tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48425081456783754382024-03-14T02:32:14.806-07:00JapanDo<b><a href="http://wanderaboot.blogspot.com/">TAIWAN+</a> ❂
<a href="http://arghchina.blogspot.com/">CHINA</a> ❂
<a href="http://monthinlaos.blogspot.com/">LAOS</a> ❂
<a href="http://goseethailand.blogspot.com/">THAILAND</a> ❂
<a href="http://angkorruins.blogspot.com/">Angkor Wat</a> ❂
<a href="http://seetheamericas.blogspot.com">the Americas</a> ❂
<a href="http://emiratesgo.blogspot.com/">UAE</a></b>redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-61858337439033951142018-05-06T20:41:00.001-07:002018-05-06T20:41:20.313-07:00SiteMap & Highlights<table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="5" width="100%">
<tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#000000"><font color="#ffffff"><b>t h i n g s t o d o i n T o k y o</b></font></td></tr>
</table>
<p align="center">
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/tokyo.html#top"><b>sights</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/tokyo.html#food"><b>food</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/tokyo.html#fun"><b>amusement parks</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/tokyo.html#events"><b>events</b></a>
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<br>
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/seasonal-activities.html"><b>seasonal activities</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/seasonal-activities.html#spring">spring</a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/seasonal-activities.html#summer">summer</a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/seasonal-activities.html#fall">fall</a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/seasonal-activities.html#winter">winter</a>
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<table align="center" border="0"><tr>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/11/walk-across-rainbow-bridge.html"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRDWazyxy9s/WglvfrQ7h7I/AAAAAAAAKWs/5xet2D7TEssGrmbR5ss4jZx2XCuMNy3lgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/DSC06136.JPG" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/08/temple-of-waving-cats.html"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cW2RACVgfsE/WYwh8IeuoFI/AAAAAAAAKGE/ijrP7q3ke6A2FR5EeRERInq3Nm-p-xf4QCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B1%2B30%2B24%2BPM.jpg" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
</td></td><td align="center">
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/11/japan-in-movies-themed-restaurants.html"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QtMIjpnLevM/WD2WMNPeKOI/AAAAAAAAImw/HO-2GqSV6Mwgr1RUAFr5rKe4uJnlLTQNgCPcB/s200/IMG_1445.JPG" width="200" height="150" /></a>
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</tr><tr>
<td align="center">
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/01/ashikaga-flower-park.html"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4VIAFo_ajaU/WGt7vKddGOI/AAAAAAAAJkw/_ZoM63rXohQvUAaQ6Z7iXboxh2hVUmJagCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Photo%2BJan%2B02%252C%2B4%2B51%2B57%2BPM.jpg" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
</td><td align="center">
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/11/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-tokyo.html"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o1GXu24Iq30/WD49WS6YM5I/AAAAAAAAIo8/FEvqfXfZ-n0ADA7IFHFFKo2rwa8_NlAUwCPcB/s200/nakameguro.jpg" width="200" height="149" /></a>
</td><td align="center">
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/11/takaragawa-onsen.html"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MHqgqZt2G4E/WDFwfT3pFHI/AAAAAAAAII0/u86R96rzArAUe3ld2hcCKFSoOaxGfGnvQCPcB/s200/Photo%2BNov%2B06%252C%2B1%2B46%2B11%2BPM.jpg" width="200" height="150" /><br></a>
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<table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="5" width="100%">
<tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#000000"><font color="#ffffff"><b>t h i n g s t o d o n e a r T o k y o</b></font></td></tr>
</table>
<p align="center">
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/near-tokyo.html#chiba"><b>Chiba</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/near-tokyo.html#saitama"><b>Saitama</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/near-tokyo.html#kawasaki"><b>Kawasaki</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/near-tokyo.html#yoko"><b>Yokohama</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/near-tokyo.html#kamakura"><b>Kamakura</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/near-tokyo.html#miura"><b>Miura</b></a>
</p>
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<td align="center">
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.com/2016/12/jogashima-island.html"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IDVODTpdoRI/WGTfyKXdtEI/AAAAAAAAJLU/LA9lDGK_WJEmRv5PevzntQ3jVPkT9fZrACPcB/s200/DSC04359.JPG" width="200" height="150" /></a>
</td><td align="center">
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/12/chichibu-night-festival.html"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DId-DVAHbho/WEKJsO21RGI/AAAAAAAAIvE/ZXL7ochotowSm4b48xJiI7v8m33DJKWDgCPcB/s200/DSC04166.JPG" width="200" height="150" /></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/11/kamakura-hiking-trails.html"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Afs9K1dd9y4/WIS_c9D-RWI/AAAAAAAAJww/6ojv0ViAn3Iy5GUl6vnbltguMOimqts0ACLcB/s200/P1110876.JPG" alt="Hokokuji Temple" width="200" height="150" /></a>
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<table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="5" width="100%">
<tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#000000"><font color="#ffffff"><b>t r i p s f r o m T o k y o</b></font></td></tr>
</table>
<p align="center">
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/blog-page.html#okutama"><b>Okutama</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/blog-page.html#izu"><b>Izu</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/blog-page.html#nikko"><b>Nikko</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/blog-page.html#minakami"><b>Gunma</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/blog-page.html#kusatsu"><b>Nagano</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/mount-fuji.html"><b>Mount Fuji</b></a>
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<td align="center">
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/11/kusatsu-onsen.html"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wo8bYajRnLM/WDoilggAO8I/AAAAAAAAIRA/4ZA4-H7hY3oNNDrCz1lxrtlosRg8LNrzACPcBGAYYCw/s200/Photo%2BApr%2B16%252C%2B6%2B16%2B14%2BPM.jpg" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
</td><td align="center">
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/11/edo-wonderland.html"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R46rZDgxhAo/WDqkoxMIOYI/AAAAAAAAIYg/ThC5zMXzYKIPenwIYMdzpQir2MVfgNfuQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/IMG_3219.JPG" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
</td><td align="center">
