Category: Food

Eats and Shopping in Himeji

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO125
 “Peach Chuhai and Vino” Himeji, 2026

Today we went to Himeji for lunch, shopping, and a light dinner. We started at a small izakaya for drinks and kushiage, and it was all so yummy. The place was full of people enjoying lunch and drinking quite a bit! There was only one guy running the whole restaurant, and he was busy pouring bubbly for everyone. Amazing.

After that we did some shopping at Loft, Hands, and Junkudo bookstore. I picked up a couple of books, including volume 2 of Hirayasumi. I really love that manga. 📚

Later we had a special Himeji style white miso oden before catching the train back home. What a fun day in the city! We really like visiting Himeji. It’s a medium sized city with lots of the same stores as Tokyo or Osaka, but without the overwhelming crowds. And the food is cheap with fresh seafood. Love it! 🍢

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO160
 “Kushiage” Himeji, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO160
 “Hirayasumi Section” Himeji, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/100 sec, ISO200
 “Hirayasumi Model” Himeji, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 9mm, f/2.8, 1/400 sec, ISO25
 “Himeji Castle” Himeji, 2026

Afternoon in Aboshi

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E5, 35mm, f/2, 1/105 sec, ISO500
 “Rolled Crepes” Aboshi, 2026

Today we visited some friends in their town of Aboshi. It’s about a 25 minute drive from our home, and this was my second time visiting the town. We enjoyed a delicious crepe and iced coffee at their shop, then took a short walk to an old bookshop. It was fun to spend the afternoon hanging out with new friends! ☕

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E5, 35mm, f/4, 1/240 sec, ISO250
 “Coffee Goods” Aboshi, 2026
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E5, 35mm, f/3.2, 1/220 sec, ISO125
 “School Supplies” Aboshi, 2026

Curry Lunch in a Renovated Sento

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E5, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO5000
 “Mixed Curry” Tatsuno, 2026

Today we ate curry for lunch at 温（おん）, and it turned out the building used to be a sento, a public bath. The owners kept part of the original baths intact, and there are actually dining tables set up right inside where the tubs used to be. Such a neat idea!

The curry itself was really good too. It wasn’t like typical Japanese curry at all, more like an Indian curry with all kinds of spices layered in. The plate was loaded with different veggies, so every bite had a little surprise waiting. Such a fun lunch! 😋

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/45 sec, ISO1250
 “Sento Dining” Tatsuno, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/50 sec, ISO1000
 “Sento Dining” Tatsuno, 2026

Afternoon Soft Cream

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/4600 sec, ISO80
 “Shoyu Soft Cream” Tatsuno, 2026

On today’s afternoon walk I visited Kura Terrace again and treated myself to a shoyu flavored soft cream. It was featured in a recent episode of Tsurube’s tv show, so I figured I would give it a try too. It was pretty good! Honestly, the shoyu flavor was very faint, but that was okay by me. I was a little worried it would be overpowering, and I’m glad that wasn’t the case.

After getting back home, I relaxed with a non alcohol beer, and there are so many to choose from here in Japan. We’ve actually bought several different kinds, and I’m doing my own informal taste tests to find a favorite. 🍺

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 9mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO25
 “Small Alley” Tatsuno, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/30 sec, ISO800
 “No-Alcohol Beer” Tatsuno, 2026

Soba and Shopping at Himeji Station

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO250
 “Kitsune Soba” Himeji, 2026

Mariko and I wandered around Himeji Station today, doing a bit of shopping before ducking into Ekisoba for some soba. She went with kitsune soba, and I had chicken tempura soba. Both were good, not spectacular, but the little shop was quick and hit the spot after all that walking. Definitely not a bad pick, but with so many great options around the station, I don’t think it will make the return list. 😊🥢

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/80 sec, ISO320
 “Chicken Tempura Soba” Himeji, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/620 sec, ISO80
 “Ekisoba” Himeji, 2026

Katsu Lunch

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/60 sec, ISO320
 “Katsu Curry” Tatsuno, 2026

Today I had a solo lunch at 脂楽亭, a nearby katsu restaurant. I went with the katsu curry, and I was not disappointed. The katsu was thick, tender, and juicy, with panko breading that was crispy and delicious. The curry was really tasty too, and I left feeling very satisfied with the meal.

The chef and server were both friendly and efficient, which made the whole experience even better. The restaurant has a long counter, regular tables, and a tatami mat area, so it works well whether you’re dining solo or bringing the family. 🍛

After lunch, I went for a short stroll in the neighborhood and enjoyed the summer breeze and beautiful clouds. So nice!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/700 sec, ISO80
 “Tonkatsu Restaurant” Tatsuno, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/7100 sec, ISO80
 “Summer Clouds” Tatsuno, 2026

Egg Sando

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 27mm, f/4, 1/120 sec, ISO200
 “Smashed Egg Sando” Tatsuno, 2026

Today after work I went for my daily osanpo (walk) around the neighborhood. This time I skipped the historic part and headed into the regular part of town instead. I made a point to hit the big three convenience stores: Lawson, Family Mart, and 7-Eleven.

I didn’t buy anything at Lawson, but Family Mart had a pudding that looked too good to pass up. It was delicious, and only about 150 yen! 🍮 My last stop was 7-Eleven, where I couldn’t resist grabbing an egg sandwich. I only had my cross-body bag with me, so it got a little smashed on the walk home. Still, it tasted excellent.