I took the 6:00 am Shinkansen from Tokyo to head to Boat Race Ashiya to participate in the VR Splash Battle Championship qualifiers. I arrived at the venue around 11:20. I got a time of 1:06:58 in the qualifiers, so it's almost certain that I will advance to the exhibition round. I took a break for a meal and bought some yakisoba for ¥550 from the vending machine. While waiting in line, I felt like having a beer, so I ordered a draft beer at the counter for ¥550. I wondered if it made a difference whether I bought it outside or inside. A few minutes later, my number was called, and I received my yakisoba. It had cabbage, onions, carrots, bean sprouts, fish cakes, red and white pickled ginger, and seaweed on top. The meat was like dried meat found in UFO snacks, with a cheap taste. It was seasoned with a fairly sweet sauce. I thought maybe soy sauce would be better. I realized that the overall taste settled down as it cooled a bit, so maybe it's better to wait a bit before eating after receiving it. The freshly made one had a more distinct taste. Many people were ordering yakisoba, so maybe it's popular. Takoyaki was also a popular choice. It was a satisfying meal. PS: I ranked 36th in the qualifiers and successfully advanced to the exhibition round. I moved to Wakamatsu the next day to practice with everyone for the main event.

Last Sunday, I went to Ashiya Boat Racecourse with my colleagues from work. I have been to Ashiya Boat Racecourse several times, but one thing that I find disappointing is the lack of good food options. Compared to my past experiences at Wakamatsu Boat Racecourse, the food at Ashiya Boat Racecourse just doesn't measure up. For example, at Wakamatsu Boat Racecourse, you can't miss the yakitori at Kappa Shokudo, but at Ashiya Boat Racecourse, there isn't anything that stands out. So, when I heard a faint memory of someone mentioning that the spaghetti at the first-floor food court at Ashiya Boat Racecourse was delicious, I decided to give it a try for lunch with my colleagues. Although I have been to this food court a few times before, this was my first time ordering a meal. I usually stick to snacks or junk food, so I didn't have high expectations for the food at Ashiya Boat Racecourse. However, when the spaghetti arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. It looked appetizing, and when I took a bite, I was impressed by the well-balanced ketchup seasoning and the flavorful noodles. Mixing in the soft-boiled egg on top added a mild richness that made the dish even more delicious. I never would have expected to find such a hidden gem at Ashiya Boat Racecourse after all these years. I apologize for underestimating the food at Ashiya Boat Racecourse.

Today, I came to Ashiya Boat Racecourse to watch the SG race being held. It's been a while since I watched a live race, and I noticed that Ashiya Boat Racecourse has changed quite a bit. I went down to the food court, which I love, and it has also changed a bit. There are more menu options now, and the prices have increased (haha). I ordered the classic Nanchan Napolitan, and it seems like the container has changed to a more COVID-friendly version. It was easier to eat compared to before. In the past, it had a nostalgic Showa-era Napolitan feel, but the seasoning seems to have changed quite a bit.

I visited Boat Race Ashiya's B1 around 10 o'clock. The place was not very crowded yet. It was just a typical food court with a lot of standard menu options. This gave a sense of comfort in a way. The atmosphere was relatively clean and easy to relax in. As a snack, I bought some fried potatoes and chicken cheese cutlet. Even if you don't drink alcohol, coming to a place like this makes you crave this kind of food haha.

The place is located at Boat Race Ashiya in Ashiya-cho, offering udon, soba, curry, rice bowls, and more. It provides a quick and easy meal for gentlemen and ladies seeking entertainment. It is situated at a location where you can watch the competition on the water surface. The seating is spacious and plentiful. Even though many are focused on predicting boat race outcomes, they still enjoy their meals. Seasonal menu items like hot pot udon and cold noodles are available, as well as hot snacks like fried chicken. I would like to try the beef udon next time.