Local Gems

Tina Laser
Sep 10, 2017
2 min read

I know I have talked about the Kintai Bridge before, but it really is so much more than just the bridge and the castle. It is surrounded by a gorgeous park that is located on the foot of the green mountains with various shrines, gardens, water fountains, and lots of koi fish and is such a great place to come to enjoy nature. It was pretty clear to me that this area would be my number one location for photoshoots because of the diversity of backgrounds. I cannot wait to see the leaves change colors this fall, maybe get a light blanket of snow in the winter, and then witness the cherry blossoms in the spring.

Green tea flavored everything!!! This is shaved ice with green tea syrup and soft serve ice cream on top!

My favorite statue!

Close by to home are a few cute cafes where we go to get lunch sets and smoothies. I love ordering the "sets" because it is a great meal that comes with sides and salad. The little details and presentation in Japan are always high par even if you are just spending $10 dollars.

This lunch set at Mameka has roasted chicken, pumpkin, spaghetti squash, tomato soup, steamed rice and a salad.

Vegetrip is a local favorite for the amazing real fruit smoothies. You can count on the real fruit part here in Japan! Many of the small cafes and restaurants are family owned and everything is made to order out of a home style kitchen... not cutting corners and it is always worth the wait!

Speaking of worth the wait: the "Chicken Shack" or Sanzoku, was a unique experience. Everyone has heard about this place one way or another and for good reason: As you're driving up the mountain towards it, it appears out of no where... built into the woods of the mountainside and is glowing with bright lanterns and hundreds of people. The outside is really like a little amusement park with novelty pirates who you can pose with, gift shops, drum sets, and various other things to look at or enjoy while you wait in line to place your order at the window.

Not really having any idea of what kind of food there is besides chicken on a stick (which is as tasty as we expected), we ordered with our usual method by pointing at pictures on the menu. With our ticket in hand, we finally ventured past the window (we waited about 1 hour... expect long lines if you come at dinner time on a nice Friday night!) into the woods where tables are spread out all over, some hidden among the trees. These tables were our first experience with sitting Indian style barefoot. But after observing others around us, you can feel free to sit in whichever way makes you comfortable. I suggest taking extra yoga classes before coming to visit Japan!