Uncovering the Unique Appeal of Unagi-imo, Born from Local Pride

There is a quietly growing interest in a unique Japanese sweet potato brand: Unagi-imo. With a name that is hard to forget, this special potato originates from Hamamatsu—a city known for its unagi (eel) culture. It was born out of one man’s passion for agriculture, combined with the distinctive characteristics of the local land and culinary traditions.

In this article, we delve into the origins of Unagi-imo, uncover what makes it truly one-of-a-kind, explore its flavor and craftsmanship, and introduce the shops where you can enjoy it for yourself.

Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture is well known as a multicultural city, offering a comfortable and welcoming environment for Muslim residents and visitors alike. The city is home to a wide variety of halal-friendly supermarkets and restaurants, allowing Muslims to enjoy daily life without worrying about dietary restrictions.

For example, “Al-Hakim Halal Mart,” located near a mosque, is a popular destination for Muslims from countries such as Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Pakistan. It offers not only halal food ingredients and ready-made meals but also clothing, toothbrushes, and other daily necessities, all halal-certified.

“Matahari Café is a restaurant run by a Japanese chef who is married to an Indonesian woman, serves only halal dishes and provides prayer mats and a foot-washing area for Muslim guests, ensuring religious needs are respected.

You’ve probably heard of Kyoto’s matcha, but did you know that Shizuoka is one of Japan’s top green tea-producing regions?

Shizuoka Prefecture is known in Japan as “Shizuoka Prefecture when it comes to green tea,” and in fact, Shizuoka Prefecture is one of the top green tea producers in Japan, even more so than Kyoto, known as the home of green tea!

There are many varieties (regional brands) of “Shizuoka green tea” produced in Shizuoka Prefecture, such as Motoyama tea in Shizuoka City, Kakegawa tea in Kakegawa City, Kawane tea in Shimada City, and Tenryu tea in Hamamatsu City are well known.

▲Photo provided: Kakegawa City (Cold Fukamushi (Deep-Steamed) Kakegawa Green Tea)

If you’re looking to experience tea picking, learn about green tea, and of course, enjoy some tea, here are some of the best green tea spots in Shizuoka Prefecture for you to explore!

Outside of Japan, “Shizuoka Prefecture is associated with tea” may not yet be widely known.

Why not enjoy tea in Shizuoka Prefecture ahead of your friends?

▲Photo provided：Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana Tourism Bureau

Strawberry picking is one of the most popular leisure activities in spring!

Image: Kashima Harvest

This article introduces recommended “strawberry picking spots” in Hamamatsu. Detailed explanations of fees, access, and reservation methods for each facility are also provided!

In addition, we also introduce sightseeing spots in Hamamatsu that you can enjoy together with strawberry picking, so please be sure to look at this page until the end.

Muskmelon is juicy and has a rich aroma.

Did you know that Shizuoka Prefecture is actually famous for producing cantaloupe?

introduce Kashima Harvest, a tourist farm where you can pick melons in Kurematsu-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

When you go melon picking at Kashima Harvest, you can take home the melon you harvested.

In addition, there is a tasting experience where you can enjoy chilled melons that are perfect for eating on the spot during the hot summer!

Let me introduce you in detail.

Blueberries are in season in early summer from June to August.

Did you know that you can also go blueberry picking in Hamamatsu?

This time, I went to Sato Fam “Aoitori” located in Miyakodamachi, Hamana Ward, Hamamatsu City, which is also featured in the Yaramaika Tourism.

A plan that includes a 30-minute blueberry picking experience and original gelato containing whole blueberries.

Not only can you eat the blueberries you picked on the spot, but you can also take home a pack of them.

Now, let’s go pick blueberries, which are in season now!

The most representative fruit that signals the arrival of spring is strawberries, which turn bright red.

In particular, “strawberry picking” where you can stuff your mouth with freshly picked strawberries is a recommended activity in spring.

In fact, Shizuoka Prefecture is one of the leading strawberry producing areas in Japan. So this time, we visited Kashima Harvest, a recommended strawberry picking spot in Hamamatsu, for an interview.

Hello.

My name is Takuma Sato and I am a member of the regional revitalization cooperation team in Kosai City.

It’s been getting colder lately, and I feel like winter is coming…!

The other day, I went to Hamaichi to survive the cold weather.

This time, I would like to introduce the situation and recommended courses!

Do you ever feel like you have a little time until the Shinkansen or the beginning?

Therefore, in this article, we will introduce places around Hamamatsu Station where you can sightsee and kill time within a 10-minute walk.

・Play (sightseeing spots)

・See (photo & walk)

・Drink (alcohol)

・Eat (snack)

I will introduce you from this perspective.

After the coronavirus pandemic, Hamamatsu’s restaurants are starting to get crowded again.

There are many tourists and business travelers from outside the prefecture, and there are more opportunities to see people staying near the station heading to restaurants in town with a carry case in hand.

Today, Hamamatsu/Hamanako Daisuki Net will introduce restaurants where you can casually enjoy eating and drinking in Hamamatsu town.

\ Autumn tourist season begins ~ /

Once you get some relief from the midsummer heat, you’ll want to go out.

This time, we will introduce two service areas in Hamamatsu City.

picture? Service area? For those who thought so! !

If you read till the end, you will definitely want to go (lol)

In recent years, service areas are not just rest areas on expressways.

It’s so fulfilling that some people go out just to see the service area.

It is also a spot that you can easily go to without having to get on the expressway.

It’s fun to rediscover local gourmet food and sweets!

From exclusive souvenirs that can only be purchased here to gourmet food, only available here in Japan! to the highlights including

Let’s go to the service area where Hamamatsu citizens can also enjoy.

《Basic information for each service area》

Where is the eel’s hometown? When asked, I couldn’t help but say, “This is it! “and,

A place you’ll want to talk about… [Suigetsuro/Suigetsuro] standing on the shore of Lake Hamana

[Toku Hamanako Bettei] is located on the second floor of Sagetsuro.

The large windows offer a panoramic view of Lake Hamana, making you feel as if you are inside Lake Hamana.

The live eels and fresh fish carefully selected by the long-established eel restaurant “Unagi Toku” are served here.

You can go beyond enjoying with your five senses and enjoy the sixth sense of your imagination.