Ever since we got here nearly everyone we’ve met has said “Have you been to the Chicken Shack yet?”  So last night Chris’ staff made sure we got to the Chicken Shack before I left.  Irori Sanzoku, or as it’s most commonly known – the Chicken Shack, is quite the spot.

It’s been described by the Iwakuni Explorer as “an elaborate Japanese themed restaurant with extravagant seasonal decorations which change frequently throughout the year.  It’s a huge sprawling complex with three restaurants and several shops selling souvenirs, snacks, and Japanese ingredients. There are statues, water features, lantern-lined paths, a fish pond, and even a waterfall.”

These first two pictures were taken as soon as I stepped out of the car.  You can see the edge of the building on the left of the second picture.  This place is set high in the hills and is about a 30 minute drive from Iwakuni.  It is a land mark of sorts that’s been here for years and everyone goes here and always takes their out of town guests, even the locals love to come here – year round.

It’s really hard to describe this place.  As you wander around you see very Zen like spots, then very kietchy like spots all mixed together.

These two sights were also right next to each other and on the path to our restaurant.  As we went up the stairs, as is the custom in traditional Japanese homes and restaurants you remove your shoes.

Shelves of Shoes

We had a great dinner.  Would you believe chicken on a stick was the specialty?  We had to get that and lots of other great food.

A very fun evening.

Here is some of Chris’ staff hamming it up after dinner.  Yasue, Chris’ secretary, is second from left and his boss is in the middle wearing shorts.  Nothing but a bunch of hard workin’ folk.