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/01/lake-yamanaka.html"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L9qaFiPuUq0/WHOBjHNQnVI/AAAAAAAAJsk/fexZIz4Clg04JcRpkePJXBXNlJm6w6yywCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Photo%2BJan%2B07%252C%2B5%2B01%2B59%2BPM.jpg" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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</tr></table>
<table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="5" width="100%">
<tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#000000"><font color="#ffffff"><b>o t h e r p l a c e s </b></font></td></tr>
</table>
<p align="center">
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/kyoto.html"><b>Kyoto</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/osaka.html"><b>Osaka</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/nagoya.html"><b>Nagyoa</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/mie.html"><b>Mie</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/sapporo.html"><b>Sapporo</b></a>
</p>
<table align="center" border="0"><tr>
<td align="center">
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/11/shoshazan.html"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y8t2prsazs/WDGIxhqaLLI/AAAAAAAAILo/fvOjgH_RHa4i8tQVkKqGDL-zOOL1bDcWQCLcB/s1600/DSC03604.JPG" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1030" /></a>
</td>
<td align="center">
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route.html"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6T1-MzGAUw/WSK8sugOQVI/AAAAAAAAJ84/F4LE__jbGgEOwFQ4LX_Ga2P5EnFZ1BthgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/DSC05594.JPG" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
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<td align="center">
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/05/shirakawago.html"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mjfb7n5mF1A/WSF-Avje_YI/AAAAAAAAJ6c/d0fM_fzUdYcZuT955KLbNuwakyVq4pYOACPcBGAYYCw/s200/DSC05406.JPG" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
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</tr></table>
<table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="5" width="100%">
<tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#000000"><font color="#ffffff"><b>f u n n y s t u f f </b></font></td></tr>
</table>
<p align="center">
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/curious-photos.html"><b>photos</b></a>
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<a href="http://gaijinslaugh.blogspot.jp" target="new"><b>more pictures</b></a>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/becausejp/photos/?tab=albums" target="new"><b>facebook</b></a>
</p>redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-74670402043401939012018-05-06T20:17:00.002-07:002018-05-06T20:34:15.888-07:00Southern tip of Miura Peninsula<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uh7I3_blAp0/Wu_F0uaI9tI/AAAAAAAAK4A/y3MI6mBiKowIqy-CiuUCdTVJyR0wXS-5ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180506_143347662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uh7I3_blAp0/Wu_F0uaI9tI/AAAAAAAAK4A/y3MI6mBiKowIqy-CiuUCdTVJyR0wXS-5ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180506_143347662.jpg" width="640" height="360" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQqUnruWbMc/Wu_FTHFZ5xI/AAAAAAAAK34/JHwBTmNHDAApI4mUPddu_sqH0mtldZYrgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20180506_152725250_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQqUnruWbMc/Wu_FTHFZ5xI/AAAAAAAAK34/JHwBTmNHDAApI4mUPddu_sqH0mtldZYrgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20180506_152725250_HDR.jpg" width="180" height="320" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mwHunHaDzRY/Wu_G13_OyQI/AAAAAAAAK4Q/0T9IOl6bAzMfBrKg1C3yierB007RRG0AQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180506_144546118.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mwHunHaDzRY/Wu_G13_OyQI/AAAAAAAAK4Q/0T9IOl6bAzMfBrKg1C3yierB007RRG0AQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180506_144546118.jpg" width="180" height="320" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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Walk along the southern tip of Miura Peninsula by taking the train to Keikyu's <b>Miurakaigan Station</b> 三浦海岸駅 then bus <b>海 35</b> for 20 minutes to <b>Matsuwa Kaigan</b> 松輪海岸. Walk west along the coast for some amazing views of the ocean, similar landscape to <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/01/arasaki-in-miura.html">Arasaki Park</a> 荒崎公園 and <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/12/jogashima-island.html">Jogashima Island</a> 城ケ島. Use the Miura 1-day or 2-day train-plus-bus pass <a href="http://www.keikyu.co.jp/information/otoku/otoku_miura/" target="new">三浦半島1DAYきっぷ</a> to save on transport cost.
<br><br>
As for May, 2018, there's a wooden bridge on the way that's broken due to typhoon so it's not advisable to walk there but it is still possible to cross. It is pretty scary though, especially on a windy day. Make sure you have sensible footwear as you'd be walking on some pretty jagged rocks jumping over puddles of sea water.
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f4yHkRlha-k/Wu_FquJGuOI/AAAAAAAAK4E/3nb26soawwsKM2QYnbxKuAltdyX2VIyEACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20180506_140101628.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f4yHkRlha-k/Wu_FquJGuOI/AAAAAAAAK4E/3nb26soawwsKM2QYnbxKuAltdyX2VIyEACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20180506_140101628.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxWf5lY1nY8/Wu_E5Q4tTMI/AAAAAAAAK3w/YHumfTrErYsVmdS8S83SZsYCIRig_X5YgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20180506_134912988.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxWf5lY1nY8/Wu_E5Q4tTMI/AAAAAAAAK3w/YHumfTrErYsVmdS8S83SZsYCIRig_X5YgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20180506_134912988.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NTqHFS0q5Vs/Wu_E2L3bsxI/AAAAAAAAK3w/Km0nmoP_CBkwohZkL5jH7lZ-eaql-QnKwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20180506_134613474.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NTqHFS0q5Vs/Wu_E2L3bsxI/AAAAAAAAK3w/Km0nmoP_CBkwohZkL5jH7lZ-eaql-QnKwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20180506_134613474.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LwLk24HSr88/Wu_ITh9iPXI/AAAAAAAAK4g/LcYtc3BQ9-wtQfkRWS7z8ScSnKyIgQhWACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20180506_145250841.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LwLk24HSr88/Wu_ITh9iPXI/AAAAAAAAK4g/LcYtc3BQ9-wtQfkRWS7z8ScSnKyIgQhWACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20180506_145250841.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07N8DH10nlM/Wu_GosHQduI/AAAAAAAAK4U/mfJz8RQ7Glc8kqIq-A8PmKmCbNcOOx7RgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20180506_143825319.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07N8DH10nlM/Wu_GosHQduI/AAAAAAAAK4U/mfJz8RQ7Glc8kqIq-A8PmKmCbNcOOx7RgCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20180506_143825319.jpg" width="225" height="400" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--051xFWDia4/Wu_JD9WHNcI/AAAAAAAAK4o/ut0WUCuCcsww2OOBhjjd3lEjUF1GRFw9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180506_145639241.