Barbecue Travelogue Austin Epilogue

What started out to be a good idea and something that I had thought about was ill conceived in its execution.  I like beef and I like barbecue so Texas was a logical spot to spend a few days having beef barbecue.  But my focus was too narrow in its initial stages.  Tasting the same item at different locations.  Quickly, I found that I was getting tired of eatting the same thing day after day.  I enjoy the different variety of foods.   This is why I started ordering other items after a few days at it.  One thing I didnt think through was the ordering process.  I thought I could order a bit of this and a bit of that.  but all of that soon became a very large pile of meat.  Again, I like variety and ordering small amounts didnt get me variety at places that sold their wares by the pound.  Places that offered combo plates were the lifesaver.  Here you can have variety in smaller portions and still be able to enjoy variety with a few side dishes to boot.

Barbecue Travelogue Austin Day 4 w/pics

Final day of the trip and theres a number of errands to run.  Theres a location in Lexington thats open only on Saturdays at a very early 8am.   The drive is about an hour northeast of Austin

Barbecue Travelogue Austin Day 3 w/pics

Driving toward the east side once again.  From where I was staying, Ive had to take the long way around to get to the highway due to morning traffic.  I could barely get out of the parking lot.

Barbecue Travelogue Austin Day 2 w/pics

The barbecue captial of Texas is what Lockhart likes to call itself.  About 30 minutes south of Austin, no bbq roadtrip would be complete without a stop here.  there are 4 main restaurants: Kreuz, Smitty's, Black's and Chisholm Trail.  The first establishment as you enter town from the north is Kreuz.  Its quite a large operation.  It moved here from its smaller original location a while back.

Barbecue Travelogue Austin Day 1 w/pics

When I landed in Austin at half past 11pm, the rain had subsided and the temp was hovering aroun 80 degrees.  As soon as I stepped onto the jetway, I ran headlong into the wall of humidity.  This would foreshadow the climate in the days to come.  Next morning, its 80 degrees once again but at 8am in the morning.  It will top out at 95 degrees with a heat index of 105 degrees.  This is how it started as I began the 3 hour wait for lunch at Franklin Barbecue.

Barbecue Travelogue Austin Day 4

Today, I fly back home.  But not before I hit a few more places outside of Austin.  Im going to head out to Snow's in Lexington to pick up an order that I will schlep back.  To avoid the lines you can call in a preorder.  Thats exactly what I did for a Tootsie sampler.  You can specify to pick it up hot off the smoker o r they have them frozen which they used for mail order.  Its frozen solid and should last the flight back.  I once froze some boudin in the rooms little fridge and it held up pretty well.  This is a shorter flght but Austin is much hotter.

Louie Mueller has started a few budding pitmasters including family memebers and Aaron Franklin.  John Mueller started here then begat the JMueller food truck.  After a falling out with his sister, see this kind of thing seems to happen alot, LeAnn rebranded it as La Barbecue.  John went with another food truck named John Mueller Meat Co. but remained in Austin.  It wasnt too far out of my way for lunch.  Still on the beef rib kick I couldnt help but order it.  It was a great choice and favored over Micklethwait.  The flavor and tenderness was just as good but the rub made the difference.  It was not overly salty nor peppery for my palate.  Plus it came with a thin sauce that was mildly sweet and had bits of onion.  I even boght some to tale home.

Lastly I would pick up a preorder of a whole brisket at Franklins.  The slab of meat was larger than expected.  I should have at least hadthem cut it half.  As is, it was wrapped in butcher paper and placed in a plastic bag.  As of this writing, the grease has already soaked through the paper and the plastic is no real barrier.  I can only imagine what it will smell and look like insde the duffle bag.  My beefribs are n there as well but they fit nto a zip lock bag.

Of the places that I had brisket at they fall into  this ranking.  Snows wil not be on the lst as they were not tasted fresh and onsite.  

Kreuz had better reviews than Smitty but I found the brisket to have dried out wel before i got through a couple of bites. 

Third goes to Franklin.  For all the hype it fell way short for me.  Again the moistness was not quite there.  I will re-evaluate with the take home brisket.

Smittys gets the runner up vote.  Good flavor like all the other brisket and it held its juice through the meal.

My favorite was Stiles Switch.  Although their jalapeno cheddar saisage was spicier than expected and a tough chew, their brisket floated to the top afloat in its own juices.

Barbecue Travelogue Austin Day 3

Im definitely feeling like I have over indulged in this whole bbq trip.  I dont have the stomach of a 20 year old who can absorb all the food that Ive been eating.  This was no more apparent than after the next spot that I went to today.  Austin has a bustling food truck scene.  Aaron Franklin started qith a food truck in the early going.  Micklethwait is a food truck thats a few blocks down from Franklin.  Along the way there was a spot where a number of trucks uad gathered.  I didnt stop in.  Im brisketed out and couldnt order round.  There are other options and landed on the beef short rib.  The problem is they sell these behemoths by the bone.  Each bone can be easily 1 pound or more.  This one is 1.33 pounds.  For some variety I had a side of grits with jalapeno and cheese.  The grits were outstanding.  The creamyiness of the grits were cmbined with a mix of blue cheddar and cream cheese.  The first couple hits of the rib were tender and smokey.  You could haved gummed this.  The bark gets over powring with the salt and pepper after a while so I had to scrape it off.  I plowed through the rest of it but I compounded the problem a bit later.

I drive over to downtown and past the capital building as I turn on Congress Ave.  I head south to SoCo(South Congress Ave).   A collection of boutiques shops and restaruants line either side.  I read about Big Top Candy.  Its one of those candy shops that have old time or hard to find candies that appeals to kids and adults.  Its been 90plus degrees the past few days.  The have a ice cream/soda fountain featuring Blue Bell ice cream.  I couldnt help but getting an ice cream soda.  It was nice and cold but added to the feeling of being bloated.  I pucked up a few things before leaving.

I bailed on bbq tpnight.  Thought about hitting Black's in Austin for another massive beef rib.  Some people cam handle this much meat but it does not look like I can be counted as one of them.  Sadly I went and got a little something at a fast food place. 

Barbecue Travelogue Austin Day 1

(Pictures to follow at a later time)

I had kicked around the idea of heading out to Texas to have some barbecue.  They are known privarily for using beef since the state is cattle rich.  Some may say this is a pilgramige.  This is nothing of a holy experience.  Its just me gettin some cue.  Of that cue, Austin and parts nearby are known for beef brisket as well as beef ribs and sausage.  The joint with probably the longest line is the one with the most accolades.  Franklin Barbecue has been lauded with acclaim in regard to their smoked brisket.  Like many other places, it has a simple rub of sald and pepper.  The slab is smoked for at least 10+ hours before its served.  Some places us butcher paper while others use aluminum foil during the cooking process. I figure this would be the best place to start.

