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Kushiro is the birthplace of robatayaki, whelk grilling, and even zangi (chicken stew). Its culinary culture is so full of delights that no matter how many stomachs you have, it's not enough. However, Hokkaido is also rich in seafood. While you're there, why not try some delicious raw fish at a sushi restaurant? While it's still light out...

This series explores the charms of a town and its people by walking around the area from the station, asking people we meet about the town, and chatting with bar owners. In this sixth installment, we'll get off at Minoh Station and walk around. Minoh is famous for its autumn foliage. Recently, the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line has become a popular way to get around, even though it's a bit far away...

Kushiro is the sixth most populous city in Hokkaido. It's said to be the city where you can see one of the world's three most beautiful sunsets, and as the sun sets, many tourists gather at Nusamai Bridge over the Kushiro River, eagerly awaiting the perfect moment.

Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a popular tourist destination with beautiful scenery. Conveniently located just a two-minute walk from Itoshima High School Station on the JR Chikuhi Line, there is a restaurant that you should definitely stop by at the end of your trip.

There are various theories, but Kushiro, which is said to be the birthplace of robatayaki, is also apparently the birthplace of zangi. I'm weak to the word "origin." Especially when it comes to fried chicken, which I've loved since I was a child. I was breathing heavily, hungry, and hadn't eaten lunch yet...

The area around Keisei-Tateishi Station is undergoing redevelopment. Edoyasu, a long-established sushi restaurant that had been operating for many years in the iconic "Drinking Alley" was demolished along with the streetscape, but in January 2025, it made its long-awaited reopening in a new location. While retaining its old atmosphere, the restaurant has added new charm...

Fujisawa is home to an incredibly popular local Chinese restaurant. It's called "Daishin," and it's open from lunchtime until 4 AM. Established more than 50 years ago, it's a popular restaurant known to all locals. Their signature dish, gyoza, isn't particularly distinctive, but it's incredibly delicious. Read more here ↓ ...

It's about an hour's ride on the Nishitetsu Railway from Tenjin, central Fukuoka. Passing through the lush countryside of the Chikugo Plain, our destination is a 20-minute bus ride from Nishitetsu Daizenji Station. Kanehiro, a long-established restaurant specializing in river fish, sits on the banks of the Chikugo River. It's a popular spot for freshwater fish, especially during the very hot season from May to mid-July.

Kaiyo Shokudo, a set meal restaurant that's hard to incorporate into your travel plans without a car, is a 15-minute walk south from Akamine Station, one stop from Naha Airport. We arrived there in perfect conditions, enjoying a pleasant stroll on a crisp, clear day before the rainy season. Kaiyo Shokudo in Tomigusuku City...

While Nanokamachi is famous for being the bustling area around Yamagata Station, the Kanamori Liquor Store we're introducing today is located on the opposite side, at the west exit. This area was once home to the Japan National Railways facilities, and is now marked by the landmark "Kasugai Central." Once you pass through this building, you can easily access the store without getting wet in the rain. It's a three-minute walk from Yamagata Station...

Yamashiroya Sakaba is a long-established establishment that was founded as a liquor store in 1897. The current building is over 70 years old, making it a very rustic bar, but the counter, tables, and tatami rooms are filled with local customers, all drinking and chatting away in a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.