Japan 2011-Random Pics

It has been several weeks since I have returned from Japan. Im starting to get back into the normal routine of getting up and getting to work each morning. During this time, Ive had a chance to look at some of the photos that were taken but were not posted. While I was abroad, I tried to post the daily happenings as I went along. This regularly occured in the evenings and sometimes late evenings. So as not to bore the audience too much, I tried to keep things short and summarized. Being economical in this way allowed me to get to bed sooner. But sometimes, I may have rushed the process because I was just too tired to post anything. So, I have decided to post a few more pictures from the trip. Some may have a theme whereas some may just be a random collection.

While in Sapporo, I made reference to a joyride that I took on the streetcar. The latter half of the ride made me glad that it was an enclosed vehicle. The snow and wind started to blow something fierce and conditions were near whiteout. Once I disembarked, I noticed a store near the stop. Because of the poor visibility and the wind blowing about, I misread the banner on the store. Its an honest mistake really. However, I was taken aback by my misinterpretation. The banner's font and colors resembled that of a restaurant chain that many may be familiar with. All I could make out on the banner was The (something)cake Factory. Yes, I thought it was The Cheesecake Factory. But I thought this could not be since the building was so small and thin, although it did have several floors. Maybe thats how things are because space is limited in Japan. On another day, we happened by the same area and the storefront became clearer. It turns out the store is called The Fruitscake Factory. There could be some copyright issues.

Even in as little as less than a years time, Akihabara has gone through some changes. Some stores have closed down while some have been taken over. The biggest thing this year was the reopening of the Chuo dori to pedestrians. this occured usually on Sunday morning until the late afternoon. This had been going on for several weeks prior to my arrival in Akihabara. The shot below shows Chuo dori as the tracks of the Sobu/Chuo line span the boulevard above. You exit the Electric Town exit from the station then go down the alley to Chuo dori. Once you hit the main drag, this view is to the right. As you can see, they have embraced the weekly closure but the atmosphere is not as festive as it once was. Heavy police and fire presence are reassuring but somber. There used to be impromptu concerts in the streets and people in cosplay scattered throughout the crowd. In time, things may revert back to the somewhat baudy raucus that people have become familiar with.

Another new store that was not open during my previous visit was the Gudam Cafe. I dont consider myself a fan but I have enjoyed catching an episode or two. I have always admired how they could keep the designs for the robots fresh and cool! I thought Id stop by and take a gander inside. To my surprise, the footprint of the store was alot smaller than I expected. Barely room for 6 or 7 tables. The tables and counter seats were all snatched up and I didnt have a chance at grabbing a seat if I placed and waited for an order. Aside from the usual cafe items like coffee and tea, the store sells gundam related trinkets and souvenirs. Ont thing that is exclusive to the shop was the beam saber chopsticks and carrying case. You can order the chopsticks online but can only get the set with the shield-shaped carrying case here. I have a set of the Star Wars lightsaber chopsticks and pondered my purchase. but the unavailability of seats drove me away.

Japan 2011-Odaiba redux

I ventured out to Odaiba on my last full night in Tokyo. The views of the city skyline are always great from this side of the bay. The Takoyaki museum had opened up recently. I showed you earlier what I had ordered, a sampler platter of 3 kinds of takoyaki. Below, this is the entrance with the mascots riding a boat. These mascots are identical to the ones in Osaka. To the left, you will find the octupus ball purveryors, they number about 5 or 6. Each stall has a slightly different take on the dumplings. I didnt go and visit every stall as my stomach probably would not be able to handle. Nor would I try to sample all thats available even if I had a few more days in Tokyo. If I happen to be in the area and was feeling peckish, I would definitley stop by and try one of the other vendors

I told about a vending machine just outside the museum next to a small arcade that was dispensing hot or cold food stuffs. Here is a close up of a couple of other cans the machine had to choose from. This looks like some kind of stewed chicken or maybe even curry chicken. Its served hot but I could not find any utensils nearby should the need arise in order devour the contents

There were some cold pasta in a can. Some of other warm cans included oden and curry rise. Im not sure what is to the right of the curry rice. Since there are no utensils visible, Im assuming that one is provided in the packaging. Possilby, its stuck to the plastic lid atop the cans. The japanese are good about things like that. They are very good with the details

