Japan Diaries 4: Day 432


Day 432: January 7, 2023

Saturday – Wakayama with Akiko’s family

Before heading out, my wife did some "final touches" to her famed buko pandan
Before heading out, my wife did some "final touches" to her famed buko pandan

It's the weekend again. Ms. Akiko, her family, Ms. Kuni, and her English husband Andy drove us to Kominka Cafe Restaurant Hatsuhana in Iwade City (岩出市), Wakayama Prefecture, for lunch. For most of us, this was our second visit to this restaurant; Mr. Toshi and his family took us here on my prior visit last year.

Kominka Cafe Restaurant Hatsuhana
Kominka Cafe Restaurant Hatsuhana

Lunch with family and friends
Lunch with family and friends

However, it was the first time for my wife and daughter as well as Andy. The meal was traditional Japanese so I was worried if my family would like it. Regardless, they said the meal was great and they also enjoyed the atmosphere of the restaurant.


We crossed the street to our next destination...
We crossed the street to our next destination...

Negoroji
Negoroji

Team Nicerio visits Negoroji
Team Nicerio visits Negoroji

Negoriji

Daruma dolls displayed in Negoroji
Daruma dolls displayed in Negoroji

We crossed the street to see the old Negoroji temple. It is one of Japan's National Treasures and has a rich and colorful history. During our visit, I made sure to acquire the goshuin from the temple. It drizzled when we were on the temple grounds but didn’t last long.

Last destination for the day...
Off to our last destination for the day...

Wakayama Castle
Wakayama Castle

Wakayama Castle
Photo op with one of the castle's ninjas

Wakayama City as seen from Wakayama Castle
Wakayama City as seen from Wakayama Castle

After exploring Negoroji, we continued to Wakayama City (和歌山市) to visit Wakayama Castle. This is the very first castle I visited here in Japan in 2014. Sadly, my wife was not able to come with us for this trip as there were plenty of uphill walks to reach the castle which is not recommended for pregnant women.

After a day out, we're back at the Kameyama residence
After a day out, we're back at the Kameyama residence

Bonding with friends before calling it a day
Bonding with friends before calling it a day


We left Wakayama City and drove back home at around 4 PM. We continued our bonding there and after dinner, Ms. Akiko and her family and Ms. Kumi returned home. Andy, on the other hand, stayed behind as we were having an amazing time chatting. Before calling it a night, I invited Andy for a morning hike to the nearby Ameyama which he gleefully accepted.
Location: Wakayama, Japan

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