Kunihiko Mitamura Explores Yunotsu, Shimane: A World Heritage Port Town with Famous Hot Springs, Showa Retro Cafes, and Fisherman's Meals

©TV Osaka [Cast] Kunihiko Mitamura, Yukino Saito

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This time, they head to Yunotsu in Shimane with Yukino Saito. Enjoy the atmospheric streetscapes of a World Heritage port town and delicious food from the Sea of Japan!

A Famous Hot Spring Visited by Fans from Across the Country! The Oldest Hot Spring Facility

©TV Osaka Heading to the symbolic building of Yunotsu

Yunotsu is a World Heritage port town in Shimane Prefecture. It has been cherished since ancient times as a "highly medicinal hot spring resort" and is one of the leading hot spring areas in the Chugoku region. Its streetscape is the only one in Japan designated as an "Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings" for a hot spring town. The two first head to a symbolic building in Yunotsu.

©TV Osaka [Shinyu Cafe Kuranojo] Exuding High Architectural Beauty

[Shinyu Cafe Kuranojo] is a renovated facility that was once used as a hot spring. The building, constructed in the early Taisho era, allows you to feel the atmosphere of that time. Currently, the new building built after the war operates as the hot spring facility [Yakushiyu].

A Renovated Snack Bar!? "Showa Retro Cafe" & "Iwami-style Sauna"

©TV Osaka [New Lemon Tree] with its retro and stylish space

The next place they visited, [New Lemon Tree], is a cafe newly opened in a location that was once a snack bar. Imagining the feeling after a bath, they toast with local beers 'Yunotsu Beer' and 'Yunotsu Ale'!

©TV Osaka [Iwami-style Sauna] using Sekishu tiles and Iwami region wood

As they proceed to the back of the store... there's a sauna! The [Iwami-style Sauna] uses traditional clay tiles called Sekishu-gawara, produced in the Iwami region, and wood from the Iwami region, allowing you to feel the local climate of Iwami on your skin.

Overlooking the Sea! Eating "Hearty! Fisherman's Meal" with a Spectacular View

©TV Osaka They enjoy the 'KAN no Ryoushi Meshi Teishoku (Jou)'

Hungry, the two head to [Minato no Shokudo KAN], where you can enjoy seafood in a prime location. While overlooking the Sea of Japan, Mitamura toasts with 'Mugi Shochu on the rocks' and Saito with 'KAN's Original Beer'! They ordered the 'KAN no Ryoushi Meshi Teishoku (Jou)', which is recommended to be eaten by mixing egg, original dipping soy sauce, and sashimi, then pouring it over rice...

©TV Osaka "A new way to eat seafood bowl!" (Mitamura)

After the first bite, Mitamura was so impressed by the deliciousness that he spontaneously applauded! This is because the restaurant is close to the fishing port, so you can enjoy fresh seafood. Saito also praised it highly, saying, "It's delicious, the sashimi!"

A Quarry from the Muromachi Period: A Fantastical Underground Space

©TV Osaka [Fukumitsu-ishi Quarry]

After enjoying the seafood, the two head into the mountains. They visit the [Fukumitsu-ishi Quarry], which Mitamura said he "really wanted to see!" Its origins date back to the Muromachi period, and it boasts the largest output in Shimane Prefecture.

©TV Osaka [Fukumitsu-ishi] with excellent water absorption

The stone produced here, formed from compressed volcanic ash, is called [Fukumitsu-ishi]. It has excellent water absorption and is currently used for washing areas in hot springs and entrances.

Traditional Performing Arts "Iwami Kagura" Mask Painting Experience!

©TV Osaka A powerful Iwami Kagura mask

Iwami Kagura is a traditional performing art centered around the Iwami region of Shimane Prefecture. It is said that displaying an 'Iwami Kagura mask' used in the performances at home brings blessings such as 'family safety' and 'warding off evil'.

The two visit [Kobayashi Koubou], where you can experience painting an 'Iwami Kagura mask'.

©TV Osaka During the painting experience!

After observing the work, they try the painting experience themselves! While Mitamura moves his brush without hesitation, Saito says, "The lines are getting crooked..." It is said that the mask resembles the face of the person who made it... What kind of faces did they end up with?

"Grilled Yellowtail" & "Shimane Wagyu Stew" at a Popular Local Restaurant

©TV Osaka Eating fatty yellowtail collar, "It's so juicy!" (Saito)

Dinner tonight is at the popular local restaurant [Roan]. First, they toast with hot sake, a local sake from Yunotsu called 'Junmai "Iwami Karakuchi" Yamadanishiki'! They enjoy a large, splendid 'Grilled Yellowtail Collar' and 'Shimane Wagyu Mix Stew', which stews various parts of Shimane Wagyu.

©TV Osaka Enjoying the seasonal 'Yunotsu Wakame Pizza'!

Finally, they enjoy the seasonal 'Yunotsu Wakame Pizza'! This is a delicacy that can only be eaten here, and Mitamura is surprised by its deliciousness, saying, "It was completely different from what I imagined!" The saltiness of the wakame and cheese is just right, and it goes perfectly with alcohol!

"Otonatabi Aruki Tabi" airs every Saturday at 6:30 PM. It is a travel program "for adults" where Kunihiko Mitamura walks through the places he visits, savoring local delicacies, fine sake, and scenery, and conveys the feelings he experiences through interactions with local people.

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