Japanase Cake Fillings

Taruto Sponge Cake Roll

A confectionary native to Ehime prefecture. Brought to Matsuyama in the 1600s by its feudal lord after a visit to Nagasaki. Originally a jam filled sponge cake roll, the lord replaced the jam with red bean paste. The packaging features pictures of Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen. A souvenir treat of your visit to the hot spring area.

Link in English

Gintengai Shopping Mall

The video screen is a recent addition (keeping up with the trend for large scale video's everywhere people gather in Japan). The other pictures are a stationary supply shop.

Pachinko Attraction?

KYOEI man stands in front of a pachinko parlor in Gintengai Mall in the heart of Matsuyama. Pachinko is mind numbing to say the least. The places are extremely loud and will overload your senses if you happen to step inside.

This statue has been in front of this pachinko parlor for a long time. Fortunately it is no longer there.

Flickr photo from 2005

Hyota, Best Ramen Shop in Matsuyama

It can be said that this is a Ramen shop, but they call their Ramen "Chuka-soba," which means "Chinese Noodles" in translation. Their noodles are the best in Matsuyama.
Shop website in Japanese

Inside a Japanese Cooking Supply Store

Department stores sell kitchen supplies. This store is for the serious chef. It offers a wider selection and greater depth of products found elsewhere. The quality is the best for what they sell.