Food & Travel: Japan Planning
Sep 28th, 2009 by admin
A 2 week ‘traveleating‘ trip to Japan has been planned for November. Even though it will be my fifth trip over a period of 20 years, the last 2 months have still been spent on intensive research and consulting Japanese friends. I used to organise detailed production schedules for overseas shoots as a TV producer and find the planning part of any trip, whether it’s a day trip or a fortnight away, almost as enjoyable as the travelling itself. I’d also rather devote time and energy into creating a trip tailored to my own needs, and I learn much more about the culture and traditions of the country that I’m visiting.
I wanted to share with you the information I’ve gathered so far, in case you’re also planning a trip to Japan in the near future. From late November onwards, I’ll write a series of food & travel posts based on the trip.
Yokohama:
The husband and I have the use of a friend’s apartment in Yokohama, a 30 minute train ride to Shibuya, central Tokyo, so it will be our base. Yokohama is a great city, and Japan’s second largest, so I’ve allocated some time to explore it more, particularly Noge, its most traditional quarter and apparently great for low-key food, as well as the Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum if there’s time. And I’ve been to Chinatown before, but if you haven’t, it’s worth a trip.
Tokyo:
Five days will be spent in Tokyo, catching up with old friends, re-discovering favourite haunts and exploring new areas that I’ve researched. We’re planning on doing this National Geographic walking tour through Old Tokyo, which will include stop-overs at the Asakura Choso Kan residence and garden, as well Ameyoko street market. There is a Sunday market that we’re planning to visit, Yasukuni Shrine Antique Market (Nogi Shrine Antique Flea Market and Togo Shrine Flea Market aren’t open on the Sunday we’re in Tokyo). Unbelievably, I’ve still not been to Tsukiji fish market, so I want to go there, and also explore the back street shops. Kappabashi-Dori, the catering supply street near Asakusa, is a must-visit destination as I need to buy a ginger grater. The secret garden of Dembo-in, also in Asakusa, is also on my list. The things I want to see and do in Tokyo won’t fit into this post, but I’ll write up our discoveries with more suggestions and recommendations, particularly for food. There are already a couple of restaurants I’m very excited about, including an unagi-ya (unagi restaurant) and a ramen-ya (ramen noodle restaurant).
Trips from Tokyo:
The destinations for the trips from Tokyo changed dramatically after a long discussion with a Japanese friend the other day. In the end, we bought a Japan Rail Pass each (£191 for 7 days, per person), as it works out cheaper than buying tickets separately for each destination. We now feel compelled to travel 7 days in a row, so as to make the most of the savings. Incidentally, with a JR Pass, seats can only be reserved once the pass is activated in Japan (so we’ll do both at Narita airport upon arrival).
Days 1 & 2 will be taken up making a rather long journey to see the Jigokudani wild snow monkeys near Nagano in the Japan Alps. We’ll be staying at the Kokuya ryokan at Shibu Onsen, which sounds idyllic. Even though it’s expensive, the ryokan has various outdoor onsen (natural hot springs) baths and our suite, the Fuyo room, comes with its own private bath on the balcony. The fact that they can offer a vegetarian version of their kaiseki dinner (read the 3 posts by Australian food blogger A Table For Two on Kokuya) was important, as I won’t have to worry about the husband going hungry. An equally tempting breakfast is also included, while a simple lunch of soba (buckwheat) noodles, a specialty of the region, has been planned for the second day. Shibu Onsen is regarded as one of the top 5 onsen in Japan, although I only read this yesterday.
Days 3, 4 & 5 will be spent in Kyoto and Osaka. I’ve been to Kyoto before, but twenty years ago, so I barely remember anything about it. I’ll spare you the details about my frantic attempts to find accommodation in Kyoto (it seems 6 weeks is far too short notice for most places, which were fully booked), but in the end we settled on a little ryokan, The Three Sisters Inn Annex, for two nights. Run by three sisters, it’s a five minute walk from Heian Shrine, with no meals included, plus a private bathroom (essential for us). The annex caters for non-Japanese visitors only, while the main inn has been around for 14 generations, although I only discovered all this after making the booking (see Japan Times article).