Franklin has a show on PBS called BBQ with Franklin.  He covers many topics on his  11(?) episode show that premiered in 2015 and can be found in reruns.  What impressed me most was that this guy welds his own smokers.  In one of the episodes, he hauls out a 250 gallon propane tank and cuts it up then welds things on to create a smoker.  The man has skills!  Skills outside of what you would normally expect.

Its already 80 degreesby the time I reach the restaurant.  About 9 parties are ahead of me.  Might be worse on the weekend.  A small coffee stand prvoides morning beverages if you didnt have time to get some earlier.  An employee will come by selling water and beers.  The hour draws ckose when they start going dowb the line to gauge how much peole are going to order to warn the late commers if there will be anything left for them.

Once the doors open, patient queuers are warmly invited.  I order a half pound of brisket.  I oredered spme lean and some fatty but I think I got all lean slices with lean burnt ends.  In addition there was a link of sausage and a pork rib.  About a pound of meat in total and a cup of diet Pepsi.  I didnt see the fuss iver the brisket.  If I had some of the fatty,the experience may be different.  The lean was too dry for my taste. The sausage was okay but the coarse grind and  tough skin turned me off.  The highlight was the pork rib.  Very tender and falling off the bone withgreataamokey flavor.  A flavor that I thought was missing from the longer smoked brisket.

One of the things I like to do is hit up the local Costco.  Regional stores will have food items lcal to thar region like black pudding and haggis in London.  Unfortunatley there is very little difference between this and the ones back home.  Even the food court held nothing interesting like poutin in Vancouver.

Dinnertime!!  Alt of the bbq food trucks close by 6pm.  I went a bit out of the way towards the north to Stiles Switch.  My smartphone froze when providing directions via Goggle Maps.  After I realized this, i pulled onto a parking lot to reboot.  I was puzzled when I couldnt find the saved location for Stiles.  Turns out I just happened to pull into the right parking lot.  I ordered the 2 meat plate of fatty brisket and jalapeno and cheddar sausage.  The 2 sides I chose were potato salad and cole slaw.  The potato salad was good and the slaw had a bit of citrus tinge to it.  The link was a bit hotter than expectedwith a similar texture to Franklin.  From this point no more sausage cause its notreally doing anything for me.   I did enjoy the fatty brisket.  The slices were not cut against the grain but the strands of fat kept the meat moist and tender.  I like this the best so far however I will srill need some fatty from Franklin.  Blue Bell seems to be the epitome of ice cream brands in these parts and thats how icaed off the meal.  Although,the choclate banana pudding sounded inviting but the house was full.

Barbecue Travelogue Austin Day 2

What I found out after a first day of barbecue.  Dont bother with lean brisket and Ive already hadenough sausage.  Today, Im taking a drive south of Austin to Lockhart.  It is the self proclaimed "barbecue capital of Texas".  There are 4 main establishments to help promote this proclamation: Kreuz, Smitty's, Black's and Chisholm Trail.  What kind of bbq roadtrip would this be if Ididnt at least try 2 of the 4.  Kreuz started as a meat market run by a german family.  Such is the origin of many joints alike.  They sold smoked and bbq'ed meats to get rid of old stock.  After a while, family strife caused them to move to a new location.  The original location then became Smittys.  This, too, is another thread that runs in the business.  Terry Black's in Austin was started by relatives of the original owners of Black's in Lockhart.  Barred from using the same name, the relatives named their place after their father. 

Kreuz was the closest but not by much.  This place is huuuge with a huge parking lot.  Just off to the north are cords and cords of oak they wll usefor their smokers.  Its still early as I order a quarter pound of fatty brisket.  I also wanted some smoked prime rib but that would be another 30 minutes.  I carried my meat and knife, wrapped around 2 layers of btcher paper, to a table in the air conditioned portion of the dining room.  Coincidetally the same room where you order your sides and drinks.  Oddly enough the brisket had dried out by the time I ripped off a piece.  Dissappointed, the whole thing lost all it mpisture and juices.  This really knocks them down in the rankings.  I didnt bother with the prime rib

A quick drive down the street gets me to Smittys.  Too quick as the brisket had not had time to digest.  Luckily the most photographed building in the city was nearby.  I took a stroll around the Caldwell County Courthouse.  It was the building that I took the most pics of.  Shops and eateries surround the square with cafes, restaurants, candy/toy store, arcade, bank, etc.

The front entrance lets 9ou into the amin dinig area counter for sides drinks and dessert.  Enter from the back on Colorado and you will pass the wood pile and the smokers.  Here you order your smoked meats.  Quarter pound of fatty brsket and quarter pound of smoked prime rib.  Sound familiar?  Forget the brisket, the prime rib was great.  The smokey flavor and thin cut make for a nice piece of smoked meat.  Never dried out and a dash of sauce would only benefit the taste.  The brisket was good and currently ranls second after Stiles from the previous night.  Good flavor and texture but nowhere as juicey.

I could be on the verge of a carnivorous breakdown.  Im so full of barebecue, I dont have the heart or stomach to try Blacks.  But, I can always have the beef short rib at a number of other places in Austin.  I had no appetite at dnner either.  Maybe Im backed up and a good constitutional tomorrow morning wull clear it

Speaking of Gilroy Garlic Part 5

This last post is going up during the waning hours of the 2016 festival

Speaking of Gilroy Garlic Part 4

Artisans and craftspeople are drawn to the festival so they can display their wares to a large gathering of people

Speaking of Gilroy Garlic Part 3

The varieties of foods continue.  It seemed like more of the ethnic foods were found around here.

Speaking of Gilroy Garlic Part 2

The event typically happens during the last full weekend( Fri Sat Sun) of July.  This almost always insure the best if hot weather with plenty of sun.  At the opening, the ceremonial Garlic Fire is lit much like the Olympic Flame.  The Fire is extinguished at the closing on Sunday after the last clove of garlic is peeled.  That last clove is set ablaze by the waning flame to burn a whole year before relighting the Flaming Bulb the following year.(Disclaimer: the previous paragraph may contain some ficticious  material)

Speaking of Gilroy Garlic Part 1

Must be a good decade since the last time I attended the Gilroy Garlic Festival.  It has grown over the years and some changes wre bound to happen.  Signs direct ypu from 101 to festival parking.  The lot is located further away from the festival grounds.

