Blog
Blog Spot introduction
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Panjū
‘Panjū’ is a sweet that, whilst well known in Ise, is not widely recognised across the rest of the country. It is made by pouring batter onto an iron griddle with indentations, similar to those used for takoyaki, filling the indentations with sweet bean paste, and then baking them. It is said that the name ‘Panjū’ comes from the fact that it is a manju baked like bread, or perhaps because it combines the words for ‘bread’ (pan in Japanese) and ‘manjū’. ‘Sōhonke Nanakoshi’, founded in 1901 and originally located in Jimbocho, Tokyo, is considered the birthplace of panjū. It…
- Japanese dessert
- Mie
- Spot introduction
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Taikō Shusse Mochi
Alongside Henba Mochi, Taikō Shusse Mochi is a popular sweet for pilgrims visiting Ise. Whilst it closely resembles Henba Mochi, Taikō Shusse Mochi is filled with coarse red bean paste and made from glutinous rice, giving it a firm texture. It has a wonderfully chewy texture and is personally my favourite type of mochi in Ise. The main shop is situated near the entrance to the Inner Shrine, with a bus stop right in front. As you can enjoy them fresh on the spot, I recommend popping in on your way back from your pilgrimage. The shop has a long…
- Japanese dessert
- Mie
- Spot introduction
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Henba Mochi
When visiting Ise, sweets are one of the highlights. Whilst Akafuku is by far the most popular, there are several other traditional sweets. One of these is ‘Henba Mochi’. The Miyagawa River marked the boundary of Ise Province. To cross it, travellers had to change to a boat and return their horses. It is said that the name derives from the fact that these rice cakes were eaten at this ‘Henba-sho’ (horse-returning station). It consists of mochi filled with smooth red bean paste and grilled on both sides; at the Oharaimachi branch, you can enjoy two pieces of mochi alongside…
- Japanese dessert
- Mie
- Spot introduction
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Tekone Sushi
Alongside Ise udon, tekone sushi is one of the specialities of a pilgrimage to Ise. It is a local dish in which red-fleshed fish, such as bonito and tuna, are marinated in a sauce made from a blend of soy sauce, mirin and sake, and then mixed with vinegared rice. It is said that the name ‘tekone (knead by hand)’ comes from the fact that fishermen used to fillet the fish they had caught on board their boats and mix it by hand. At Sushi Hisashi, you can enjoy Tekone Sushi whilst gazing out at the Isuzu River and the…
- Food
- Mie
- Spot introduction
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Akafuku Gōri
Akafuku Gōri (shaved Ice) is one of the hallmarks of summer in Ise. Akafuku is a traditional Japanese sweet consisting of soft mochi wrapped in smooth, strained red bean paste, and is a speciality of Ise Grand Shrine. The three stripes on the bean paste represent the clear waters of the Isuzu River, which flows past Ise Grand Shrine, whilst the white mochi symbolises the pebbles on the riverbed. Although it bears the name ‘Akafuku Gōri’, it does not actually feature Akafuku sweets on top of the ice. It consists of shaved ice topped with matcha syrup, served with red…
- Japanese dessert
- Mie
- Spot introduction
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Ise Udon
Ise udon consists of extra-thick, soft udon noodles tossed in a sauce based on tamari soy sauce , which is characterised by its rich umami flavour. It is said to have been created during the Edo period to ease the burden on the stomachs of pilgrims travelling long distances to visit the Ise Shrine. It is said that the dish became known nationwide after the late radio writer Rokusuke Ei raved about it on the radio; the restaurant in question was Chitose. As the noodles are so soft, it is hardly surprising that those accustomed to the firm, springy Sanuki…
- Food
- Mie
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Kitakata Ramen
Kitakata ramen has a history stretching back nearly 100 years. Its defining feature is the flat noodles, approximately 4 mm wide, known as ‘flat, matured, high-water-content noodles’. These contain more water than standard noodles, giving them a smooth, effortless texture when swallowed, whilst offering a firm, springy bite. Furthermore, as they are carefully matured, they are said to resist becoming soggy even when boiled. There are around 90 ramen shops in Kitakata City, some of which are open from early in the morning. ‘Hasegawa Shōten’, located just north of Kitakata City Hall. This shop’s signature dish is traditional Shōwa-era ramen.…
- Food
- Fukushima
- Spot introduction
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Shiroishi Castle
Shiroishi Castle saw a rapid succession of lords—Yashiro, Gamō, Amakasu, Ishikawa and Katakura—in just under 20 years. Under the ‘One Province, One Castle’ edict issued by the Tokugawa shogunate in 1615, daimyo across the country were required to demolish all their castles except their main strongholds. However, it is said that Katakura Kagetsuna, a senior retainer of the Date clan, was recognised by the shogunate for his services and was granted special permission to retain the castle. Although the castle was abandoned in the early Meiji period, it was restored in 1995. It is said that over 40,000 Mino cold-resistant…
- Miyagi
- Spot introduction
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Tsurugajō Castle
Tsurugajō Castle, where the Aizu Domain held out for a month against attacks by the forces of the new government during the Boshin War. The Boshin War was the largest civil war in modern Japanese history, fought between the forces of the new government—which had been established following the Restoration of Imperial Rule—and the forces of the former shogunate; it ended with the victory of the new government’s forces. From the main keep, one can see Mount Iimori, where the Byakkotai—a unit composed of boys aged 16 to 17—committed ritual suicide following a fierce battle with the new government forces.…
- Fukushima
- Spot introduction
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Mount Bandai
Mount Bandai is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. When viewed from Lake Inawashiro, it presents such an elegant silhouette that it is also known as ‘Aizu Fuji’; however, the view from the north—known as ‘Ura-Bandai’—is entirely different. The 1888 eruption caused the mountain’s slope to collapse, and 477 lives were lost as a result of the resulting mudflows and blast waves. This photograph was taken from Bishamon-numa, a lake formed by that eruption. The view of the cobalt-blue lake surface with Mount Bandai in the background makes this a popular hiking route, but as it is a habitat for…
- Fukushima
- Spot introduction
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Zaō Onsen
Zaō Onsen is situated halfway up the Zaō mountain range, at an altitude of 900 metres. It has a long history, with records dating back to at least the 9th century; it is even said to have been discovered by a retainer of Emperor Jimmu during his eastern campaign 1,900 years ago. As you climb the slope through the hot spring town, you will come upon Sukawa Onsen Shrine. This shrine, dedicated to the hot springs, has long been a centre of worship, alongside Zaō-san Shrine on the summit of Mount Kumano and Ryūzan Shrine on the summit of Mount…
- Onsen
- Spot introduction
- Yamagata
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Komakusa-daira
Komakusa-daira is a popular tourist spot in Zaō, on a par with Okama. It was once known as a habitat for clusters of Komakusa flowers. Although their numbers have now declined, you can still see these magnificent flowers around the observation deck. From the observation deck perched on the cliff face, you can admire the 97.5-metre-high Kaerazu-no-Taki Falls, as well as Furiko-no-Taki Falls, which can be seen when snowfields remain or after rainfall. In October, the area is adorned with the crimson hues of painted maple and Erman's birch, making it a renowned spot for autumn foliage.
- Miyagi
- Spot introduction