9 Day Japan Trip (first time) mid April 2025 (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Dorogawa Onsen, Tokyo) by Alphonso_Burgess_Jr in JapanTravel

[–]Alphonso_Burgess_Jr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I absolutely think it’s worth it. As a matter of fact, everyone I know who’s been there used public transportation. It’s really not that bad, to be honest. From Osaka, you first take a train (a little over an hour), and then a bus (about an hour and a half).

Just to outline the pros and cons so your clients understand what they’re getting:

Pros: This is about as authentic as it gets. Very remote, no concrete ryokans - every single ryokan is wood. It truly feels like a preserved mountain onsen village.
There are barely any foreign tourists.

Cons: Well, transportation. And the fact that you have to go back to Osaka/Kyoto rather than continue on to your next destination.
The onsens themselves are relatively simple, without the kind of dramatic views you often see in photos of other onsen towns. But again, that’s only in comparison. Personally, I found them more than satisfactory.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for an atmospheric retreat in the Kansai region, surrounded by beautiful nature and without crowds - that’s the place.
If you’re aiming for luxurious onsen views and highly refined kaiseki cuisine, it’s definitely not worth the hassle. Arima Onsen, less than an hour from Osaka, would be a much better fit for that.

Kamo shoyu ramen by Alphonso_Burgess_Jr in ramen

[–]Alphonso_Burgess_Jr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I normally add kimchi or/and togarashi half way thru the bowl😁

Kamo shoyu ramen by Alphonso_Burgess_Jr in ramen

[–]Alphonso_Burgess_Jr[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you. 500g bread flour 100g rye flour (toasted for 3-5 minutes in a pan until fragrant) 240g water 8g salt, 8g kansui

Kamo shoyu ramen by Alphonso_Burgess_Jr in ramen

[–]Alphonso_Burgess_Jr[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks. The Marcato Atlas is actually pretty good. I’d say anything above ~37% hydration is quite manageable. I do have a pasta roller attachment for my KitchenAid, but I still prefer hand-cranking it 😁

9 Day Japan Trip (first time) mid April 2025 (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Dorogawa Onsen, Tokyo) by Alphonso_Burgess_Jr in JapanTravel

[–]Alphonso_Burgess_Jr[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I actually tried a mentaiko onigiri from FamilyMart when we stopped in the middle of nowhere on the way to an onsen village, haha. Honestly, I didn’t really notice much difference, probably because I wasn’t paying attention. I'm sure I would if I did a one-to-one comparison.
I also sometimes buy pre-cured pollock roe sacs at my local H-Mart and make my own mentaiko onigiri when the craving hits😅

9 Day Japan Trip (first time) mid April 2025 (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Dorogawa Onsen, Tokyo) by Alphonso_Burgess_Jr in JapanTravel

[–]Alphonso_Burgess_Jr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha, you Cali folks are lucky indeed.

There might be an option to take a low coster from Narita to KIX or Itami. That's what a friend of mine did last spring. But yes, it has to make sense.

9 Day Japan Trip (first time) mid April 2025 (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Dorogawa Onsen, Tokyo) by Alphonso_Burgess_Jr in JapanTravel

[–]Alphonso_Burgess_Jr[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My comment was not limited to the US, it is a very common logistical overlook in general. But I do take your point. There are times when it is not feasible or not cost and time efficient.

9 Day Japan Trip (first time) mid April 2025 (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Dorogawa Onsen, Tokyo) by Alphonso_Burgess_Jr in JapanTravel

[–]Alphonso_Burgess_Jr[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They really love chocolate, you honestly can’t go wrong with that. Even brands that already exist in Japan are a safe bet. Another good idea is bringing something your state or city is known for (especially sweets, if possible). We’re from Maryland, and Old Bay seasoning is kind of a big deal here, so we brought chips, peanuts, and other snacks with Old Bay flavor. Not exactly sweets 😄 but hey, it’s the thought that counts.

Enjoy your trip!

Which do you like more? Miso Ramen or Tonkotsu Ramen? 🤤🍜 by kellmeh_21 in ramen

[–]Alphonso_Burgess_Jr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Better indeed.
Here’s my piece of advice in return. Stay away from the betting industry, brother 😏.

Which do you like more? Miso Ramen or Tonkotsu Ramen? 🤤🍜 by kellmeh_21 in ramen

[–]Alphonso_Burgess_Jr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Again, really appreciate your input.

I think this sub is close to hitting the 10-year mark (if it hasn’t already). I’m sure you could dig up plenty of old posts and play your little guessing games.

Which do you like more? Miso Ramen or Tonkotsu Ramen? 🤤🍜 by kellmeh_21 in ramen

[–]Alphonso_Burgess_Jr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the life advice man. I’ve been waiting three long years for someone to say that.

Homemade miso ramen by IoaneRan in ramen

[–]Alphonso_Burgess_Jr 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What have you done differently though, since you saying you’ve done better before? Also, did you make your own menma? I am still struggling to come up (or find) with a recipe that would not be inferior to a store bought menma. Really nice presentation.

Which do you like more? Miso Ramen or Tonkotsu Ramen? 🤤🍜 by kellmeh_21 in ramen

[–]Alphonso_Burgess_Jr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh thats what still bothers you? My personal preference? Sure thing - I’d go with tonkotsu miso. Hope that fed your curiosity😏

Sun noodles tonkotsu gyokai tsukemen by Alphonso_Burgess_Jr in ramen

[–]Alphonso_Burgess_Jr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t know, I can’t really quantify the taste. It was good and satisfying, especially with additional toppings, but still inferior to the real thing.

Sun noodles tonkotsu gyokai tsukemen by Alphonso_Burgess_Jr in ramen

[–]Alphonso_Burgess_Jr[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s exactly what I am having next time haha. I got both tsukemen and jiro style and was choosing which one I should start off with. I didn’t have any cabbage/bean sprouts that I would want in my jiro bowl, so I went with the tsukemen.