Category Archives: Tomobe Area

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.

A Spectacular Finale with Nomura Fireworks!

I had the pleasure of attending the Kasama Sports & Food Festival held at Shishido Hills Country Club on Saturday, June 7th.

The grand finale was an unforgettable display by Nomura Fireworks Co., lighting up the night sky with breathtaking beauty.
The powerful bursts of color and sound drew a wave of applause from the crowd — it truly moved everyone.

It was a magical night to remember. Bravo to Nomura Fireworks for such a stunning performance!

🏨 New HOTEL R9 Construction Spotted in Kasama!

While passing by Tomobe Driving School, I discovered a new construction site for the business hotel “HOTEL R9 The Yard” in Kasama.

The wide site is lined with stylish container-style units, each apparently designed to function as individual guest rooms.
This hotel will mainly serve business travelers, but it’s also built with disaster response in mind — ready to be dispatched as a rescue hotel to affected areas when needed.

It looks like it will be a convenient stay for both business and leisure.
We can’t wait to see it completed!

We Visited the “Nattoku! Factory” by Takano Foods!

Opened on April 12, the Nattoku! Factory is a brand-new museum and factory tour facility created by Takano Foods—the company famous for Okame Natto. Designed to share the appeal of natto with future generations, the facility welcomes visitors to learn about this traditional Japanese food in a fun and engaging way.

At the Nattoku! Factory, you can watch the actual production process of natto and learn about its nutrition and how it’s made through cute characters and fun videos. Guided tours are available only on weekends, twice a day (10:00 / 13:30), and must be booked in advance via the official website.

Although I visited on a weekday and couldn’t join the factory tour, I was still able to enjoy the museum’s original animated movie “Discover Natto with Nattorip!” in the mini theater (usually for tour participants only). The friendly mascot Okame-chan guides viewers through the history and health benefits of natto in a fun and family-friendly way. I really enjoyed it, and I definitely plan to book a tour next time!

Even without the tour, the museum has plenty to explore—from Takano Foods’ company history to exhibits on their products and fun video corners. There are also great photo spots, including a giant Okame-chan statue and a natto pack you can “step into” for a fun souvenir picture!

The gift shop offers Okame-chan merchandise, local Ibaraki specialties, and of course, plenty of natto. It’s a perfect spot for families and anyone looking for a unique and educational outing.

Why not visit the Nattoku! Factory and discover the world of natto for yourself?

📍 Nattoku! Factory by Takano Foods
Location: 1320-2 Nagatoro, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed: Wednesdays & Year-end Holidays
Admission: Free
Access:

  • About 20 minutes (7.5 km) by taxi southeast of Tomobe Station
  • About 5 minutes (2 km) east from the Tomobe SA Smart Interchange (downward exit)
    Parking: 46 regular spaces, 3 for large buses

Menya Shimokita: Where Katsu Meets Ramen🍜

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!

📍 Shop Information
Menya Shimokita
92-2 Asahimachi, Kasama City, Ibaraki 309-1717, Japan

Kasama City Cherry Blossom Spots – April 6, 2025

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.

the original cherry blossom-lined path from the wartime era

Makiba Park

A Must-Try for Miso Ramen Lovers – Ramen Genkiya

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!

📍 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