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--051xFWDia4/Wu_JD9WHNcI/AAAAAAAAK4o/ut0WUCuCcsww2OOBhjjd3lEjUF1GRFw9wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180506_145639241.jpg" width="225" height="400" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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</tr></table>redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-12158055605936574122018-05-06T19:41:00.000-07:002018-05-06T19:52:27.445-07:00Sangaokayama Ryokuchi Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M07FivblK4U/Wu-8QOAsMDI/AAAAAAAAK28/DzLHlJ-e5KMuzEOSKjUVGKOrUeNMUOAegCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180505_134729282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M07FivblK4U/Wu-8QOAsMDI/AAAAAAAAK28/DzLHlJ-e5KMuzEOSKjUVGKOrUeNMUOAegCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180505_134729282.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="Sangaokayama Ryokuchi" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lEA5MylEIuI/Wu-8kCetejI/AAAAAAAAK3E/6ytjQLoRdsIQkh9in3Qst54AN00Lt8c-gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180505_133310133_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lEA5MylEIuI/Wu-8kCetejI/AAAAAAAAK3E/6ytjQLoRdsIQkh9in3Qst54AN00Lt8c-gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180505_133310133_HDR.jpg" alt="Sangaokayama Ryokuchi Hiking" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_Nm5xbI6d0/Wu-9JwPgRxI/AAAAAAAAK3M/ISCUzQx2PtQwG3H0a_aI2pwSvsR0Diz3QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180505_143054896.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_Nm5xbI6d0/Wu-9JwPgRxI/AAAAAAAAK3M/ISCUzQx2PtQwG3H0a_aI2pwSvsR0Diz3QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180505_143054896.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
<br>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1T9jUWFJQQ/Wu--gnQau_I/AAAAAAAAK3Y/s26BkYTNdSY9Qy4daFkd7G9pxZhjrcoJwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180505_143253376.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1T9jUWFJQQ/Wu--gnQau_I/AAAAAAAAK3Y/s26BkYTNdSY9Qy4daFkd7G9pxZhjrcoJwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180505_143253376.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
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<b>Sangaokayamaryokuchi Park</b> <a href="http://www.hayama-park.com/about/index02.html" target="new">三ヶ岡山緑地</a> is a mini hike in <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/12/zushi-hayama.html"><b>Hayama</b></a> 葉山 that takes roughly an hour - <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/mount-fuji.html">Mount Fuji</a> on top of views of the ocean can be seen on a clear day. It is not difficult but there are lots of steps.
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Take Keikyu Bus <a href="https://timetablenavi.keikyu-bus.co.jp/dia/timetable/web/51436/" target="new">京浜急行バス</a> <b>逗 4</b> 大楠芦名口, <b>逗 5</b> 横須賀市民病院, <b>逗 6</b> 長井, or <b>逗 71</b> from <b>bus stop ①</b> near the <b>South Exit</b> of Keikyu's <b>Shin-Zushi Station</b> 京急新逗子駅 which is also close to JR <b>Zushi Station</b> 逗子駅.
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After 10 minutes, get off at 旧役場前 and walk back where the bus comes from, cross the street, and turn left into a small street with a small vertical sign with only Japanese that says <b>Tsutsuji Course</b> つつじコース.
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From there, just follow signs through a residential area then uphill all the way to the top of the 143 m 大峰山 with picnic tables and benches on the way. Eventually, you end up passing the <b>Shinnase Course</b> 真名瀬コース to the coast where people barbecue and hang out when it's warm out.
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You can then turn right into a small street at the Shinnase 真名瀬 bus stop towards <b>Kotokuji</b> 光徳寺 and continue to <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/seasonal-activities.html#summer">Ajisai</a> Park あじさい公園 before reaching the main street where you can take the bus back to the station at 向原 in front of johnathan's. The way back will cost 200 yen instead of the 250 on the way here.
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redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-22786914815143065262018-04-24T04:38:00.001-07:002018-04-24T04:46:38.632-07:00Naritasan<table align="center" border="0"><tr>
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<p><b>Naritasan Shinshoji Temple</b> 成田山新勝寺 is walkable from Narita Station, which is 10 minutes by train from the airport. It is one of the most-visited-on-New-Year's-Day temples and <b>Naritasan Park</b> 成田山公園 right by it is a nice big park with ponds and beautiful Japanese garden features.</p>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c4xgaGmeiek/Wt8XNm7g6dI/AAAAAAAAK04/jYG1wRcyEmYe8g35lFH3UMrw0yViEqVdACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180404_165254410_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c4xgaGmeiek/Wt8XNm7g6dI/AAAAAAAAK04/jYG1wRcyEmYe8g35lFH3UMrw0yViEqVdACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180404_165254410_HDR.jpg" width="225" height="400" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">Omotesando</font>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZwU99tvD_c/Wt8XNiW2hFI/AAAAAAAAK00/X0wBr4_TICUfsh1l64wclvIMheqwjdclACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180404_155521350.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZwU99tvD_c/Wt8XNiW2hFI/AAAAAAAAK00/X0wBr4_TICUfsh1l64wclvIMheqwjdclACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180404_155521350.jpg" width="225" height="400" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">Shinshoji Temple</font>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6iZl_a80kwM/Wt8X3NxdV7I/AAAAAAAAK1Q/nmGss7sYfyAkbwGhYOE9WWeGVbtNcUZMACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180404_155249960_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6iZl_a80kwM/Wt8X3NxdV7I/AAAAAAAAK1Q/nmGss7sYfyAkbwGhYOE9WWeGVbtNcUZMACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180404_155249960_HDR.jpg" width="225" height="400" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">turtles on turtle</font>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-goLh6T6-230/Wt8YOtJxepI/AAAAAAAAK1Y/P6WtTHeX7T0sOqhlgYml7X8HPchUrF4IACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180404_161242111.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-goLh6T6-230/Wt8YOtJxepI/AAAAAAAAK1Y/P6WtTHeX7T0sOqhlgYml7X8HPchUrF4IACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180404_161242111.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-atpsOM51J2o/Wt8YO-vEFtI/AAAAAAAAK1c/w3BsA5nDO385-bBrzOJgL-Mm_sJlM3eEgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180404_160600607_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-atpsOM51J2o/Wt8YO-vEFtI/AAAAAAAAK1c/w3BsA5nDO385-bBrzOJgL-Mm_sJlM3eEgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180404_160600607_HDR.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y2JjlWsT760/Wt8Y3ZN6O6I/AAAAAAAAK1s/ZDv6hu4Jd8MhFzXDldiFgAnu7KvnX52ogCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180404_162136750.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y2JjlWsT760/Wt8Y3ZN6O6I/AAAAAAAAK1s/ZDv6hu4Jd8MhFzXDldiFgAnu7KvnX52ogCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180404_162136750.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
