Category Archives: Kasama Area

Heritage Stone Exhibition at the Stone Museum of a Hundred Years

A special exhibition will be held at the Stone Museum of a Hundred Years in Kasama City, Ibaraki, celebrating the designation of granite from the Tsukuba Mountain Range as a Heritage Stone by the IUGS on July 6, 2024 — the first in Japan and East Asia, and the 55th worldwide.

Known locally as Makabe Stone (Sakuragawa City) and Inada Stone (Kasama City), this granite has long been used in historic buildings such as Akasaka Palace and Nihonbashi Bridge.

The exhibition will showcase the certification, stone samples, and panels introducing its cultural and historical value.

Dates: July 15 – October 26, 2025
Venue: Stone Museum of a Hundred Years, 2307 Inada, Kasama (next to JR Inada Station)
Admission: Free
Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (until 4 PM from October)
Closed: Mondays (or the next weekday if Monday is a holiday)

Don’t miss this chance to learn about a local stone with global recognition!

Experience the True Quality of a Butcher’s Kitchen – We Visited Minatoya Honten

Located along the way from Kasama Station to the famous Kasama Inari Shrine, Minatoya Honten sits just beside the local government building. Right next door is the original butcher shop, and being a butcher-owned restaurant, you can enjoy high-quality meat dishes at very reasonable prices.

We visited this time for a group dinner and enjoyed a variety of dishes including hot pot and fried items. The fried dishes were especially well-prepared — crispy, flavorful, and exactly what you’d expect from a meat specialist. Every bite spoke of the expertise that only a butcher-owned kitchen can offer.

The interior is simple yet elegant, creating a calm and welcoming dining atmosphere.

It’s definitely a place I’d love to revisit when I’m in the area again.

[Restaurant Info]
📍 Minatoya Honten
📍 1525-1 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki, Japan
🕐 Opening Hours:
 Lunch: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
 Dinner: 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
❌ Closed on Thursdays

🐣 Kasama Pottery Loved by Princess Masako — The “Chick Bowl”

During her visit to Kasama, Princess Masako of the Imperial Family was said to have been taken by a charming Kasama-yaki pottery piece — the adorable “Chick Bowl” created by local artisan Eiichi Kojima. She even gifted one to her daughter, Princess Aiko.

You can find this heartwarming piece at Kirara-kan, a gallery and shop in Kasama City.

In fact, we also received the same bowl from my parents when our child was born.
Its gentle shape and warmth bring a sense of calm and comfort every time we use it.

🏠 Kirara-kan

Address: 2258-1 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Open daily)

🍜 A Visit to Chuka Soba no Aikawa

I’ve always been curious about Chuka Soba no Aikawa, a popular local ramen shop that I often pass by — it always seems busy!
One weekday just before noon, I noticed a parking space available and decided it was the perfect time to finally try it.

I ordered their Special Chuka Soba (Yuzu Shio flavor), which came topped with:

  • 2 shrimp wontons
  • 3 kinds of char siu (pork thigh, pork shoulder, and Daisen chicken breast)
  • A perfectly seasoned soft-boiled egg

The ability to compare three different types of char siu was a real treat, but what stood out most were the shrimp wontons — incredibly flavorful and satisfying.

In addition to their signature Chuka Soba, the menu also includes soupless dan dan noodles, abura soba, and mapo noodles. I’m already looking forward to trying one of those next time!

If you have the chance, I highly recommend stopping by.

🏠 Shop Info

Name: Chuka Soba no Aikawa
Address: 21-5 Akasaka, Kasama City, Ibaraki 309-1616
Hours:

  • Lunch: Daily 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Dinner: Tuesday to Friday only, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Last order)
    Closed: Irregular holidays

🛒 New Spot in Kasama! “Agri no Mori” Farmers Market Now Open

A brand-new local market, “Agri no Mori”, has just opened at Kasama SC Pole Pole City!

As a satellite shop representing Tochigi Prefecture, it offers not only fresh vegetables and fruits, but also local specialties like Iwashi no Shinshoga (pickled ginger) and the famous Lemon Milk.

There’s even a cozy eat-in space, so next time I’d love to take my time and enjoy something there.

If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth checking out!

🏠 Store Information

Location: Kasama Shopping Center Pole Pole City, 1F
Address: 8 Akasaka, Kasama City, Ibaraki 309-1616, Japan

For Onigiri Lovers! Discover “Azumatei” Inside Kasama Aeon

Today, let me introduce you to Azumatei, a delightful bento and deli shop located inside Kasama Shopping Center Pole Pole City.

