the souvenir street right outside the museum
the vibe here looks so classy
selling dried fruit and fried garlic
some snacks and it seems to be freshly cooked
Right after we visited a museum in Obuse, we got drawn to the alley selling all kinds of souvenirs. It's not really unique in Japan to see these kinds of streets, but most of the time when we're traveling or going to some place new, we always check them out. Today's one of those usual days when we let our curiosity be free.
There were probably 5 or more shops close to each other in this small street. Actually, at first, I thought this was the Chestnuts Alley but I was wrong. It's just a normal alley full of goods for taking home.
I got separated from my friends when we were in the museum. I was so immersed in the art that I didn't know I was left behind already. I messaged them when I was out, but I didn't even wait for their reply. I just followed my instincts and found them surrounding an ice cream shop.
ice cream with lots of flavors to choose from
I knew they would get ice cream. Who can't say no to this cold and sweet delight anyways? Even when it's winter and freezing cold, we *need something sweet. Cold outside, cold inside. π
Since Obuse is famous for its chestnuts, I thought my friends would be getting that but they had other flavors. LOL Can't be blamed, there were some interesting flavors like Miso Caramel or the Obuse Milk. I was planning to get one too but I didn't have small bills with me. My coins were not enough to buy one too.
gachapon but nothing interests me
I saw gachapon but there was nothing of interest so I left. I went to other shops and explored them. There were some apples and snacks. I was looking for apple juice because on the way to this town, we had it on the train and it was very delicious so I thought of bringing one home for my partner.
I was instead buying fried garlic as souvenirs. I had no plans of buying tbh, but the shop owner was so kind to talk to me, and tried his best in English and he let me have a free taste of the dried fruits and garlic he was selling. In the end, I couldn't leave without something in my hands, so I bought the garlic. It was good and addicting, my partner even liked it but since it's garlic, our breaths stink after having a few of it. π
Across the shop where I got budoled (bought something), I saw they had more souvenirs - the eating kind and the nonperishable. I thought of getting chopsticks because they look nice but I remembered we have lots at home. If I buy more, my partner would tell me I was just wasting money buying stuff we already have. π I like the designs but to avoid unnecessary arguments, I'll be patient in not buying them.
not so enticing to go inside but i still went and got out with a bag of goodies
first time knowing about emperor's apples
displayed outside this shop
I saw some beer and cider in their fridge. I think they are the town's pride but I'm avoiding beer so I skipped it. Some tourists who came before me bought it though.
I saw apple pie and they say Nagano, the prefecture where Obuse is located, is famous for its apple pies. I couldn't miss this sweet delicacy so I bought one and took it home. I put it in my luggage though and when I opened it at home, it was so flat. Still, it was delicious. π
Aside from the apple pie, I bought apple juice too from the same shop. There were 2 kinds and if the shop owner didn't tell me about it, I would have bought the sour kind and not the sweet one. Glad she confirmed it with me before I left the shop. I got a small bottle for around 400 or 500 yen (2.5~3.3 USD) but later on, my friend was able to buy a big bottle at almost the same price. What a deal!
By the time my friends finished their ice cream was also the time I finished shopping for souvenirs. I totally forgot to buy ice cream for myself and now I was out of coins again. π Maybe the ice cream wasn't for me. We had lunch after so it was all good.
And that's the souvenir alley in Obuse. Happy #MarketFriday! How about you? What's your latest market story?
Happy 1st day of the month! That means it's also Hive Power Up Day!
I have some plans with my HIVE so for now, this will do.
Have you powered up? There's still a few hours left!
Thanks for reading!
See you around! γγγγγΎγγοΌ
With love,
All photos are taken using my phone unless stated otherwise.