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</tr></table>redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-79524474182202048272018-03-29T04:06:00.001-07:002018-03-29T04:54:49.103-07:00Odawara Castle Park for Hanami<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-S2baXhoRo/WrzIndAXHiI/AAAAAAAAKt0/oa3UYnYVLQ0eYYGWR5epS4C6mLvhzrhdgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180329_121111411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-S2baXhoRo/WrzIndAXHiI/AAAAAAAAKt0/oa3UYnYVLQ0eYYGWR5epS4C6mLvhzrhdgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180329_121111411.jpg" width="640" height="360" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
<br><font size="-1"><font color="#ff1493"><b>320</b></font> <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/11/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-tokyo.html">cherry blossom</a> trees at <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/11/atami-castle.html#odawara"><b>Odawara Castle Park</b></a> <a href="https://tenki.jp/sakura/3/17/54503.html" target="new">小田原城址公園</a></font></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KaF2APnYGCU/WrzGUVOMQjI/AAAAAAAAKtY/l61ylcKqf8E1fNG1Mhld39BaESE6STTmgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180329_112853259.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KaF2APnYGCU/WrzGUVOMQjI/AAAAAAAAKtY/l61ylcKqf8E1fNG1Mhld39BaESE6STTmgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180329_112853259.jpg" alt="Odawara Castle sakura" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nlYD5Gr3mgY/WrzGl3hs8eI/AAAAAAAAKtc/e2-vgl3qGoQaR-dWD4PnvwPzIGjEAoFQQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180329_113004249_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nlYD5Gr3mgY/WrzGl3hs8eI/AAAAAAAAKtc/e2-vgl3qGoQaR-dWD4PnvwPzIGjEAoFQQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180329_113004249_HDR.jpg" alt="Odawara Castle cherry blossom" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHx2ga25Xa4/WrzHAJXf9KI/AAAAAAAAKtg/5ivLVASYDzQfOCcHZ25vCzme6cslpvb5gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180329_113810724.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHx2ga25Xa4/WrzHAJXf9KI/AAAAAAAAKtg/5ivLVASYDzQfOCcHZ25vCzme6cslpvb5gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180329_113810724.jpg" alt="Odawara Castle sakura view" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">500 yen gets you to the top</font>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6Tvy9NXEMQ/WrzHN-9QIJI/AAAAAAAAKtk/XnDh3_73Y2QXU3dexPAkyKEJiZUIvkv2QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180329_113949407.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6Tvy9NXEMQ/WrzHN-9QIJI/AAAAAAAAKtk/XnDh3_73Y2QXU3dexPAkyKEJiZUIvkv2QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180329_113949407.jpg" alt="Odawara Castle view from top" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">of the 7th highest castle tower in Japan</font>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5T9_cvYwR60/WrzKiNWRtXI/AAAAAAAAKuI/q-BXTCA1n7IR7vtTXVvXiLR7UcuqDfzrACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180329_112058300.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5T9_cvYwR60/WrzKiNWRtXI/AAAAAAAAKuI/q-BXTCA1n7IR7vtTXVvXiLR7UcuqDfzrACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180329_112058300.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yU3pgxovssc/WrzF6uSAIlI/AAAAAAAAKto/8ht7y0vk8ig56yFp0l1TGJINA1IL10iXwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20180329_111257524.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yU3pgxovssc/WrzF6uSAIlI/AAAAAAAAKto/8ht7y0vk8ig56yFp0l1TGJINA1IL10iXwCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20180329_111257524.jpg" width="225" height="400" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpMvOXSLMy4/WrzS4LbKZEI/AAAAAAAAKu8/QqB2iChQgjMPfRppPX74EWQY_LTn1LPAwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180329_151350701_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpMvOXSLMy4/WrzS4LbKZEI/AAAAAAAAKu8/QqB2iChQgjMPfRppPX74EWQY_LTn1LPAwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180329_151350701_HDR.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">outdoor seating</font><br>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3TCxmEULpPs/WrzS3wwfFNI/AAAAAAAAKu4/hYlTVaoxR1sDoSbI7n2F595xLLAweGPlQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180329_155345788_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3TCxmEULpPs/WrzS3wwfFNI/AAAAAAAAKu4/hYlTVaoxR1sDoSbI7n2F595xLLAweGPlQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180329_155345788_HDR.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">relax by the river</font><br>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kePK_lVBQGg/WrzS4GgLw9I/AAAAAAAAKvA/itswUWS8pJkl_LP8B2FZZ9tn2_tM1wFkQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180329_152313874.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kePK_lVBQGg/WrzS4GgLw9I/AAAAAAAAKvA/itswUWS8pJkl_LP8B2FZZ9tn2_tM1wFkQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180329_152313874.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">Hakone pork cooked in hot spring</font><br>
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Afterwards, you might want to check out an amazing onsen place called <b>Tenzan</b> <a href="http://tenzan.jp/tenzan/" target="new">ひがな湯治 天山</a> a 15-minute train ride plus a 10-minute bus ride away in <b>Hakone-Yumoto</b> 箱根湯本.
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The restaurant and resting area are by the river, with a couple of cherry blossom trees. The outdoor seating area was raining pale pink sakura petals when I went in spring.
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The hot springs are not in a huge area but really nice - 1 wooden half-open indoor tub, a sauna, plus 5 mostly clear outdoor hot spring rock baths on varying levels with gorgeous wooden structures surrounded by greenery, plus little whimsical statues, thatched roof, small cave, bamboo, mini waterfalls...
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When I went in late March, there were cherry blossom petals floating on the milky hot spring water, with a small butterfly dancing on the side and oranges dangling from the tree - pretty magical!
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Shampoo, conditioner & bars of soap (not liquid soap like most places) provided. There are hairdryers but nothing else so bring your own lotion & cotton buds. It's 1300 yen with your own towels and more for towel rental. There's another onsen called <b>Ikkyu</b> <a href="http://tenzan.jp/1kyu/" target="new">かよい湯治 一休</a> next door for 1100 yen.
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To get here, follow the sign from Hakone-Yumoto Station & go downstairs to 'B' of "Ryokan shuttle bus service" where you can catch a 16 seater orange van with some space for luggage in the back. It takes 10 minutes uphill to Tenzan. There are 2 buses an hour there and back - must have 100 yen exact change. Regular buses cost 230 yen but you can use SUICA.
