Tongari Furusato Working Holiday Column
Kana Watanabe: Urakawa column
We would like to introduce the columns of two people who toured four Tongari towns while working and staying. This project was held at the Urakawa Tourist Association for about two weeks under the Furusato Working Holiday program sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
My experience in Urakawa (2022.08.21-09.03)
・Masago
I stayed at Guest House Masago during my 2 weeks of Furusato Working Holiday. “FUN PLACE” explains it all for my Masago experience.
I enjoyed socializing with other guests including other working holiday students in the common space from the day 1.
I loved the welcoming feel of this place. Mr. Okubo, the owner, also owns a ramen shop and a public bath house. This Guest House Masago was originally a part of the public bath house. He is always thinking about the best for Urakawa. When he comes up with good ideas to make this town a better place, he will work on them and make them happen. He is that kind of person. He cares for his guests in the same matter. Even though it might end up being an unsuccessful trip, he took us to places to see Shimaenaga and fossils.
At his Ramen shop, I tried the most recommended item, Miso Curry Milk Ramen. Miso and curry? Milk Ramen?? I was very confused and not sure what to expect, but I guarantee, it was delicious. Mr. Okubo invented this milk ramen on his own and is continuing to evolve this dish. I heard Kimchi Ramen is also really good. He also owns a dumpling factory, and his dumplings are used at schools for school lunches. I tried Hidaka kelp dumplings. The kelp is mixed into the dough, which they make it from scratch, and I was able taste the Umami of the kelp really well. It was delicious.
At his public bath house, there are many kind of bath tubs! Rock bath, whirlpool bath, Medicinal bath and sauna. The medicinal bath changes every week with lavender, Yomogi (mugwort) etc. Mugwort has been a favorite medicinal herb in Japan for centuries. Since the bath is something we use daily, it was nice to have some changes here and there.
The other thing that delighted me was that the locals talk to us visitors so friendly and kindly. Their “good morning” and “good night” made us feel like we are welcomed and that we belong here. It was a wonderful environment.
・Pan Paka Pan
The popular bakery, who has lots of fans inside and outside of the town, sells out most of their bread and baked goods by the afternoon. The bread is, of course, delicious, but the owner, Ms. Isai, is what the bakery makes so attractive.
About the bread, Shokupan, typical Japanese white bread, was way too delicious.The bread is almost too good to even put some jam on. It is so soft and fluffy, and the perfect amount of saltiness to it.
Ms. Isai is particular about not only flour, but also salt. As for flour, she uses different flours depending on the yeast and ingredients. She is particular about using Hokkaido products and tries to use local ingredients as much as possible.
On the lunch menu, there is a soup set. The bread is of course delicious but the soup is also very tasty. Her minestrone, made with tomato juice from Hamada Farm and other local vegetables, is so heartwarming just like Ms. Isai’s warm personality.
At Pan Paka Pan, there are jam, juice, and some dessert that is made with Suzuakane summer strawberries from Kato Farm. I had the strawberry bavarois and strawberry smoothie. Both were really good. I could taste and feel the strawberries themselves with the strong flavor of strawberries, and I ended up having the strawberry smoothie 3 times during my stay.
There is an eat-in space at the bakery, and you can see the ocean from there. It is almost like the time passes much slower just in the bakery, and I enjoyed the atmosphere. I visited the bakery 4 times and I became such a big fan of Ms. Isai.
・Urakawa Yushun Village AERU
Urakawa Yushun Village AERU is a complex facility where you can stay, eat at restaurants, and experience horseback riding. I was able to visit retired racehorses and also got to see the actual winning ticket! At the restaurant, I tried curry with whelk. Whelk in curry? I was skeptical but it was actually really good. I think I am going to try making it when I return home! The restaurant had a nice open feel with glass walls. It was lunch time on a weekday, but it was quite crowded. 
・Urakawa INN
There is a restaurant on the first floor of the Urakawa INN, and anyone can walk in to the restaurant. I had a cafe latte there and the cup was so cute! It was not so crowded and quiet, so it was a nice place to get some work done. They provide free Wi-Fi as well.
・Squid of Urakawa
I was lucky to experience the taste of freshly caught squid for my dinner, and the squid was just caught that afternoon. I had the image of squid = fishy, but I was amazed how delicious the squid can be when it is so fresh. I had heard so many times since I came here that those squid can be “crispy” or “crackling” because it is too fresh. I think I got to experience that as well. I think the squid was my most favorite food I had during this stay. 
Written by
Kana Watanabe