Ryogae Cho Street in Shizuoka City where Koya machi meets Edogawa Street, one of the main arteries crossing the city parrallel to the sea.
“Ryogae” means “Money Exchange” and was the hubbub of the city in Feudal Times. The street of the same name. although being comparatively narrow and parallel to a more important thoroughfare is nonetheless one of the main venues for diners and revellers.
It is a very long street, making it impossible to cover in one single article, so let’s proceed slowly!LOL
Like the entrance of any by-night street it looks pretty drab in day time.
Much the same atmosphere even halfwy up.
But it starts lightening up at dusk.
Like in any other revelling streets expect all kinds of giant signboards!
“Woody Cloud” is the name of a large cheap izakaya, not a heavy contrapption hanging over your head!
At night the (chgeap places) neons seem to attract all kinds of people.
Did you know that in Japanese moths if described as night butterflies stand for women working in bars?
Those big sign boards are a bit difficult to investigate at night at leisure.
But in daytime you are in for a filed day!
don’t be afraid of climbing stairs. You will be left in peace in daytime. After all the night butterflies are still sleeping!
I have a special fondness for the meaning of this sign: Tsuki no Oto/The Sound of the Moon!
The same night sushi restaurant ha another larger sign on theopposite wall. Aren’t these rabbits cute?
but some places are open for business at lunch and dinner.
Above is the advertised lunch sets.
At night the same sign is turned around to announce the dinner sets!
The same sushi restaurant advertizes the setsubun festival/the day when the Japanese throw beans to ward off bad spirits. Contrary to what you might think, these two are good spirits!
We are still at the same place, but as I have some reservations about the quality of their food, I will not divulge their name. Actually they are known for having sued a magazine who criticized them.
On the other hand they the best array of sushi plastic models in town!
I would steal these!
And those too!
But I’m not ready to compromise myself yet!LOL
Now, in the next building there are signs definitely needing some explanations!
You will not get shot in this bar! They just mean they sell the drinks by the shot!
Do you speak French? If you do, you are in trouble!
Take your pick!
I don’t really understand what “lavless” stands for, even after so many years in Shizuoka! “loveless”, maybe, but it doesn’t stand to reason…
Now, what kind of shop can call itself “Psyche”?
A flower shop! which stays open very late at night: a ot of flowers are needed for uncountable reasons in such a neighbourhood!
Shidax is the largest single karaoke shop chain company in Japan!
They even own a semi-professional baseball team!
Back to the signs.
I wonder where I left my wallet!
Now, that sign could get you into trouble in some countries!
Don’t they have mountain cats in America?
The back entrance of Loft, a favourite shop of the Missus! They sell all kinds of clothes, stationery and crafts.
Sawamura, a good if small art gallery with exhibitions regularly changing.
A major lottery booth.
It stands at the very corner of Ryogae Street and Aoba/Green Leaves Park Street.
We shall not proceed any further this time but go back slowly for more investigation as dusk is coming on us.
Although the place is a cheap izakaya chain restaurant, the sign gives you a good indication of Japanese food. Left is shabu shabu/Japanese meat fondue, right is nabe/Japanese pot au feu.
What kind of customers patronize this nonetheless well-known night bar?
People drink very late in Shizuoka City!
Don’t complain later!
Part of the street is slowly turning into a mini China Town.
I’d love to try those egg tarts!
Cuthroat prices competition among those Chinese restaurateurs!
The third one within to entrances. Working day and night!
They must be from the same family!
Real cheap!
The dusk is slowly shrouding the street.
Shinchikurin, one of the older izakayas reamaining in the street.
Now as far as I know, this sign hasn’t changed for the last 20 years! C’mon!
Well-known cheap izakaya with a benevolent guardian.
The same guardian keeps a watch on the ridiculously low prices!
Akachoshin/Traditional red lantern (they were a lot smaller not o long ago!) denoting an izakaya!
Shidax Karaoke at night. Cheap! (I don’t mean the prices!)
Still closed at dusk, but I have promised myself to investigate this takoyaki shop!
Cheap store speciliazing in “hostess dress” open till late at night. You never know, you might firnd some interesting garments!
Venturing into a dark side alley would be dodgy at best in many countries. In Shizuoka it would very often end up in discovering a little well-kept secret (gourmet secret!)!
Well, I’m afraid I will have to leave my bicycle somewhere as walking is more practical at night!
Next: Aoba Park Street!
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