Burger King Mac and Cheetos Vs McDonald's Gilroy Garlic Fries

Recently, Burger King introduced a new side item of macaroni and cheese encased in a Cheeto.  McDonald's also did a market test of their Gilroy Garlic Fries.

The Mac and Cheetos(MC) were rolled out to numerous locations in my area and before long I was able to sample their offering.  The bite-sized portions look like oversized Cheetos with the undeniable smell of pasta and cheese sauce.  With cheese puff, as opposed to the crunchy version, on the outside, theres a minor obstacle before sinking your teeth into the mac and cheese.  The filling is a bit dry for my taste.  I prefer alot of oozing cheese sauce.  But its understandable as you dont want the crust to get too soggy.  Decent cheese flavor from the sauce and coating.

McDonald's test marketting of their product proved so successful, that they would run out of supply very quickly.  It was quickly heralded to market soon after.  People love McD fries.  Garlic fries are hugely popular where ever they are sold.  The garlic is from the California city of Gilroy, home to the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival held during the last full weekend of July.  Coincidentally, that would be this weekend.  I recently had a chance to partake of the garlic fries.  The aroma of garlic is very welcoming.  The garlic dressing does make the fries soggy and adhere to one another.  Fair warning if you like your fries crispy.  The flavor of garlic was not as intense as the smell of it.  This was a bit disappointing to me, but the flavor is still there in each bite.

The verdict:garlic fries hands down.

Travelogue Japan Day 12-Odaiba By Night

Somehow I forgot to annotate and upload this post.  In short, I hung out in Odiaba until dusk to see the lights come up.  I am still at Diver City as the sun began to slip past the horizon.  Gundam's eyes came to life and the mall was aglow

Travelogue Japan Day 13-Haneda Airport

Off to the airport to conclude the trip.  Last year, I took the same flight back but didnt take the time to peruse the offerings of Haneda

Travelogue Japan Day 13-Walking The Yamanote Line

After the conclusion of this leg of the walk, there would only be 2 sections left to do: Shinagawa to Shimbashi and Shinjuku to Nippori.  For those who dont know, the latter is whole north arc of the loop. .Before I take the first step, I need to fuel up for the walk.. Since I will be starting at Tkyo station, I will try another ramen restaurant.  

Travelogue Japan Day 12-Odaiba By Day

You can get to Odaiba by car, train, boar, bus, or monorail.  Im usually going by the Yurikamome monorail due to the stations proximity to the attractions on the island.  There is the large ferris wheel

Travelogue Japan Day 12-Walking The Yamanote Line

Restarting this old series since I have neglected in many years.  Much of the southern portion is covered but not complete.  This addition will not complete it either.  Starting point is Tokyo Station after I get something to eat.. 

Travelogue Japan Day 11-What To Do On a Rainy Day? Not Much

Ive been very fortunate that the weather has been very favorable.  Last year, I felt really cold and could have brought a few more long sleeved shirts.  I did that this year and didnt really need them for the most part.  Today it did rain throughout the day an no plans in particular.  However, I did have a taste for meat.  I wound up at Kichijoji. 

Travelogue Japan Day 10-Shinagawa After Dark

The Shinagawa station area is just west of Tennouzu Island which borders Tokyo Bay.  The evening was balmy and I decided to try and walk towards the bay area.

Travelogue Japan Day 10-Glicopia East

Glico, the maker of Pocky and Pretz gives tours at 2 factories that I know of.  On the west side near Kobe.  Its a little more involved to get to that location. and one on the east side near Kitamoto station.

Travelogue Japan Day 9-Ikebukuro and Akihabara

Today I go back to Tokyo and it started to hit me that I would have to be flying home soon as well.  that my vacation would soon be over.  I sent my luggage ahead of me and it was a good thing I did.  I got caught up in the morning rush on the subway to Shin Osaka  station. During these times, commuters pack themselves into cars that were meant for much fewer people.  The japanese are used to it but it makes me feel claustraphobic.  I couldnt move my arms and was somehow balancing on my heels most of the way.  I bought a bento to have for breakfast.  I was orginally planning on leaving in the afternoon with a reserved seat.  But the train originates from Shin Osaka so it wasnt hard to get a seat in the non reserved car.

Travelogue Japan Day 8-KFC

This Sunday there was a forecast for a cloudy somewhat rainy day.  A day that would be good for indoor activities or whatever you would want to do under a roof.  A roof over maybe a mall perhaps.  In the northern area of Osaka, they held a World Expo in 1970.  Now its been developed into Expo City and placed a Lala Port mall on it.

Travelogue Japan Day 7-America Mura and Namba

In between the hotel and Dotonbori is an area called America Mura.

Travelogue Japan Day 7-Himeji Castle

The furthest east I have gone in Japan is Sapporro.  This will be the furthest west up to this point.  A quick ride on the bullet train gets us to Himeji station

Travelogue Japan Day 6-USJ, Tsutenkaku, Shinsekai

I had not really had time to rest over the last few days so I took the opportunity to get a little more rest and a slower schedule for today.  Went to McDonalds for lunch and had their shrimp fillet sandwich.  Its a great choice and much tastier than the fish fillet sandwich we get over here.  Its still a swaure patty but filled with shrimp instead of fish

Travelogue Japan Day 5-Universal Studios Japan Part 3

USJ celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2016 as its theme for its parade.

Travelogue Japan Day 5-Universal Studios Japan Part 2

We continues through the park towards the New York area.  I have only been to NY once myself.  It seems they were going for more the retro look of the city.  the predominant cuisine of the eateries in the area was italian with pizza and pasta.

Travelogue Japan Day 5-Universal Studios Japan Part 1

Thursday and I was planning on going to USJ at some point while I was in Osaka.  I thought a weekday would be an unhurried less crowded day to visit the theme park.  Just off the loop line at Nishikujo.transfer to the Yumesaki line.

Travelogue Japan Day 4-Hakutsuru, Kobe Port, and Kobe Beef

There are a number of sake manufacturing plants in the eastern area of Kobe.  The one that I recognized was Hakutsuru.  It is located near the Sumiyohsi station on the Hanshin line.  There is another Sumiyoshi on a JR line but that is a few blocks to the north.