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNeSA2i5GQA/WgmCSpYCehI/AAAAAAAAKXw/ruZBQG40ckYWBhFN3IMKQSO2GzQdAcFSwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B12%252C%2B6%2B31%2B19%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNeSA2i5GQA/WgmCSpYCehI/AAAAAAAAKXw/ruZBQG40ckYWBhFN3IMKQSO2GzQdAcFSwCPcBGAYYCw/s400/Photo%2BNov%2B12%252C%2B6%2B31%2B19%2BPM.jpg" width="400" height="299" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br>For 1500 yen, you can have 20 minutes of so of VR experience called <a href="https://planetarium.konicaminolta.jp/VirtuaLink/DiverCityTokyoPlaza/" target="new"><b>VirtuaLink</b></a> at <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2014/04/best-view-of-tokyo.html">Odaiba</a>'s DiverCity. The seat was comfortable but it was a bit disappointing for us. The graphics were cute but the experience itself wasn't awfully interesting. Basically, you are in a spaceship and have to lift these balls by moving a red dot with your head. Then you got to save earth with a very shrill voice shouting in your ear. All instructions are in Japanese and there are a lot of instructions. There's a discount for groups of 3.
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03OYPQuydSk/WgmCbyjdrYI/AAAAAAAAKXs/57PmTbSZtjUfotZDz_0Vl2kfraKWOD1mQCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B12%252C%2B6%2B32%2B21%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03OYPQuydSk/WgmCbyjdrYI/AAAAAAAAKXs/57PmTbSZtjUfotZDz_0Vl2kfraKWOD1mQCLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BNov%2B12%252C%2B6%2B32%2B21%2BPM.jpg" alt="Virtual Link odaiba" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">free photo-op outside</font>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Feztf4V6ujM/WgmFGeUonGI/AAAAAAAAKYE/aU4kswNR-6wp_3sMQlKJn6-MLaFXhhV0wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B12%252C%2B6%2B59%2B31%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Feztf4V6ujM/WgmFGeUonGI/AAAAAAAAKYE/aU4kswNR-6wp_3sMQlKJn6-MLaFXhhV0wCPcBGAYYCw/s400/Photo%2BNov%2B12%252C%2B6%2B59%2B31%2BPM.jpg" alt="space food" width="400" height="299" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br>Being the curious monkey that I am, I of course fell victim to the "space food" they have on sale. The pricey vanilla "ice cream" tasted like a tablet of packed powdered milk, but I actually quite like it! Not sure if it's worth the money though.
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9uPkdYEdiZw/WgmFGSQO47I/AAAAAAAAKYE/UrEFtAx44Iop8rBmZx64JU-9mpCTkP7JACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B12%252C%2B8%2B03%2B19%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9uPkdYEdiZw/WgmFGSQO47I/AAAAAAAAKYE/UrEFtAx44Iop8rBmZx64JU-9mpCTkP7JACPcBGAYYCw/s400/Photo%2BNov%2B12%252C%2B8%2B03%2B19%2BPM.jpg" alt="space ice cream" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">"space" vanilla ice cream</font>
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redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-67678445358241992662017-11-13T02:08:00.001-08:002017-11-20T23:39:09.167-08:00Walk Across Rainbow Bridge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRDWazyxy9s/WglvfrQ7h7I/AAAAAAAAKWo/6SB4DsXzlgczavercyCzR_7JXxYJg9XLACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRDWazyxy9s/WglvfrQ7h7I/AAAAAAAAKWo/6SB4DsXzlgczavercyCzR_7JXxYJg9XLACLcBGAs/s640/DSC06136.JPG" alt="Walk across Rainbow Bridge" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Of-08HG1Sw/Wgl4PDTRZiI/AAAAAAAAKXM/RfEAw_9zGWcoVPQ9CdLLov-MG4_6w_gfgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06105.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Of-08HG1Sw/Wgl4PDTRZiI/AAAAAAAAKXM/RfEAw_9zGWcoVPQ9CdLLov-MG4_6w_gfgCLcBGAs/s400/DSC06105.JPG" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">building with elevators to enter the pedestrian paths on bridge</font>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YamuGcr5ZSA/Wgluh0KwjDI/AAAAAAAAKWY/_rtg7GslBe8zGDi3aK98oyjrd9NvHSR4ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06116.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YamuGcr5ZSA/Wgluh0KwjDI/AAAAAAAAKWY/_rtg7GslBe8zGDi3aK98oyjrd9NvHSR4ACLcBGAs/s400/DSC06116.JPG" alt="rainbow bridge view" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<br><font size="-1"><b>south route</b> looking towards Tamachi... might see <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/mount-fuji.html">Fuji</a></font>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tP7KDEZuSiU/WhGAUHb2kCI/AAAAAAAAKYg/mI8ehDICMBEk_arD6hzE2bIDBeRPGBFJwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06281.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tP7KDEZuSiU/WhGAUHb2kCI/AAAAAAAAKYg/mI8ehDICMBEk_arD6hzE2bIDBeRPGBFJwCLcBGAs/s400/DSC06281.JPG" alt="rainbow bridge north route" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<br><font size="-1"><b>north route</b> where you can see Tokyo Tower and <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2014/04/best-view-of-tokyo.html#skytree">Skytree</a></font>
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Take the <b>East Exit</b> of <b>Tamachi Station</b> 田町駅, go down the steps on the left and basically just walk straight for 20 minutes or so, over the canal, under the monorail tracks, then over another canal towards <b>Rainbow Bridge</b>. When Rainbow Bridge becomes visible, you'll start seeing signs pointing to the pedestrian paths, some of which say <b>Rainbow Promenade</b> in English. Follow the signs to the building at the foot of the bridge called レインボーブリッジ遊歩道入口 (shown in the photo on the left) and take the elevator inside to the 7th floor. You can also take your bike (on the <b>South Route</b> only), but you can't ride it.
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The elevator on the <b>right</b> takes you to the <b>north route</b> for views of the Tokyo side, whereas the one on the <b>left</b> takes you to the <b>south route</b> for views of <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2014/04/best-view-of-tokyo.html">Odaiba</a>. Basically, you choose to walk on the left or right side of the bridge :
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⇪ <b>north route</b> : see Tokyo Tower & <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2014/04/best-view-of-tokyo.html#skytree">Skytree</a>
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⇩ <b>south route</b> : see Odaiba & some islands
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The views are fantastic especially when it's just starting to get dark, which is around 5 in the evening in November. It's quite romantic but note that you're walking right next to pretty loud traffic so it's not really the place for chit-chat.
