sumoto-maiko-osaka

So what to do when it rains?

For us, it depends on how heavy the rain is.

Sunday it was a steady drizzle, so after breakfast we were out in full force with our umbrellas.

We headed up the mountain to check out the ruins of the Sumoto castle.

The view of Sumoto city was something to see. It's amazing to know that whoever lived in the castle had this view.

The castle replica is a great place to hide under when it rains, by the way.

A short cut path down the mountain, is quite steep, but brings you back into the city.

There are 8 tanuki(Japanese raccoon dog) statues around the city, so we walked to the various locations to check them out.

According to the legend, Shibaemon-tanuki lived near Mount Mikuma (the mountain where Sumoto castle is) with his wife Omasu. He was quite rascally and would change leaves to gold and sell them. He was also nice and would help drunks that had fallen.

One day, he used some of his "money" to see a play in Osaka. He didn't return home for a long time, so everyone thought he died.

Later, Shibaemon was revered as a deity for the theater and today is worshipped by actors such as Nakamura Ganjirou.

The 8 tanuki around the city are from Shibaemon's family.

Feeling hungry, we went to look for lunch.

There was a couple of places listed in Satoshi's guide book. We decided on Uomasu.

We got there just as they were opening. The place filled up fast...

I ordered their tako ten don...1100 yen (tax included). The tako (octopus) they use is caught near Awaji Island.

So much tako and the light breading gave the tako a nice crisp outside, but kept the tako tender with a nice chew.

Satoshi ordered the Uomasu set...1600 yen (tax included). His lunch came with 4 different types of sashimi, plus some tako tempura.

We both agreed this place was good! as we left, there was a line to get in.

Bellies full, we looked for the remaining tanuki on the map and then caught the bus back to Maiko.

Despite the weather, we did a lot of walking and eating.

It was a great short trip, I hope you enjoyed our adventure as much as we did.

Uomasu
2-3-2 Honmachi
Sumoto, Hyogo
Phone: 0799.22.0559
Closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays
Open from 11:30-14:00 (if they run out of rice they close sooner!)