Before the trip, I already knew that Shizuoka oden was quite famous, so this time I made a point of adding the highly rated UMIBOUZU to my itinerary. I finally got to try it for myself! Whenever I eat oden, my must-order combination always includes daikon and boiled eggs. They're especially satisfying after soaking up all the broth. In Shizuoka, you also can't miss the local specialty, black hanpen (黒はんぺん). Made from sardines and other fish, it has a rich fish-paste flavor that gets better the more you chew, and it's very different from the more common white hanpen. If you like seaweed, you can sprinkle on some aonori and fish powder for more layers of flavor. So delicious!
Umi Bozu Main Branch | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Dogo Beer Hall
Located across from the Dogo Onsen Honkan, Dogo Beer Hall is a brewery-owned establishment that is popular for offering a refreshing drink after soaking in the ancient waters of Dogo Onsen.
After soaking in Dogo Onsen, nothing feels better than finding a laid-back pub where you can enjoy good food and a slight buzz! Dogo Beer Hall offers four distinctive Dogo beers, each with its own flavor and character, so you can choose based on your preference. Add a few snacks to go with your beer, like crispy, juicy fried chicken, light and silky chilled tofu, and fried fish cake slices with a unique texture. Every dish keeps you reaching for more! Sipping local beer while enjoying the relaxed dining atmosphere adds a little tipsy fun to your hot spring trip.
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Osaka-Jo Gozabune
Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a feudal lord of the 16th century. The castle is characterized by its splendid fortifications befitting a base for unifying the country and is now surrounded by a park centering on the restored castle tower.
When visiting Osaka Castle, I highly recommend taking the Osaka-jo Gozabune boat to admire the magnificent castle from a different perspective! The approximately 20-minute ride glides slowly along the moat, offering close-up views of the towering stone walls and castle keep. It feels like entering the flow of history and brings to mind the ambitions of Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Sengoku period. In 1583, he ordered the construction of Osaka Castle as an important base for displaying his power. After the fall of the Toyotomi clan, it endured war and reconstruction, witnessing the rise and fall of the times. A visit during cherry blossom season is especially beautiful, when the soft pink flowers contrast with the stately castle, adding a touch of romance and poetry and immersing you in an atmosphere where history and scenery intertwine.
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Hikari no Machi Hakata
Hikari no Machi Hakata is an annual holiday event hosted by JR Hakata City, the commercial complex directly connected to JR Hakata Station. A dazzling 640,000 lights illuminate the station plaza, turning the heart of the city into a magical winter scene.
If you happen to travel to Fukuoka from November to December, don't forget to set aside some time for the “Hikari no Machi Hakata” Christmas illuminations in front of Hakata Station! Every winter, the plaza in front of the station gets a dazzling makeover, with a dreamy sea of blue lights illuminating the night sky. Combined with shimmering light displays and Christmas decorations, the entire area is filled with a romantic holiday atmosphere. There is also a Christmas market with hot food, hot drinks, and all kinds of stalls to enjoy. Holding a warm drink while admiring the sea of lights on a slightly chilly night, whether you're chatting with friends or enjoying the winter romance on your own, will leave you with warm and unforgettable memories of your trip to Fukuoka!
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