Part of my Hokkaido road trip was visiting Kushiro to see marshlands and cranes. It was wet and cold when I arrived at the hotel. I haven’t had lunch, so walked across bridge to Azumaya Nusamai-bunten, a soba shop that ran for 71 years. I ordered torizaru soba which I believe is their signature dish. The dipping broth has chicken skins and green colored soba from chlorella. The showa period decor made the place feel comfy☺️
The rain limited how far I’m willing to explore the area plus it was getting dark. There’s monument where a famous enka song, “釧路の夜” (Night at Kushiro) plays. I just walked along the wharf studying fishing boats, the shops, and restaurants prepping the seafood and grills (would partake if I wasn’t traveling solo). Went back to the bridge to the other part of city to check out some izakaya. Unfortunately, the place known to birth the zangi chicken was closed. However, I decided to be brave and go to つんどら食堂, a robatayaki joint. No english menu and you can tell this was a place for locals. It was amazing to see this dude who was regular had his usual bottle suntory whiskey and pack of cigarettes served to him by the owner. On the TV, 90s J-pop MVs plays while I enjoy my grilled whelk, gyoza and beer. It was fun to observe but I wish I was fluent in japanese to chat with the locals.
by joiebot