Tag: Japanese 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

A Rainy Day in Kōbe

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/30 sec, ISO1250
 “Wagyu Omuraisu” Kobe, 2026

I braved the rain and headed over to Kōbe today for some shopping, walking, and lunch. I hit all my favorite spots, Loft, Muji, a walk down Motomachi Shopping Street, and a couple of used camera shops along the way. Such a fun way to spend the day!

I ended up at Harborland, the mall right on the water. I’ve been here twice before, the last time with Mariko and our two kids when they were still little. We ate at Fisherman’s Market with a whole group that day, and being back brought on a wave of natsukashii. This time though, I went with omuraisu at Chapeau Rouge, and the wagyu version did not disappoint. I was a little soaked from the rain by then, so the hot omuraisu hit the spot in more ways than one. 🍚

After lunch I went a bit overboard at the nearby Muji, picking up two bags, a pile of hair products, and another packaged curry. Then it was a short walk to JR Kōbe Station for the ride home. Another wonderful day living the dream. 🌧️

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/120 sec, ISO64
 “Port” Kobe, 2026

Okonomiyaki and Enka at Dai-chan

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/20 sec, ISO640
 “Okonomiyaki” Tatsuno, 2026

Tonight we tried Dai-chan, a little okonomiyaki spot near the house. The decor feels straight out of the 70s or 80s, at least to my untrained eye, and there was a great run of Enka playing while we sipped beers and waited on our okonomiyaki and yakisoba. Everything came out delicious, and the two people running the place were so kind. That kind of old school ambience is hard to fake, and honestly a big part of the charm. Best of all, it’s just a short walk from home. 🍺😊 This one’s going into the regular rotation for sure.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/60 sec, ISO640
 “Dai-chan” Tatsuno, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/40 sec, ISO500
 “Nama” Tatsuno, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/15 sec, ISO1250
 “Dai-chan” Tatsuno, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/40 sec, ISO800
 “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

Making Umeshu for the First Time

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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

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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