I have a friend who is a teacher in Hokkaido, I can ask if he’s interested in getting in touch?
1 Like
I’ve been to Japan a few times with work and a couple of holidays, seeing the main cities and beyond.
Naoshima is a trek but unforgettable
Beyond Tokyo, my favourite place is Kanazawa.
An Anthony Bourdain show put me onto it
Well specifically, the fish market he visited, where you can eat oysters the size of fillet steaks.
Smaller, calmer and far less hectic than other cities mentioned, it is a city famed for artisan crafts- gold leaf, laquerware, wood carving etc
There are amazing public gardens- Monty Don loved them on his Japan tour show
There is an old Samurai house and gardens you will want to move into
I had the best Ramen of my life there, and there is a modest looking sushi /sashimi place called Kourin that is insanely good value
There are not many tourists, and lots of friendly locals keen to talk English. And drink.
There is an incredible vinyl record bar - Kanazawa Music Bar | KANAME INN TATEMACHI 公式Webサイト | 金沢
There is an excellent and orderly 2nd hand vinyl store called Record Jungle.
There is a branch of Beams for clothes.
The Square Hotel is in a good location and good value.
It’s a gem of a place imo
So chilled, it’s Balearic
Back in Tokyo, if you’re keen on cooking, the street that supplies all the restuarants for crockery, knives ,everything is Kappabashi Street. I’m the kind of sad git who flies home with 6 matt black dinner plates, and ramen bowls, and other assorted small bowls “just in case, maybe for olives?”
Personally, I find Japanese knives too high maintenance and for masochists. Nice to look at mind.
5 Likes
Thank you, have messaged you
