When I first came to Japan 20 years ago, it was a real challenge to remain vegetarian. There were very few restaurants that catered to non-meat eaters and very few servers understood when I asked for something without meat, “niku … Read More
Restaurants & Food
Takenoko Mura (village)
I’ve always loved bamboo shoots aka takenoko. I never made Thai green curry without the water packed version that comes vacuum wrapped from the grocery store. Then one day one of our lovely neighbors here in Kisami dropped off a … Read More
Sakanadonya
Kaitenzushi is a sushi shop where nigirizushi rolls up to you on a conveyer belt and you get to take your pick of Japan’s most celebrated culinary tradition. Sakanadonya is on the 2nd floor of Shimoda’s Michi-no-eki (road station), right … Read More
Shimoda Burger
At the Ra-Maru Diner in Michi-no-Eki they serve a fish burger made with Shimoda’s most popular fish, kin-me-dai (aka splendid alfonsino). ¥1000 may seem a little pricey for a fish burger and some chips, but it’s a tasty change from … Read More
Michi-no-eki (road station)
道 (Michi) means road, の (no) is a possessive like our ‘s, and 駅 (eki) means station. Together you have “Road Station“, which have all of the conveniences of a train station but is made for drivers and their cars. … Read More
South Cafe
I have been meaning to write about South Cafe for a long time. And so I bring my camera with me every time I go but then as soon as the food arrives, my mouth waters and I dig in … Read More
Morinookurimono Bakery
Shimoda’s wood-burning-oven bakery is set in the heavens above. The scenic drive through the country side, then a hair-raising thrill ride up a steep and narrow mountain road is so worth your test of faith (and brakes!). Once you are … Read More
Fontaine Bakery & Cafe
I think most foreigners living in Japan would agree that there are not enough breakfast places around. So I am happy to have discovered a great new spot with fluffy omelettes, toast, Italian coffee and freshly squeezed OJ. UPDATE: I’m … Read More
Cafe Mellow
For those of you who have been visiting the Kisami area for sometime, you may have noticed that Paradise has been lost and in it’s place Cafe Mellow has set up shop. Although some of the changes will take some … Read More
Happy Buddha Smoothies
Happy Buddha Smoothies is a little hard to find but totally worth the extra effort. To get there take the main road and turn at the entrance for Irita Beach (between Re-mix and the Chinese restaurant). Instead of following the … Read More
Manpo Himono
When Japanese people travel to the sea they naturally want to eat fish. It makes sense, what’s local and in season, is tastiest! Overseas a great majority of Japanese restaurants serve sushi but within Japan, the percentage of sushi shops … Read More
Cubstar Cafe
If you love a good sandwich, like I love a good sandwich, you have got to check out cubstar in Shimoda. They have a Panini lunch special to please everyone. A veggie version with mozzarella and cheese, the pescetarian special … Read More
On the Beach
On the Beach is not actually on the beach but their BBQ sets are all wrapped up to go so you can certainly take it to the beach, or to the boardwalk, or back to your room, or anywhere else … Read More
日本語