Thank you so much, Hideo-San and Yukako-San, for your kind and generous hospitality during our stay at your wonderful home!
Hideo-San met us at the bus stop and from there the adventures began. We got lunch from a farmers market, and then visited a local shrine and refreshing onsen after dropping off our bags and having a bite. Dinner was fried delights at a spot down the road.
After a good night's rest at Tokuhei-an's spacious rooms, Hideo-San drove us to the Obama fish market to pick up fresh mackerel, red snapper, shrimp and squid to grill for lunch. After more sightseeing around Obama Bay, a stop by a Chopstick Museum and Gift Shop, and a visit to the Miyama thatched roof village, we returned to the house to rest up for the evening's feast.
Yukako-San, who has experience cooking at a Michelin-starred restaurant, sliced up and prepared fresh Obama tuna, squid, shrimp and sea urchin for sushi hand rolls. Delightful eggplant, potato salad and miso soup accompanied the seafood, along with home-grown shiso leaves and ice cold beer and sake.
A legendary night!
Our trip was all the while enhanced by Hideo-san's engaging stories, witty jokes, infectious laughter, Nihon-go tips and reflections on life.
The house was super comfortable and well-equipped, including kitchen equipment and air-conditioning system. It was perfect for our group of six, including two kids.
Thank you again Hideo-San and Yukako-San for hosting us and for providing lifelong memories - Okagesama de!