Nikko Kanazawa

Soba restaurant "Takano" that stands on the half way of the two main streets of Yatsuo, I heard, is famous among soba manias. Soba plant is cultivated by Yatsuo farmers, so there are many soba restaurant that serve locally made soba noodles.



You cannot leave Yatsuo without having soba!!

... the sunlight.



Several new houses seem to have been built, but they seem to maintain the traditional architectural style. They must have been designed to retain antique feelings.

Stone-walling streets of Yatsuo is a sight to see!! As houses are built high up on those stone walls, they almost look like a castellated walls. Those houses create unique view.

... that they had bought for me. Well, the women we were with wanted to stop every hour or so to shop and use the rest room, about 20 – 30 minutes each time.

At around 7:00 a.m. we stopped in a town called Hida Takayama, “Home of the Japanese Spirit.” It was too early to do any shopping in this really cute town but there was a farmers market open and we stopped and stretched our legs and looked at the fresh foods ...

... himself explained the roots and history of kamanboko! After the presentation, we were led to see inside of the kamaboko factory. There was a long and big window from which we can see kamaboko making process. It was interesting to see how they handle colorfully colored fish paste to decorate kamaboko. They are not only making fish-shaped kamaboko but also shapes of flowers and animals. I really ...

... means you can lay down to see the stars!

I have never actually seen this kind of huge telescope before. You can spot a star even in the daylight. At night you can see stars and moon in details. I really want to come back to see stars and moon at night! The staff told me that one of the stars that is the most popular is Saturn as you can often see the rings!! It must be pretty exciting to see it!!

... Originally cities w**e laid out to confuse invading armies forging their way to the local castle. A great idea indeed. Not so great if it's 2009 and you just want to find your way home. Aside from my adventures on foot/longboard/biciclye, even the bus presents a problem. Seems I don't have the knack for sleeping on public transportation the way the Japanese do, who awaken suddenly from their deep slumb** to make a prompt exit. I, on the oth** hand, awaken to surroundings ...

... time to be getting back. Julian concurred, and began a leisurely walk back towards our bike. However as a gaijin in Japan, flashing a quick smile towards someone is sure to invoke a reaction. So while waiting for the crosswalk, I did as I usually do, but was surprised when two moderately attractive, sprightly 22 years old Japanese girl came over to chat us up. So in the time it takes to say "Konichiwa" our plans changed. We went along with them to a nearby bar with ...

... and got to see the Sea of Japan in all of its winter fury. What a grey and rough sea it was! All I could think of was that episode of Seinfeld where George Costanza pretends to be a marine biologist in order to save a whale and impress a girl -- "The sea was angry that day my friends...like an old man ordering soup at a deli!" Regardless of this silly thought, the sea was quite beautiful in its rough and tumble extremes ...

... University was located on its grounds. Then in the 90s a massive reconstruction project went into force, rebuilding a long stretch of wall and several turrets according to their original 1809 form. The restoration was focused on using only traditional methods, so the interior actually feels like an original castle (just with really fresh wood!). It's a far more tasteful reproduction than the usual ferro-concrete shells that make up most of Japan's ...