Introduce part of the contents of THE KNOT HIROSHIMA Magazine which you can get or see at the reception desk. This time is the interview content of Mrs. Sekiura Ruriko who is owner BonoBake.
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“Hiroshima is just right.”

Providing both the unexpected but exactly what you want, BonoBake is for those who are keen to eat. Ruriko Sekiura and her graphic designer husband, Michitomo, work closely together to create consistently great, but constantly evolving products. Even if they do look similar at first glance, some are changed consciously and some change naturally.

This is why the people of Hiroshima who seek out delicious food come here, despite it being slightly difficult to access.

“I was born and raised in Hiroshima so I am quite attached to it. I think it is just the right size and has just the right amount of people.”

While guiding the leisurely flow of regulars to the freshly baked bagels and cakes, Ruriko continued, “For such a ‘just right’ town, the range of food is huge. You can get mikan mandarin-oranges and you can get apples too. I think because of its abundant seafood and mountain produce, it is an interesting area. All of this makes it just perfect for me.”

The pair who describe all facets of Hiroshima as just right have also lived in Montreal. What was it that made these travel lovers realize this appeal of their home?

“I’m the type to research as much as possible for a trip, but it doesn’t have to go as planned. Even though the fun of the trip comes from planning and research, I enjoy when things suddenly change on the spot. For example, if we pass by local supermarkets or boutique stores, I’ll pop in to try to find local flavors and delicacies. If I get too ambitious, I end up fatigued, so my travel motto is to take it easy. If I’m traveling for a few days, I also like to check out museums in the area.”

Michitomo added more about the joy of visiting supermarkets during a trip, “If you look at the milk, soy sauce, and tofu, you can understand the tastes of the local people.”

“Local supermarkets are fun! You can get a glimpse into the lives of the locals just from looking at the ingredients or packaging. I like looking at package design because of my job, so if I see one at a local supermarket that interests me, I take it back to the hotel, wash it, and bring it home. Of course there are also locally branded packages in Hiroshima, so if my friends come here and enjoy local packaging in the way I do when I travel, they can make their own little discoveries.
Even packages that we are familiar with can be new to people from outside the prefecture.”

By daring to diverge from the familiar pattern of travel into the daily routines of the local people, you can experience so much more in the city. The couple who introduced us to a different way of enjoying travel recommends Mitaki Temple when in Hiroshima.

“It’s nice to be able to go there last minute when I only have a short amount of time. It’s also where I take my guests when I don’t have time to go to Miyajima and I really like the energy there!”

Mitaki Temple is about 15 minutes by car from THE KNOT HIROSHIMA (or 40 minutes on public transport) located ion the slopes of Mt. Mitaki. The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, and as such has also been known locally as the Mitaki Kannon since ancient times. The origin of the name Mitaki (“mi” meaning three and “taki” meaning waterfall) comes from the three waterfalls located here. The water here is used as an offering at the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony held in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

“There is a delicious teahouse there, but primarily it is a quiet place that becomes even more pleasant as you climb up. I think it’s a great place to feel and experience Japanese culture, especially as a foreign visitor.

Of course for a first visit to Hiroshima, I encourage visiting the World Heritage Sites Miyajima and the Atomic Bomb Dome, and to eat okonomiyaki. But for subsequent trips, I suggest staying in the city and from there, visiting temples located further away from the city, the islands, the sea, and the mountains. The sea surrounding nearby Kurahashi Island is especially beautiful in the winter. In doing so, I hope that you can experience this just right Hiroshima for yourself.”

Through BonoBake, the Sekiuras want to introduce the delicious food that Hiroshima has to offer. Just as they collect souvenirs and connections when they go to new places, they will no doubt continue offering the same for those who come to Hiroshima.

Sekikura Ruriko & Michitomo
2000: Moved to Montreal for two years before returning to Japan
2008: Began pre-order sales of Montreal-style bagels as ‘Bono bagel’, predominantly for businesses
2015: Opened a store next to their workshop studio in Kawauchi, Asaminami-ku, Hiroshima City
2018: Changed name to ‘BonoBake’

https://bonobake.tumblr.com

Check our Magazine here. We recommend to see under under a Wi-Fi environment when you read our Magazine.