Travelling between Kyoto and Osaka is easy. JR Kyoto line Special Rapid trains run every 15 minutes between Kyoto and Osaka. The journey is just 29 minutes and costs ¥540 / £3.72 one way, but is free with the JR Pass. I look forward to researching the eating part of the Kyoto and Osaka trip, as both cities are famous for certain specialties, for example shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) in Kyoto and okonomiyaki (a type of savoury pancake) in Osaka, which I shall write about in more detail after the trip.
Days 6 & 7 will involve 2 day trips from Tokyo/Yokohama that I have tasked the husband with researching, so that we don’t waste the last 2 ‘free’ days of the Japan Rail Pass. I’m happy to be surprised…
Finally, Kamakura, Kita-Kamakura and the little island of Enoshima will be the last day trip from Tokyo (it’s even closer from Yokohama). I’ve been to Kamakura before, but again 20 years ago, and all my friends have recommended going there.
Other trips from Tokyo:
Here are some destinations which I initially researched but abandoned mostly due to lack of time and money. They will be on the list for the next Japan trip, but I thought I’d mention them here, in case you were looking for ideas for day trips.
Overnight trips to Sado Island, Takayama, Nikko and Izu peninsula were considered, as were day trips to Hakone, Mount Mitake in Okutama and Kawagoe, also known as Little Edo. If you have more time, staying overnight at both Hakone and Mitake are recommended. Mitake in particular takes a good couple of hours or more from Tokyo each way, because of the train changes and other forms of transport involved. Sado Island I’m saving for a summer trip, preferably when the Kodo drummers aren’t touring, as the Sea of Japan can be rough in autumn/winter time and the ferry crossing lasts about 2 hours.
Travel Resources:
- Hidden Japan – a lengthy article on Concierge from Condé Nast Traveler that I found extremely useful as a starting point. It describes a few places that I researched in more detail – Takayama, Noto peninsula and Jigokudani near Nagano
- Zeno’s Guide – a fantastic personal guide to Jigokudani and the surrounding Shibu/Yudanaka area. Zeno works in one of the ryokan and is an excellent source of local information. As a result, the planning of this part of the trip was very easy
- Kyoto Visitors Guide – a great resource for accommodation in Kyoto and where I found my ryokan
- The Japan Times – I went through 7 years’ worth of travel articles to dig out some day trips to visit from Tokyo, including Kawagoe. The writers are extremely knowledgeable about Japanese history and culture
- The Nihon Sun – Japan’s online culture & travel magazine, and a good resource for things to do in Japan
- Tokyo Topia – ‘Tokyo made simple’, with ‘hints and tips you won’t find in your typical travel guide’
- Tokyo Times – notes from a small group of islands – a blog written by a British expat living in Tokyo with some evocative photos of daily life
- Design Sponge: Tokyo Design Guide – an excellent guide to all things design-related in Tokyo
- Hokkaido Highway Blues – Will Ferguson’s entertaining and informative account of his journey as a hitchhiker from one end of the country to the other
Practical Travel:
- Japan-Guide.com – this site kept popping up every time I Googled ‘how to travel from X to Y’, so I’ve used it for logistical planning of train journeys and connections
- Hyperdia – recommended by various sites as the best for searching for train times
- Japan Rail – useful for timetables, fares and general JR train travel information. Tickets can’t be booked online from outside Japan though
- Airport Limousine Bus – useful information in English on my preferred mode of transport from Narita to either Tokyo or Yokohama (I’ll be travelling to YCAT – Yokohama City Air Terminal)
- Transportation in Tokyo – article outlining the different types of Metro passes that are available within the Tokyo area
- How To Withdraw Money In Japan – useful article on withdrawing cash from ATMs using foreign cards
I’m going to focus on the food aspect of the trip for the next 6 weeks, so any suggestions for restaurants and food shops, farmers’ markets, festivals and food-related events would be most welcome for any of my destinations (including Yokohama, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagano, Kamakura). Even if I don’t end up going to every recommended place, the information will still be very useful for other readers and future visitors to Japan reading this. And if you know any Japan-based bloggers, please let me know. I’m really looking forward to sharing with you what I’ll discover in Japan…
Thank you!
