Izushi, Hyōgo

[1] Because of yearly flooding problems and cheaper modes of transit, Izushi's ancient river port has long been closed.

The first and original castle's location on top of Mount Ariko was too difficult for even the ruling family and their retainers to reach easily and, in 1604, it was moved to the base of the mountain.

It is served cold, on small plates with a cup of cold broth and several optional ingredients to strengthen the broth flavor, such as grated daikon radish, wasabi, potato paste, chopped green onion, and a raw egg.

Using hashi (chopsticks), the cold noodles are taken off one small plate and submerged in the broth cup.

Traditional white porcelain pottery, in Japanese called yakimono, is created and sold in small studio shops in downtown Izushi.