Osanpo and a Beer

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/2800 sec, ISO80
“Ibogawa” Tatsuno, 2026

After work today I went for a walk into town. To get there, I have to cross one of the bridges over the Ibo River. I like taking photos here, and I enjoy hearing the water rushing by below. Maybe someday I’ll make a video of it, but honestly I’m not really into making videos. I much prefer photographs. In fact, I really preferred when Instagram was just photos. 📷

When I got home I tried another non-alcohol beer. This one tasted pretty similar to the last one, with an aftertaste that reminded me of incense. Not the best. I have several more to try though, and I’m confident I’ll find one I like eventually. 🍺

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/30 sec, ISO640
“Zero” Tatsuno, 2026

Afternoon Soft Cream

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

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

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

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.

Making Umeshu for the First Time

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO100
“Umeshu” Tatsuno, 2026

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! 🍶

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO125
“Nanko Ume” Tatsuno, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/350 sec, ISO80
“Rock Sugar” Tatsuno, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/160 sec, ISO64
“Umeshu Station” Tatsuno, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/250 sec, ISO64
“Umeshu How-To” Tatsuno, 2026

Akashiyaki in Akashi

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO640
“Akashiyaki” Akashi 2026

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. 🐙

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 27mm, f/14, 1/420 sec, ISO200
“Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge” Akashi 2026
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 27mm, f/9, 1/420 sec, ISO200
“Manhole Cover” Akashi 2026