JOURNEY ACROSS JAPAN | Episode 2: The Countryside Town that Japan Forgot (Patreon)

And we’re off!

As you guys saw in the last episode, Natsuki and I managed to squeeze ourselves into the Moco, traversing the best part of 100km to make it to Kinugawa Onsen. I’ve always wanted to come to Kinugawa as it looks like some sort of apocalyptic wasteland with its dilapidated buildings and rusted bridges clinging onto the valley.  However, set against the backdrop of Autumnal reds and golds the town is pretty damn impressive.

Onwards to 'Miniland', we experienced the wonders of Paris and New York, merely metres apart. Natsuki impersonated Godzilla, a fruitless endeavour given his face is horrifying enough. Whilst we were rampaging around many a capital city, the team was working away on the first video for you guys, all from the back of an RV. You’ll meet them in this episode and I’m sure they’ll be popping up throughout the series.

Thank you so much for sending in all your challenges - we’ve had thousands of submissions and some of them are actually good. Anpanman returns for the first challenge of the series, ‘Find a local celebrity’ (unfortunately Natsuki doesn’t qualify), which took us to Ouchi-juku, a thatched roof village dating back to the Edo era, in the hopes of finding someone of significance. Alas, the weather screwed us, with a downpour so severe I had to buy new shoes to weather the storm. Fortunately, some kind ladies running a souvenir store - seemingly the only place open - took pity upon us and plied us with a random assortment of pickles. Probably the only healthy thing we’ll be eating on the whole trip.

Abandoning the desolate village, we hit the road after Natsuki’s desperate online searches led to the discovery of a truly iconic, inspirational character and indeed a local celebrity. None other than Sakura the cat, the official attendant at Ashinomaki Onsen station in Aizuwakamatsu. By the time we rocked up, she had knocked off for the day though - she’ll need to work longer shifts if she wants to be promoted to Station Master!

Despite our semi-failed challenge, we absolutely won the day by finding the restaurant 'Katsuichi' in Aizuwakamatsu. Highly recommend visiting this spot if you’re in the area, offering the best damn Tonkatsu I’ve had in a while. Sauce Katsudon is the famous dish of Aizuwakamatsu. Deep-fried breaded pork, drenched in Worcestershire sauce, sitting on a bed of rice and lettuce. The pork was delicious, the rice perfectly cooked and the sauce is so damned tasty, with just the right level of sweetness. If you visit the town - head here for your dinner, you won’t regret it!

Join us tomorrow as we head to Kitakata, AKA ‘Ramen Town’ to eat our entire body weight in noodles! Let's just say Natsuki has slurped up more than he can chew...

Chris

P.S We’ve dropped new merch so you too can layer up to stay warm this Winter! Check it out in the Abroad in Japan store.