Glimpses of Japan

Yamadera, its official name is Risshakuji Temple, is a temple located in Yamagata prefecture. Yamadera literally means “mountain temple.” As the name describes, Yamadera stands along the steep mountain, and there are 1,015 steps towards the main building “Okunoin.” It is pretty much work to go up such number of stairs in a mountain. However, it turned out to be the best temple I have ever visited. About Yamadera Yamadera was founded in AD860 (it’s surprising, over a thousand years ago!) by the priest Jikaku Daishi. Yamadera is also known for a visit by the famous poet Matsuo Basho. He composed one of his most famous poems here in Yamadera. Basho’s original work is buried here under the stone. Once you get off the Yamadera Station, you will see a map. The map shows the way to the mountain entrance, and the path is pretty clear, so I think there is no worry about getting lost. It’s about 5 minutes walk from the station. The map of Yamadera and around the area in front of the statio...

Ginzan Onsen is a beautiful onsen district in Yamagata Prefecture. Kosankaku, a ryokan in Ginzan onsen, has a great view and delicious food, and nice private onsen. Brief description of Kosankaku Kosankaku is located at near the foot bath. Kosankaku is one of the oldest ryokans in Ginzan Onsen.   It has been operated from Edo period, which means more than 100 years. The exterior is decorated with paintings of Japanese traditional items. Items and interior of Kosankaku have nostalgic atmosphere. The big table in the lobby. Old telephone. Surprisingly, this sign says that it is still in use! The stairs going to the upper floor Kosankaku’s room was cozy tatami room The room was traditional tatami room. I could look down the lovely street of Ginzan Onsen from the window. Cozy tatami room of Kosankaku. Pretty room key! Dinner and breakfast of Kosankaku Dinner was traditional kaiseki course cuisine. Kosankaku’s Kaiseki dinner Sashimi dish The plate of side dish, te...

When you explore the beautiful Matsushima islands, you need a place to rest as it takes quite a while to get around. Shokado is the perfect place to have a cup of coffee because they have the best Castella in Matsushima and the best view from the cafe. Shokado has more than 100 years history The first generation of Shokado started the business as a confectionery. They became a cafe at some times and confectionary again at other times. They are not a 100-year castella producer, but they have been doing their business at the same location for more than 100 years. The current president, the fifth generation, became in charge in 2010 and made the concept “less is more.” Castella is a very simple snack. Use fresh egg produced locally and bake in the latest oven. Then it becomes so wet and soft. This simple Castella became so famous because of the taste. Now gets more and more visitors each year. Simple and delicious castella Their Castella is very simple. It does not have any unnecessa...

Yamagata Prefecture is in the Tohoku region, the northern part of Japan. This means they have rich resources to make great food; pure, natural, delicious water, and ingredients produced in the neighboring farms. When I traveled to Yamagata, I got to encounter one of the best wagashi, Japanese confectionery shop, I have ever had. The name of the shop is “Koshikakean (腰掛庵)” The long-established wagashi shop situated in a 120 years old building Koshikakean is located in a small residential neighborhood and might be difficult to find at first the first visit. The shop is situated in a pretty old house style building. The building is said to be more than 120 years old. Look for this orange sign saying “Koshikakean (こしかけ庵)”  Koshikakean is popular not only with tourists but also among locals as well. There is always a queue after opening, so better to arrive early to purchase their mochi. Signature Product: Warabi Mochi Warabi Mochi is a jelly-like mochi with Kinako and Kuro Mitsu...