We made a big batch of umeshu (plum liqueur) today. Mariko has made it before, but it was my first time. It’s basically just ume (plums), rock sugar, and liquor, all combined and left to sit for at least 3 months. So this batch will be ready by the next time we’re back at our Japan house. I can’t wait. Right now is actually the best time to make umeshu, since the plums need to be at that perfect not quite ripe stage. Our local market even has a little umeshu station where you can grab all the supplies for your own batch. Fun!

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We visited Akashi today, mostly to eat (obviously). We had an amazing omakase sushi lunch, then followed it up with the city’s signature dish, akashiyaki. I had no idea, but akashiyaki actually came before the more famous takoyaki. It’s dipped in a warm broth instead of covered in sauce, and the batter is eggier too. It was really good! But if I’m being honest, I think I still prefer takoyaki, sauce, mayo, and all those toppings.

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Today we drove out to the town of Shiso for lunch at 森蔵/Morizou, a tiny restaurant and bakery. We treated ourselves to a really good Italian meal. The highlight for me was the sardine pasta. I’ve been on a bit of a sardine kick lately, so I was happy to see it on the menu!

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This morning we finally made it to our house, unpacked our suitcases, and got settled in. After that we walked over to the local shrine to pay our respects, then wandered the neighborhood for a bit. I love exploring the streets and shops around our place. Always fun!

By then our appetite was building, so we headed to Rikimaru for kaitenzushi. It was just okay, honestly a bit of a letdown. Mariko and Bay had gone a few months back and said it was much better that time. Oh well, at least the meal was cheap. It still amazes me how affordable some meals in Japan can be!

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We finally landed at Narita, grabbed our luggage, and made it through customs before catching the bus for the hour ride over to Haneda. From there we hopped a connecting flight to Itami. Once we arrived we checked into the Osaka Airterminal Hotel, which is actually built right into the terminal. Such a cool setup!

I took a quick shower to wash off the travel grime, then we wandered around checking out the restaurant options before landing on Seijuro for okonomiyaki and beer. Honestly the perfect first meal in Japan. So good to be back!

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We were up way before the sun, out the door at 3:30 am for a 6 am flight to Chicago. From there we boarded our JAL flight and started making our way to Japan for an extended stay.

I treated myself to a cup of saké and settled in with a movie. Until We Meet Again</em> is a real tear-jerker, but really good. The flight is 12+ hours, but I’ve got an aisle seat, so I’m a happy camper.

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Mariko picked up a new carry-on bag, and Anko was on it immediately. I think that counts as her seal of approval! Too bad she can’t come traveling with us, though.

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Our kitchen sink has been draining really slowly lately, so we finally called the plumbers to come clean and flush it out. So glad we did because it’s flowing perfectly again!

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Dinner tonight was chanpuru and harumaki. We had some friends over, which made it a special meal. Good food tastes even better with good company! Our friend also brews his own beer, and brought over some for us to enjoy. It was delicious.

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My son left today for a road trip to see friends. Before he headed out, he put this little bit of free merch from the movie Obsession on the dashboard, which he saw recently. I don’t know if there’s any significance to it, but I thought it was kind of cool. Small moments like that stick with you.

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