Travelogue Japan Day 4-Kobe, UCC Coffee, and Kobe Beef

First time at this branch of the chain.  They call it Toyoko Inn Shinsaibashi. But its actually closer to the Yotsubashi station of the Yotsubashi subway line.  Shinsaibashi station on the Midosuji subway line is a few blocks east.  Dotunburi is to the southwest and within walking distance.  anytime I went there, I walked.  Could take the subway, either one, to Namba station if you like.

Travelogue Japan Day 3-Osaka

The bullet trains stop at Shin Osaka station.  From here you can take the Midosuji subway  to Osaka/Umeda station and beyond.  Or a JR line to same station.  Going through the station, gifts and foods are available for purchase.  An eki bento kiosk sold a variety of different bentos.  Here we have rice with octopus in a clay pot similar to those used to catch octopus.

Travelogue Japan Day 3-Shiga Kirin Factory

Its an early start to catch an early bullet train out of Tokyo and head west to Osaka

Travelogue Japan Day 2-Shinjuku Redux Part 2

From the south tower, you get a better view of the station area and some of the department stores like Odakyu or Takashimiya

Travelogue Japan Day 2-Shinjuku Redux Part 1

A few stops along the loop line from Shibuya will get you to Shinjuku, another area of shops, restaurants and entertainment.  More adult entertainment than most places in the Kabukicho area.  this is also the busiest station on the Yamanote line.

Travelogue Japan Day 2-Shibuya Redux

Shibuya was the location of the first conveyor belt sushi place I had been to.  It was cheap and the quality was decent.  Sadly, I believe that the quality has gone down and no longer worth the visit.  Its inevitable that the pice would go up, 105 to 120 yen on last visit, over the 15 years Ive been to Tokyo.

Travelogue Japan Day 1-Asakusa Redux

Theres no real need for me to come to Asakusa for as many times as I visit Tokyo.  But every now and them, I will stroll the area especially if there is some now area that I just hear about.  The main attraction is Sensoji temple.  The entrance is highlighted by the large red lantern and the guardian demons alongside it. 

Travelogue Japan Day 1-Akihabara Redux

There are certain areas around Tokyo that I always stop by when Im in town.  One of those is Akihabara.  since Im here, I thought Id get some curry at Co Co Ichibanya   I like their curry better than Go Go curry but I will go their in a pinch if Co Co is not around but I have found more Co Co than Go Go.  However, there is a Go Go near the Toyoko Inn

Travelogue Japan Day 1-Tokyo Marathon Redux

I landed last night and arrived at the Toyoko Inn by midnight.  I just had enough consciousness to check in, take my baggage up and plop down on the bed.  The next day I awoke to a sunny Sunday.  A Sunday that happens to coincide with the 2016 Tokyo Marathon.  Im not a running enthusiast, hence the coincidence, but I thought I'd take a look since I was here.

Travelogue Japan Day 13-Walking the Yamanote Line

My lat full day technically as my flight departs at 20 past midnight.  I never plan or know what to do on these days as I worry about how much time I will to get to and through the airport.  Usually overestiamte and Im at the airport lonh before I need to be.  First things firat, going back to Toyo station to try anpther ramen place.  Soranoiro routs a vegan ramen.  Im not about that ao I choose their number 1 which has chasiu, slice of chicken, and stewed pork.  Love the garlic chips on the counter.  I beliwve its a soy sauce based recipe.  I liked it and it was a nice warm bowl for a very cold day.

This time I head north from the station along the inside of the line.  Nothing much going on for thos leg except I saw a small UPS customer counter before getting to Kanda.

As i near, more nad mre shops appear making seem like its a soemwhat bustling place shwen it wants to be.  I have never stepped outside of this stationbeforw.  I continue with the next destination being Akihabara.  I turn up on a wide street.  A peek down the street doea not receal anuthing familiar but I press on.  Sure enough the road dog legs to the right and the buildings I was looking for com into view.  Not too klng after, I am here.  the usual gap between stations is 2 or 3monutes by Yamanote

Travelogue Japan Day 12-Odaiba

Picking up where I left off, thos is not theinly way to get to the island.    The Rinkai will get you to slughtly different stops.  There is the ubiquitous giant ferris wheel as well as Tokyo Big Sight.  Ive come a bit late in the day for some night time pics as well.  Fuji TV studios are here but here is not much to see on their self guided tour.    Afterwards I visit the Aqua City/Decks and Diver City complexes.  Both are shopping, restaurant and enetetainment locations that sandwich Fuji TV.  Decks has this retro area with games, haunted house and retro candies and gift store.  Diver City is newer and has a much larger entertainment area.  Not to mention Gundam guards the entrance ever on the guard from Zaku attacks.  Gundam is lit when it gets dark but uas some light sources of his own.  Aqua City offers great views of the Tokyo skyline day or night.

Travelogue Japan Day 12-Walking the Yamanote Line

Continuing this series until I get all the way around.  Today starts at Tokyo station.  I start here today be uase I came to hav ramen at another popular spot amongst ramen street, Ikarugo.  I choose their number one but in a smaller portion.  It similar to the ramen I like at Setagaya with a thick soup.  The noodles were straight but had the chew that Im lookong for.  All in all I would come back for this again.  From here I exit the Yeasu(east) side and head for the outisde of the loop going south.  Its not very far to the next station. Inbetween the 2 stations is the Ginza area.  Some of the most expwnsive rettail real estate in Tokyo.    As I hit Yurakucho station, i go back toward the inside of the loop and come across Hibiya park.  A number of phtographers were waiting to take a picture of something.  For all I know it could be the running of the carp.  I proceed and get to the next station pretty quickly as well.  From Shimbashi you can reach Odaiba on the Yurikamome.  A very quick walk among these 3 stations

Travelogue Japan Day 11-Rain

Rain is predicted for today and it didnt disappoint with siblings cold and gray.  I didnt wnat to spend all day racing in between raindrops.  It was going to be a quick snak run, an early dinner and back to rest in the room.  It became more extended outdoor time.  Went to Kichijoji toe get some menchi katsu.  These 2 are the first of the batch.  They sell so well that theres constant turnover.  They are also a butcher shop but those patrons pale icomparison to the number of people who line up for the balls pf meat and onions.  Went back to Shinjuku to visit the meat restaurant Gyubei.  It was too early and they were still serving their buffet lunch.  In the meantime went to Takashimaua Times to browse their restaurant floor.  Saw this buffet place that also offers foast beef.  Their lunch cutoff was 1530 and dinner didnt start until 1730.  So much for getting back early.  The buffet for 90 minutes was ok.  Carved roast beef and roast pork for the mains.  Didnt try the pork.  Some sides include grilled vegetables, pasta, soba and udon with dashi, some chinese items. paella, and green and regular curry.  A small salad was on offer near the dessert bar.  speaking of which contained several mini cakes and fruits.  A sweet rice dumpling filled with anko and fruit cocktail jelly.  White and milk chocolate fountains provided some with the dramatic climax of covering pineapple, mini cream puffs or marshmallows.  The rain kept coming down as i dodged the last few drops as I slipped into safe haven.

