Following the previous article, we bring you more information on gourmet spots in Izumisano City. The featured establishments were recommended by Tetsu Nakamichi, a representative of Marunaka Co., Ltd., the company behind the popular towel brand "Hiorie," which has been in business in Izumisano City for 65 years and knows this town well.
For an introduction to Izumisano City and its tourist spots, click here.
Amou Udon
In western Japan, udon noodles are more popular than soba, and at this restaurant, the udon is even thicker and chewier than typical udon noodles, making it extremely satisfying. The homemade noodles are made with domestic wheat and mineral-rich salt, while the tempura features locally sourced vegetables.
Operating Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Closed: Mondays
Tempura Udon with Soft-Boiled Egg (Cold)
This dish features cold udon topped with tempura made from mizunasu and other local vegetables and shrimp tempura, with a soft-boiled egg in the center, all drizzled with cold dashi broth. The contrast between the crispy tempura and the firm udon is delightful.
Udon with Tempura Mizunasu and Soft-Boiled Egg (Cold)
This udon dish is a perfect summer menu item. The tempura mizunasu, which becomes sweeter when fried, pairs excellently with the udon broth, making it a must-try for those looking for a refreshing meal.
Sushidokoro Yoshiya
Recommended by Tetsu Nakamichi of Marunaka Co., Ltd., this restaurant features a large tank with pike conger as thick as 500ml bottles swimming inside?a surprising sight.
Operating Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Closed: Tuesdays
Pike Conger Sashimi
Pike conger is a high-end summer delicacy often served blanched. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it was served as sashimi. Pike conger has many small bones, so the flesh is finely scored for easier eating. The flesh is tender with a natural sweetness, while the skin is lightly seared to enhance its texture. This dish is a specialty that can only be enjoyed in Izumisano when the fish is fresh.
Mizunasu Pickles
When you bite the seasonal mizunasu pickles, you immediately taste the refreshing, delicate sweetness. The jagged edges on the sliced mizunasu are a result of tearing it by hand, which serves three primary purposes:
It allows the flavor to absorb more easily.
It prevents the flavor from deteriorating.
It helps the juices spread in your mouth as you eat.
Fried Gaccho
This dish involves removing the head of each small fish, opening it up, and frying it, making it easy to eat with no fishy smell. The texture is addictive, and the dish is seasoned with salt and pepper, making it a perfect match for beer.
Conclusion
Although Izumisano might not be considered a metropolis, the fresh seafood, beautiful scenery, and thriving industries here offer a unique experience that leaves a lasting impression of human connection. With excellent accessibility, I recommend stopping by Izumisano when shopping or using the airport to experience Japanese culinary culture and local industries.Finally, let me introduce you to "Hiorie," a towel brand by Marunaka Co., Ltd., that assisted us during this visit.
Hiorie is a factory brand committed to "Made in Japan," specializing in Senshu towels woven at their own factory in Osaka Senshu. They continuously develop and improve their products based on customer feedback, ensuring satisfaction and joy in using their towels.
Their most popular product, the "Hotel Style Towel," has sold over 10 million units. It’s made with a thicker combed cotton yarn and woven with a long pile, offering a fluffy texture and excellent absorbency. It’s also a highly appreciated gift.
The "Big Face Towel" is another carefully designed product, sized between a bath towel and a face towel. It’s large enough to dry an adult after a bath with just one towel yet more compact than a bath towel, making it very popular.
Hiorie also focuses on color options, offering shades like mocha and light gray that blend well with Japanese home interiors, which were previously hard to find in Japanese-made products.
We invite you to try their towels and experience their quality for yourself.
Hiorie towels are available for international shipping through LUXCRAS. Sales are held periodically, so be sure to check it out.