Miyagi AJET - Articles - Miyagi Places
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Kogota
Well,
here is the low-down on a small town named Kogota. The first thing that
many people see of Kogota, and often the only thing, is the train
station. Kogota is From
Kogota you can get to most places in the northern half of Miyagi, well
those with a station anyway! So, if you are unlucky enough to miss your
connecting train, or adventurous enough to come here on purpose, you
will have the chance to, even if briefly, explore Kogota. One
great thing about Kogota is the Carp. These fish live in the long pool
that stretches from the station to the post office. If you get the
chance to see them once the weather gets cold, don't be alarmed if from
a distance they look like they are being boiled, its just the fact that
the water is heated during the winter months. There
is also the best supermarket for miles around on the outskirts of Kogota
(it has been known for foreigners to come all the way from Tsukidate
just to shop here!). It is called Max Value and has a great bakery (you
can even try samples!) as well as cheese, other western foods and a
great selection of Japanese foods. Next
door to Max Value is Yamaya (the sign is in Japanese). Here you can get
beer and sake as well as western wines and spirits at cheap prices and
the selection is quite good. Yamaya also offers imported foods at good
prices (Brits take note – high quality British teas at reasonable
prices). The only problem with this great complex is that it is a good
50 minute walk (30 minutes by bike) from the station, but if you have
time on your hands, as I often do, or a car, it’s well worth the
visit. The
rest of Kogota is very much like any other small town. There is the
usual mix of shops on the main road, and a particularly good izakaya
(alcohol and food shop) opposite York Benimaru (look for a massive bird
sign). So
if the mood takes you, or the train does not, why not have a look around
Kogota? by Danielle Farmer
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