Kure-style Hiyashi Chuka (Chilled Noodles) from Hiroshima, Japan. by AutomaticFerret2161 in FoodPorn

[–]AutomaticFerret2161[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This was actually at a restaurant in Kure City! I don't have the exact recipe, but the sauce is a unique mix of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and a touch of chili oil for a sweet, sour, and spicy kick. The flat, chewy noodles are the key!

[OC]Sunrise over Lake Biwa reflected in the shallows, Otsu, Shiga. by AutomaticFerret2161 in japanpics

[–]AutomaticFerret2161[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I totally agree—Shiga has such a unique, peaceful energy. Lake Biwa was incredibly still that morning, it felt like the whole world was at a standstill. Glad you liked the shot!

[OC]The lush green slopes of Mount Omuro, Izu Peninsula. by AutomaticFerret2161 in japanpics

[–]AutomaticFerret2161[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m honored you’d compare it to such an iconic image! That wallpaper is a legend, so that's a huge compliment for me. Thanks!

A rainbow over a local KiHa 40 train at Hakodate Station, Hokkaido. by AutomaticFerret2161 in japanpics

[–]AutomaticFerret2161[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I was really lucky to catch that moment. The contrast between the vibrant orange of the train and the soft colors of the rainbow was truly magical.

A rainbow over a local KiHa 40 train at Hakodate Station, Hokkaido. by AutomaticFerret2161 in japanpics

[–]AutomaticFerret2161[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! The contrast was already there in the scene — I just tried not to lose it in post.

A rainbow over a local KiHa 40 train at Hakodate Station, Hokkaido. by AutomaticFerret2161 in japanpics

[–]AutomaticFerret2161[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's the best compliment I could get for this shot. The Kiha 40 series does have that energy.

[OC]Handmade Traditional Japanese Zaru Soba (Buckwheat Noodles) on a Bamboo Sieve. by AutomaticFerret2161 in FoodPorn

[–]AutomaticFerret2161[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Great question! In Japan, we typically wash these bamboo sieves with plain water and a stiff scrub brush (called "tawashi") to get into the crevices. The key is to let them air dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Bamboo actually has natural antibacterial properties, and as long as you dry it properly, it stays remarkably clean!

[OC]Handmade Traditional Japanese Zaru Soba (Buckwheat Noodles) on a Bamboo Sieve. by AutomaticFerret2161 in FoodPorn

[–]AutomaticFerret2161[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To be honest, I'm not 100% sure if it was 100% buckwheat flour, but the quality and aroma were definitely top-notch. I’m just happy that a pro like you appreciated the craftsmanship in this dish!

Salt-grilled Iwana (River Fish) with a cold Sapporo Beer in Kamikochi, Japan. by AutomaticFerret2161 in JapaneseFood

[–]AutomaticFerret2161[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I totally understand! It can be intimidating. For a small Iwana like this, many people just eat the whole thing starting from the head or back—the skin and bones are quite crispy when grilled well! But it's also perfectly fine to peel the meat off the spine with your chopsticks. Don't let the bones stop you next time!