“Takinomizu,” literally “rapids water,” is one of Obama’s natural springwater wells. Although it seems like a slight trickle nowadays, you will find another natural well right behind the Obama Post Office. You might see locals drawing spring water as it gushes vibrantly toward the ocean.

Now, cargo ships helped to accelerate the Mackerel Road’s growth through the Edo Period, freighting goods of all kinds to and from the Sea of Japan. As the closest port town to Kyoto, they would naturally visit Obama as well. However, they could not directly berth at the city’s harbor, as they were too big. Because of that, cargo freighters would emblazon their sails with the logos of different companies. People would spot their company’s logo, and hurry to the freighters on small boats to receive their shipment. Then they would unload their cargo at the harbor.

Kombu seaweed from Hokkaido was one such commodity. Before being sent to Kyoto, the kombu would be processed according to a secret Obama recipe. It became famous enough to garner the attention of shoguns, and so “Wakasa, Obama’s Famous Kombu” became a famed delicacy. Speaking of kombu, you might say it’s no surprise it would be used in the making of Kyoto saba-zushi.