As stated, I love the view of the skyline from here. I took several pictures hoping to get at least one good one that I can post. I have a small tripod with me and tried a number of different iso's, exposure times, etc. Some came out better than others. I abhor using the flash at all costs. I always feel like its such an intrusion. Im almost compelled to apologize whenever it accidentally goes off

I have found that either the image stabilization is not as good as I would have hoped or that my hands are getting shakier as I age older and older. DSLRs are better but I dont like to carry a giant brick around with me. I like something I can easily slip in and out of my pocket. Also, it helps if I can totally conceal it in my hand to take those stealth shots in areas, like temples, where they dont want you to take pictures.

Japan 2011-Odaiba

After coming back from Kawagoe, I took a break in the room before heading back out for one last time. I went to Odaiba in Tokyo bay. They had opened a Takoyaki museum at the Decks shopping and entertainment complex. I had previously been to the one in Osaka near Universal Studios Japan. As in Osaka, this is less a museum and more of a food-related attraction. There are souvenirs and a brief history lesson. The main draw is the various vendors who sell different varieties of takoyaki. Takoyaki is a dumpling made with pieces of octopus. The outside is grilled and sometimes crunchy. The inside is molten. The toppings vary. At one location, you can get this sampler pack. The top left is salt and seaweed. Thebottom left is more standard with brown sauce, bonito shavings, and seaweed. The bottom right has green onions and is meant to be dipped in cold dashi in the top right. I found the dashi to be a great help as it cooled down the octobus balls to sa mouth-safe temperature.
As i exited the museum, I saw a vending machine that sold some curios things. In earlier trips, I found oden and corn soup being sold at a vending machine. On this trip, miso soup, tomato basil soup, potato and cheese soup, and curry risotto. At this machine, it just adds to their repetoire. New things were the pasta shown below. There was also curry rice and the prviously found oden. There were other cans that showed chicken and vegetables, possibly a stew. Some items were served hot and others cold

These next few cans are served cold but I dont know what they are. The can on the left looks like a apple covered in chocolate but Im not sure.

Along the boardwalk deck of Decks, Tokyo Bay opens up to the skyline of the city. The prominent structures of the view are Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower. The skyline's buidlings are lit up with the offices of all thw workers who are working late tonight.

The Fuji TV studio is not as bright as many employees have already gone home. They have free tours of the studio during the day and that has already closed for the night as well. Not much left to do but go back.

The next morning was the last morning before flying back home. There was still a few hours left before heading out to the airport. The forecast was for snow and true enough, it was coming down lightly when I awoke and lasted troughout the day and well after I left Japanese air space. I had one last bowl of ramen with the the friends who were sticking around a week longer and with the other friend from So Cal. The ramen shops across the street were a great convenience. I had packed away my camera so no pics. Tetsu was already busy with a line out the door. Setagaya became busy shortly after we found our seats. I had the usual ramen with the thick broth and dumped a load of chopped onions into it. A nd R had the regular style ramen with vegetables and pork. They loved the fishy type broth much more than I did when I first visited the shop. J had the tsuskemen but preferred the fishy broth as well. After this, a nd J are planning to come back to try out. The snow continued as we walked back to the hotel to collect our things.

Japan 2011-Kawagoe

Admittedly, thiese last posts are very late. I have been back for a bit and have not had the chancde to post until now. Anyway, the last full day started off by heading to Roppongi to see a scale model of Tokyo that was created in great detail. Pictures of actual buidling were pasted on the miniatures. However, we found out that they no longer open that to the public. On to Kawagoe it is then. After an hour on the JR Saikyo line, we arrived the the end of the line at Kawagoe. There are 2 lbus lines that will take you around the area for an inexpensive fare. The bargain for either line is the all-day pass. Instead we walked to the main attraction of the area approx 1km from the station. Along the way, we strode throough a shoping street and ducked into Bubuka for lunch. It seems like a regional chain that sells noodles. We had warm noodles with a sesame sauce and slices of pork and a hard boiled egg. I thought the sauce tasted much better with the complimentary minced garlic and it needed a kick in the pants with a bit of chili paste

