Kunihiko Mitamura Enjoys Spring in Nara-Ikaruga | Cycling Through the Ancient Village ♪ Impressed by Handcrafted Artisanry! Moved by the Deliciousness of Yamato-fu & Yamato Nikudori!!

©TV Osaka [Cast] Kunihiko Mitamura, Yukino Saito

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This time, Yukino Saito and Kunihiko Mitamura head to Nara-Ikaruga in spring. A journey through a World Heritage town, exploring historical romance and delicious food!

Horyuji Temple, a World Heritage Site, Feeling the Weight of History

©TV Osaka Horyuji Temple, South Gate. The two talk about how wonderful the view from here is.

The first place the two visited in Nara-Ikaruga was Horyuji Temple, the head temple of the Shotoku sect and a World Heritage site. The quiet and solemn atmosphere makes you feel the weight of history.

©TV Osaka In the background is Saien-do Hall.

After being guided through the Kondo (Main Hall), Five-story Pagoda, and Daikodo (Great Lecture Hall), they headed to Saien-do Hall, a spot recommended by the chief priest. Climbing the stairs and looking back, a magnificent view of the Nara Basin unfolds! At the Daikodo (Kudara Kannon-do Hall), they were captivated by the beauty of the Kudara Kannon statue.

Exquisite Tatsuta-age Made with Local Specialty Yamato-fu!

©TV Osaka We will have the '3 Kinds of Tatsuta-age Lunch'!

Next, the two visited "cafe Komodo," where they could enjoy lunch made with the local specialty, Yamato-fu. Yamato-fu is made by kneading Nara-produced tsukune-imo (Japanese yam). Mitamura, after tasting it, was surprised by its unique texture, saying, "It's chewy when you hold it, and crispy when you eat it! Interesting!" The '3 Kinds of Tatsuta-age Lunch' made with Yamato-fu is exquisite.

Refreshing Cycling in the Ancient Village ♪

©TV Osaka Cycling through the town of Ikaruga!

After satisfying their hunger, they decided to "get some exercise!" and headed to the tourist information center, "Horyuji i-Center." Here, you can rent bicycles from 200 yen per hour. After asking for recommended spring spots, they set off cycling through the town of Ikaruga!

©TV Osaka In the background is Horinji Temple.

Mitamura, who usually rides a bicycle, pedals lightly. Saito, though slightly out of breath, enjoys cycling for the first time in a while. The place in the photo is Horyuji i-Center's recommended spring spot ①, "Rapeseed flower field leading to Horinji Temple." When in full bloom, you can enjoy cycling while admiring a yellow "carpet" of rapeseed flowers.

©TV Osaka The Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms above their heads. They were still in bud on this day.

Spring's recommended spot ② is "Mimuromiyama along the Tatsuta River." When 300 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom, a beautiful pink landscape spreads out.

©TV Osaka To the [Fujinoki Kofun Historical Site]

And they arrived at the Fujinoki Kofun Historical Site! It is a circular burial mound with a diameter of about 50 meters, built in the late 6th century. This time, they were specially allowed to enter.

©TV Osaka We will hear about the discovered saddle fittings.

It is unknown whose tomb this kofun is. Since many grave goods such as splendid saddle fittings and gilt-bronze crowns were discovered, it is thought to be the tomb of a noble person.

Artisan Craftsmanship! Precious Chusen Tenugui & Yukata

©TV Osaka Chusen tenugui with no front or back.

Drawn by the sound of "kashan, kashan," they visited "Chusen Kobo Co., Ltd." This is a factory that dyes "tenugui" (hand towels) and "yukata" (summer kimonos) using the chusen dyeing technique. Chusen is entirely handmade. Hearing that there is no front or back, Mitamura said, "It's like me!" They decided to observe the production process to see how it is dyed.

Yakitori of Yamato Nikudori Using Freshly Slaughtered Whole Chickens!

©TV Osaka Saito is shocked by the deliciousness.

Finally, they went to "Jidori Yakiniku Niwatori Horyuji Branch." This restaurant offers freshly slaughtered Yamato Nikudori chicken, butchered by the owner himself, in a yakiniku (grilled meat) style. Mitamura, after trying the 'Special Breast,' was deeply moved by its deliciousness, saying, "In my 72 years of life, I've never had chicken this delicious... it's truly exceptional." Saito was also shocked after one bite. Furthermore, after eating the 'Tebatoro' (wing tip), Mitamura instinctively shook hands with the owner! He raved, "It's completely different from any wing I've ever had!"

Fluffy Egg Over Rice from a Chicken Specialty Store

©TV Osaka Mitamura's expression after one bite...?!

To finish, they had the 'Fluffy Egg TKG!' (Tamago Kake Gohan - egg over rice). What kind of ultimate egg over rice, made with brand eggs from Oita, could it be?!

"Otona Tabi Aruki Tabi" airs every Saturday evening from 6:30 PM.

It is a travel program "for adults" where Kunihiko Mitamura walks through the places he visits, savors local delicacies and fine sake, enjoys the scenery, and shares his feelings from interactions with local people.

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