Unlock a New Taste Experience with Japan’s TOP RATED Seafood! 🤯🍣

Head to Hamada City Fish Market bright and early, around 10 AM, for the freshest nodoguro. Grab a seat in the food court right above the market, where you can see the sea your food came from. Order from the vending machine – it's a unique experience! I tried the grilled nodoguro, and it was an incredible, fatty white fish that just melts in your mouth. It's so light and creamy, unlike any other fish I've had. The slightly charred grilled taste makes a huge difference. It's usually very expensive, but here it's fresh and much cheaper than elsewhere in Japan. You absolutely cannot come here and not eat this; it's a new fish sensation. The oil from the fish covers the rice, providing most of the flavor. It's the best kaisendon I've ever had, a perfect start to the morning.

Explore the beautiful Vermilion red Taikodani Inari Shrine, which offers a stunning view of Tsuwano town. It's the fifth greatest Inari Shrine in Japan, and while it might be quiet today, it's the second most visited shrine in Shimane. Walk through the tunnel pathway of over 1000 red torii gates. It's a bit of a climb, 678 steps from what we counted, but the experience is incredibly rewarding. You can buy lucky talismans, 'ema' wish tablets with fox faces, and even deep-fried tofu for 200 yen, which is said to be the fox's favorite.

Visit Yamamoto Fumido, a traditional Japanese sweet shop in Tsuwano, to try Genjimaki. The shop feels like an antique store, full of tradition. If you eat inside, they offer complimentary tea and a freshly made, warm Genjimaki cut in half. Genjimaki is a thin castella cake wrapped around red azuki bean paste. I tried the soft 'koshian' version, and it was delicious, especially warm. The cake is thick and the sweetness is just right. The hospitality here is insane, making you feel transported back in time. It's a must-try when visiting Tsuwano.

Head to Tsuwano Station to watch the trains. While I regretted not seeing the SL Yamaguchi steam locomotive, the cute little local train that arrived perfectly matched the atmosphere of this old traditional town. It's a nice way to end an awesome day out in Tsuwano.