Some delicious things are worth taking the time to wait for.
The eel rice at Nagoya's long-established Houraiken is one of them. Although waiting for a table requires some patience, the moment you lift the wooden lid and the aromas of charcoal-grilled eel and their secret sauce rise up, all that waiting turns into delight. The kabayaki eel, crispy on the outside and tender inside, unfolds into a rich variety of flavors on your palate through three different ways of eating it. After the satisfying meal, I was filled with happiness and joy.
Atsuta Houraiken Main Store | Review by W10B
Other Reviews by W10B
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Lake Chuzenji
It has been said that the valley was dammed by lava from the eruption of Mt. Nantai about 20,000 years ago, and the original shape was created. Located at an altitude of 1,269 meters above sea level, it is at one of the highest heights in Japan.
Lake Chuzenji in Nikko looked like a postcard in the beautiful weather!
The clear, cloudless blue sky was reflected on the calm lake, and the expansive view surrounded by mountains was so refreshing. This wooden “G7 NIKKO” landmark by the lake is super photogenic. Feeling the slightly cool mountain lake breeze and watching the boats slowly glide by in the distance, it felt as if time had slowed down. This little trip to Nikko was truly worth it. -
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Ponshukan Niigata
Niigata Prefecture is home to Japan’s largest number of sake breweries and one special spot, Ponshukan, the one-stop-shop where you can taste and shop brands from every one of them. There are actually three different Ponshukan locations in Niigata, but the branch inside JR Niigata Station is especially convenient.
As soon as I entered the tasting area, I was blown away by the sight in front of me--an entire wall lined with over a hundred sake vending machines from local Niigata breweries. It was incredibly impressive! Seeing all the sake labels and descriptions lined up was truly overwhelming, and I instantly had a serious case of choice paralysis. I wanted to put in a coin and try every single one. For sake lovers, this is pure paradise!
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Atsuta Jingu (Atsuta Shrine)
About 1900 years ago, one of the Three Sacred Treasures (in Japanese mythology, the goddess, Amaterasu-Omikami, conferred on them. They were handed down as the proof of imperial succession), Kusanagi-no-tsurugi (sacred sword) , was dedicated here, which is said to be the beginning of this shrine.
If you're traveling around Nagoya on your own, I really recommend adding Atsuta Jingu to your itinerary! Its location is a huge plus. It's very close to the city center, and just a few minutes' walk from the subway or Meitetsu station, making it incredibly convenient to get to. The most fascinating part is that even though it's right next to the bustling city, as soon as you step onto the approach surrounded by thousand-year-old sacred trees, the entire forest instantly shuts out the noise of the outside world. It's peaceful and solemn, and afterward you can easily stop by Houraiken for eel rice. It's super convenient and makes for a fulfilling outing!
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