It’s so good that you’re going to Japan!
Hi,
Just got back from Japan (Tokyo & Kyoto) and had some wonderful meals.
Tsukuji market is definately worth a visit. Went to Dai Sushi for lunch but it was a 3 hour wait in the queue at we started queuing around 7am.
Also had some really good Soba noodles in Kyoto, one famous one that serves the imperial palace, if interested I can send you more details by email.
In tokyo had a famous Tempura restaurant which was exceptional and also good unagi and a great place for rice bowl.
If you want me to send you some details then please email me and I’m more than happy to let you know where I went.
Simon
A wonderful post, Helen – so good of you to share this info with others who might be interested. I am, for one!
Never mind the snow monkeys and hot springs, the Yokohama Ramen museum stands out as the highlight of your planned trip ! Well perhaps not.
I’m looking forward to your posts – Japan is one place I’d love to visit and Japanese cuisine is the one I feel I should learn more about.
I’m sooooo envious, wish I could go to Japan too. Can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back, enjoy.
Japan… For a long time, I had never been in the mood to go there, maybe because I was looking for a place where things would make more sense to me but with time and people telling me how great and crazy the country is, I’m thinking that after all, it wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
There is a street in Paris, Rue Saint Anne, where the restaurants cook (in front of you) nothing but traditional Japanese food like Katsudon, etc (no sushi on the menu). I haven’t found such places like this in London yet but if you know any good places to enjoy the true and family Japanese food, let me know
Oh how fabulous. I already loved your blog as a foodie but, this kind of travel post just makes it even more of a perfect fit for me. I too get a great deal of enjoyment from the planning of a trip, and prefer to arrange independent trips for most destinations, as it allows me to research hotels, restaurants and activities to my heart’s content and ensure the trip is just what we want.
i really like this blog and i’m very happy to discover it (thanks to design *sponge).
happy monday!
justyna
How exciting! I love visiting Japan and I’m an obsessive list maker myself and love planning things to a lot of detail. Nothing worse than time wasted or eating opportunities squandered.
If you’re in the mood for something a little strange and kooky, try The Lock Up in Tokyo. There are a few locations and it’s a scary themed restaurant. I loved it!
Thank you for sharing your planning – so thorough and totally makes me want to return. I went on a day trip to Hakone which was lovely as well as visited Yokohama’s Chinatown. We explored Tokyo mostly but would love to return and visit Osaka & Kyoto. And of course the food – I definitely ate my heart out!
Very jealous! I love the food in tokyo. Other than the classics, (Jangara, Maisen, Daiwa sushi etc) look up Ryugin. The chef Yamamoto is a japanese version of Gagnaire…
Looking forward to reading about your travels!
Get Nakamurasan to give you a tour…very in-depth and very worth it.
http://www.londonelicious.com/dining/2008/07/tsukiji-fish-ma.html
I am positively seething with jealousy. It sounds like a fantastic trip! This will be a good resource for when I can actually afford to go (oh, say in 2025…)
Japan food blogs I wished I checked out before visiting Tokyo and Kyoto last month:
Tokyo: http://www.potatomato.com/seat/
Kyoto: http://kyotofoodie.com/
If you have time, do pay a visit to Nishiki Market in Kyoto – it’s a (covered) street market selling all sorts of amazing food.
Great post, and I’ll look forward to reading about how your actual experiences compare to the info you dug up in advance. [From my own research-and-travel experiences, I find it's always entertaining when a place that sounded great during the Research Phase turns out to be a dump, and vice versa. In the end, you just never know what's going to happen, which is one of the beauties of travel.]
