“Japan is the most intoxicating place for me…The Japanese culture fascinates me: The food, the dress, the manners and the traditions. It’s the travel experience that has moved me the most.”
—Roman Coppola
When we have an urge for authentic Japanese cuisine Furusato is the place to go, not only for its’ artistic presentation, great service, quality of its food, and generous portions, but also for its Japanese-style interior design and traditional Japanese
ambiance. They have four private “Tatami” rooms for groups of 4-20 people, great for parties and special events. Great place for sushi lovers. Furusato literally means “old Village” or “hometown,” but closer English equivalents are “home” and “native place."
We both ordered a combination entree. Jason had Chicken Teriyaki and California Roll and I had the Salmon Teriyaki and Beef Teriyaki Rib Eye. Both dinner offerings are served with Rice, Salad, and Miso SouP. We also shared a large bottle of Sapporo Beer and a cold bottle of Sake. I usually drink it hot, but Jason recommended I try it cold. He was right. It was refreshingly tasty.
I was sharing with Jason how beautiful Japan is. It is on his and his partner Alex's bucket list. Like many of us, the pandemic blunted their travel pIans. I highly recommended that Jason and Alex go during the Cherry Blossom season. In 2009 Cecile and I went on a group tour organized through Hakone Garden and the City of Saratoga, CA in conjunction with Saratoga sister city, Muko-Shi with which it has had almost a 40-year relationship including visits, exchanges of gifts, traditions and culture. We got to meet the mayor of Muko and other officials during our visit there. Muko is adjacent to Kyoto, the cultural and historical heart of the country where we experienced traditional temples, shrines, gardens, geisha and festivals. Back in the day, it used to be the capital of Japan. It was worth spending several days there.
One of many other highlights is the famous and ancient Nara Park, home to over 1,000 sacred deer that sits at the foot of Mount Wakakusap. The free roaming deer are designated as a national treasure. They actually have learned to beg for food, and Cecile and I were happy to oblige (photos). In the Shinto religion these deer are considered messengers of the gods. Nara Park was established in 1880 and is one of the oldest parks in Japan. Also on the grounds is the Todajii Temple, considered to be the world’s largest structure and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. And, if that is not enough, the National Treasure Museum which has a collection of Buddhist art, and Japan’s second-tallest five-storied pagoda built over a thousand years ago. Ah, memories. So nice to revisit them.
