The unique vending machine found near by the Hikone Castle, Japan

I know it's quite sudden to ask, but do you know the Hikone Castle?

This is the castle tower of Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture. On the right, Hikonyan, a feline mascot of Hikone Castle, greets me.

This is the outer moat of Hikone Castle. In the background, you can see Kyobashi bridge.  From the left side of the bridge, the sightseeing street called Yume-kyobashi Castle Road begins.

This is the scenery of the Castle Road. There are Japanese food restaurants.  Restaurants and shops have antique appearance and atmosphere of the Edo period lasting for 265 years until 1868.

This street reminds us of the old-fashioned castle town of the Edo period.  We can buy souvenirs, eat lunch, and have fun!

Today, I came to see the unique vending machine that is said to be found only here in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture. Actually, this is the second time, I have taken a picture of this vending machine.

This vending machine is placed at almost the end of the sightseeing street named Yume-kyobashi Castle Road mentioned above.

At its first glance, it looks like an ordinary beverage vending machine and there is nothing unusual about it.

(This photo was taken on February 9th, 2024)

However, if you look closely at the left end of the top row, you will see something other than drinks.

In fact, it is a package of sliced Funazushi, the traditional local cuisine.

When you pay and press the button, a package of Funazushi and a canned green tea will be served in a cylindrical container.

Please bear in mind that this Funazushi is made from a male crucian carp as the "♂" mark shown in the pop, so it does not have fish eggs. However, the taste is the same as that of female crucian carp.

A plastic fork is also enclosed in the cylindrical container, so you can enjoy Funazushi right away.

I suppose that many people living in Japan may not have experienced this local specialty. But, I think it's a little bit difficult to explain how to make Funazushi. 

Funazushi is the fermented fish cuisine made from the round crucian carp, a species endemic to Lake Biwa. 

If you ask me what kind of fish the round crucian carp is,  I'm sorry if I may be mistaken but, I think this fish is the round crucian carp that can be used as a raw material.

Simply put, after removing the gills, internal organs and scales, raw fish is preserved in salt for a few months, then pickled with boiled rice to ferment for about a year. It really takes time and effort.

Some people have made Funazushi at home even now, but I think it faces a high hurdle for those who make it for the first time.  Anyway, I think sliced Funazushi can be a favorite appetizer with alcohol.

If you are using public transportation, it is convenient to take the train and get off at JR Hikone Station. (About 15 minutes walk to Hikone Castle)
Also, if you are using the expressway by car, it is convenient to use the Meishin Expressway Hikone IC. 

For further information, please access the official web site of Hikone travel guide.

アクセス・交通 - 彦根観光ガイド : 公益社団法人 彦根観光協会 (hikoneshi.com)