Ishinomaki Genki Ichiba | Review by Linda Liao

After wrapping up our trip to Naruko Onsen and before heading to our next stop, we went out of our way to stop by A, La, Date Roadside Station to stock up on food. I didn't expect it to be such a treasure trove of local specialties! Inside, there were all kinds of local agricultural products, fresh fruits and vegetables, and souvenirs from Miyagi Prefecture. It was also convenient for picking up snacks for the road. What especially caught my eye were the edamame-flavored specialties. From cookies to all kinds of snacks, edamame was everywhere, and just looking at them made me want to pick out a few to try.

Several years ago, I came to exhibit at Tokyo Big Sight, and its futuristic architecture still leaves a strong impression on me! The most recognizable feature of the familiar “Tokyo Big Sight” is its Conference Tower, made up of four inverted pyramids. Combined with glass and metal, it’s highly distinctive even from a distance. The venue opened in 1996 and is one of Japan’s largest exhibition centers. From international trade shows and industry exhibitions to anime events, all kinds of large-scale events are held here almost year-round. As impressive as the exterior looks, the space inside is even more astonishingly vast. The East, West, and South Exhibition Halls are spread out over a wide area, and just walking around all day is exhausting~ When I left the venue that evening, there was only one thought on my mind: find somewhere to have dinner and recharge as soon as possible.

Ever since I watched a Japanese TV show featuring roadside stations around the country, whenever I pass one during a trip, I can’t resist stopping to hunt for local-exclusive souvenirs or regional specialties. This time, at Kokin-denju-no-sato Yamato, what I was looking forward to most was the well-known charcoal-grilled sweetfish! When I arrived, the fish had just been skewered and were lined up neatly beside the charcoal fire, so I had to wait patiently. When I finally got my piping-hot grilled sweetfish, the skin had a smoky charcoal aroma, and it was delicious with just a simple sprinkle of salt. The tender meat was fresh, sweet, and juicy, and the more I chewed, the more I could taste the natural flavor of the fish. Before leaving, I also soaked my feet in the free foot bath, giving my tired feet a chance to relax after walking all day. It was such an unexpected and soothing little treat during the trip!