Kushiro is the sixth most populous city in Hokkaido.
Apparently, this is the city where you can see one of the three most beautiful sunsets in the world, and as the sun sets, many tourists gather at Nusamai Bridge over the Kushiro River, eagerly waiting for that moment.
Located right next to Nusamaibashi Bridge, the downtown area of Suehirocho is dotted with bars with a nice atmosphere, and most of the establishments open at the same time at 5pm.
On this day, just after the summer solstice, the sun set after 7pm. I wanted to see one of the three greatest sunsets in the world, but I decided that being an old man and watching the sunset alone was not the time, so I started bar hopping from 5pm.
Kushiro "Kadoya Grilled Whelk"
Located at the entrance to the downtown area is Kadoya, a famous restaurant serving Kushiro's specialty, grilled whelk. As its name suggests, it is a slightly unusual ramen shop that was founded in 1966 (Showa 41) and is firmly established on a "corner."
The city of Kushiro is quiet during the day, but at 5pm people start pouring out from nowhere, and the restaurant is so popular that it fills up shortly after opening.
There are three islands of tables along the straight counter. The menu is a straightforward, ultra-strong style, with only grilled whelks (tsubuyaki) and ramen. A man who appears to be the chef is silently and single-mindedly grilling the whelks.
Bottled beer
First, let's start by crouching down with a medium-sized bottle of Sapporo Classic Lager, which will lift your spirits.
Waiting for the grilled whelk to arrive.
Grilled whelk
Five hot whelks arrived. They were surprisingly hot when held with bare hands, so I picked them up with a thickly folded paper napkin and picked out the meat with a toothpick while sipping the soup.
Participants take out the shells arranged on an original geta (plate) made of ash wood one by one and try to pull out the shell's innards all the way to the end, almost like playing a game.
If you can remove the whole shell neatly, you win; if it breaks, you lose. In the five-round battle, if you manage to remove it all neatly, you lose. Even if it does break, just tap the shell vertically against your geta sandals, and the remaining burnt innards will fall out. Once you've finished drinking the broth, it's time to move on to the next round. Such fun and peaceful battles are unfolding all over the store.
word used after one has been treated (esp. used after a meal)
The result was 1 win and 4 losses! We got a real taste of playing away, but it was a tense and exciting game! We drank all the delicious broth and called it a night!
You'll want to play this five-game match every night in Kushiro - it's the ultimate bar, overflowing with entertainment!
menu
Store Information
Grilled whelk Kadoya
Time: 17:00-24:00
Closed: Sunday
Address: 4-1 Sakaemachi, Kushiro City, Hokkaido 085-0013
English
Japanese
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