At Menya Shimokita in Kasama City, I finally tried their much-talked-about katsu ramen—and it did not disappoint!
A savory broth with a refined niboshi (dried sardine) aroma, topped with a golden, crispy pork cutlet that steals the show. The stylish bowl adds to the experience, making it feel extra special.
One bite and… I’m hooked. This is comfort food with serious impact!
đź“Ť Shop Information
Menya Shimokita
92-2 Asahimachi, Kasama City, Ibaraki 309-1717, Japan
Located just a 3-minute walk from Kasama Station, Oumiya is a hidden gem for seafood lovers. When you order sashimi, it’s delivered straight from the fish shop next door—meaning absolute peak freshness!
Not only is the sashimi top-notch, but the fried and grilled dishes, salads, and other sides are also delicious and surprisingly affordable.
They also offer a great selection of drinks, so you’re sure to find the perfect pairing for your meal.
One of the best parts? The owner’s warm and gentle personality. The atmosphere is so welcoming that even families with children can relax and enjoy a great meal without worry.
Come and experience a heartwarming dinner in a cozy setting, with flavors you won’t forget.
📍 Shop Info – Oumiya
Address: 1831 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki
Access: Just a 3-minute walk from Kasama Station (JR Mito Line)
Hours: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays
Parking: 6 spaces
Just steps away from Kasama Inari Shrine, Kisetsu Ryori Maezaki is a serene and elegant restaurant beloved by locals for its outstanding seasonal cuisine. Every dish is a delight—there’s simply no going wrong here.
Using the finest seasonal ingredients, each plate is beautifully crafted and full of flavor. You can truly sense the chef’s dedication and skill in every bite.
The interior is calm and refined, offering a peaceful atmosphere where you can enjoy your meal at a relaxed pace. The staff are warm and attentive, making first-time visitors feel welcome and at ease.
This is a highly popular restaurant, so reservations are recommended, especially during weekends or holidays.
If you’re looking to enjoy truly exceptional food in a quiet and refined setting, Maezaki is a must-visit.
📍 Restaurant Info – Kisetsu Ryori Maezaki
Address: 1185-1 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki 309-1611, Japan
Closed: Wednesdays
The cherry blossoms are in full bloom!
This beautiful spot includes the historic sakura-lined path within the grounds of the Tsukuba Naval Air Corps Memorial Museum, which was featured in the 2013 film The Eternal Zero.
Right next to it is Makiba Park, another lovely place to enjoy the blossoms during spring.
It’s been a chilly week with lots of rain, but the cherry blossoms are in full bloom!
The weather looks promising this weekend, so it should be a great time to enjoy the flowers.
The photo was taken in the evening, so it doesn’t quite capture the full beauty of the sakura — but they’re even more stunning in person!
Today, let me introduce you to Tsuruyahonten, a long-standing local favorite in Kasama.
Believe it or not, this historic restaurant was founded in the late Edo period — over 100 years ago!
As soon as you step inside, you’re welcomed by a warm and nostalgic atmosphere unique to a long-established eatery. The interior exudes a calm, retro charm, and every dish reflects a deep commitment to quality ingredients.
This time, I had the Garlic Chive & Liver Set Meal (Nira Reba Teishoku).
No matter how many times I eat it, the flavor never fails to make me smile.
One of the must-try dishes here is the Motsuni Set Meal – tender, flavorful stewed pork tripe that pairs perfectly with rice.
I’ve already decided that’s what I’ll order on my next visit!
From its traditional exterior to its truly delicious food, Tsuruyahonten is a place well worth visiting — even if it means going a little out of your way.
If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend stopping by!
đź“Ť Restaurant Information
Name: Tsuruyahonten
Address: 4066 Shimogo, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Lunch Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Closed: Tuesdays
Let me introduce my favorite and most trusted barbershop — Hair Salon Miyamoto.
This warm, welcoming salon is run by a friendly husband-and-wife duo who always make every visit a pleasure.
Not only do they offer professional haircuts, but they also provide services like baby hair keepsake brushes and facial treatments.
The owner is a great conversationalist with a wonderful sense of humor, making every visit fun and lively. His wife is equally kind and easy to talk to, creating a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.
Of course, their cutting skills are top-notch. Every time I leave the salon, I’m reminded why they’re true professionals — I always feel confident putting my look in their hands.
It’s a place where you can fully relax and feel at ease — my go-to salon that I genuinely trust.
If you’re looking for a reliable and friendly barbershop, I highly recommend paying them a visit!
đź“Ť Salon Information
Name: Hair Salon Miyamoto
Address: 1626-3 Oshibe, Kasama City, Ibaraki 319-0205, Japan
If you’re a fan of miso ramen, you’ve got to try Ramen Genkiya!
They have two locations in Kasama: the Tomobe Ekimae-dori branch, located near Tomobe Station, and the main store along Route 50. This time, I visited the Tomobe Ekimae-dori location.
I tried the Limited-Time Ginger Miso Ramen, and it was fantastic! The ginger flavor was bold yet balanced, giving the rich miso broth a refreshing aftertaste.
The bowl was topped with grated ginger, green onions, Chinese cabbage, bean sprouts, chashu pork, a seasoned egg, and menma (bamboo shoots). I was pleasantly surprised by how many vegetables were packed in — more than it looks at first glance! The chewy noodles soaked up the flavorful broth beautifully.
Another standout is their signature dish: the Genki Ramen. It features a rich sesame miso broth, generous portions of vegetables, and thick, springy noodles — a hearty and satisfying bowl.
If you prefer thinner noodles, they also offer miso, shio (salt), and shoyu (soy sauce) ramen options.
I also tried the Shio Torotoro Chashu Ramen, which came with tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork and plenty of veggies. Another winner!
They even have a kids’ menu, which includes a toy and your choice of cotton candy or a fun capsule toy (with candy or ramune inside) after the meal. Perfect for families with children!
đź“Ť Shop Information
Ramen Genkiya – Tomobe Ekimae-dori Branch
Address: 1717-90 Hiramachi, Kasama City, Ibaraki
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Ramen Genkiya – Tomobe Main Branch (Route 50)
Address: 4501-1 Obara, Kasama City, Ibaraki
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM