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Wazuka Tea Cafe Hopping Tour Japan > Shiga > Shiragaki-cho ~A journey through the charms of Shigaraki, where tradition and humor intersect~ A special day to fully enjoy the world of tanuki (raccoon dogs) and Shigaraki pottery! Learn about the charm of the historic Shigaraki pottery, and enjoy the smiles that come from the unique tanuki spread throughout the town. Touch the history of ceramics at the Shigaraki Pottery Museum, and savor delicious udon at Tanukiya Bunpuku. Finally, visit a traditional kiln that carries on Shigaraki’s heritage and pick up some wonderful souvenirs! This is a heartwarming tour that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Spend a memorable day surrounded by the nature, culture, and humorous tanuki of Shigaraki! Tour Description: Duration: Approximately 5 hours Price: $○○○ Included in the price: Guide fee, museum entrance fee, lunch (drinks not included) Attire: Please wear comfortable shoes. Since the streets of Shigaraki can be a bit hilly, we recommend dressing in a way that allows you to walk easily. 9:30 AM – Shigaraki Station (Meeting Point) The tour starts at Shigaraki Station! Gather on the station platform, breathing in the fresh morning air. Shigaraki Station is famous as the “town of tanuki,” and you’ll notice many tanuki statues lining the area. As soon as you step outside the station, you’ll be immersed in the world of Shigaraki pottery, and the excitement will begin the moment you arrive! Your enthusiastic tour guide will greet you warmly and take you to some of Shigaraki’s most charming spots. Along the way, you’ll learn all about Shigaraki pottery’s art and history while embarking on a fun and exciting adventure! 10:00–11:00 – Shigaraki Pottery Museum The first stop to step into the world of Shigaraki pottery is the Shigaraki Pottery Museum. Here, you’ll have the chance to learn about the captivating history of Shigaraki pottery, which has been developed over more than 1,000 years, all while surrounded by actual works of art. You’ll get to explore the process of pottery making, the unique color palette of Shigaraki ware, and delve into the traditional techniques that set it apart. As you wander through the exhibition rooms filled with vibrant ceramics, you’ll definitely become more and more fascinated by the history and culture of Shigaraki pottery. Recommended Highlight: The museum shop is a must-visit! You can pick up adorable tanuki figurines and beautiful ceramics as souvenirs. There are also cute, mini versions of the famous tanuki statues, perfect for taking home as a reminder of your visit! 12:00–13:00 – Tanukiya Bunpuku (Lying Giant Tanuki, Udon) When you’re hungry, head over to the local favorite, Tanukiya Bunpuku! Here, you’ll encounter a giant lying tanuki that’s over 2 meters long! Its massive presence is sure to impress, so be sure to snap a photo with it before your meal and keep it as a fun memory. Once inside the restaurant, you’ll find tanuki motifs everywhere—it’s like stepping into a world full of playful tanuki! Recommended Menu: Enjoy udon made with fresh local ingredients from Shigaraki, along with other dishes that showcase the flavors of the region. The restaurant’s original udon is especially delicious, sure to fill both your stomach and your heart. Fun Activity: After your meal, don’t miss the chance to take another photo with the huge tanuki statue outside! 14:00–15:00 – Shigaraki Pottery Kiln Shop: Otani Toki The tour wraps up at Otani Toki, where you can pick up some amazing Shigaraki pottery to take home! Here, you’ll have the chance to see the handmade creations of artisans who continue to preserve the tradition of Shigaraki pottery. The quality of the pieces is sure to impress you. You might even get the chance to watch the pottery-making process in action, which adds an extra layer of appreciation for the craft. And who knows? You may even have the opportunity to chat with the artisans about their work! Perfect Souvenirs: Whether it’s a vase, a traditional tea bowl, or a unique tanuki figurine, each piece carries the warmth of handmade craftsmanship. You’ll find plenty of items that capture the spirit of Shigaraki, making them the perfect souvenirs to bring home. Special Bonus: There might be an exclusive discount for tour participants! Take advantage of this special offer to get a piece of Shigaraki pottery at a great price and continue enjoying the charm of the town even after you leave. 和束茶屋 山甚 周辺の観光マップを見る

Shigaraki Tanuki (Japanese Raccoon) Tour Japan > Shiga > Shiragaki-cho ~A journey through the charms of Shigaraki, where tradition and humor intersect~ A special day to fully enjoy the world of tanuki (raccoon dogs) and Shigaraki pottery! Learn about the charm of the historic Shigaraki pottery, and enjoy the smiles that come from the unique tanuki spread throughout the town. Touch the history of ceramics at the Shigaraki Pottery Museum, and savor delicious udon at Tanukiya Bunpuku. Finally, visit a traditional kiln that carries on Shigaraki’s heritage and pick up some wonderful souvenirs! This is a heartwarming tour that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Spend a memorable day surrounded by the nature, culture, and humorous tanuki of Shigaraki! Tour Description: Duration: Approximately 5 hours Price: $○○○ Included in the price: Guide fee, museum entrance fee, lunch (drinks not included) Attire: Please wear comfortable shoes. Since the streets of Shigaraki can be a bit hilly, we recommend dressing in a way that allows you to walk easily. 9:30 AM – Shigaraki Station (Meeting Point) The tour starts at Shigaraki Station! Gather on the station platform, breathing in the fresh morning air. Shigaraki Station is famous as the “town of tanuki,” and you’ll notice many tanuki statues lining the area. As soon as you step outside the station, you’ll be immersed in the world of Shigaraki pottery, and the excitement will begin the moment you arrive! Your enthusiastic tour guide will greet you warmly and take you to some of Shigaraki’s most charming spots. Along the way, you’ll learn all about Shigaraki pottery’s art and history while embarking on a fun and exciting adventure! 10:00–11:00 – Shigaraki Pottery Museum The first stop to step into the world of Shigaraki pottery is the Shigaraki Pottery Museum. Here, you’ll have the chance to learn about the captivating history of Shigaraki pottery, which has been developed over more than 1,000 years, all while surrounded by actual works of art. You’ll get to explore the process of pottery making, the unique color palette of Shigaraki ware, and delve into the traditional techniques that set it apart. As you wander through the exhibition rooms filled with vibrant ceramics, you’ll definitely become more and more fascinated by the history and culture of Shigaraki pottery. Recommended Highlight: The museum shop is a must-visit! You can pick up adorable tanuki figurines and beautiful ceramics as souvenirs. There are also cute, mini versions of the famous tanuki statues, perfect for taking home as a reminder of your visit! 12:00–13:00 – Tanukiya Bunpuku (Lying Giant Tanuki, Udon) When you’re hungry, head over to the local favorite, Tanukiya Bunpuku! Here, you’ll encounter a giant lying tanuki that’s over 2 meters long! Its massive presence is sure to impress, so be sure to snap a photo with it before your meal and keep it as a fun memory. Once inside the restaurant, you’ll find tanuki motifs everywhere—it’s like stepping into a world full of playful tanuki! Recommended Menu: Enjoy udon made with fresh local ingredients from Shigaraki, along with other dishes that showcase the flavors of the region. The restaurant’s original udon is especially delicious, sure to fill both your stomach and your heart. Fun Activity: After your meal, don’t miss the chance to take another photo with the huge tanuki statue outside! 