I tried the handmade udon experience at Nakano Udon School. The instructor teaches you everything from kneading the dough and stepping on it, to rolling it out and cutting the noodles, and in the end you cook your own authentic bowl of udon.
The activity takes about 40 minutes, and after the class you receive a hanging scroll certificate of completion to commemorate this one-of-a-kind udon experience.
Sakaeda Udon Main Store | Review by 周黛西
Other Reviews by 周黛西
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Oyu Stone Circles
Perched in a northeastern corner of Akita Prefecture at some 180 meters high sits a Jomon era archaeological site, dating back as far as 4,000 years. Designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in July 2021, this spot remains one of 17 “Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan”, found scattered across Hokkaido, Aomori, Akita, and Iwate Prefectures.
I love the old-fashioned charm of Oyu Onsenkyo in Akita. It preserves the character and atmosphere of traditional hot spring lodges.
After the rain shower, the stream was full, and a thick layer of mist hovered above it, like the foam on a latte. The greenery looked even fresher and more soothing after being washed by the rain.
Summer is definitely the perfect time to visit Tohoku. -
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Former Hirosaki City Library
A Western-style building with a striking red dome roof, featuring octagonal twin towers on both sides, standing in Otemon Square near Hirosaki Castle. Built in 1906 to commemorate Japan’s victory in the Russo-Japanese War, it was used as the city library until 1931. The three-story wooden building was designed and built by master carpenter Sakichi Horie, a Hirosaki native.
While visiting the Fujita Memorial Garden in Hirosaki, Aomori, you can experience the luxury and style of a wealthy merchant’s world. This is a Western-style building designed by Kinzō Horie. In addition to the exhibition rooms, there is also a Taisho Roman Cafe where visitors can enjoy authentic apple pie.
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Kinkaku-ji
During the Muromachi Period, the 3rd Ashikaga shogun, Yoshimitsu, made an abode in this temple called Kitayamadono. It was named as Rokuon-ji after the posthumous name of Yoshimitsu. He had also built Shokoku-ji Temple, and Rokuon-ji, his retirement home, was turned into a branch temple of Shokoku-ji.
When visiting Kyoto’s famous Rokuon-ji Temple, the must-see highlight is its golden Shariden, Kinkaku-ji.
Kinkaku-ji is world-famous for its exterior covered in gold leaf. Surrounded by Kyokochi Pond, the temple’s golden reflection shimmering on the water is dazzling and breathtaking. The “upside-down Kinkaku” reflection is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights, and it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994.
Kinkaku-ji offers different scenery in every season, and the constant crowds are proof of its popularity as a tourist destination. I hope to visit again in winter to see the Snow Kinkaku. -