Kawagoe is one of those areas that has progressed slower through the years than its surrounding area. The old world charm of its darkwood facades and quaint atmosphere draws locals and tourists

One of the standout buildings is the landmark bell tower. It stands head and shoulders above all the other buildings of its type. Although this small area is a moment in time, the roads are open to cars and the sidewalks can be narrow

One of the biggest selling flavors is sweet potatoes. The many soft serve vendors carry the usual vanilla and chcolate but also provide sweet potato flavor as we.. Roasted swett potatoes can be purchased as a snack. This store sells sweet potato onigiri. Upon sampling the treat, I expected there to be rice in it but found that its 100% swett potato, tastey. The grill the onigiri on all sides before selling it

An area thats especially popular with the kids is Dogashi alley. Dogashi are cheap affordable candies that are sometimes sold in bulk. This side street provided that and many other treats that children can buy. As witnessed, the pathways were filled with school kids and young teens, many of whome were probably on a school trip. Some will filling bags with brightly colored dogashi. A few were enjoying soft serve. Many were buying souvenirs as a rememberence of the trip and gifts to take home. They would buy rice crackers and a bread that was about 3ft high and made with soy sauce. Pictures abound of celebrities buying this bread at a number of shops. Thus, inspiring others to make the same purchase

Japan 2011-Tsukuba

Today was a very unfulfilling. It started off with a bit of light rain in the morning. By the time we left the hotel, the rain stopped and the clouds began to part. Since we had to catch the Tsukuba Express at Akihabara, we opted for curry for lunch at Coco Ichiban. At this time of year, they have a promotion where you can order the Grandmother curry and get a chance to win a spoon. This year, it was a choice from 2 designs. A and J had won several spoons before and wanted to add to their collection. Days ago in Sapporo, theyand R tried for spoons at a branch near our hotel there. They were resolved to taking home a spoon. I have not been of much help. I could order the same thing and increase their chances of getting a spoon. I have never ordered it before and today, I ordered the curry with thin slices of pork. Oh well.


After lunch, it was on the train for 45 minutes before disembarking at the terminal station. It was told that there was an area around the city that specialized in breads. We exited the station and walked around the many bridges that connected many of the areas shopping and parking. We walked around and bascially found nothing. There was hardly a soul anywhere we had walkd to.

Frustrated, we gave up the search and ducked into a Jusco department store. They had a supermarket with a deli. The prices were quite cheap compared to what you would find in Tokyo. R found a specific brand of curry for a friend of hers. There was some self-serve tempura, yakitori, and fried foods. I helped myself to a few things that I could eat for breakfast the next day

After a less than fruitful day, we decided to leave Tsukuba with hardly a anything to remember the few hours that we spent here. Dejected, we went back to Akihabara to pick up a few things. Afterwhich, it was back to the hotel to drop them off and off to dinner. A week and a half ago, during our one-night stay here, we ahd dinner at a donburi place in a line of donbri shops. We revisited this area and stopped into a tempura rice bowl store. My bowl had shrimp and fish tempura. It also hade two tempura patties. One was made with vegetables while the other contained little white fish and vegetables. It was satisfying.

So, the highlight of the day was finding a stachel of straw that contained natto. Oddly enough, it was labeled chcolate natto. I am not very fond of natto but J likes it so she picked up one of them. This little item also led to disappoint later in the evening when we opened up the little package of beans. Natto is usually covered in a stringy goo when fermenting in the starw wrapping. When the outer cover was opened, a little white bag was found enclosed, not the gooey mess we had anticipated. Within was a bag of soybeans covered in chocolate. I dont know why I was hoping for more. I just was.
BTW, A and J did not win the spoon this time around either. However, they do promise to try again since they still have a few days to go.

Japan 2011-Kit Kat

I dont remember how long ago this started. But, on one of the earlier trips, I noticed some flavors of Kit Kat that we dont normally in the states. so I brought some back for family and friends. Then, the following year, there was a new set of flavors and I had to bring some of those back. this year is no different. The biggest convenience was that friends found a large selection of them all in one place near Tokyo station.

