A little bit of SG in Japan #3

20150915 met Dan at Shibuya for late lunch, wanted to eat okonomiyaki but ended up eating Yarou ramen cos I was curious as I saw it on TV. Not bad !! A lot of beansprouts (bird will Love it LOL) and the soup base was thick tonkotsu. Went to Game Center and Dan spent 6000 on that pair of moomins! Every one was watching him… Moomin is very popular in Japan right now. and he helped me with my rascal pouch.. Happy~~~~

Then we went to Shiroichi for milk ice and whale meat restaurant with his friend -_- I don’t quite like it… Anyway the history is that post-war they had no food so they started to eat whales …

-20150916

a little bit of SG in Japan #3

20150817 thanks to Dan, a fellow Singaporean I met on the hiking trip, I had fun on Monday. We met at Ikebukuro for sushi and went to at least 3 game centres!! He knew I wanted to learn how to play the UFO catcher so he taught me.. But mainly it was caught by Dan! I got the alpaca with 300yen. Very happy :D Dan had a couple of good ones too, the stitch pair with 500yen etc.. Not that I need all these but cheap thrill :D maybe we spent about 5000-6000 yen?

I met him again the next day again because he left some stuff in my bag which he helped his SG friends to buy.. He was going to stopover SG on his way to NZ for holiday. Unfortunately I was feeling unwell and had to trouble him. Lucky he knew some clinics so he let me know where and in my dizziness I managed to reach there. I hoped for doctors who can understand english but unfortunately I walked into one that didn’t so amidst my kurakura feelings I had to do it in japanese. Not so bad, I survived !!!!

Most importantly he lent me money for medicine and dinner. They don’t accept cards so I only had enough cash for consultation. When you are sick you don’t really think about figuring out where you can find an atm and to try to withdraw money.

After that we visited his office, just right above the clinic. its called Regus, with a common reception, lounge, and rooms you can rent on monthly basis to work in. a small room costs 2000 dollars!

we went to a nice mexican place to have dinner, at Shinagawa station. Nice ambience but I was still feeling giddy and all.. ( so apologetic towards Dan, i’ll treat him when he is back!!)

Thanks a million to Dan. 在家靠家人 出外靠新加坡人！謝謝！

A visit to Saitama

Alisa came to Tokyo with her husband and I arranged to meet her in Saitama :) I love Alisa! She is so nice.

It's about an hour's train ride to where I was heading to, from Ikebukuro. I took longer than expected because I was lost at Ikebukuro :( 

Met Alisa at the Starbucks at 本川越駅 Hon Kawagoe station. I was so distracted by the department store's sale....

She only had limited days in Japan so it was a meet-up + a day for her to grab all the shopping she need. 

The amazing shopping street クレアモール川越新富町商店街 at Kawagoe!! Hidden gem!! It's just 5 mins away from the station and it's situated between Hoe Kawagoe station and Kawagoe station. 

I bought so much stuff here.. and also because there was summer sale I went C~R~A~Z~Y! 

We had lunch at Hidakaya 日高屋 which is one of my favourite Chinese restaurants in Japan! It's a chain but the food is good. I love the fried rice the most (with lots of SB black pepper!!!) but today I tried a different dish.. (they actually gave me a dish that looked different, but oh well..)

After that Yori went home and we went to shop and shop and shop.. from lifestyle goods to clothes to supermarket. I'm so happy I found an interesting place near Tokyo :) and it's not that crowded..(then again it's a weekday..)

Some commotion at the Ikebukuro station. It's the Rinjiressha! 臨時列車
These trains are used for specific purposes with a fixed train schedule. For example, it was used to transport students for university entrance exams, and sports competitions from one prefecture to another. But now it's much more rare. 

(Will read the article in detail and translate when I have the time!!)

I will come back again with Alisa's recommendation to visit the 川越一番街商店街 in Kawagoe! 

Tsukuba Mountain hiking

20150809 happy SG50 Singapore! Not wanting to spend such an important day today, I went hiking ^^ I met great people today, really. Also met my first two Singaporeans in Japan ! (who are not in Waseda and not senpai Alan) 

The climb to 女体山 was more difficult that I expected :( From Tokyo, I took the Tsukuba express to Ibaraki prefecture to hike on Mount Tsukuba. The first part of the climb was all stone stairs, so it was really really difficult for me. In my mind all different vulgar words appeared. haha! why did I even thought of hiking :( It took so much effort and determination, really. Lucky Nemoto san and Maiko san were there to encourage and help. There were so many times I wanted to give up, took so many rest stops, but the people coming down kept me going. And in my mind, I told myself, this is a challenge I took up and I shouldn’t just give up like that. And I decided to hike to keep myself busy. I can’t give up. 

Nemoto san!!!!

