Browsing “0101” in Hakata, there are lots of clothes, sundries, and household goods to take your time looking through, and the overall atmosphere is very lively. Each floor has different brands and products, so it’s easy to lose track of time and spend quite a while browsing.
Besides enjoying the food in Hakata, I also set aside time to shop here. Whenever I saw something I liked, I couldn’t help stopping to take a look.
Ichinokura Himezen
Himezen was developed in 1988 by Ichinokura, a sake brewer based in Miyagi Prefecture. Created as a “new traditional” sake that would be approachable even for women in their 20s and 30s who were not familiar with sake, it was designed with a lower alcohol content of 8%. For more than 30 years since its release, it has been enjoyed by a wide range of generations.
一之藏「姬膳」喝起來是很清爽的甘酸風味，入口帶著淡淡甜味，接著有微微的酸感，整體口感很舒服，不會讓人覺得太厚重。
這款喝起來很順口，甘甜與酸味搭配得剛剛好，冰冰喝的時候特別清爽。對平常不太喜歡太強烈酒味的人來說，這種柔和的風味也比較容易入口。
Kotohiragu Shrine
The head shrine of Kotohira Shrine stands on Mt. Zozu. It is visited by about 4 million worshippers a year. The main deity, Oomononushinokami, has been known since before the Middle Ages as a guardian deity of maritime traffic and a deity that brings a bountiful harvest and prosperity of industry and culture.
My strongest impression of Kotohiragu Shrine in Kagawa was, “There are seriously so many stairs!” As I climbed, the scenery and shrine buildings along the way were very distinctive, but toward the end, my legs really started to feel sore.
As I made my way up the steps, I stopped along the way to rest and catch my breath, constantly thinking, “How much farther is it?” When I finally reached the shrine, it really felt like I had completed a challenge. I was completely exhausted, but seeing the view in front of me still made it feel worthwhile.
Kotohiragu Shrine is an attraction that requires some stamina. If you aren't mentally prepared before coming, the endless stairs will really take you by surprise! Still, walking the whole way myself made it a very memorable part of the trip. Next time, I'll definitely wear comfortable shoes and take my time climbing!
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse Hakodate History Plaza
Built in 1909 (Meiji 42), the Kanemori warehouses played a major role in the development of shipping in Hakodate Port. Hakodate History Plaza is a valuable facility that preserves the building’s original character, from its beautiful English-bond red brick exterior to the cypress pillars supporting the high ceilings.
While in Hakodate, I made a special trip to visit Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse Hakodate History Plaza. As soon as you enter the area, you can see the historic red brick buildings. The red brick walls and surrounding streetscape really capture the character of Hakodate as a port town.
When the weather is nice, it's very pleasant to walk around the warehouses, and you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a harbor city. I discovered another distinctive attraction on this visit to Hakodate, and I'd like to come back next time and explore it at a leisurely pace!
