On the way back from Shibu Onsen we were hungry. We stopped in #Obuse at a little shed with six seats at a counter in someone's garden to try her pot stickers.
Her shop is a one-woman operation open for lunch and dinner everyday. She said she stopped having a day off because customers would always knock on her front door if she was closed.
#NaganoPrefecture #japan #obusenaganojapan
Our hostess, the 68-year-old owner, grew up in Beijing but moved to Japan and raised her children here. She's been running her shop 12 years and has quite a strong following judging from reviews.
As the evening progressed she opened up and shared many insights and experiences of her life in Japan and we learned that as long term residents of Japan, though we come from different countries, we share much in common.
#Obuse #NaganoPrefecture #japan #obusenaganojapan
She rolls out the dough for her dumplings for each order. Her menu is three dishes: fried pot stickers, boiled pot stickers and jajamen. We opted for a full tasting flight.
Her pot stickers are enormous. The filling is a tasty combination of meat and vegetables. The dough is fairly thick by Japanese standards but has a wonderful bite to it.
The bill came to 2,490 Yen for three dishes.
#Obuse #NaganoPrefecture #japan #obusenaganojapan
There is space for one car in her garden in front of the shed and more across the street at the neighborhood shrine.
I hope to have the opportunity to return soon.
#Obuse #NaganoPrefecture #japan #obusenaganojapan
Christopher Keener, pHd 
seungjin