Station should be your starting point!
Wherever you come from in Japan or Shizuoka Prefecture, first go 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.
Shuzenji is a, if not the, major hubub in Izu Peninsula whose hot springs have been famed for unknown centuries.

Shuzenji Hot Springs sign in front of the station.

But when it comes to discover and buy local products for really original gifts and souvenirs, Shuzenji Station is the best place as it provides for all in small enough space to enjoy browsing!
Let me take you on a quick tour!

Shuzenji Station seen from the outside.

What’s that small food booth by the entrance?

Local ekiben/railway bentos, 7 of them! A must for your meal on your way back!

There are two entries to the shop. Pick yours!

But you are already hungry?
No problem, there is a hot food stand inside the souvenir shop!
Once you feel revived, we can start shopping!

Izu Peninsula is by definition is surrounded by the sea. Now, how about some nori/dry seaweed seasoned with wasabi? Incidentally, Shizuoka Prefecture produces no less than 80% of the whole Japanese wasabi crop!

The shop is full of artifacts to remind you this is wasabi land! (actually the second land in Shizuoka Prefecture, as wasabi was first grown in Utougi/有東木 in Shizuoka City!)

When it comes to wasabi related processed products, it is just an embarrassment of choices!

Now, something for the vegans and vegetarians, Kuromai Daifuku/Black Rice Buns/黒米大福, Soba Daifuku/そば大福, Mame daifuku/Soy Beans Buns/豆大福 and more!

Jam Sticks made with fruit cultivated in Izu Peninsula whose fruit is another major product!

For vegans and vegetarians again: Kuromai Udon/黒米うどん/Black Rice Udon, and Shizenjyou Soba/自然薯/Wild Yam Soba!

More wasabi-related processed products!

Japanese sake line-up (of the more reasonable prices) from Bandai Brewery, the only sake brewery in Shuzenji and Izu peninsula!

Forget the bottle on the left… the bottles in the center are shochu from local rice by Fujinishiki Brewery (located nesr Mount Fuji), a white loquat wine bottle by Bandai Brewery and some fiey shochu by the same!

The only real Wasabi Shochu in the whole world by Bandai Brewery in Shuzenji!

Real wines by the Naka Izu Winery, the only wine-producing compabny in Shizuoka Prefecture!

Again, more wasabi-related processed products!

This is only a small round-up, and I’m sure you will find more to your liking!

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

Railway Stations in Shizuoka Prefecture 2: Shizuoka City JR Station

SN3O5587

What is this fish called at Parche Market inside Shizuoka City JR Station?
Scroll down for the answer!

Shizuoka City JR (Japanese railways) Station is a fairly big one, even by Japanese standards as it situated in the very middle of Japan and sees untold numbers of travelers!

SN3O5528

North Exit!

Shizuoka City is divided into three distinct Wards: Aoi Ku in the North, Suruga Ku in the South, and Shimizu Ku in The East.
When I arrived in Shizuoka City in 1976 it was still a shambles of a station all wooden planks and steel frames. But in 1977 it saw its first face-lifting with the creation of Parche Department Store above the Station.

SN3O5539

South exit!

Before Parche was open there was not communication between the north and south exits and you had to pay a platform ticket if you were in a hurry, but now, the exits are only 30 second walk from each other and that fact has helped develop the southern half of the city.
The station and its surroundings have since seen a lot of modifications resulting in a fairly modern and clean railway station.
It is worth visiting as it includes so many shops and stores.
I will spare you from the ubiquitous chain diners, coffee shops et al and show you what is worth a stop or at least the reason for it!

SN3O5529

Great sandwiches at Subway, just on the right side of the northern exit. I know it is a big franchise chain but the vegetables used are local!

SN3O5530

The Shizuoka Tourism Office on the north exit right between the two entrances.
English spoken there at least on weekdays!

SN3O5538

The Shinkansen/Bullet Train Tracks Entrance!

SN3O5541

The Tokaido Railway Line Tracks entrance!

SN3O5540

There are many automatic tickets machines but you can buy and reserve your tickets at the Japan East Railway Line Ticket Booth. English spoken!

SN3O5533

Or you could buy the same tickets and reserve tours at The Tokai Tours Company across. English spoken there, too!

SN3O5532

You have many direct accesses to the Parche Department Store for all kinds of shopping on the 5 floors!