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We chose the <b>south route</b> and after 45 minutes, with very frequent photo breaks, ended up in <b>Odaiba Marine Park</b> (Google Map レインボーブリッジ台場側入り口) where the beach is - more awesome views of the bridge and little <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/11/gozabune-atakemaru.html"><b>dinner cruise</b></a> <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/12/tokyo-cruise.html">boats</a>. If you're just walking without stopping, it shouldn't take more than 30 minutes since the bridge is just <b>1523 meters</b> long. Shortly before you can get off the bridge, there's a sign pointing to where you can cross over to the north side.
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The following week we did the <b>north route</b> in 40 minutes and ended up in the same place. We saw real life <a href="https://scontent-nrt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19702284_1607434559289382_1790837375222077746_n.jpg?oh=3dace0d5a50697400a414b24bcd3b549&oe=5A9AF3C6" target="new">Mario Kart</a> racers in costumes around 5:10 pm just like the week before. It's hard to say which side looks better so just do both! You can have dinner in <a href="http://www.aquacity.jp/shoplist/gourmet" target="new">AQUA CiTY ODAIBA </a> for more views of Rainbow Bridge. There's also a creepy robot receptionist there who can give you directions while blinking way too often.
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It's open from <b>9 am to 9 pm</b> from <b>April to October</b> and <b>10 am to 6 pm</b> from <b>November to March</b>. Final entry is half an hour before and you won't be able to exit from Odaiba after-hours. It's closed on the 3<font size="-1"><sup>rd</sup></font> Monday of the month.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDGL7c1ha1s/WgluZm3JXhI/AAAAAAAAKWU/BuVqfDK3Z8kh1rhmiT6Roe7DlBQkl_r4gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDGL7c1ha1s/WgluZm3JXhI/AAAAAAAAKWU/BuVqfDK3Z8kh1rhmiT6Roe7DlBQkl_r4gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC06115.JPG" alt="walk across rainbow bridge" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1XM84UgR7jU/WglvFIEouaI/AAAAAAAAKWg/vc1tq4SqVV8P4YvH4_e_adqBiytoHzamACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06128.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1XM84UgR7jU/WglvFIEouaI/AAAAAAAAKWg/vc1tq4SqVV8P4YvH4_e_adqBiytoHzamACLcBGAs/s320/DSC06128.JPG" alt="Rainbow Bridge" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-izuByXCaZOM/WglvFGE3yJI/AAAAAAAAKWk/g5A8KI706wUs6H4c2Ftu9M-dCzMuYowcQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06130.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-izuByXCaZOM/WglvFGE3yJI/AAAAAAAAKWk/g5A8KI706wUs6H4c2Ftu9M-dCzMuYowcQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC06130.JPG" alt="Rainbow Bridge walk" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDue8ewM5Eg/Wglv7uHVfFI/AAAAAAAAKWw/2Kl3-ylvJTE36EGVAQZZx3PCcbA3rH69ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06147.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDue8ewM5Eg/Wglv7uHVfFI/AAAAAAAAKWw/2Kl3-ylvJTE36EGVAQZZx3PCcbA3rH69ACLcBGAs/s320/DSC06147.JPG" alt="Walk across Rainbow Bridge" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">Views of <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2014/04/best-view-of-tokyo.html"><b>Odaiba</b></a> from the <b>south route</b></font>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hhfWY1o0ckM/WglxI1s-gQI/AAAAAAAAKW8/tHXyGHfdmYwWPvYqhiNaSDTCnEblspVOQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06200.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hhfWY1o0ckM/WglxI1s-gQI/AAAAAAAAKW8/tHXyGHfdmYwWPvYqhiNaSDTCnEblspVOQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC06200.JPG" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<br><font size="-1"><b>Odaiba Marine Park</b> after getting off the bridge, either route</font>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8NzrkW-vFuI/WhGKFvYAeTI/AAAAAAAAKZc/xu3ducInt78LABsDZoiu6igu4ooz3SMIwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC06254.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8NzrkW-vFuI/WhGKFvYAeTI/AAAAAAAAKZc/xu3ducInt78LABsDZoiu6igu4ooz3SMIwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSC06254.JPG" alt="rainbow bridge north route" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OCUzSN9Fjlc/WhGKFo3l2fI/AAAAAAAAKZU/KjrIlNC1nC44_ew3c-s3DSatcTU6wr5dgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06275.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OCUzSN9Fjlc/WhGKFo3l2fI/AAAAAAAAKZU/KjrIlNC1nC44_ew3c-s3DSatcTU6wr5dgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC06275.JPG" alt="rainbow bridge north route" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6Ax1QLvlhE/WhGJIfjy9EI/AAAAAAAAKZI/FYMMlPF8zEgfXRsKu5Vbam_L1mMDrGZNwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06276.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6Ax1QLvlhE/WhGJIfjy9EI/AAAAAAAAKZI/FYMMlPF8zEgfXRsKu5Vbam_L1mMDrGZNwCLcBGAs/s400/DSC06276.JPG" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">Mario Kart racers zooming by</font>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6E2O-RtZDdg/WhGJI43DncI/AAAAAAAAKZM/G5E1Y171vJkCztGbOFv5KoZXNGNLGrkoQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06255.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6E2O-RtZDdg/WhGJI43DncI/AAAAAAAAKZM/G5E1Y171vJkCztGbOFv5KoZXNGNLGrkoQCLcBGAs/s400/DSC06255.JPG" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">Skytree from the <b>north route</b></font>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KwPF_nO35XA/WhGGP_NJpGI/AAAAAAAAKY8/F30Sz3Pjg1AqWS8DjSCAJc4F04BNsb-UwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC06296.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KwPF_nO35XA/WhGGP_NJpGI/AAAAAAAAKY8/F30Sz3Pjg1AqWS8DjSCAJc4F04BNsb-UwCPcBGAYYCw/s400/DSC06296.JPG" alt="odaiba mall robot" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">robot receptionist doing a rendition of <i>My Heart Will Go On</i></font>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ls6xU3V_k1M/WhGGPWkFDeI/AAAAAAAAKY4/1mAvNLpgr9YCCbzea1_9eXbNPjx5PpiFACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B19%252C%2B6%2B42%2B34%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ls6xU3V_k1M/WhGGPWkFDeI/AAAAAAAAKY4/1mAvNLpgr9YCCbzea1_9eXbNPjx5PpiFACPcBGAYYCw/s400/Photo%2BNov%2B19%252C%2B6%2B42%2B34%2BPM.jpg" alt="rainbow bridge view restaurant" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">Jack Daniel's Burger at Aqua City's TGIF</font>
