Hi there….
Welcome back to Michi No Eki Aso. How was your new year moment? I was so busy but I did not miss my chance to learn about japanese new year’s traditions. Since I came to here, japanese traditional things got my all attention and I’m willing to dive in.
So, today’s blog will be about my new year moments especially foods in Aso. Let’s get started ……
Actually I did not go anywhere on the 1st of January but part-time job in Michi No Eki Aso. When I took my lunch break, I got my free red beef bentou for this special time and I was over the moon It was so delicious and I can’t believe I ate all of them in a few minutes. Beef in Aso has best taste cause of the fresh green grasslands and clear water for cows and bullls.
Luckily, I also got beef stew and it gave me the best taste of stew that I ever had. Why don’t you have a try the beef bentou and stew when you get here, Michi No Eki Aso. I promise you won’t regret it.
After my part-time, I got home and I had my new year dinner with my homestay family. We had some japanese traditional dinner but the following one was my favourite. It’s called Ozouni in japanese. Ozouni is essentially traditional new year’s dish containing rice cakes and vegetables. It was also delectable and gave me new taste of rice cakes. I’ve never had rice cakes in soup.
For the essential traditional things in Japan, you can’t skip Hatsumoude, the very first visit to Shrine in new year. Reference from my japanese friend, Hatsumoude can be on the 1st to 3rd and even till 7th of January. Of course, I did Hatsumoude to Aso Shrine to learn about the way of paying respect to God.
But honestly, I was searching the small japanese food shop behind the shrine. As soon as I got to that small shops, I stood in the long lines and tasted all the food I saw. By the way, standing in the long lines may be Japan’s mark. But it was faster than I thought.The following one is called Dango and it is also rice cake with sweet syrup on the stick.
This dango made me think of my homeland, Myanmar cause we also have a traditional new year’s ricke cake. But our rice cakes have jaggery inside it and the sweet is solid style. After I tasted Dango, I realized the difference because japanese dango make more stronger rice taste while our rice cake have sweeter taste.
So, let’s call it a day and I really hope you like my blog. And don’t hesitate to try japanese food if you have a chance to come to Aso.
Min Min
