Dueling Tako



The Dueling Tako in the Shijou District of Toshi Ranbo was a ruin before it was repaired into a dining and sake house by an enterprising Tsuruchi samurai-ko who married into the Dragon Clan. A colorful sign on the exterior depicted the “dueling tako,” an octopus wielding a katana above its head. The two stories house had the dining and sake house in the first floor, with a challenge table in its center, where samurai engaged in competitive feats of strength, cunning, and drink. The second floor was private rooms. The proprietor had never been seen eating rice, which some said was due to an incident at her wedding.