Above all, thanks for sharing the fruits of your labors.
When in November do you leave?
Hi Helen. Sounds like your upcoming trip is starting to take shape. I stayed at the Three Sisters Inn Annex when I was in Kyoto in November 2003 and it was a comfortable stay, you’ll be well looked after. As you say it’s close to some of the temples – walking by the streams, in the temple grounds and zen gardens is simply idyllic and with any luck you’ll have nice sunny weather like I had when I was there.
So what’s the name of the ramen ya you’re getting excited about? Have any of your Tokyo friends recommended checking out cool neighbourhoods like Kagurazaka, Shimo Kitazawa, Koenji or Nakameguro?
I am going to be in Japan in November too. Thank you for this very helpful post! I am traveling over three weeks to Tokyo -> Kyoto -> Naoshima -> Okayama -> Kagoshima -> Yakushima -> Fukuoka -> Tokyo. I also really enjoy the planning part of a trip, although in this case I have some of my family traveling with me as well as my partner so have to factor in their wishes too!
I am sooooo looking forward to this, and it looks like those 2 weeks will be jam-packed full of fantastic outings! I especially would like to see how your Leica works out for both food and outdoor photography. Have loads of fun!
That’s what I call great planning! I couldn’t get enough on my visit to Japan so a return trip is definitely on the horizon.
Look forward to your reviews upon your return!
Totally agree that planning is just as fun as going!
Here are my Tokyo picks (my last visit was Christmas 2008):
Rengatei (煉瓦亭) – an old yoshoku (Japanese western food) restaurant – you really need only go for one thing – the tonkatsu. I reckon it’s better than the famed Mai-sen.
Ginza 3-5-16, Chuo-ku (東京都中央区銀座3-5-16)
Yurakucho/Ginza station (in the street behind Apple computer store)
http://www.ginza-rengatei.com
AFURI ramen – fantastic chasyu (pork) – they grill each slice individually before serving. We went at 2.30pm and there was still a short line, so I guess it’s popular!
Ebisu 1-1-7, Shibuya-ku (東京都渋谷区恵比寿１丁目１−７)
Ebisu station, west exit. (恵比寿駅西) down the slope along the tracks, then turn right onto main rd, 2nd street on right
11am-4pm, closed Wed
Washyoku en (和食えん) – modern Japanese izakaya (part of a restaurant group that also owns the not-so-successful En in NYC), decently priced izakaya food, go at night for great views of Tokyo dome. (Kind of unfair that the smoking area gets a better view – if you’re in a big group you’ll get a private room, but no views). They serve the very (and deservedly) famous Niigata rice.
5/F Tokyo Dome City Meets Port, Korakuen 1-3-61, Bunkyo-ku (文京区後楽1-3-61東京ドームシティミーツポート5F)
Suidobashi station, take Tokyo Dome exit, turn left, then cross the road
http://www.byo.co.jp
These were the only three particularly worth noting from my trip(s), but when I go again, this is at the top of my list:
Sushi Mizutani (鮨 水谷)
Ginza Seiwa Silver Bldg., fl. B1, Ginza 8-2-10, Chuo-ku (中央区銀座8-2-10 銀座誠和シルバービル Ｂ１Ｆ)
closed Sun
You’re probably not going anywhere near Kanazawa, but this izakaya is a must-stop if you (or anyone reading this) go:
Kuroyori (黒百合) – specialty: Kanazawa oden (oden is also a big thing in Osaka)
Ajiwai bldg, Kanazawa Hyakubangai, Kinoshinbomachi 1-1 (金沢市木ノ新保町1-1 金沢百番街 あじわい館)
Kanazawa JR station
This is making me want to go too… Have fun!
