It was my first time trying hoto. Overall, it tasted a bit like pork miso soup, with a broth that had a sweetness from the simmered vegetables.
The noodles were thicker than regular udon, with a firmer, chewy texture, and the portion was bigger than I expected. If you had a pot of hoto on a winter night, it would definitely warm you up fast!
Koshu Hoto Kosaku Kofu Ekimae Branch | Review by 金己田
Other Reviews by 金己田
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Kawatoyo Honten
Unagi (freshwater eel) has long been a beloved local specialty for Narita pilgrims visiting Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, dating back to the Edo period. Among Narita’s classic eel restaurants, Kawatoyo Honten stands out right on the approach to the temple. Founded in 1910, this long-established shop serves expertly selected eel-chosen by craftsmen with over 50 years of experience-as unaju (eel rice boxes), kabayaki, and shirayaki. Right at the entrance, you’ll spot chefs filleting, skewering, and grilling eel in front of you.
As soon as you arrive at Naritasan Omotesando, you can smell the aroma of grilled eel. Kawatoyo Honten always seems to draw the biggest crowd. At the entrance, you can watch the chefs prepare the eel right in front of you. There may be a wait during meal times, but watching their skilled, efficient technique makes the time fly by.
Once the fragrant grilled eel is served, adding a sprinkle of sansho pepper makes the eel rice even more delicious. The rice soaks up the rich sauce, and it’s so good you won’t want to stop eating! -
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Kyoto Tower (Nidec The Kyoto Tower)
It is located right in front of Kyoto Station. It was designed in the shape of a lighthouse to illuminate Kyoto, and is the tallest building in Kyoto at 131 meters. It has been visited by over 32 million people since it opened in 1964.
Kyoto Tower is right across from Kyoto Station. Travelers arriving in Kyoto will see it first. Its modern look may not seem to match the ancient capital, but its convenient location and striking appearance make it impossible to ignore.
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Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten Branch Miyage Nara Sanjo Store
In July 2022, Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, a retailer of handicrafts and goods from across Japan, carried out a major renovation of its “Nihonichi Nara Sanjo Store,” transforming it into a shop offering about 1,300 Nara-themed souvenirs crafted with a focus on local handwork.
If you’re visiting Nara and want to pick up a souvenir that’s a little different, I highly recommend Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten. You won’t find the usual traditional souvenirs here. Instead, they sell lots of lifestyle goods that incorporate Japanese craftsmanship. Everything is beautifully designed, inside and out, and it’s hard not to fall in love with it. If you’re looking for unique little finds, this is the place to go!
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