Travelogue Japan Day 10-East of Shinagawa

On the wast side of Shinagawa station, its mainly office buildings.  A few restaurants and conbinis to help support the masses of workers.  Nothing in the way of entertainment except for some pachinko parlors near the station.  A few bridges connect the mainland to Tennozu Island.  I work my way toward Tokyo bay.  Then head north to where Im just south of Rainbow Bridge.  Some docks and other stuff block my view of the east side of the bridge as well as Odaiba.  This is as far as I can get without trespassing.  This guy is still fishing.  Doesnt seem to be having any so I thought it weird him being the only one trying to catch fish here.  Not any weirder than some other guy walking around the docks taking pictures.  On the way back, the elevated railway of the Shinkansen and rhe Tokyo Airport monorail going to/from Hamamatsucho.  I stopped by this market earlier and picked up something on tue way back.  Pepsi's flavor of the moment, sakura.  I didnt find it as offensive as some of thri offerings but you will have to try for yourself.  I guess it taste like sakura

Travelogue Japan Day 10-Glicopia East

Yesterday I couldnt get the Nihonshu Kit Kat.  When I spoke to them, I made out March 8.  So I went back in the morning and they had restocked.  Only problem is, I will have to buy it now, carry it to Saitama, then back again to assure the dnt run out on me again.  I had a reservation for the 1230 tour.  There is a Glicopia in Kobe but a little more difficult to get to.  I got to Kitamoto around 1100 which gave me more than enough time to walk the 30 minutes to the factory.  Taxis and a bus are available.  Took pics of the pimped out Glico wagon while i waited.  Once the tour starts, there is a video on the history of the man, Riichi Ezaki.  Afterwards we are seperated into smaller groups.  A small section the caramels history and the toys they used to include. Photo op with the victory man.  Finally on to the tour.  Photography is not allowed.  The first part they showed was the Pocky being bagged then boxed.  In the next section, We saw dough being extruded and pressed into ribbons.  The ribbons are ct to ther undividual sticks and head into the oven to bake.  I took a pick of frsh Pretz coming out.  Lastly, they were packaged and boxed.  At the end there was a little quiz.  The people with the best score got a 3 box set of large Pretz.  As a partinh gift, we were given a box of Pretz and inflatable Pocky.  A 70 minute tour on its own but you can opt to design your own giant Pocky for 500yen.

Did I mention I havent had lunch yet and its almost 1400.  I pounded down the box of Pretzon the way back to the station.  The first thing that I latched on to was the udon shop.  Got my ticket and entered.  It registered that she asked me what kind of noodle that I wanted.  Due to the hunger and the fact that I saw udon on the front of the shop, I blurted out "UDON!".  Normally udon is pretty low on my list of japanese noodles.  Bit of curry rice on the side

Travelogue Japan Day 9-Tokyo Ikebukuro Akihabara

Yesterday I sent my luggage ahead to Tokyo.  Its a gpod thing I did.  I got caught in mash of people known as the morning commute.  I had no plans for the day and I was up early so I left early.  Opted for the straight shot to Shin Osaka on the Midosuji instrad of the Yotsubashi the transfer ar Osaka.  5 stops of body on body direct contact wirh no room to mobe my arms.  Went straight to the terminus at Tokyo.  2 Reasons:lunch and Kit Kat.  Had tsukemen at Rokurinsha.After Iwasdone, they added stock to make the remaining dipping sauce drinkable.  Nearby was my go to place for Kit Kats.  They had rhe nihonshu(sake) flavor when I was here a few days ago.  During mtime away, they stopped selling them.  I could not find them anywhere.  Fortunately I bought one to taste last Sinday.  All I tasted was white choclate.  Their claims were overhyped to not give these to kids due to the powdered alcohol inside.


Went to walk around Ikebukuro for a bit.  Im around Sunshine dori if Im here.  Theres reztaurants, shopping, entertainment, arcade, and bowling alley.  A number of animeshops are located near the Sunshine 60 complex.  I dont see this as much as before but these places sell oversized takoyaki.  Softball sized as opposed to golfball.  I mistalenly ordered one with alot of mayo.  Never again.

Decided to have ramen for dinner.  Stopped by this place under the tracks at Akiba.  A place we found when we used to stay sround their.  Had chasiu misoramen and shrimp gyoza.  I love this garlic chili condiment they have on the counter.  Afterwards, walked around for a while

Travelogue Japan Day 8-Expo City

This is the last leg of the trip in western area.  I head back to Tokyo in the morning.  Im going north into Suita to have KFC for lunch.  Yes I am talking about Kentucky Fried Chicken.  Why go all this way for KFC?  Because this unusal location is a buffet restaurant.  For around 2100 yen incl tax for lunch, you get 80 minutes to pig out.  Slightly higher for dinner.  Located at the Lalaport mall in ExpoCity, it is near this odd statue.  I had seen it before but paid no heed as I had no intention of visiting it.  Now here I am.  Its called the Tower of the Sun.  I always thought to myself that it reminded me of the monsters in Evangelion.

It opens at 11 and you need to sign up for 1 of the 4 seating times for lunch.  I ended up getiing the 3rd roster at 1350.  Aignups for dinner not available until lunch is done.  There is a small salad bar which has their coleslaw.  2 soups including a cream corn.  Drink bar includes soft drinks and hot tea as well as iced/hot coffee.  Starches include mini croissants, biscuits, fries, spiral cut fries, garlic bread, fried rice, and those chewy little rolls you get at a churasscuria.  A few pasta and hot vegetable items.  For the mains, theccy had fish nuggets, fried shrimp logs and their fried chicken.  You can pick from your favorite parts.  Lastly dessert has a choice of 6 ice creams.  Others include mini cream puff, lemon gelatin, coffee gelatin. fruits, and milk pudding.