Previously, I did not put any comment about Tsukiji Market or Kappabashi because I thought you’d been there countless times before. We were there 3 years ago, our first time in Japan and I have to tell you I relive those 10 days everytime I hear, read, see or eat anything Japanese!
We were in the train at 5am heading for Tsukiji Market from our hotel. Enjoyed it thoroughly! It was like being in your favourite store! We were lost in the maze that we gave up on finding the place to eat right there at the market. But, our friends told us that we missed the best and freshest sushi:(
I bought my oil canister and brush ( for Okonomiyaki ) from Kappabashi District, and the whole street is lined with so many shops, we had to go into everyone! We bought some nice sushi dishes and even a Ginger grater!! Very affordable,too!
Our trip was only centered around Tokyo as husband was there to work. But, our friend managed to take us out to Yokohama Chinatown, Kamakura and Nikko ( Tokugawa’s Shrine ). In Kamakura, she took us to this restaurant on a side street ( sorry, forgot the name ), very unassuming but the food was fantastic!
I can’t wait to read your adventures there!
KennyT – thank you! I’m really excited now that I’ve posted about the planning details…
Simon – thank you so much for all your tips! I wonder if I could really queue for 3 hours (I don’t think I will arrive at Tsukiji before 7am). Maybe it will be a real test for me…
aforkfulofspaghetti – thank you! Sharing information is so important. I’ve found so much online and even if it’s not all useful to me, I’m hoping others will benefit, or at least just be interested in visiting Japan one day.
Mr Noodles – haha! The Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum sounds amazing from my friend’s description. Inside it looks like 60s Japan, and some of the top ramen restaurants have stalls there. It’s apparently a good start for learning about ramen. I’ll hopefully be able to report back!
Debs – thank you! I hope to report back to you in as much detail as possible with photos and descriptions…
Mathilde’s Cuisine – oh, Japan is truly magical. I’ve been four times in the last 20 years, and always want to return. I never feel that I’ve seen or done enough. Here in London, you might like Jinkichi in Hampstead, where I used to eat regularly. They specialise in kushiyaki (grilled things on skewers) which the chef does at the counter, but there are other nice dishes as well. Closer in town, I also like Yoisho on Goodge St, a little izakaya or ‘pub’. I like sitting at the counter and watching the chef prepare the food, again some grilled skewers as well as gyoza, and fresh sushi. Let’s go one day!
Kavey – thank you, you’re very kind! Everyone has different likes & dislikes and it’s really worth the effort to do the research and make your own trip special. I do feel like a tour operator sometimes, for two people!
love lives in the kitchen – oh hello and welcome to my blog! I only discovered Design Sponge recently and I love it. I hope you’ll like my future food & travel posts…
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella – ooh, thanks for the tip! You and I sound quite alike. I dread wasting meal slots, as I call them. I always count how many meals I can fit into a trip…
waisze – Japan is a great country isn’t it? I’ve not been to Hakone and Osaka, but I’ve been to some other wonderful places, like Kobe, Nagoya and Izu peninsula.
Chawanmushi – thank you for the recs! I’ll add them to my list of places to research…
Krista – yes, thank you for the link. I was going to look it up on your blog. I hope I can to Tsukiji early enough to meet him!
Lizzie – thanks! You will love Japan when you do go….
Lin – thank you for the links! I know of Kyoto Foodie and I read about Nishiki market only yesterday so thank you for confirming that it’s worth visiting. I love markets!
An American in London – I totally agree. Sometimes the best experiences happen out of the blue. I do like to plan, but I have reminded myself not to be too rigid and leave time to explore as well. Thank you! I leave on 5th Nov and return on 21st.