SN3O5534

Bellmart Convenience store where you can buy English newspapers!

SN3O5535

Let’s visit the right half of the ground (first) floor of the station first!
I recommend the fresh sandwiches at Cafe Danmark!

SN3O5536

Soup Stock Tokyo. Great in winter!

SN3O5537

Tokaiken Company Booth: Ekiben/Railway Lunch Boxes!
A must for a long travel as they sell more than a dozen different boxes all containing local food! A great way to discover the Shzuoka gastronomy!

SN3O5542

The right side of the station is owned and administered by ASTY Company.
You can enter the complex through 3 different entrances.
Let’s go and see what’s inside!

SN3O5543

GRAND SHOP selling all kinds of local food souvenirs!

SN3O5544

Belgian Manneken Waffles!

SN3O5545

Green Tea Madeleines at Laurier!

SN3O5546

Bagels at Bagel & Bagel!

SN3O5547

Traditional local Wagashi cakes called Abekawa Mochi!
Great for vegans!

SN3O5548

Healthy Japanese food at Osozai Cafe!

SN3O5549

Sumpu Raku Ichi!

This shop is a must visit as it sells food and crafts from Shizuoka City and its surroundings!

SN3O5550

A multitude of local food souvenirs!

SN3O5551

Enormous fresh wasabi with its stems and leaves!

SN3O5552

Shizuoka Sake, beer and soft drinks!

SN3O5553

the right prat of Sumpu Raku ichi Shop is dedicated to local crafts!

SN3O5554

So many of them and regularly changing that it is worth a report of its own!

SN3O5555

Saboten Restaurant/Shop for tonkatsu!

SN3O5556

Traditional local Japanese gastronomy at Sunchuan Togeppou!
Arguably the best restaurant in the whole station!

SN3O5557

Soba/buckwheat noodles restaurant!

SN3O5558

Japanese restaurant specializing in Japanese seafood and fish gastronomy!

SN3O5559

Japanese-style Western food at Tokyo Nashi Goren!

SN3O5560

Coffee, cakes, biscuits, wine, cheese and what else at KALDI!

SN3O5561

Some very interesting traditional Japanese apparels at Kyoto Raku Fu Shop!

SN3O5562

Japanese izakaya: Roydo!

SN3O5563

Hachokura Izakaya: Great local seafood!

SN3O5564

Udon noodles and local sake!

SN3O5565

Shizuoka and Nagoya-style ramen!

SN3O5566

Non-smoking cafe: Platini!

SN3O5567

Sankyu Izakaya serving oden and great Shizuoka sake!

SN3O5568

Taisaku Izakaya: good seafood and Shizuoka sake!

SN3O5569

Yoshineka Shop sells the best Shizuoka himono/sun-dried fish!
Did you know that Shizuoka Prefecture produces half of all himono in Japan?

SN3O5570

Great bento there!

SN3O5571

Umibouzu Izakaya: Great oden and Shizuoka sake there!

SN3O5572

Now let’go to the left half of the edifice and enter Parche Shokuzaikan/Parche Food Market!
Even if you don’t buy anything, it is worth more than one good look!
So much true local food there!

SN3O5573

Shizuoka Green Tea!

SN3O5574

Shizuoka Wasabi and derived products!

SN3O5575

Abekawa Mochi wagashi!

SN3O5576

Compose your own sushi lunch there!

SN3O5577

Japanese brochettes at Nihonichi!

SN3O5580

Takoyaki/octopus dumplings at Takosen!

SN3O5581

Organic food at Natural House!

SN3O5582

Let’s enter the real (and large) supermarket!
Fruit and vegetables!

SN3O5583

Dried and preserves seafood!

SN3O5584

Very cheap and tasty sushi bento/donburi!

SN3O5585

Great fresh fish and seafood market!
More than half is caught off Shizuoka Prefecture shores!

SN3O5586

All these fish were caught in Shizuoka Prefecture!

SN3O5587

The answer to the quizz:
Yagara/Trumpet fish caught in Suruga Bay!

SN3O5588

One of the best meat delicatessen in town!

SN3O5589

Great fried food at reasonable prices for immediate consumption!

SN3O5590

Japanese traditional cakes!

SN3O5591

Uogashi Conveyor Sushi restaurant!
Quite good for such a restaurant!

SN3O5592

Raggenmeyer, an excellent bakery!

SN3O5593

And don’ forget the flowers!

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