14:00–15:00 – Shigaraki Pottery Kiln Shop: Otani Toki The tour wraps up at Otani Toki, where you can pick up some amazing Shigaraki pottery to take home! Here, you’ll have the chance to see the handmade creations of artisans who continue to preserve the tradition of Shigaraki pottery. The quality of the pieces is sure to impress you. You might even get the chance to watch the pottery-making process in action, which adds an extra layer of appreciation for the craft. And who knows? You may even have the opportunity to chat with the artisans about their work! Perfect Souvenirs: Whether it’s a vase, a traditional tea bowl, or a unique tanuki figurine, each piece carries the warmth of handmade craftsmanship. You’ll find plenty of items that capture the spirit of Shigaraki, making them the perfect souvenirs to bring home. Special Bonus: There might be an exclusive discount for tour participants! Take advantage of this special offer to get a piece of Shigaraki pottery at a great price and continue enjoying the charm of the town even after you leave. 和束茶屋 山甚 周辺の観光マップを見る

Shio-no-Né Japan > Hokkaido > Hakodate A Seafood Bowl Specialty Shop That Speaks to the Sea Hakodate, Suehiro-cho. When travelers arrive in this port town, the first thing they notice is the scent carried by the wind. The smell of the tide, the breath of the sea, the vibrancy of the port. “Shio no Ne” (The Sound of the Tide) is a small seafood bowl specialty shop that captures the essence of a Hakodate morning in a single bowl. The location is a quiet area just downhill from Motomachi. A modest white wooden sign is displayed on a street that is perfectly distanced from the hustle and bustle of tourist spots. Passing through the noren curtain, you’re welcomed by a counter with eight seats, made from wood that exudes warmth, and two small tables. What echoes in the air are the sounds of knives, dishes being placed, and the quiet enjoyment of meals. The “Now” of the Fishing Port and Market, Captured in a Bowl “That day, that sea, that fish.” This is the only promise that “Shio no Ne” keeps. The shop sources its ingredients every morning by visiting Hakodate port, nearby fixed-net fishing sites, and markets, selecting the best catches with a discerning eye. For example, medium-fat tuna, kombu-marinated sea bream, and live scallops still in their shells. Sometimes, a side-by-side comparison of sea urchin varieties, or translucent shrimp, flounder, and squid. Each fish is carefully placed atop a bed of white vinegar rice, handled with the same hands that fillet it. There are no set menu items. The only constant is the commitment to serve “today’s catch.” Each day’s bowl changes its appearance, as if the sea itself is speaking to you. From One Morning’s “Shio no Ne Bowl” Two kinds of sea urchin: fresh and Nemuro-bafun sea urchin Salted kombu-marinated squid Live scallops with roasted eggplant and dashi jelly Medium-fat tuna with mountain wasabi Kombu-marinated sea bream with karasumi powder The temperature of the white vinegar rice is carefully adjusted to preserve the flavor of the fish. The soy sauce is a homemade blend of several ingredients, used not so much for pouring, but to add an aromatic touch. A Cup of Soup and the Sweet Aftertaste to Close the Bowl Accompanying the bowl is a soup made from Iwa-nori seaweed from Toyohama and white miso. The root vegetables and greens change with the seasons, delivering a fragrant and comforting taste. To softly close the experience of the sea’s aftertaste, a sweet bite follows—salted milk monaka or agar sweets. Each offering has a subtle sweetness, a quiet and fitting bite for a traveler’s morning. No Clamor, No Words—But a Taste that Remains “Shio no Ne” has no flashy theatrics or Instagram-worthy plating. Yet, with each bite, you unmistakably feel the memory of flavors rooted in this land. The owner, after training as a chef in Sapporo, returned to his family’s fishing business, which had been active since his grandfather’s time, and moved to Hakodate. “A bowl is a luxurious dish. In one bowl, you can tell the story of a place.” “Fish communicates even without raising its voice. It reaches you clearly in silence.” A Bowl of the Sea, Close to Your Memory Hakodate, Suehiro-cho “Shio no Ne”—A small shop where you happen to stop by, its quiet morning, and the flavors that remain in your memory. In a place removed from the noise, as you converse with the sea, that single bowl becomes the “memory of the sea” that lingers quietly in your travels. Check out sightseeing spots around Shio-no-ne