Sushi Yatai & Slow Resort

On Tuesday, March 28th, I went to Ashiya Beach with Shoko-san and her friends. They picked me up from my apartment and we all rode together. It was about a 30 minute drive in traffic.  We had lunch reservations at Sushi Yatai. It's a local restaurant that is well known for it's perfect view and delicious sushi. We chose to do omakase style. I was so excited to try this kind of dining. The idea is that the chef prepares the sushi for the customers based on what is best on the market at the time.  It was such a neat experience and I didn't take any pictures because the pace of the meal was too quick. 

From our seats at the sushi bar we had a clear view of the chef and his team preparing our sushi, as well as the dark blue ocean. It was breathtaking. And I cannot forget to mention that the restaurant inside multiple connected shipping containers. It was the first thing I noticed when we pulled up. 

I love shipping container buildings!

Our meal consisted of about 13 or 14 pieces of sushi, a seafood miso soup, pickled vegetables, and green tea.  Since we went during the lunch hour the price was less expensive and we each paid about 2,800 yen ($28). I would have easily paid more.

If anyone ever visits me, this is the restaurant that I recommend we try. It has been by far my best dining experience in Japan. A close second is Tobiume, the restaurant was also omakase style.

すし やたい (Sushi Yatai) , Ashiya Beach, Kitakyushu, Japan

Ashiya Beach, Kitakyushu, Japan

Ashiya Beach, Kitakyushu, Japan

Ashiya Beach, Kitakyushu, Japan

Ashiya Beach, Kitakyushu, Japan

After we finished our lunch, we headed to Slow Resort. Slow Resort is a collection of event spaces, garden cafes & restaurants, and a small winery. We had a fun time strolling through the shops and gardens and taking pictures of all the event spaces. It was a quiet afternoon and we had the place mostly to ourselves. There was something interesting around every corner. 

We ended our afternoon with coffee, cake, and soft serve at one of the cafes. 

I'm looking forward to meeting with the ladies again during the summer. Spending time with them is easy. I like their pace and style. 

Slow Resort, Ashiya Beach, Kitakyushu, Japan

Slow Resort, Ashiya Beach, Kitakyushu, Japan

Having fun? Yes!

Are you happy? Yes!

Event Space

Event Space

ワイン (wain)

はな (flower)

うま (horse) & やぎ (goat)

カフエラテ (cafe latte) & ソフト サーブ (soft serve)

いちご (strawberry) roll cake & カフエラテ (cafe latte)

Field Trip to Moji and Wakamatsu

Spring 2017, Kitakyushu, Japan

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A couple of weeks ago, Shoko-san made reservations for us to take a tour of the Shiranoe Botanical Garden and of the Hibikinada Biotope. Our tour included transporation on a tour bus and a bento picnic lunch.  I had been looking forward to this field trip because it would be my first chance to see cherry blossom trees in full bloom. 

Here's how we spent our day ...

The Shiranoe Botanical Garden is located in the Moji Ward of Kitakyushu.  It's situated on a hill overlooking the Sea of Suo.  The garden attracts visitors for every season. Currently the cherry blossom trees (sakura) are drawing crowds.  I plan on revisiting the garden in the fall to see their maple trees. 

Shiranoe Botanical Garden Information

Since we were a part of a group tour (45+), we had our own personal tour guide that walked us through the garden. Even though all the information was spoken in Japanese, I was able to enjoy the scenery and collect information from the signs written in English. I also had Shoko-san tugging at my arm every time she was able to quickly translate an interesting detail for me.

Once the guided tour was completed, we all picked up our bento boxes and separated for our lunch hour. Shoko-san and I found a picnic bench in the Lookout Square and enjoyed our meal. Afterwards, we walked around the garden and made our way to the overlook. The views were  beautiful and we were lucky to have such beautiful weather.

Cherry Blossom Tree (sakura, さくら)

Cherry Blossom Tree (sakura, さくら)

Our tour group had about 45 people, plus our guides.

Bento Box Picnic Lunch

Shoko-san brought a package of strawberries (ichigo) for each of us.

After taking in the sights at the garden, we boarded the tour bus and headed to Hibikinada Biotope which is a nature preserve in the Wakamatsu Ward of Kitakyushu.  Before we walked the grounds of the preseve, we listened to a presentation that explained how the nature preserve was built.

From what I could gather, the nature preserve is man made.  During the presentation they have a diagram showing the original sea line and how the nature preserve stretches beyond it. The creation of land has something to do with a waste landfill. I still have some research to do before I can fully understand what I saw today. 

Hibikinada Biotope Information

Once again, our group had a personal tour guide that walked us through the area. We had plenty of time to take pictures, break off into small groups, and explore. We were able to spot some of the endangered birds and insects that inhabit the area. Just like the garden, I plan to re-visit the Biotope. It was so interesting.

Regaining perspective ...

Today I was reminded of how important natural spaces are to me. I enjoy walking through gardens; looking out over lush fields; and seeing natural life around me. I didn't realize how important they were until I thought about how I would feel if they were taken away from me. Today's tour made an impression on me and sparked an interest I didn't think I had.

It also restored my sense of adventure. Spring is here and the weather is getting warmer. I'm coming out of hibernation and I am ready to do some sightseeing. 

Today was ... とても楽しかった!