The top part of the mountain was easier cos it was big rocks and it is actually to me, easier to climb. I did fall down slightly, not a serious injury though. Taiki kun and Hisashi san were very nice they waited for us half way. Just kept on climbing and climbing until I reached the top!!! the view was spectacular…

 I spoke to an ojiisan who had his dog with him, the dog is 14 years old!! (dog 80 years old) and she climbed together with the ojiisan. Sugoi deshou?!

Got a omikuji at the shrine at the top of the mountain

After that we went down to the cable car level and had lunch. 

My bento ^_^ yes it is edible haha. Then we embarked on another short hike to the 男体山 which Hisashi san and Maiko san didn’t come along. Luckily the hike was short if not it would have been difficult for me too!!!

Next on! 男体山!!!

On the train back Maiko san says I stay in the most dangerous place in Tokyo T.T I’m so shocked for words…. I don’t wanna die in a foreign land!!! I promise not to go home late again. LOL and Nemoto san re-confirmed that Adachi-ku is never a place that he would never go. WTF. What should I do? :(

Went down via cable car and had dinner with the Singaporeans and Japanese people. Spoke so much and ate good Yakitori :D

HAPPY SG50 FROM SINGAPOREANS!

YAY! I’m a happy kid today :)

Shin bistro with Daichi

20150730 I was not feeling well and only got up at 3pm. One of those usual days for me that I can never get used to :( 

dinner at a place I really wanted to go, with Daichi. I’m sorry I always don’t reply his msgs.. And he tells that straight to me but still forgives me :P he’s really a nice friend with a foreigner viewpoint so it’s easy to talk to him.

The place is called Shin bistro at Meguro. It’s packed even at 6plus. I thought japanese do OT?! Its concept is actually standing bar.. Not that anyone mind standing because the food is good. I wonder if in Singapore would people want to stand ?! It’s very space saving this way.

Then later Daichi was still hungry :/ 
So we made our way to Shibuya to the beef tongue chain store called Negishi. Pretty good and not expensive. The rice is mixed with barley grains and eaten with tororo. Yummy. But I was so full… Can’t wait for our international firework festival haha!!

Solo in Kyushu (Summer 2015) 4/7: Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival

Famous volcano in Kyushu: Sakurajima 桜島

Having lived in Singapore all my life, I always thought hot weather is not a problem for me. 

But summer in Japan? Do not underestimate! Especially in Kyushu, which is warmer than other places in Japan. However personally I feel that Kyushu is a really, really lovely place, although many tourists tend to flock to the North of Japan. My interest in Kyushu started when I worked part time for a Kyushu food event 10 years ago, and that love for it has never wavered. Since then, I have been to Kyushu 3 times, and every time I am greeted with the warm hospitality of the people there! Not to mention the food in Kyushu tastes so heavenly good!!! (I strongly believe that Kyushu has the best cuisine in the whole of Japan. I can write a whole post just on Kyushu cuisine!! Haha!)

However, despite the heat, summer is exactly the time to GET OUT AND HAVE FUN! There are so many events and festivals happening in Japan during summer you will often find yourself in a dilemma on which to attend. I visited Fukuoka in July 2015 with one main purpose in mind - HAKATA GION YAMAKASA FESTIVAL!

The festival is held from 1-15 July every year. It goes on for 2 weeks and events include display of the huge kazariyama floats, rehearsal races and the actual race. Prior to this festival, I have also attended the Torigoe festival in Tokyo, which was also an eye-opener. But what is so special about this festival in Fukuoka is that they RUN with the one-ton kakiyama floats! You will be amazed with how fast they can run!!! (I will be posting a video too! See for yourself!!)

I went to the festival with my friends, the Ozaki family on a Sunday, travelling from their house in Kokura for this event. We couldn't attend the weekday actual race because of Mama Ozaki's work. Not the actual day, but the town was bustling and getting ready for the festival.

We stopped by Ichiran ramen for lunch, the most well-known Hakata ramen. How can we miss out on Ichiran at its home base?!!!

YUMMY AS USUAL :)

After that we proceeded to the area around Reisen Park (冷泉公園) where the Kushida Shrine （櫛田神社）is, to find the best spot to view the race. 

Wow, I was surprised to see so many participants in loincloth :P The participants were all getting ready for the races.

A kind soul gave me his route map of the race when I randomly went to ask him about the route. Talk about kind Japanese people :) After figuring out the routes we walked around the shopping area since it was not time yet for the race.

The interesting themes of the big kazariyama floats. Look, Doraemon!!! This is just one of the many floats around the area. 

At some of the floats there are gigantic ice blocks with toys inside, placed in front of the kazariyama floats. The kids were rubbing the ice and trying to make the ice melt faster so that they can get the toys! It was very interesting. Later on I did see it on the making-of the ice on TV. It's a long process as the ice blocks are SO big!

Waiting for the races to start

Time to get down to business!!! The races started about 2pm in the afternoon. There were so many participants, vying for victory for their "clans". When the commentator counted down to the start of the race, I got nervous for the participants as they got into their ready-get-set pose. The race timings are announced after each team's race.

