Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter | Review by 雨妤魚

Yufu Mabushi Shin Kinrin Lake Main Store

This restaurant offers three types of "Yufu Mabushi," a dish that explores the unique ways of enjoying rice in Yufuin. Served in clay pots, the dishes feature Bungo beef, local Yufu chicken, and eel, each accompanied by appetizers, pickles, condiments, and red miso soup.

• Oita
• Japanese Cuisine

I honestly think this place is a bit overrated.

I remember arriving at our guesthouse completely exhausted that day. It was cold and rainy, and the owner seemed to have forgotten our reservation, so we waited in the pouring rain for over 20 minutes before checking in. After dropping off our luggage, we even made a special trip to the location near the station—there are two locations—to eat here.

So many people had recommended it that my expectations were sky-high. I have to admit, the presentation was impressive, and the first couple of bites were pretty tasty.

Usually, after walking a long way when I’m exhausted and starving, anything tastes amazing. But even in that state, this place didn’t make me think, “Wow, this is incredible!” It didn’t bring me back to life, so it’s a no for me.

It’s worth trying once, but I wouldn’t go back.

You can turn it into ochazuke, and it comes with a plate of pickles and several sauces on the side. It’s on the pricey side, although the bowl really is loaded with beef.

Still, it gets more and more heavy and monotonous as you eat. Overall, it just wasn’t to my taste.

Tottori–Matsue Pass

The Tottori and Shimane area harmoniously blends natural beauty with cultural heritage, featuring scenic coastlines, majestic mountains, and historic towns. In addition to famous landmarks such as the Tottori Sand Dunes, Matsue Castle, and Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, the region is also known for its hot springs and local cuisine, making it an appealing destination for a relaxing trip. Because the sightseeing spots are spread out across a wide area, using trains and buses is the recommended way to explore.

• Tottori
• Shimane
• Tickets & Passes

I used this pass to visit Shinji, Koge, and Sakaiminato.
(Whenever I buy a JR Pass, my bargain-loving Taiwanese side kicks in. I have to get my money’s worth because I worked hard for it, and I want to see everything!)

The place that left the biggest impression on me was Shinji!

I’d always wanted to see the famous sunset over Lake Shinji. But I hadn’t done my research and figured Shinji Station must be the closest station to the lake, right? I thought I could just get off there〜

But while the train was still moving, an incredibly beautiful sunset appeared outside the window. I couldn’t stop staring.
(I’m the kind of person who goes crazy for sunrises, sunsets, and the ocean.

I was also getting hungry, haha. At one point, I even considered heading straight to Izumo Taisha, thinking it might still be lively at night. Sadly, I couldn’t quite work up the courage...

And then!!!

That’s when the real adventure began.

After getting off at Shinji Station, I looked around and realized... there was absolutely nothing nearby, and the station was unmanned!

There were only three students on the entire platform—four people total, including me.

I started getting nervous. Was I in trouble? Should I have gotten off at Matsue instead? I rushed to buy a ticket back, but I kept having trouble with the machine 😭

Then the three students boarded a train, and a large group of students got off. I felt a little relieved, but within minutes, they scattered and disappeared. It felt like the sky went completely dark at that exact moment.

I was the only person left on the platform.
(I was seriously panicking.

I quickly called a friend and asked them to keep me company. I even started thinking about urban legends like Kisaragi Station...

Thankfully, my friend didn’t laugh at me or make things worse. If it had been my family, they probably would’ve worried while lecturing me for always wandering around alone... especially my grandma, haha.

But honestly, I was genuinely scared.

I kept waiting on the platform for an express train. I didn’t want to take a local because it was way too slow, and that decision got me into this situation.
(I’m such a genius.

I was even too scared to look behind me because I couldn’t decide whether it would be scarier if someone was there or if no one was there 😖😭

Even now, it still feels scary when I think back on it.

Still, it gave me another memorable story from this trip, and I think I was really brave!
Thankfully, I made it back to Tottori Station safely and immediately ate at MOS Burger to calm my nerves.
(It tasted especially good.

That’s the story of my brave solo adventure.
(Pretty impressive, right? I don’t know why I always end up in these situations, but I guess that’s why I have so many stories to write about.

SUWADA Seisakusho (SUWADA Blacksmith Works, Inc.)

Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata, which has a world-renowned reputation as a "manufacturing town," still carries on the blacksmithing and metalworking techniques that have been cultivated since the Edo period.

• Niigata
• Experiences Facilities

Yay~~~ I got home from work and found that the amazing nail clippers I won in June had finally arrived~~~

I hope I can visit the factory someday!

But I realized I don't really know how to use them, hahaha. I guess my hands aren't fancy enough...

I actually couldn't decide between the comb and the nail clippers. My friends all wanted me to pick the comb because they said I probably wouldn't use the clippers much...

But I don't care! I love things like this that can last a long time and feel a little luxurious. (Even though I usually get my nails done...)

But!

I still have toenails! (I say with confidence, haha.)

Maybe this will motivate me to trim them more often.

Back in middle school, I started liking longer nails because mine had always been cut extremely short. When I was little, my uncle would trim off all the white parts because he said they looked dirty.

That made me feel a little self-conscious. Other people had long, slender fingers and beautiful nails, while I had stubby fingers and unattractive nails...

Things are better now, though. My nails still split occasionally, and it hurts like crazy. But when that happens, I'll finally get to use these amazing clippers!

I hope I can put them to good use and experience the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship.

Please, let me feel it!