Field Trip to Hiraodai

Shoko-san has a friend she's been wanting to introduce me to for a couple of months now. We were finally able to coordinate schedules and take a day trip to Hiraodai.  Hiraodai is a Nature Observation Park located in the north eastern part of Kyushu (Southern Japan). It is one of the three largest areas in Japan that contains limestone deposits.  Shoko-san's friend, Yoshihito, was kind enough to drive us to there since it's difficult to visit by bus. He has a black cube car and acted as our chauffeur for the afternoon. 

Before heading to the see the limestone deposits, we ate lunch at MK. MK is a family style nabe (hot pot, cook at your table) restaurant.  This wasn't my first time to have nabe, but it was my first time to eat a raw egg! The meal was interesting to say the least.

First, I messed up our order and ordered extra spicy broth for the whole table. 

Second, I ordered hot coffee before the meal. 

Third, I still have not learned how to slurp noodles and had a difficult time eating udon.

Fourth, I at a raw egg!

Even with all of that being said, the meal was so enjoyable and we had great conversations.

Totemo Tanoshi! とても楽しい So enjoyable!

After filling our bodies with protein or Macho Food as Yoshihito called it, we headed to Hiraodai. The drive was about 45 minutes so we stopped for coffee & gummy candy before heading up the mountain. 

The drive to the observation point was so scenic. I enjoyed looking out the window and seeing the city from above. We pulled off to the side of the road a couple of times to take pictures. The view was breathtaking. In a way, the scenery reminded me a little of Colorado and parts of West Texas. It was beautiful. The best part was the feeling I got when I looked out across the hills. I felt small, in a good way. It's the same kind of feeling I get when I look at the ocean or at the sky. It puts everything into perspective for me.

Here are the pictures I snapped ...

よしひと と みかえら

Yoshihito & Mikaera 

よしひと と しょこさん

Yoshihito & Shoko-san

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Today was an extra special adventure. xoxo

An Afternoon In Kurosaki

Today's Highlight: watching a robot solve a Rubik's Cube in 85.7 seconds.

Shoko-san and I spent the afternoon in Kurosaki. We met at COMCITY and immediately set out to tackle our list of sights to see.  Since the Yahata area was celebrating its 100th Anniversary, the streets were extra festive and buzzing with positive energy.

So here's how we spent our afternoon ... 

As we walked out of COMCITY we passed through Kurosaki Station. There was an area that had been marked off so music performers could play throughout the day. As we were approaching, a Japanese band that played American pop music was getting ready to perform. We found space at the front and waited for them to begin. They played 3 songs and I only recognized one of them, Loco-Motion by Grand Funk Railroad. We both had fun singing along.

... come on baby, do the loco-motion with me ...

Afterwards, she told me that that song is really popular here in Japan. I laughed because I think the last time I heard it was when I was in elementary school.  It's funny to see what parts of American culture are embraced.  

Japanese band covering American pop music

Kurosaki Station

When Shoko-san and I made plans weeks ago to come to the YASKAWA Robot Village, I couldn't contain my excitement. I really like robots. I find them fascinating.  One of my favorite things about Japan is their development and use of robot technology.  Even though I knew that all of the displays would have an English translation, I still wanted to research and learn about what I would be seeing beforehand. I went to the YASKAWA website and found a video that gives an overview of the Robot Village. It gave me all of the information I needed and made me even more excited to tour the place in person. Here's the video ... 

YASKAWA's Robot Village

YASKAWA Electric Co. Ltd., Kitakyushu, Japan

YASKAWA Robot Village - 安川ロボット村

This robotic arm demonstrated the increased mobility that this technology offers. The arm moved fluidity around, through, and over the obstacles in it's path. 

This is a biomedical dual arm robot that can mix medications.

I'm not exactly sure how these robotic pieces function, but the idea is that they will allow people to walk with assistance. The video that accompanied the demonstration showed different types of people in different handicapped circumstances, that were able to use this technology to walk.  In the picture above, the video is showing a father who uses this technology to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding. It was very touching.

Interactive Demonstration - play a card game against a robot! I didn't play because there was a line of about 10 kids in front of me, but I watched and cheered them on. The game was a matching challenge --- who can find the matching card first.

This was by far my favorite robot technology. This robot solved Rubik's Cubes. We watched it solve one in about 92 seconds, and another in 85.7 seconds. It was unbelievable!

You know how people gesture and talk with their hands and arms? 

Well these display screens were attached to robotic arms that performed a synchronized show. It was so interesting. I watched the demonstration twice.

This video was showing what our future life with robots could look like.

I absolutely loved everything about YASKAWA's Robot Village. I plan to go back and re-visit all of the displays. I'm such a nerd when it comes to robots.

Visit YASKAWA's website by clicking here.

Once we finished touring the Robot Village, we headed to see a nature trail lined with pine trees. It was one of the most peaceful places I've ever been. We walked the entire course and enjoyed the stillness.

Shoko-san is like me. She doesn't like large crowds or gatherings. One day during our Japanese class she randomly told me that she likes 'quiet places' and that she has her own 'quiet place'. I couldn't help but smile because I feel exactly the same way.

We walked down the streets of Kurosaki and I took note of the many shops, bakery's, and restaurants that I want to try. There seemed to be something every which way I turned.

And as we were walking through the festival vendors, we came across some ninjas. Of course I had to get a picture. 

Ninja Take 1

Ninja Take 2 -- semi succesful

We ended our afternoon by sitting in the lobby of the Hotel Crown Palais.

After we had finished our tea and sweets, Shoko-san helped me write about our day in Japanese.

Today was ideal.