Look at the very well-made kakiyama floats!!

Kids and adults of all ages participated too!

The races started about 2pm in the afternoon. There were so many participants, vying for victory for their "clans". They usually represent the neighbourhood they stay in. When the commentator counted down to the start of the race, I got nervous for the participants as they got ready. The race timings are announced after each team's race.

The most awesome thing about this event is actually Japanese's community spirit. Families and shop vendors joined in the fun by cheering for them, and also spraying water to lessen the friction on the road. This is something you don't see at other events.

Kids were trying their best too!

Look at this racing video to experience the speed and action!

When I was there, there was actually a mini-accident that abruptly stopped one of the races! and it was such a coincidence that I was taking a selfie video... (to be uploaded)

I really think one cannot go to Japan and not attend a maturi!! Especially Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival!

Along the area there are also a lot of delicious Japanese food, some of which have very long history.

I had the A don in this restaurant. It is said to be called “A” don because the owner named the meals in the restaurant as A, B, C for convenience during busy hours. It was similar to Katsu-don but fish instead of pork. It was really delicious!

Can I also mention that Tenjin has a crazy underground shopping area. So big I got lost!! 

A little bit of SG in Japan #2

sushi at Tsukiji. Arrived at 730am and the queue for Sushi Dai was 6 hours -_- and Sushi Daiwa sold out?! I wouldn’t wait so long for something I’m not sure of .. Plus I had school. Why are tourists so crazy for sushi I don’t understand. 6 hours? 6 hours can fly to Taipei and back already. So we gave up and went Ryu Sushi (I wonder how many of them gave up after we left???) Thought it was a little expensive (4300yen) but very fresh ingredients. The heart felt a little lighter after finally having “sushi at Tsukiji” and we were actually able to see the market properly. Stopped by a crockery store, ate one of the most amazing chilled tamagoyaki 400yen at 大定 (more satisfying than sushi, sorry…), and 100 yen yakitori. Good to start the day early but omg, I really felt the fatigue in the afternoon… Edit: sushi daiwa is cheaper and beats sushi Ryu hands down. Sorry!

Weekend trip to Kagoshima 2/3

Started the day with exploring the hotel..

Plastic sheet for umbrella

Pants Press

Erm, adult video ...

Takeshi and Uin came to pick me up to Dozono san's house!

Barbeque!!!! at Dozono-san’s house. It also acts as the production place of tatamis for Dozono san’s tatami family business.

It was a tight journey to his “inaka” house and we were greeted by Koitaro (koi as in koi fish) 鯉太郎 the dog. He was like barking the whole time we were there. 

Grilled mochi!!!

Hard to explain but just imagine everything as wonderfully delicious!!! Dozono san caught the fishes yesterday. And the White round pieces are homemade Mochi. Grill it with soya sauce + a piece of seaweed and you get really delicious mochi!! The agemono fried items were really good too. Real food and not hotdogs and crab sticks.. I’m loving the countryside ^_^

 yomogi Mochi

UIN!!!!!!!

more pics of food - yakimochi, yomogi Mochi, 店長’s baby Sana chan, Uin chan who came from Kumamoto, super delicious tomato which cost 4 for 200yen, another fish caught by Dozono… And Kao Liang liquor!!!

Flowers from Hinako chan

baseball with Ryo chan, playtime with Hinako chan and finally hot spring with Hinako! (Nishizono san’s kids). Hina chan is soooooo cute and Ryoya is really direct about everything! When one of us couldn’t get the toy he commented what are you doing! なにしてんだよ！ LOL

the day ended with dinner at Satsuma Kitchen Hiro again :) Nishizono san and Fukuda san’s wives came too. Nishizono san’s wife was really pretty and she is pregnant with her third child right now :) I sat at the “kids and wives table” LOL

love love love the 黒豚角煮!!!! Befriended Fukuda san’s kids Kippei 桔平 and Yuzuyu柚友. 

Yuzuyu is a really mature kid, she was fun to hang out! She plays tennis! Hinako chan kind of got distracted the whole night by YouTube.. And Ryo chan said I was pretty hahaha.

Everyone was nice. I like nice :)

We left about 3 hours later at 10pm and I went back to my hotel. I entered the lift with a man, and 3 ladies. The man pressed 7th level but didn’t get out. I thought maybe he got his level wrong and was going to 10th level with me. Then I remembered my level is a all-ladies level, so there is no possibility that he was staying on 10th floor. After a lady exited on 7th level, he spoke to me and asked me if I am scared being alone?!! with a smile and fanning a foldable paper fan in his hand. I was like whatttt?! And remained silent until 10th floor. I exited but he didn’t and went to another level. I quickly got into my room and texted Kuroki san. I didn’t expect this to happen in a hotel but.. There are different kinds of people I guess.

ALMOST everyone was nice :) Need to prepare myself for more of such girigiri experiences in Japan.

Good night!