Oonth – hurray for The Three Sisters! I was beginning to wonder why they still had empty rooms when no one else had, but I’m relieved to hear your stay was comfortable. Kagurazaka & Koenji – not on my list, but have been added, Shimo Kitazawa – I have on my list, or Nakameguro – my friend lives there and I’ve been there before. Thanks!
alice – great! It’s not so easy travelling with others, I find, because I’m quite a control freak and luckily the husband is happy with most of my ideas. He does get consulted though and I have to bear in mind he doesn’t eat meat or seafood…
Rowena – hello! Thank you! I’ve only used my Leica once outdoors (the Lille trip), so I need to practise some more. Luckily the husband will have his own super Leica, in case my outdoor shots aren’t good enough. I can concentrate on food!
Gourmantic – thank you! Japan requires many many trips during one’s lifetime, I think!
e_ting – thanks for all the detailed recs! I will add to the list and research with much relish…
Chee – thank you for sharing your thoughts on Tsukiji and Kappabashi! I can’t wait to go and buy my ginger grater and little dishes for my food photos. I hope you’ll like the Japan posts…
Helen Yuet Ling
It’s so exciting to plan a trip, this looks like it’s going to be an incredible experience!
This sounds like a fantastic trip, and Kyoto will be beautiful in November with the changing leaves. I recommend attending a traditional tea ceremony if possible, or at least eating some matcha treats in Kyoto — they’re everywhere! If you end up having time, Nikko is definitely possible to do as a day trip from Tokyo. If you have any questions, let me know and I will try to help (I’m an expat living in northern Japan).
Nicisme – thanks, I hope so too! I hope you’ll enjoy reading about it afterwards…
Angela – thank you, I’m looking forward to Kyoto even though it was a last minute decision to go. When I went last time, it was summer time and very hot. Nikko is also on the list of day trips to be considered, and I hope it will be one of the husband’s choices! Where do you live?
Helen Yuet Ling
Have fun on your trip – it certainly looks well researched and I look forward to hearing about the experience upon your return.
forgot to add, if you have not seen this blog, you might find it of interest.
http://kyotofoodie.com/
OysterCulture – thank you and I know of Kyoto Foodie already! Looking forward to reporting back on my discoveries…
Helen Yuet Ling
Helen, yes a wasted meal is a sad thing indeed! It fills me with such anguish. Although with Japan, even the convenience stores are filled with wonderful things so if I wasn’t sure I’d just go to one of those. I remember raiding each for their supply of exotically flavoured Pocky sticks and Kit Kats (at a fraction of the price they are here too!)
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella – you’re right, the convenience stores (aren’t they called combini or something like that?) are great, as are the food halls. I want to spend hours and hours in food halls. And Pocky sticks are the best!
I’ve set our daily budget for 15 days (excluding shinkansen travel and hotels in Shibu Onsen and Kyoto). I hope we can stick to it! One of my planned posts will be about budget eating in Tokyo…
Helen Yuet Ling
Your trip sounds great – I too enjoy planning my trips and have spent a few weeks at a time in Japan the last couple of years. I am also toying with the idea of returning in November, although the less than stellar exchange rate may put me off…..
Going to see the snow monkeys will be a great experience – they feature in Baraka, one of my favourite films (which if you haven’t seen is a must!)
If you haven’t taken a trip to the bamboo forests at Arashiyama on your previous visits to Kyoto I would suggest you consider it. I think it is only about 30 mins from Kyoto and after a walk through the forests and past many temples you end up at a traditional thatched tea house at which to sample wagashi & matcha.
oh and I would add that your camera will be perfect for your trip – I have the identical Panasonic version of the Leica and it was an ideal travel camera as it produces great images and is fairly inconspicuous (I think I used it as much as my SLR); I have recently had a portfolio of travel photos taken with that camera exhibited in Sydney.
Jonny – thanks! I could travel to Japan every year and always find new and wonderful experiences and places to visit. I saved on my tickets so I’m not too worried about the exchange rate. You should go back too! Arashiyama sounds amazing. I just wonder if I can fit everything in! Everyone has given me such great recommendations. I will try my best. And I’m looking forward to wandering around with my little Leica…
Have a safe and happy journey!
I can’t wait for your reviews!
Andrew
(who has been to menagl fives times in 3 months!)