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redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-44790716271871187192017-11-07T01:38:00.002-08:002017-11-07T03:29:12.026-08:00Yamanaka Castle Ruin Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gXQNMxk_Ok/WgGO0AUh_rI/AAAAAAAAKV4/B11ruMrCOP8HOyqxuL3reZkgAtizdvRcwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B2%2B02%2B26%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gXQNMxk_Ok/WgGO0AUh_rI/AAAAAAAAKV4/B11ruMrCOP8HOyqxuL3reZkgAtizdvRcwCLcBGAs/s640/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B2%2B02%2B26%2BPM.jpg" alt="Yamanaka Castle Ruins" width="640" height="478" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mO1s0J0mFbg/WgGAoFtuJ9I/AAAAAAAAKVI/5zlJdDNX0F0NMv0TUFfksMpqrS36_K1KQCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B1%2B28%2B07%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mO1s0J0mFbg/WgGAoFtuJ9I/AAAAAAAAKVI/5zlJdDNX0F0NMv0TUFfksMpqrS36_K1KQCLcBGAs/s200/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B1%2B28%2B07%2BPM.jpg" alt="Hakone Old Trail" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1"><b>Hakone Trail</b> 箱根旧街道</font>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AY58WDsayv4/WgGA8GyIkzI/AAAAAAAAKVM/WI6F-WN329cQLrwXnWsJg78Dph5nJ5V2wCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B1%2B36%2B52%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AY58WDsayv4/WgGA8GyIkzI/AAAAAAAAKVM/WI6F-WN329cQLrwXnWsJg78Dph5nJ5V2wCLcBGAs/s200/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B1%2B36%2B52%2BPM.jpg" alt="Yamanaka Castle Ruin Park" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<b>Yamanaka Castle Ruin Park</b> 山中城跡公園 is a relaxing place to spend an hour, with <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/mount-fuji.html">Mount Fuji</a> view. We spent just over an hour at this castle ruin park and it was such a pleasant place with a few spots where you can see Mount Fuji if the weather is clear.
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Mount Fuji was almost entirely covered by clouds by the time we got here but it was still very nice to walk through this lovely site which has whimsical round hedges, interesting ridges in the moat, and lush lawns. We saw a family having a picnic here and thought that was such a great idea!
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There are 2 sides on either side of the main road and the side next to the parking lot is more interesting if you're pressed for time although you won't see Mount Fuji on that side. The entrance to the <b>Hakone Old Trail</b> 箱根旧街道 is on the other side. It's free and not too many people come here, unlike <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/11/mishima-skywalk.html"><b>Mishima Skywalk</b></a> which is 4 minutes back towards Mishima Station by bus. If you want to see both places, it's better to come here second so you are more likely to get a seat on the bus on the way back. The bus stop back is a short walk downhill.
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At a booth near the bus stop right by <b>Izuhakone Railway</b>'s Mishima Station, you can buy <b>Mishimaru Ticket</b> <a href="https://www.tokaibus.jp/page.jsp?id=7107" target="new">みしまるきっぷ</a> for 900 yen which allows you to take the bus freely in the area (return bus fare to <b>Yamanaka Castle Ruin Park</b> alone is normally 1220 yen). It takes roughly 30 minutes by bus (2 to 3 buses an hour on weekends and just once an hour on weekdays).
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yZ0JvSvQ-4/WgGPluXVeyI/AAAAAAAAKWA/5xdnvvuCU1IP4MCvFFwX11JrEgKUjpuHgCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B2%2B06%2B52%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yZ0JvSvQ-4/WgGPluXVeyI/AAAAAAAAKWA/5xdnvvuCU1IP4MCvFFwX11JrEgKUjpuHgCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B2%2B06%2B52%2BPM.jpg" alt="Yamanakajo" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gwa2xmxycqA/WgGPllA0XQI/AAAAAAAAKWE/6qwNKw0r2t0AirwOFKqldpzILMPyaWo7gCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B2%2B07%2B18%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gwa2xmxycqA/WgGPllA0XQI/AAAAAAAAKWE/6qwNKw0r2t0AirwOFKqldpzILMPyaWo7gCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B2%2B07%2B18%2BPM.jpg" alt="Yamanakajoato" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-InUN2FOxglg/WgGNpM0YisI/AAAAAAAAKVc/yyhdtdfs-yIRsGTJ6p4hsW5jtZE-dNkyQCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B1%2B40%2B32%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-InUN2FOxglg/WgGNpM0YisI/AAAAAAAAKVc/yyhdtdfs-yIRsGTJ6p4hsW5jtZE-dNkyQCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B1%2B40%2B32%2BPM.jpg" alt="Yamanakajoa ato" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lAVpXPLtzk/WgGOMZXHtEI/AAAAAAAAKVo/-2GuM1Zrnakgyh73fLYhY30PB9i1WLwkwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B1%2B54%2B26%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lAVpXPLtzk/WgGOMZXHtEI/AAAAAAAAKVo/-2GuM1Zrnakgyh73fLYhY30PB9i1WLwkwCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B1%2B54%2B26%2BPM.jpg" alt="Yamanaka Castle Ruin Park" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv6ogUOq_hc/WgGNyn12A9I/AAAAAAAAKVg/lhyX-vimD9s5-T2DJq6eEk9BXyy1ruKuwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B1%2B49%2B53%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv6ogUOq_hc/WgGNyn12A9I/AAAAAAAAKVg/lhyX-vimD9s5-T2DJq6eEk9BXyy1ruKuwCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B1%2B49%2B53%2BPM.jpg" alt="Yamanakajoato" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Orhiyot4Y8/WgGOVsBpjWI/AAAAAAAAKVs/zRw4851go18k3PdBV-P23KN6WxxgSnoIACLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B1%2B58%2B17%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Orhiyot4Y8/WgGOVsBpjWI/AAAAAAAAKVs/zRw4851go18k3PdBV-P23KN6WxxgSnoIACLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B1%2B58%2B17%2BPM.jpg" alt="Yamanaka