At the storefront, you’ll find a variety of bento boxes and prepared dishes, but my personal favorite is—without a doubt—the onigiri (rice balls)!

The first time I bought their giant pork chashu onigiri, I was amazed by its impressive size. I couldn’t believe how full and satisfied I felt for such a reasonable price—truly a pleasant surprise.

And here’s a tip: if you like your onigiri extra big, just ask! They can super-size other rice balls on request too.

One more helpful suggestion came directly from the friendly staff:
“If you place your order before shopping at other stores, your food will be ready and waiting—no need to wait in line!”

So next time you’re shopping, don’t forget to stop by Azumatei. It’s sure to leave both your stomach and heart full!

Shop Information
Name: Azumatei
Address: 8 Akasaka, Kasama-shi, Ibaraki 309-1616, Japan
Phone: 0296-70-1803
Category: Bento & Deli
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

【A tasty souvenir from Kasama!】Don’t Miss “Kurumi Yubeshi” from Yoshidaya Seika When Visiting Kasama Inari Shrine!

Right in front of the iconic red torii gate of Kasama Inari Shrine, you’ll find a traditional sweets shop called Yoshidaya Seika.

My top recommendation here? Definitely their Kurumi Yubeshi (walnut mochi). It’s generously packed with walnuts and has a gentle sweetness that’s simply irresistible.

Interestingly, Kasama Inari Shrine is also affectionately known by locals as “Kurumigashita Inari Shrine”, a name that includes the word for walnut—making this treat even more meaningful!

The shop also offers other delights like freshly steamed walnut manju and karinto manju. Be sure to stop by when you visit the shrine—it’s the perfect place for a sweet break after your prayers.

Shop Information
Name: Yoshidaya Seika
Address: 1341 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki 309-1611, Japan
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Irregular holidays

A Bear in a Yogurt Bath?! The Adorable Pottery of “assa.” from Kasama

This year’s Kasama Himatsuri (Pottery Festival) was once again bustling with visitors and ended on a high note!

Although I couldn’t make it this time, I’d love to introduce one of my favorite pieces I picked up at a past festival.

It’s a super cute bear bowl crafted by “assa.”, a talented ceramic artist based in Kasama, who also participated in this year’s event.

The little bear’s expression is just heart-melting, and it instantly brings a smile to my face.

When you pour yogurt into the bowl, it looks like the bear is soaking in a cozy hot bath—too adorable for words!
It makes breakfast time feel special, and mornings a bit more cheerful.

Of course, practicality matters when choosing tableware, but a playful touch like this adds real joy to everyday life.

“assa.”’s creations are filled with that kind of magic—charming, useful, and sure to brighten your day.

Stop by for Delicious Yakitori at Torisentei — Right Inside Aeon Kasama!

Let me introduce “Sumibi Kushiyaki Torisentei – Kasama Pole Pole Branch”, located inside Aeon Kasama Shopping Center.

They offer a wide variety of yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and each one is bursting with that irresistible flavor only charcoal grilling can bring.

One of the best parts? You can enjoy it as a tasty break while shopping!

Treat yourself to a little moment of indulgence with their delicious yakitori—you won’t regret it.

Shop Information
Name: Sumibi Kushiyaki Torisentei – Kasama Pole Pole Branch
Address: 8 Akasaka, Kasama City, Ibaraki 309-1616, Japan

Healthy Bento by Yaoya Café Okai (Greengrocer Café Okai)

“Yaoya Café Okai,” a cozy spot run by the local greengrocer Okai Shoten near Kasama Inari Shrine, has been offering meals on the second floor of their shop since February 2019. I’d been curious about this greengrocer-run café for a long time!

When I visited, the café was completely full—a clear sign of its popularity. So this time, I opted for a takeout bento instead.

The bento was packed with fresh, seasonal vegetables, and each side dish had a gentle flavor that brought out the natural taste of the ingredients. The generous helping of raw vegetables made it perfect for anyone who loves healthy eating. I was truly satisfied with the meal—it was delicious, nutritious, and beautifully prepared.

Next time, I definitely want to enjoy a relaxing lunch inside the café.
If you’re planning a visit, advance reservations are highly recommended!

📍 Shop Info – Okai Shoten / Yaoya Café Okai
Address: 1338-1 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Closed: Wednesdays