There are a few kinds that I have seen and sampled before. There sre some where I cant remember if I have pruchased them previously. There have been so many over the years that I cant keep them straight without refering back to some pics from older trips. I dont remember if I bought soy sauce before. My mind tells me that if I did, it was in the regular brown color and not white

Wasabi is actually pretty good with a hint of wasabi essence and none of the heat. Strawberry cheesecake? Strawberry flavored has been picked up before but not this variation

Heres coffee flavor. This one came in special packaging. It was basically 1 package of candy andcame with a mug. I didnt need the mug and they didnt sell this variety alone so I decided to forgo it

Here are a few of the ones that I did pick up to bring home. Apple, blueberry cheesecake, purple sweet potato(ube), and almond jello. This is getting out of hand. My suitcase is now half full of gifts and souvenirs. If only there was greater vaiety back home, Iwouldnt have to lug all this stuff across an ocean

Japan 2011-Nihonbashi/Akihabara

Today was a late start and a time to sleep in for a bit. Normally, we are out before lunch. This time around, we headed out in time for lunch. We were headed to Nihonbashi via Tokyo station. For the first time, we walked through Tokyo Station City in search of noodles. There was an udon place that had a decent amount of people waiting in line to partake. The line m oved quickly as people would get their orders, consume, then exit. You select the type be it hot or cold as well as small or large. There are a variety of toppings you can add for an extra fee. for example, a piece of chicken karaage was 50 yen. Other toppings include tempura eggplant, kakiage, tempura fishcake, etc. After paying, you can add free toppings like green onions or tempura batter. Proceed to your table, season as needed then slurp away.

The Nihonbashi bridge connects us to our destination. The bridge was built over a river then a freeway was built over the bridge.

Once you cross the bridge, There is a large Mitsukoshi store in front of you. We were headed a bit down the street to a shop that has been in existence since the 1700's. Their product is kastuoboshi, shaved flakes of dried bonito. This has been used to flavor stock and as a topping. They can work as a snack as well

A bit later, I went back to Akihabara to pick up a few things. Little did I know that I would need to head back here again later that night. for that matter, I had to go to Tokyo station again too. Anyway, this is what the street looks like on a normal day when open to cars. I walked down Chuo dori and visited a few stores including Don Quijote. After pruchasing nothing, Yodobashi would be next

On the way, I stopped off at the Gundam Cafe to get some coffee and check the place out. Im not an avid follower of the series but I have always admired how they can keep up the new designs with each itteration of the series. I poked my head ina found only a handful of tables. I was expecting larger. I skipped the cafe in favor of something less cramped.


There is a small open lot on Chuo dori outside of the JR station. There are a few vendors selling food. The one that I opted for was the doner kebab. Their sandwiches are mad with pita bread stuffed with seasoned beef, veggies, and your choice of mild or hot sauce. I prefered the mix of the two sauces.
I made my purchaes at Yodobashi and made my way back to myroom. By now, it was getting close to 5pm and it would be getting dark soon. I was planning to drop off what I bought today and head over to Odaiba for dinner. New information would alter those plans.

Japan 2011-Some food notes for today

After a long day at Kappabashi, we spent a few more hours shopping in Shinjuku. I split from the group and proceeded to Tokyo station to get a few more gifts. With my arms laden with delicate gifts, I thought to drop themoff before going to dinner. As I found, the weight of the day wore me out and I opted to eat in this evening. I went to the supermarket in the Takanawa Wing East complex that is attached to the train station. I picked up a few things. Some items I intend to eat for dinner tonight whiles others may be consumed at breakfast or other time. From top left going clockwise: a bento (with fried shrimp, chicken, egg, spaghetti, some potatoes, and rice), a hard-boiled egg croquette, a medium-sized salad kit, coleslawwith imitation crab, and a small cabbage salad with some corn
So, while I was perusing for something to wash this down with, I espied a new flavor of Pepsi cola. I had posted p0reviouslyabout some limited edition flavors of Pepsi and Coke that had to offer in Japan. Ibought it with impulse and hurriedly tried it once I returned. I did a bit of reasearch on it. The one post from a familiar site said that it was a Pepsi with added roasted chestnut flavor. I thought the picture on the bottle was a snow-capped mountain. Upon opening the bottle, the initial thought was cream, possibly cream soda. The reveiwer from the other site liked this and thought it was far from disgusting. I, on the other hand, disagree. I cant even remember what the soda taste like because of the strong chemical finish. I guess the aftertaste is supposed to be one of raosted chestnuts. I cant see it, or rather, I cant taste it. I will try chilling it down a bit further overnight to see if that will improve the flavor. The beverage was cool, not cold, when purchased and warmed to room temp very quickly.

