At Takahashi Dairy Farm, of course you can’t miss the farm’s popular treats! This time, I got a milk ice cream cone. It was full of rich milky flavor from the first bite, but it wasn’t too heavy and went down very smoothly.
The ice cream had a dense, smooth texture, and the rich milk flavor slowly spread through my mouth. You could taste the natural creaminess in every bite. Eating it at the farm, surrounded by pastoral scenery, made it feel even more like a relaxing vacation.
Nezameya
Nezameya, located right next to a torii gate at the entrance of Fushimi Inari Taisha's rear path, has been serving food since 1540. Its name is said to have been given by the famous Toyotomi Hideyoshi. While visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha to pray for his mother's health, Hideyoshi sought a place to rest. This establishment, open early in the morning, was the only available option. Pleased with being able to enjoy tea, Hideyoshi named the eatery “Nezameya,” inspired by his wife’s name, Ne-Ne.
NEZAMEYA—I ordered inari sushi and eel rice this time. It was a simple meal, but very satisfying! The tofu pockets around the inari sushi had a sweet flavor and were filled with fragrant vinegared rice. They were easy to eat in one bite, with just the right balance of sweet and savory.
The eel rice was another highlight of the meal. The grilled eel was fragrant, with a slightly charred aroma on the surface. The fish was tender, and it tasted better and better with the piping-hot white rice underneath!
Jozankei Gensen Park
Jozankei Gensen Park was opened in 2005 on the 200th anniversary of Miizumi Jozan's birth, who was an ascetic monk and is said to have provided the foundation of Jozankei Onsen. On the premises, there is a recreated scene of Jozan finding the hot spring as well as his statue and various hot spring facilities.
Jozankei Gensen Park is near the Jozankei Onsen district and is a nice little spot for a walk and a rest. Its most distinctive feature is the free footbath. When your feet get tired, you can sit down and soak them in the warm hot spring water. It feels so warm and comfortable, especially in cold weather!
Shikotsu-Toya National Park
The Shikotsu-Toya National Park is located in the southwest of Hokkaido and the scale of the ground reaches 993km.
When visiting Hokkaido, Shikotsu-Toya National Park lets you experience the magnificent yet peaceful side of nature. Along the way, you can see vast lakes, dense forests, and mountains in the distance. The clear lake water reflects the blue sky, creating a truly captivating view.
Strolling along the lakeshore, enjoying the scenery and the gentle breeze, you can't help but relax. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can better appreciate the purity and beauty of Hokkaido's natural scenery.
