The weather will be finnicky over the next few days, Luckily today starts off very well. I am heading south down to Kawasaki to visit Umihotaru. As everyone will tell you, it literally translates to Sea firefly. It is a rest stop along the Aqua Bay line which spans Tokyo Bay from Kawasaki to Kisarazu
It cuts down on the travel time as compared to following the banks of the bay. However the toll is quite high and may not be worth the time savings. Its pretty easy to get to. Alight at Kawasaki and make your way to the east exit
The stop is clearly marked and displays the schedule of departures. Several different busses run this route so you may see different paint schemes. The tour bus like busses are entered through the one door in the front. If there is a ticket machine, get one. Now grab a seat and sit back.
After you exit the tunnel. you know you are at your destination. The bus stops here for departing patrons. At this time pay your 1080yen. Show ticket if needed
There are five levels. First is parking for large vehicles with a small noodle shop. 2 and 3 are regular cars and have vending machines for drinks. All important, bathrooms are located on all floors, Will head to the top level and work my way down.
We emerge facing the west bank at level 5. Nic view from the wate on a day like today. The white structure that seems to pop out of the water is a vntilation shaft for the tunnel portion underneath the waters On clearer day you can make out Yokohama and Minato Mirai. Some features of Tokyo are presnt slightly to the north. I couldnt make out anything but high powered scopes are available for for a few hundred yen
Looking back towards the excalator, the structure resembles the sais of a tall masted ship. To the right are some proper sit down restaurants while a food court is locatd to the opposite side
They offer some usual japanese fare like noodles and rice bowls. In addition you can purchase a ticket to the rink bar.
I settled for Sasebo burger. I ordered the regular with a cream crouette. I enjoyed all that was set before me. The croquette was crunchy and not gready. The soft warm filling was nice as he winds kicked up now and again. The burger had bacon, a fried egg, and barbecue sauce. The burger was good but the patty seemed to disappear into the rest of the ingredients with each bite. I could hardly tell I was biting into a meat patty. Its flavor was pretty subtle too
The eastern side presents the emergence from beneath the waters. The two way traffic coming from/going to the Boso penninsula in Chiba
I may very well visit the area later in this trip if I can secure transport and admission
On the fourth level, aside from the places to get a quick bite or drink, there is a UFo catcher arcade
Gifts and souvenirs abound in the form of not only trinkets but produce and seafood. On the south side shellfish help in mesh bags sit in circulating water ready forpurchase. On the north side produe is on offer. Im assuming local produce as that is what was found at the rest stops that were visited during last year's bus tour
The big draw is at the bakery on the eastern end. Their melon bread is a big seller. I dont usually partake but will make an excepton. The bread is light and airy with a bright green crumb while aple green on the outside. The bread is sweet but also has a sprinkling of sugar. Dont ask if this is the best melon pan. I have little to compare to. They also seel a melon pie which is similar to the melon bread with the inclusion of a sweet melon filling. Speaking of filling, there was a Mt Fuji shaped bread. Imagine an upside down cone with a flat top. It too had some sort of filling that looked custard like.
When you are ready to go leave, go back to your original stop on the east side if to resume to Kisarazu. Or look for the signs that direct you to Kawasaki. This is probably mid ship on the first level. Take the ticket when you board so theres little chance you get charged for the from bank to bank
