Have you ever heard of the term “Hamamatsu Power Food”?
“Hamamatsu Power Food” is seasonal ingredients and dishes harvested in the Hamamatsu/Lake Hamana area.
It is said that Tokugawa Ieyasu, who spent 17 years in Hamamatsu and later became a ruler of Japan, supported the rise of Tokugawa Ieyasu through the region’s rich food, including seafood from Lake Hamana.
The Hamamatsu/Lake Hamana area is known for its long sunshine hours and warm climate. It is said that Tokugawa Ieyasu once loved Tokugawa Ieyasu’s food culture, which was nurtured by its rich marine resources and diverse soil.
Among them, we visited Bonzaru, a restaurant that serves many nutritious dishes such as soft-shelled turtle, blowfish, and eel, and spoke to the owner, Takahiro Hakamada.
When I first asked about the origin of the store’s name, I was told that the company’s president, Sachio Suzuki, was born in the year of the Monkey, so the name meant “ordinary monkey.”
In honor of the monkey, an animal that is said to be the origin of humankind, we value the basic idea (origin) of “making our customers happy.”
Hakamada joined Bonzaru nine years ago. Mr. Hakamada was a salaryman with no experience in the food and beverage industry at the time, but the first thing that surprised him when he became involved with the restaurant was the attitude of the staff, who focused directly on the food.
Even though he didn’t know what was right and what was left, he interacted with customers every day, and as he was nurtured by the voices behind the counter saying, “It’s delicious!”, he says that the scenery he saw changed.
When I asked about the characteristics of the restaurant, I was told that they have prepared a rich menu of food and drinks, in order to fulfill the president’s desire to “fulfill the wishes of our customers as much as possible.”
The interior of the restaurant, which includes counters, private rooms, and large tatami rooms, is designed to accommodate a variety of situations.
Among the many menus, the soft-shelled turtle dish is popular among both men and women as it is rich in collagen.
Even in Hamamatsu, the birthplace of soft-shelled turtle farming, we carry Tokumaru soft-shelled turtles, a brand with little distribution that takes time and effort to raise.
When asked about the recommended way to prepare soft-shelled turtle, a power food that is high in protein, low in calories, and rich in nutrients, the recommendation was a hot pot that brings out the flavor of simple ingredients.
The soup stock has a rich flavor but no flavor, and it is said that it is customary to turn it into porridge at the end.
Smooth raw caramel made with soft-shelled turtle soup and soy milk is also popular as a souvenir.
This product was born out of the desire to make it easier to eat soft-shelled turtles, but it has no taste or fishy smell and is packed with concentrated essence.
When the conversation turned to the coronavirus pandemic, he honestly talked about his feeling of having nowhere to go, saying, “It’s not anyone’s fault, but it’s been a difficult period for restaurants.”
He then says, “Although it may not be directly related to the coronavirus pandemic, I want you to enjoy a delicious meal.”
It’s easier than ever to fill your stomach, but there is a limit to the amount and number of times you can eat in your lifetime.
“I would be happy if you could cherish your precious meal time.”
“As one of those options, we want to offer food that people don’t usually eat at home, a welcoming space, and time-consuming professional cooking.”
He talked about the role that eating out will play in the post-coronavirus era.
Finally, when I asked him about his future plans, he told me two goals.
One is to revitalize Bonzaru, which was once an aspirational store for the city’s young people and a cool place visited by professional soccer players, so that it will appeal to today’s young people as well.
Regular customers sometimes ask, “You’ve been working at the store for a long time, why don’t you start your own business?”, but Mr. Hakamada says he wants to stick to the work he can do in his current environment.
The other is to spread the word about Hamamatsu’s delicious food.
Like Tokugawa Ieyasu, who unified Japan from Hamamatsu, we are also eager to take on the challenge of spreading the appeal of Hamamatsu Power Food, which was blessed with the natural beauty of Hamamatsu, beyond the local area.
Link: Bonzaru「http://www.bonzaru.com/」
365BASE outdoor hostel is a hotel full of fun! An exciting space that will make you want to conquer every room ☆
It is a 4-minute walk east from Sukenobu Station on the Enshu Railway, near the center of Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
“365BASE outdoor hostel” is a hotel filled with fun and exciting concepts.
The hotel’s rooms are designed with an outdoor concept and are filled with a variety of playful features, creating an exciting space for adults and children alike.
365BASE, which started as a shared house in 2015, was transformed into an outdoor-themed hotel in 2020, and has become a lodging destination visited by fans from all over the world.
There are many rooms that are rare even across the country, such as facilities that make you feel like you’re camping outdoors while indoors, large tents, and rooms where you can boulder.
Each room on the first floor has a permanent grill installed so you can have a barbecue on the terrace.
This month’s recommendation is “365BASE outdoor hostel,” where you can spend a fun time different from your everyday life.
A look into the charm of Kunma Suisha no Sato, a relaxing roadside station that can be enjoyed in all seasons.
Kunma Suisha(water wheel) no Sato, a roadside station in the northwest of Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu City, is a popular spot where you can enjoy nature, gourmet food, and handmade experiences all year round.
The people in charge of customer service inside the store are mothers from the local Kuma district. Due to the warmth of its customer service and atmosphere, it won the “Tokoro JAPAN Local Roadside Station Grand Prix” in September 2022.
This time, we will introduce you to the highlights of Kunma Suisha(water wheel) no Sato and how to enjoy it.
Liquor x Chocolate Discover the charms of Hamakita Ward, Hamamatsu City! ①
On this day, Sea Lake HAMANA Jenne came to Hamakita Ward, Hamamatsu City. Hamakita Ward, which functions as Hamamatsu City’s sub-center and has a large population, has forest parks and rice fields, giving the impression of a lush cityscape. This area has the image of being more of a residential area and restaurants than a tourist destination, but there are many attractive spots.