Suffice it to say, all I could do was somehow waddlw back to the room tolapse into the food coma.  This is where I spent the rest of the day.  I was in no shape to go anywhere.  Was it worrh it?  Not really for me.  I found the chicken a bit tough but the rest of the food was decent quality.    If you love KFC, just get here early.  6 piece will cost you close to 1200 yen

Travelogue Japan Day 7-Namba

Out and about on a busy Saturday night.  Although I dislike the crowds, I feed of the energy of all the poeple outgetting something to eat, having fun, and meeting up with friends.  Generally everyone is in agood mood.  These shotengai that are covered make themselves very inviting no matter the weather is like.  In an area loke this you can have a small mom and pop shop next to flobal conglomerate like McDonalds or loud and brash pachinko parlor. There is alot to offer and often they can run for several blocks in several directions.  This particular arsa is just south of Dotonburi

Travelogue Japam Day 7-Himeji Castle

Wow!  Its been 7 days.  Where has the time gone?  This morning is a quick hop over to Himeji to visit the namesake castle.  It was recently renovated and open to the public last year.  In some areas, work was still prpgrssing but not completely done.  Nagoya castle was being fixed up when I visited.  The gleaming white keep is easily visible from the train station.  its also an easy walk up the boulevard.  Across the moat and up the winding path to the main keep.  From there you climb a number of steep stairs to the top.  imagine if you were an attacking force and you got into the building?  Its hard fighting up hill.  The rooms inside are pretty bare and few things are on display.  The big payoff once you reach the top.

Along one of the fortifications, you can walk along the inside.  There are rooms inside and a few of them contain displays.

Where the main drag meets the castle grounds, souvenir shops/restaurants serve the tourists.  I opted for a quick bowl of oden before lunch.  The walk back to the station was made easier by using the covered walkway of the shotengai.  It was a nice sunny day and I worried about getting burned.  I got lunch at this fast food place near th north entrance of Himeji eki.  This meal consisted of a cheese in hamburg meal.  They were promoting this and it was probably what i smelled.  I was surprised by how soft the rice was

Travelpgue Japan Day 6-USJ, Tsutenkaku

Today I got a later start as tried to sleep in a bit.  It will be good to get home and get a good nights rest in my bed.  I had the shrimp burger at McDonalds.  Shame they dont have this back home.  I felt obligated to make use of my 2 day pass.  Pretty mcuh everything was done in 1 day.  It could have been done in 1 day if I really tried.  Anyway I went on the Hollywood Dream jet coaster.  Not the biggest nor fastest coaster bu the first one Ive benn on in literally a decade.  The Jurassic Park ride was open today but my ticket says i would have to wait an hour.  Wandered the grounds, got boeed, and left.

A train the leaves from US J goes directly to Twnnoji.  Didnt know this yesterday and transferred ar Nishikujo.  Just as before, had some noodles.  Curry udon with meat.  Down the strett and through the underpass I arrive at Shinsekai.  This is the arwa of shops, entertainment and restaurants at the base of Tsutenkaku.  While the pathways were not crowdes aa I would expect on a Friday, alot of the restaurants were doing a brisk business.  The streets eminate out from the tower with somes streets pretty much dead as their shops were closes by 7pm.  I knew about the Toyoko Inn near Tennoji but not about the one in the heart of Shinsekai

Travelogue Japan Day 5-Universal Studios

Everybody wants to visit Tokyo Disneyland/Disneysea when they come to Japan.  Disney is not my thing.  Instead I went to Univeral Studios in Osaka.  I was hoping fewer people on a Thursday but iguess its all relative and the crow still on the light side.  There is a reservation system for the Harry Potter area when its crowded.  Much later in the day before closing its a free for all.  Went directly to line up for the ride.  Once you get inside I thought it much darker than it neede to be.  I kept bumping into everyone before we got to the ride.  The ride was literally making me nauseas.  I was going to have lunch but had to walk it off first which took an hour.  The restaurant, 3 Broomsticks, featured fish and chips.  When i was ready to eat, I was in the Jaws aeea.  Oddly enough, they dont have fish and chips here but chicken and fries.

Many areas of the park are modeled after Ameircan cities and alot of the food is supposed to reflect what we eat.  There is Saido,the lone japaneae place.  San Francisco, New York and of course Hollywood are on display in a way where you would only learn about these places is from postcards.

Three coasters but one was down.  Aside from Harry Potter they have a number of virtual rides like Evangelion and Spiderman.  During the day, there was a parade.  This is the 15th anniversary for USJ.As cheesy as it seemed, the kids and some people were rally into it.  Speaking of people, some were dressed in costume or dressed very much alike.  The Minions were widley copied with Hp on a close second.  I even saw a Mario and Luigi

Afterwards I would get down to the Teenoji area.  The aea has been developed quite heavoly since my last visit.  Tjjs stand up soba place was at the right placeat the right time.  I ordered the soba with squid tempura.  My plan qas to get to Tsutenkaku.  But aftr stepping out ontk the street and seeing how far it was, i went back to eh soba place, had curry soba tjean went to th room to call it a day

Travelogue Japan Day 4-Kobe port, Chinatown, Kobe beef

(Pics to be added later)
Kobe is a port town like Yokohama and are very similar to each other.  As far as modern day, they.both have ferris wheels and Anpanman museums.  Both areas are built up with shopping and entertaiment complexes.  Yokohama has a building called Landmark Tower and Kobe has an actual tower.

They also have Chinatowns.  Yokohmama's is much larger whereas Kobe is basically 4 city blocks that meet at a central location.  Its very touristy for such a small area.  Most businesses are restaurants or street food vedors. souvenir shops fill in the rest.  Its right on between Kobe and Sannomiya stations and a few blocks south of Motomachi station

For dinner, I ad to go back for more kobe beef.  Steakland is a causal teppanyaki place and does not need resrvations.  Again I had the beef dinner.  It was prepared much the sameway as lunch but there was an additioa.  It does see nl seafood dish and 200 grams of meat.  I felt the beef to be more tender here.  Wakokqu had a bit more chew.  They used butter instrad of the beef fat.  However thry cooked up the fat with bean sprouts as well.  I left this place feeling more satisfied.  It is  bit much but this was my splurge day

Travelogue Japan Day 3-Osaka

(Pics to be added later)
Arrived in Osaka where I will be staying for a couple of days.  Its later than I expected and a bit cold from the previous experience.  I just want to get some essentials and some sleep.  I checked in and got my luggage that I had sent the day before.  A mere 1080 yen and saved the haasle of lugging it around.  Not to mention not having to get a locker which would have cost just as much.  I walked the several blocks to Dotonburi for a drink run at Don Quijote.  Turns out they havanother location nearby on the main drag.  Alot of people around on a Tues night.  Much more than I anticipated.  On the way back I got some takoyaki at this ppace near DQ.  Seemed lije a good deal at 500yen for 9 pieces.  Now must sleep too tired