Edit: I triedx it thenext day after it had a chance to chill. No change, the patient is dead

Japan 2011-Kappabashi

And now, a message from the big fat head..."Welcome to Kappabashi". Kappabashi dori is a street in the Asakusa aea that caters to the restaurant b usiness. Everything from toothpicks to stoves can be purchased for your business. The pic below is a store thats call Niimi and it anchors one end of Kappabashi
At the other end? I doint know. I got so tired that I never ventured that far and turned back to Nimmi. In all honesty, it doesnt matter what was further on. I saw enough of the stores to know what they were selling. Apart from phtsical goods, the place also olfferes knife sharpening.

Another famous product of the area is the plastic food display that so prominent in japanese restaurants. There are several stores that have these on sale and can even make custom ones. I didnt look at the prices but I hear it can be pretty expensive for the larger items

At this particular shop, they sell equipment to open up your own American-style diner. Altough you may have to provide your own copy of the American Graffiti soundtrack. You can also buy a ticket vending machine. These are popular in Japan so that none of the workers have to handle the money

What we found somewhat odd was not so much how many stores there were selling all kinds of restaurant supplies but how few restaurants there were in the area. Around lunchtime, we went in search of an eatery. Along the main street there were none. Even along some of the branching alleys, very few were found. Even fewer wer found to be open. As a last resort, we settled on a Jonathons that we had passed while walking here from Ueno. I started with calamari and had a mixed plate as my main. Clockwise from top left: fries, corn, fried chgicken pieces with tartar sauce and a hamburger steak.

Japan 2011-Back to Tokyo

We are on the move once again. This will be our last trip on the rail for at least a couple of days. We are going back to Tokyo. This will be another 3.5 hour ride. It was cut short 30 minutes by the extension of the Shinkansen line to Shin Aomori station. Previously, you would need to get yourself to Hachinohe. After visiting a number of new places over the last few days, it will be nice to get back and relax a bit
Of, course, picked up a bento for the trip. This was a simple one consisting of nbeef and onions on one side and prok on the other. Both items over rice. The pork on the right had a bit of a tang to it while the fbeef was swweet

After checking in, we headed over to Akihabara. Being as today was Sunday, the street was closed to automobile traffic. There was maybe an hour left before the streets were be given back to the machines. Its only been a few weeks since they have been doing this here again. There was a heavy police presence as well as spike strips on the roads leading to the area. On hand as well were paramedics, just in case.

We made our way to Yodobashi to take a quick glance at the wares. On the way, there was a stall that was selling Mochi Cream. Each cost about 157 yen and come in a variety of flavors. They also had things called rusks that looked like donust but hade a cream filling. Some people smpled a few before we went to our usual ramen place on Showa dori. I had my usual miso ramen with char siu

An after dinner walk around Shibuya rounded out the day. A little bit of rain put a slight damper on things but Im hoping the rest of days will fare better weather

Japan 2011-Nebuta heads

A cutaway of a head shows the internal supports and the set up of the lighting within. It also illustrates the techniques used to paint the Nebutas
Overhead at the large hall is a display of a number of faces/heads

The heads as well as the rest of the floats are very 3 dimensional. A story unfolds as you make uour way around the float

There is a small fee to enter the museum. I dont believe that I will be in the area for any future festivals but it was nice to get to take at look at a few of these first hand. The sclae is what I imagined they would be but the intensity of the col,ors are not done any justice in most pictures that I have seen.

Much of the large hall is kept in the dark. This helps to simulate what these floats would look like as they moving along the city streets during a warm summer night. I hear that summers in Japan can be an ordeal of humidity