Category Archives: Food & Shopping

A Must-Try for Sweet Tooths! Tomobe Bakery’s “Ultimate Melon Bread” Makes the Perfect Souvenir

If you find yourself stopping at the Tomobe Service Area (upbound) on the Joban Expressway, don’t miss the chance to try Tomobe Bakery’s “Ultimate Melon Bread.”

What makes this melon bread so special?
The dough is made entirely without water, using only the juice and pulp of Hokota-grown Quincy melons.
The result is a soft, moist texture with a gentle sweetness and rich melon aroma.

Inside, you’ll find a generous filling of mixed “Moaro” cream and whipped cream.
When you cut it open, the cream oozes out and the bright orange color of the melon-based dough is simply irresistible!

From the first bite to the aftertaste, the flavor of melon lingers beautifully—offering a dessert-like level of satisfaction.
At just 300 yen, it’s a great choice whether you’re picking up a gift or treating yourself.

Next time you’re at Tomobe SA, be sure to check it out!

📍Where to Find It

Tomobe Bakery, inside Tomobe Service Area (upbound)
Note: Availability may vary depending on the day.

Enjoy Coffee and Scenic Views at the Summit – Introducing “ATAGO FOREST HOUSE”

Perched near the summit of Mt. Atago, ATAGO FOREST HOUSE is a scenic café that offers breathtaking views and a relaxing atmosphere. On clear days, you can enjoy panoramic vistas that stretch as far as Lake Hinuma, Ibaraki Airport, and even Lake Kasumigaura—making it a perfect spot to unwind in nature.

Both the cozy indoor seating and the observation deck provide beautiful scenery, making it ideal for sipping coffee at a leisurely pace. A cup enjoyed on the mountaintop feels truly special. The café also features locally roasted coffee from Yumemame (Mutou) and Hashimoto Roasting Studio, giving you a taste of the region’s flavor in every cup.

Shower facilities are available as well, making this an excellent stop for hikers and cyclists looking to refresh and recharge.

If you’re planning a walk around Mt. Atago on a sunny day, why not take a break and relax here?

ATAGO FOREST HOUSE
📍 99-15 Izumi, Kasama City, Ibaraki 319-0209, Japan
📍 Located in: Atago Tengu no Mori Park
🕘 Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
❌ Closed on: Mondays and Tuesdays

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

🥩🍜 Discover “Hochin” – A Hidden Gem for Both BBQ & Ramen!

Today, I’d like to introduce Hochin, a local yakiniku (BBQ) restaurant located in the Iwama area of Kasama City.

The restaurant offers a variety of seating options — from regular tables and traditional tatami-style seating to cozy sunken kotatsu tables — making it perfect for families or relaxed gatherings.

Though known as a BBQ restaurant, the menu is surprisingly diverse, featuring everything from ramen and omelet rice to hearty set meals. Everything is generously portioned and affordably priced.

One of my personal favorites is the stir-fried vegetables — crispy, flavorful, and perfect with rice.
This time, I tried the Karubi Tanmen (noodles topped with grilled short ribs) for the first time, and it was absolutely delicious. The rich beef paired beautifully with the savory soup, making for a satisfying meal.

Located just a few minutes’ drive from the Iwama Interchange, Hochin is a great stop if you’re in the area.
Whether you’re in the mood for yakiniku or a hearty bowl of noodles, this spot is sure to satisfy!

🏠 Restaurant Info

Name: Hochin Yakiniku & Chinese Restaurant
Address: 2720-20 Oshibe, Kasama City, Ibaraki
Closed: Mondays

🛒 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

🍰 Mont Blanc with Iwama Chestnuts – Patisserie KOSAI

I recently visited the popular cake shop Patisserie KOSAI in Mito City — and what a treat it was!

Their display case was filled with beautiful, mouthwatering cakes that made it hard to choose… but I finally settled on the Mont Blanc made with Iwama chestnuts 🌰

To my delight, it had a whole chestnut inside, and the presentation was just adorable.
Kasama is known for its Iwama chestnuts, so seeing a local ingredient featured like this gave it an extra special feeling.

The flavor? Rich and refined — you can really taste the natural sweetness of the chestnut. It was absolutely delicious!

My personal favorites also include their cream puffs and macarons.
Every macaron flavor I’ve tried has been a winner — I find myself coming back for more!

Whether you’re treating yourself or picking up a gift, this patisserie is the perfect stop for something sweet. 🍬✨

🏠 Shop Information

Patisserie KOSAI
2238-6 Motoyoshidamachi, Mito City, Ibaraki
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Irregular holidays

🍴【Lunch Report】Hearty Pork Steak at Saibitei – A Long-Established Butcher’s Western-Style Restaurant in Kasama

I had lunch at Saibitei, a popular Western-style restaurant located in the Iwama area of Kasama City, Ibaraki.

What makes this place special is that it’s run by a long-standing local butcher, well-loved in the area for years. Their signature dish? A generously thick pork steak made with premium-brand pork from Ibaraki — and it’s absolutely mouthwatering.

Saibitei is so popular that it often has a long line, especially during lunch hours when reservations aren’t accepted. It’s usually a bit of a challenge to get in… but on this particular day, I decided to try my luck just before noon — and to my surprise, I was seated right away!
I couldn’t believe it — such a rare stroke of good fortune!

That day’s special lunch featured a ginger sauce, so I was expecting a classic shogayaki-style dish. But what arrived was a plate with a massive cut of pork, far thicker than I imagined.

From the moment I sliced into it, I could tell this was no ordinary dish. Every bite was packed with tender, juicy flavor. The natural sweetness of the fat and the thick, satisfying texture made it a truly indulgent meal.

The portion size was generous, and I left feeling completely full and deeply satisfied.

If you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping by to experience the amazing taste of “Rose Pork”, a local specialty. It’s a dining experience that won’t disappoint!

🏠 Restaurant Info

Name: Restaurant Saibitei
Address: 4067 Shimogo, Kasama City, Ibaraki, Japan
Phone: 0299-45-4118
Hours:

  • Lunch 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (L.O. 2:30 PM)
  • Dinner 5:00 PM – 8:45 PM (L.O. 8:00 PM)
    Dinner reservations available on weekdays only (between 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM)
    Closed: Mondays

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