Travelogue Japan Day 3-Kirin Shiga

(Pics to be added later)
Heading over to Osaka today on.the Shinkansen.  On the way I will stop off at the Kirin Factory.  They offer free tours of the 2 products produced here: beer and tea.  Since I dont really dink beer, I opted for the latter.  Now it was a surprise to me that it would snow in this part of Japan.  Shortly after Nagoya it was clear I was going to be in for some flurries.  After taking the local Ohmi Railway I got off at Screen station and proceeded the rest of the way on foot.  its really not the far but the wind and snpwfall caught up to me after a a slight lull  Undeterred I psuhed on and finally arrived.  Turns out I was the only person on this tour today.  I felt bad for the guide as she had to struggle to try and translate  By the way photography is not allowed on the tour.  There was a short movie followed by a demonstration of the bottle creation process.  A souvenir of the process is a panda shaped PET bottle.  Glass windows overlook a small portion of the manufacturing process.  The system was halted as pepple worked on rhe machinery.  After the tour you are given several minutes to sample their beers and other beverages.  The beers included regular stout and premium.  A limit of 3 on the beers.  Got back on the bullet train and all the snow was gone in the area just east of Maibara station

Travelogue Japan Day 2-Shinjuku

(Pics to be added later)
The rest of the day was spebt here.  Kabukucho has been getting a facwlift.  Probably due in small part to the 2020 Olympics coming their way.  Theres a new Toho theater and hotel not too far from Yasukuni dori.  Something seems to be looking down on the denizens of the area.  ITS GODZILLA!!!  A creatoon of Toho, he holds court above the cinema.  A Godzilla themed room give you 24 hour view of the giant lizard's fearsome snarl at the Hotel Gracery.  Ill leave him be and head over to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building.  The twin towers have free observation decks at the 45th floor.  The north tower has longer hours but part of the view of Shinjuku requires purchasing something at the cafe to gain access to the east windows.  The aouth tower has no restrictions.  Did some tower hopping before getting back to ground level.
Found myself at the Odakyu dept store's restaurant floors.  This place caught my eye because they serve beef and the prices seem reasonable.  Mental note for next time.
I wanted to see if Godzilla was still vigilant after dark.  And he was!  Ive never felt threatened walking around Kabukicho after dark.  More annoyed by the harassment of the hawkers.  Again the area has been and continues to be cleaned up.  Announcements clearly warn the tourists of the scammers and to report overly aggressive sales people.  It did get cold but it didnt affect me as kuch as it did last year.  At that time with the same amount of clothing, I could feel it down to my bones.  As I walked, I forgot about the hunger that comes around dinner time.  So I picked up a 500 yen chicken bento at the Takanawa Wing.  Wing was closed last year for renovations.  Also got some strawberries for the Shinkansen ride tommorrow since i had not planned to pcik fruit this time around.

Travwlogue Japan Day 2-Shibuya

(Pics to be added later)
Spent much of yesterday on the east side of the loop.  Today I will be on thew
west side beginning woth Shibuya. This station is.known for Hachiko and the scramble.  Others alao know it for Shibuya 109.  Ive come to have an early sushi lunch.  Have to remember theres a Tetsu here since the one closer to me is temporarily closed.  This is part of a chain of cheap sushi restaurants.  Their tagline is: the conveyor belt sushi place without the conveyor belt.  They have a 3 level shuttle that brings your order to you.  Multilingual touchscreens take your order 3 items at a time.  I begin with crab cream croquette, miso crab soup and seafood avocado salad.   Didnt detect much crab in the croquette nor avocado in the salad.  Had the cheeseburger nigiri which consisted of a meat patty with a dolop of so called cheese sauce.  They have a few items especially the pork ones.  Grilled poek and boiled pork woth black pepper come to mind.  i finished it off with the dessert platter with ice coffee.  Chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate and strawberry sauce accompanied by a pear in jelly.  They also have udon ad ramen too.  it was ok and i ate alot.  Even with cheap sushi it can still add up.  I walked around for a bit before going to Shinjuku.  Oddly enough found a small grocerand the fist Taco Bell Ive seen.

Travelogue Japan Day 1-Asakusa

(Pics to be added later)
Ive come here on my first visit over a decade ago but have not returned as much.  It doesnt hold much for a frequent visitor but I return on occassion.  Leading up to the temple, hawkers ply their wares along Nakamise dori.  Souvenirs are the min attractions but food run a close econd.  Freshly roasted sembei and filled cakes are the snacks of choice amongst the crowds.  Aide from being a tourist attraction, locals do come and pray here.  The shoten gai that run along the borders are worth a look at

A few blocks to the west is a newer shopping/entertainment area known as Asakusa Rox.  The centerpiece of the locale is this 24 hour Don Quijote across from the movie theater.  Rox extends a few blocks in every direction from here.  A retro arcade of sorts.  Get the marbles in the right holes and you are rewarded with more marbles.  Sounds like a predecessor to the pachinko.  Moving back toward the temple, a small amusement park begins to close chop for the day.  Further on, yatai stalls cooking up foods and snacks are breathed in before visual affirmation.  Meats, vegetables, and battered goods tempt the stomach but I must resist to not spoil my dinner

Making my way back to the main street, I find a number of clear plastic tarps providing protectin and warmth to the patrons.  They drink and have some small bits a they converse.  Both sides of the street are packed with a lively atmosphere.  Looks like a good time

The subway station is close to the Sumida river and a short walk from Skytree.  I approach along a dark street but huner for ramen stops me short and I make my way back.  I felt like tsukemen at Rokurinsha but the line tured me away.  I decided on Hiragau ofr its shorter line and i had heard good things about it.  I ordered the first item on the ticket machine.  The soup has a heavy seafood taste that mellows with each spoonful.  Not offensive but not what I am used to when I have my ramen, miso ramen usually.  Straight amost white noodles and wonton swim in the soup alongside a single small shrimp.  The chasu is on the sweet side, again to my surprise.  Not bad but not something I would seek out.  I could have had tsukement at Tetsu butrenovations at Shinatatsu prevented that

Travelogue Japan Day 1-Akihabara

(Pics to be added later)
After getting my JR Pass in order, I wanted to start my sunny crisp Sunday with a bit of curry at Coco Ichiban.  I lack vegetables in my diet, especially when I travel.  First course is a salad with chicken karaage and some miso dressing.  I really like their karaage but I like this salad more when they offered it with fried shrimp.  The are deep fried to perfections like the chicken nd very juicy with a nice crunch.