Andrew – thank you! I can’t wait to go & am counting the days now. I’ll be back on the 21st November and will be writing the posts after that, while I get over my jetlag!
I just need these info, very helpful indeed.
I’m planning to travel with my family on our own. Will take more time to digest and explore!
Thanks so much.
Christine – glad to be able to share the information with a fellow traveller to Japan! Let me know if you need more help…
Helen Yuet Ling
Great post, very extensive research! I love Tsukiji fish market, been there once, by the time you arrive the tube station, it smells so fishy that you know you will not be at the wrong stop. Have a wonderful trip!
Gourmet Traveller 88 – thanks Janet! I’ve done so much more research since I wrote this post (my husband thinks I’ve gone mad). I hope I won’t leave Tsukiji smelling too fishy, as I’ve got a day of sightseeing afterwards. Will take a change of clothes with me!
Oh, I mean the tube station smells really fishy, you should not smell fishy, haha! Too bad I did not make any notes of my previous travel to Japan in the past but one place I have made a note and still got a GUTCHEIN in my passport bag is this place called SUSHI ZANMAI, I have been to the one in GINZA, they have many branches and are opened 24 hours. A lot of celebrities have been there too. http://www.kiyomura.co.jp/sushi-e/
I have tried those backstreets Yakitori places in Ginza, not luxury but great to eat like a local, eating in narrow streets or side streets. Great experience!
Have you got a shopping list too? I love Tokyu Hands and Snoopy Town (big fan of Snoopy). Haha, my shopacholic nerve is coming out. Save some space for Kyoto ceramics.
Gourmet Traveller 88 – thanks for the sushi restaurant tip (and for confirming I won’t smell fishy!). I’ll try those yakitori places, sounds great. I feel worried now that you’ve mentioned Kyoto ceramics. I absolutely love Japanese ceramics and haven’t budgetted for them. In fact, most of the budget is being spent on restaurants in Kyoto (as friends in Tokyo can just take me to their favourite inexpensive places, but I don’t know anyone in Kyoto). But every time I go to Japan, I have to visit Tokyu Hands, usually a few times on each trip! I’ve grown out of Snoopy though…
Gourmet Traveller 88 Reply:
October 20th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
@admin I found the ceramics from dept store can be less expensive and more choice ; ) I remembered there is a famous eel resto in Kyoto. Afterall it’s just too many places to try. My friends in HK told me they bought Japanese rice and packed in their suitcases. I used to bring Kobe beef back to HK too, now not allowed anymore. I had a dinner at Kikushi, Kyoto (with Geishas) and the other one which was unforgetable was dinner at The Garden Oriental in Kyoto (very nice fusion meal)http://www.thegardenorientalkyoto.com/restaurant/dinner.html. They were not cheap at all. Just for your interests, I am sure you are flooded with a long list and cannot visit them all in one trip : ) I am just excited about your trip too even though I am not going. I will have to make a note of the places I have been too for future reference, now you triggered me to dig up my old emails.
That’s all for now! Enjoy as much Kobe beef while you are there!
Gourmet Traveller 88 – I love browsing in the department store kitchen and homeware sections, but it’s scary at the same time as I can never walk away without buying too much. I’ve got a few great restaurants lined up in Kyoto which I’m pleased about. I think I’ve got Kobe beef on the menu of one of the restaurants, though I’ve had Kobe beef in Kobe before and it was simply amazing…
hi ,
Hope this is not too late. If you like patisserie, you must go to Sweets Forest in Tokyo!
Pei – thanks for thinking of me! I’m leaving next week, so will add this to the list of things to do. I’m worried!
It’s great to hear you had such a good time in Japan. Your post in itself is a great resource for anyone planning a visit here. Thank you very much for including us on your list of resources – that made our day : )
TokyoTopia – I haven’t actually left yet, but will be in Tokyo next Friday for two weeks. You’re most welcome too, I love your site!
Helen Yuet Ling