【Local Gourmet】 Enjoying grilled ayu in front of the Sagami River at "Kamada-oshima Tomoayu Sales Office Shop" for a day trip.

On the weekend, I drove to Lake Tsukui in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The stop I made on the way back, "Kamada-oshima Tomoayu Sales Office Shop," is located by the Sagami River, and eating ayu while looking at the river was the best.

The destination for the drive is the easily refreshing Tsukuiko Lake ~ Sagami River

Tsukuiko Lake is about a one-hour drive from Tokyo. It has rich nature spreading out, making it the perfect driving destination when you want to refresh yourself. Sitting on a bench with a good view of the lake and taking a deep breath feels like your energy is being recharged. You are enveloped in a sense of excitement as if you have come on a trip, even though it's nearby.

Once you are healed by the beautiful scenery, it's recommended to stop by the Tsukuiko Lake Tourism Center. There are local vegetables and specialty products lined up, and you can encounter fresh ingredients. Searching for seasonal tastes here is also a great pleasure.

While eating gourmet food from the food trucks is an option, on this day, I headed towards another local gourmet.

Tsukuiko Castle Yamakoen
Location: 162 Nekogoya, Midori Ward, Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Business Hours: Parking Lot Use Time 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Eating grilled sweetfish by the riverside at this hidden spot

About 10 minutes by car from Tsukui Lake. As I progressed through the peaceful scenery, I spotted a charming sign for "Grilled Sweetfish." Following the sign, I turned onto a side road, where a riverside space had become a parking area. I parked the car and walked towards the sign I had seen earlier.

Today's main destination is the prefabricated "Kami-Oshima Tomoayu Sales Office." Ever since a friend told me there is a place with the best location and flavor, I've been curious about this hidden gem. The simple atmosphere stirs a sense of adventure in adults.

Kami-Oshima Tomoayu Sales Office
Address: 3843-1 Oshima, Midori Ward, Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Business hours: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Closed on Mondays

As I climbed the handmade stairs, the aroma of grilled fish wafted through the air. There were comforting dishes lined up, such as ramen, mushroom soba, and handmade konnyaku. What caught my attention in particular was the grilled sweetfish. The delicious smell completely grabbed my stomach.

Upon entering the shop and asking the staff, "Could I get a grilled sweetfish?" I was warmly welcomed with, "Is one enough?" The price was noted as 600 yen on a handwritten menu sign. Since they told me, "Please wait a moment," I decided to relax outside while waiting for it to finish grilling.

While watching the scenery in the river breeze, it seemed like it was ready in no time, and I was called over. Along with the grilled sweetfish, they also offered me some tea, which conveyed a sense of hospitality.

First-time ayu. The skin has a crispy and fragrant texture, while the flesh is plump and soft. The exquisite saltiness is irresistible. The subtle bitterness of the innards also adds an accent, and the umami spreads gently in the mouth. This is delicious! It's completely different from the ayu I usually buy at the supermarket. The beautiful scenery of the Sagami River unfolding before my eyes also served as the perfect spice to enhance the deliciousness.

Let's get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with nature.

After the meal, I decided to take a little stroll by the Sagami River. The majestic flow, different from the surface of Lake Tsukui, feels as if it cleanses the heart.

Encounters with wonderful sights and shops that you want to add to the standard course for a drive to Lake Tsukui. I recommend it as a candidate for a drive or touring destination.

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