I oredered the normal level of spicey but I think it kept me warm well into the nigh.  Now we check out the new toys at Yodobashi.  I havent had the ned to buy electonics in Japan and the awe and wonder at japanese tech is not as big as it used to be.  Being a fan of Star Wars, I wanted to see what was on offer.  The usual figures and toys can be foud next 2 rc versions ofBB8.  One comes with a remote control and the other uses your smart hpone and tablet.  Each has a head that move independent of the body

Video games are big here so the netrance to the gaming section has to be just as impressive

Wondering around the streets I come to Kotobukiya to see their Star Wars goods.  Have to admit that ive been more impressed with their previous SW stuff like thei chopsticks and ice cube ctrays.  Nowadays, not so much but then I dont collect figures

Travelogue Japan Day 1 2016-Tokyo Marathon

(Pics to be added later)
Coincidentally the 2016 Tokyo Marathon is being run today.  Im not a race enthusiast but i will take a look while Im here.  Its early yet and the race has not started from Shinjuku yet.  Emegency staff are in olace.  Sponsers were on hand to market their products..  This point of the race is 15km from the start.  Wheelchair athlete were the first to appear.  Eagerly awaited elite rnners followed after.  I didnt stay long but I hear there are cosrumed runners like those in the Bay to Breakers.  When I came down for breakfast, 2 numbered paticipants were on their way to the start line.  I probably should have followed. The sound of aerial coverage forshadowed the elite runnees.  When it went silent, the thrill was gone.

Travelling abroad to a foreign land like being born again

Getting on a plane equatting to a sperm or egg travelling to the womb to meet up with the other.

Once together, the fetus gestates in the womb for the next nine months.  Much like landing and trying to get through customs and immigration.

Once born,  you gaze upon the new world with wide eyed wonder and amazement at everything.  Its all new and you cant help but point at things you've never seen before.  With reckless abandon you scurry over to the first thing that catches your eye.

Signs of Gentrification

A wine bottle cooler/refrigerator discarded on a random street corner

A large black SUV with dark tinted windows and custom wheels blaring........harp music

Lazy Man's Guide to Japan: Convenience Stores(Conbini)

In the states, we have our major convenience stores like 7-11 and Am Pm as well as smaller stores.  Japan has their fair share of conbini(convenience stores).  In major cities like Tokyo, they are far more saturated than what you would find here.  They have 7-11 and Am Pm but they also have Lawson, Sunkus, Family Mart, Daily Yamazaki and much more.  They are found at train and subway stations.  This is saying alot since most of the populace commute to work through these means.  Im sure you will have to pass through at least 1 of these stations when you visit.  In denser areas, there can be multiple locations within a 1 block area.

The conbinis dont suffer the same stigma that afflict the same chains in the US.  The prepared foods that they offer are not restaurant quality but are decent enough when you want something quick or inexpensive.  They have the usual sandwiches but bentos and rice balls of various kinds are on offer as well.  Some locations offer oden as well.  Oden is fishcake, vegetables, eggs and other goodies simmered in dashi.  Nice snack on a cold day.  Unlike our domestic chains, the conbinis do not offer soda fountain to dispense drinks.  All sodas are sold in individual containers located in the refrigerated cases.  Oddly enough, one of the few places you will see a drink dispenser is in a family-style restaurant or all you can eat place that offer an all you can drink option.

Some conbinis offer other services like ticket purchases.  If you are going to the Studio Ghibli Museum, you can purchase advace tickets at a Lawson.  Another item that has a loose connection to conbinis are the clear umbrellas that dot a rainy day.  These are sold fairly cheaply at all locations for those who have left their own umbrellas at home or elsewhere.  Alot of times, certain chains or even branches of a chain will work in conjunction with other companies to do special promotions.  Much like the fast food chains partnering with movies to extend their marketting reach through the prizes found in kid's meals.  Especially with anime, shops will offer one of a kind or limited run items to draw people into the store.  These tie-ins can be as rare as being offered at only 1 location due to special connection.

Not all conbinis are open 24 hours but most are.  Those in the stations will close with the station unless there is an external entrace.  Although the location may sell hot and cold drinks in the shop, some will still have a vending machine near the entrance.  This may or may not have to do with the store not being open for 24 hours.

Lazy Man's Guide to Japan: Fly in to Haneda over Narita

I have traveled to Japan, Tokyo specifically, on numerous occasions and decided to share some of the things I have learned as I plan my next trip.  I am big on convenience.  You could say it borders on being lazy, as such, the title of these posts.  I woulkd be willing to pay extra for a bit of convenience.

At this time, I can only comment on United and ANA flights that I have flown on.  Haneda is much closer to Tokyo than Narita.  In comparison, a 15-minute local train ride over a 1-hour express to reach the Yamanote line.  The airport monorail or Keikyu line are available or a taxi should the trains stop running past midnight.  Over the last few years, Haneda has opened up to international flights.  These flights arrive at extreme times, early morning or late evening.  The first flight arrives around 6am and departs from the US around midnight.  For those that can sleep during the flight, it may help to reduce jet lag as you can get a good nights rest and awake upon landing ready to hit the ground running.  That was my thought at least.  Even as late as the departure was, sleep would be elusive and I was awake the whole time except for 1 or 2 15-minute naps.  After landing, I had at least 8 hours before I could check in.   Half-asleep, I busied myself until then.

The other flight departs around midnight to land at 1030pm.  With this, I get my bags, go to the hotel to check in, then fall asleep.  This schedule worked out better for me last year and its the same one that I will follow this year.  Since I am tired by the time I land, it is easy for me to get some sleep so I can be ready to go out the next day.  Departures from Haneda that I have taken, leave shortly after midnight.  This gives you the whole day to do last minute things before you head home.  Time enough to grab a nice dinner in town as well.  Could possibly save you a nights expense at a hotel.

The flights to Narita take off around 11am to land approx 3pm-4pm at Narita.  These are some of the busiest hours of the airport.  Customs lines can be long.  Most times, you will get into Tokyo around dinner time.  If you are up to it, catching some night life.  Flights from Narita depart around 5pm-6pm.  Then you have to factor in the transportation time to the airport and buffer time while at the airport.  This can make for a harried morning trying to get everything packed.  You could probably squeeze in lunch before getting on the train.  Easy access to Narita provided by the Narita Express or the Skyliner.  I have only ever taken the N'ex.