Asamin

Strolling and Snacking at Teradomari Fish Market Street in Niigata—Where Retro Vibes Meet Ocean Treats! Trip Date: June 2022 (a scorcher of a day!) “I just followed the scent of grilled squid… and suddenly both hands were full of food.” Welcome to the wonderfully chaotic and delicious Teradomari Fish Market Street in Niigata—a seafood wonderland often dubbed the "Ameyoko by the Sea." It's impossible not to get hyped walking through this colorful, retro-flavored food paradise. Seafood Galore! The Street Where You Just Keep Eating First stop: the eye-popping “Marunaka Shokudo” run by Teradomari Central Suisan. That giant crab sign? Totally ...

Traveled: June 2022 A Night of Pure Bliss in Niigata♡ Hotel Global View & Seafood Paradise at Goro I took a spontaneous overnight trip to Niigata, and it turned out to be one of the most relaxing and delicious nights ever! I stayed at the super convenient Hotel Global View Niigata, just steps from the station, and had dinner at Shungyo Shusai Goro Bandai-ten—a spot I'd been curious about forever. With a comfy room, soothing bath, and unforgettable izakaya experience… I honestly didn’t want to leave 😭 Just Steps from Niigata Station! A Healing Stay at Hotel Global View🌃 I ...

When you think of Kochi, “Katsuo no Tataki” probably comes to mind—but that’s just the beginning! On this trip, I found myself relaxing in a traditional farmhouse café one moment, and the next I was doing a double take at a bowl of ramen topped with tonkatsu. Kochi’s food culture is as free-spirited as it is flavorful, filled with warm-hearted locals and unique culinary creativity. Come laugh, eat, drink, and discover the deep—and sometimes quirky—delights of Kochi’s local food scene. A Moment of Peace at Ikegami Tea Garden, a Cozy Farmhouse Café Nestled quietly a little outside of central Kochi ...

A Night Out in Kochi: Gourmet Crawl with Local Sake Kochi City is a treasure trove of flavors: fresh local seafood paired with regional sake… We went on a food-and-drink crawl, enjoying the city’s signature dishes and drinking spots 🍶✨ 1️⃣ First Stop: Cheers at Hirome Market We kicked things off at Hirome Market, the ultimate gourmet hall of Kochi. A daytime drinking paradise where locals and tourists mingle in a lively atmosphere. You can’t miss the katsuo no tataki (seared bonito)!🐟🔥 The smoky exterior, generous garnishes, and tangy ponzu sauce were absolute heaven. Perfectly paired with beer or local ...

Date of Visit: May 2023 A Moment of History and Nature at Katsurahama: Meet Ryoma and the Pacific Ocean Katsurahama Beach in Kochi is one of the region’s most iconic sightseeing spots, known for its grand statue of Sakamoto Ryoma and the stunning horizon stretching endlessly into the Pacific Ocean. It’s also been selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Beaches,” and its scenic beauty is simply breathtaking 🌊✨ I visited in May 2023, right as the fresh greenery was at its peak. The vivid contrast between the blue ocean and the lush green trees was incredibly refreshing. Say Hello ...

Can a prison from the Meiji era be this beautiful? A tour of the Former Nara Prison Located in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, the Former Nara Prison was built in 1908 during the Meiji era. It has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and has recently been opened to the public for tours. As a fan of retro architecture, I had always been curious about this place. In October 2022, I finally got the chance to visit—and I’m sharing the full experience with plenty of photos✨ The breathtaking red brick exterior The first thing that strikes you ...

Falling in Love with Denim in Kurashiki’s Historic District This time, I visited Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama Prefecture. And right in the middle of these charming old streets, I found something unexpected and bold— the famous Kurashiki Denim Street! “Wait, a denim-themed street in a sightseeing area?” Yep! And if you’re a denim lover like me, it’s a blue wonderland you won’t want to miss 🧵💙 The Spirit of Kojima Denim, All in One Place Kurashiki is home to Kojima, Japan’s mecca of premium denim. And here on Denim Street, you’ll find high-quality local craftsmanship in fun, accessible ...

Did you know Japan has "Three Great Hidden Regions"? You might be thinking, “Wait, hidden regions?” Yes—it’s true. Japan has three areas officially called “The Three Great Hidden Places.” They are: Shirakawa-go (Gifu), Iya Valley (Tokushima), and Shiiba Village (Miyazaki). So! This time, I ventured into one of them: **Iya Valley in Tokushima Prefecture. Iya Valley: A Remote Mountain Escape in Tokushima The weather wasn’t great when I visited Iya. Low-hanging clouds covered the mountains like a blanket. The mountains are deep, the roads have intense elevation changes... Even on mountaintops, there are small villages. It didn’t feel completely deserted—people ...

Exploring Kurashiki’s Hidden Ukiyo-e Museum: A Quirky Art Spot Devoted to Kuniyoshi If you're strolling through the traditional white-walled streets of Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Quarter, keep your eyes open for something quietly magical: a traditional Japanese house with a small wooden sign that reads “UKIYO-E KURASHIKI / Kuniyoshi Museum.” I popped in with zero expectations... and came out absolutely mind-blown. DSC_1411.JPG DSC_1413.JPG 🎨 100+ Works of Pure Kuniyoshi Chaos (In the Best Way) This isn’t your typical museum with glass cases and hushed voices. Every single room in this converted ryokan (traditional inn) is packed with over 100 works by ...

Kurashiki Dog Museum & Toy Museum – A Quirky, Retro Gem You Can’t Miss While strolling through the charming Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, I stumbled upon something truly unexpected— dozens of dogs wearing black top hats staring down at me from a red signboard. Yes, that’s real. Welcome to one of Japan’s most eccentric spots: the Kurashiki Dog Museum and Toy Museum 🐶🎎✨ 🐾 1F: Japan Toy Museum – Nostalgia Overload! Step into the first floor and you’ll be instantly transported back to childhood. The Japan Toy Museum is filled with: Vintage Japanese toys ・Celluloid dolls ・Retro anime and mascot ...