Caslte" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-9186231028045503072017-11-07T01:27:00.001-08:002017-11-07T01:41:10.979-08:00Mishima Skywalk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DsB4SnAPnZU/WgF8DhhZx8I/AAAAAAAAKUw/YDUnkjRRIegnbMvdFnuLlzzj7E0dffYVwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B12%2B53%2B17%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DsB4SnAPnZU/WgF8DhhZx8I/AAAAAAAAKUw/YDUnkjRRIegnbMvdFnuLlzzj7E0dffYVwCLcBGAs/s640/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B12%2B53%2B17%2BPM.jpg" alt="Fuji view bridge" width="640" height="478" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7zfmxCcDJwA/WgF8lY4k0XI/AAAAAAAAKU8/-uC6V5zUK0kng55dfRLv_auhVljn20tGwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B12%2B33%2B46%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7zfmxCcDJwA/WgF8lY4k0XI/AAAAAAAAKU8/-uC6V5zUK0kng55dfRLv_auhVljn20tGwCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B12%2B33%2B46%2BPM.jpg" alt="Mishima Skywalk" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XD3fMXCiCLk/WgF8daZnL2I/AAAAAAAAKU0/QuhM_WQQ8Uotkfh21tpto6Fj2QRcz88RwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B12%2B16%2B10%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XD3fMXCiCLk/WgF8daZnL2I/AAAAAAAAKU0/QuhM_WQQ8Uotkfh21tpto6Fj2QRcz88RwCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BNov%2B04%252C%2B12%2B16%2B10%2BPM.jpg" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<b>Mishima Skywalk</b> <a href="http://mishima-skywalk.jp" target="new">三島スカイウォーク</a> is the longest suspension bridge in Japan where you can catch aa glimpse of <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/mount-fuji.html">Mount Fuji</a> on a clear day.
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It was nice but pretty crowded and felt a bit like a tourist trap. Nice view of Mount Fuji before the clouds started to cover it up. You can also look through the grate and see the valley down below. You probably won't need more than an hour here.
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At a booth near the bus stop right by <b>Izuhakone Railway</b>'s <b>Mishima Station</b>, you can buy <b>Mishimaru Ticket</b> <a href="https://www.tokaibus.jp/page.jsp?id=7107" target="new">みしまるきっぷ</a> for 900 yen which allows you to take the bus freely in the area (return bus fare to <b>Skywalk</b> alone is normally 1120 yen), like to <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/11/yamanaka-castle-ruin-park.html"><b>Yamanaka Castle Ruin Park</b></a> 山中城跡公園 4 minutes away by bus.
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You can also get a set ticket for the bus pass and entrance to Sky Walk for 1800 yen (1000 yen just for admission usually) and you'll have to change that for the admission tickets at the entrance.
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It takes roughly 30 minutes by bus (2 to 3 buses an hour on weekends and just once an hour on weekdays).
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</tr></table>redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-16917233051650116652017-11-06T04:15:00.000-08:002017-11-17T13:55:41.162-08:00Izunokuni Panorama Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PzsLi90mrAU/WgBR1JktlHI/AAAAAAAAKTw/FIshWZA-2h4mDAStVwlOsMYunrcYjKIcgCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B03%252C%2B2%2B59%2B36%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" alt="Izunokuni Panorama Park" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PzsLi90mrAU/WgBR1JktlHI/AAAAAAAAKTw/FIshWZA-2h4mDAStVwlOsMYunrcYjKIcgCLcBGAs/s640/Photo%2BNov%2B03%252C%2B2%2B59%2B36%2BPM.jpg" width="640" height="478" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bkxFTHBccuw/WgBRiseQaCI/AAAAAAAAKTs/-Lgm6TWsMLA1zA5xJLXpH4SSwOmiizvegCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B03%252C%2B2%2B32%2B25%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bkxFTHBccuw/WgBRiseQaCI/AAAAAAAAKTs/-Lgm6TWsMLA1zA5xJLXpH4SSwOmiizvegCLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BNov%2B03%252C%2B2%2B32%2B25%2BPM.jpg" alt="Katsuragiyama Ropeway" width="400" height="299" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<b>Izunokuni Panorama Park</b> <a href="http://www.panoramapark.co.jp" target="new">伊豆の国パノラマパーク</a>, also known as <b>Katsuragiyama Ropeway</b> かつらぎ山ロープウェイ is 10 minutes by bus from <b>Izu-Nagaoka Station</b> 伊豆長岡駅 (170 yen, no SUICA) - a very short walk from the bus stop.
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Here you can get absolutely breathtaking views of <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/mount-fuji.html">Mount Fuji</a>, the ocean, and surrounding mountains! Lots of short little easy trails with little things to see.
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We spent about an hour up top. The cable car is a bit scary but totally worth it! Highly recommend on a clear day!
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5h2ugvr3YM/WgBgg7aR1EI/AAAAAAAAKUg/D9VKnRQuKQARDz6s637reLcQlnwl0HIZgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171103_152449.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5h2ugvr3YM/WgBgg7aR1EI/AAAAAAAAKUg/D9VKnRQuKQARDz6s637reLcQlnwl0HIZgCLcBGAs/s400/20171103_152449.jpg" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DZF0GIzWtAc/WgBRilEsF3I/AAAAAAAAKT0/uG8vxDLq4W8HZ2RQ9qKRAjphkwt6ntWcgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B03%252C%2B2%2B45%2B00%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DZF0GIzWtAc/WgBRilEsF3I/AAAAAAAAKT0/uG8vxDLq4W8HZ2RQ9qKRAjphkwt6ntWcgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Photo%2BNov%2B03%252C%2B2%2B45%2B00%2BPM.jpg" alt="Izunokuni Panorama Park foot onsen" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a><br><br>There's free foot hot spring as well as a restaurant<br>both facing Mount Fuji... unbelievable!
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTQVcFzZsmI/WgBSRZ9yR5I/AAAAAAAAKT4/946fhUFT2zs8wUyguekenzjXLu0naxTlQCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B03%252C%2B3%2B04%2B06%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTQVcFzZsmI/WgBSRZ9yR5I/AAAAAAAAKT4/946fhUFT2zs8wUyguekenzjXLu0naxTlQCLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BNov%2B03%252C%2B3%2B04%2B06%2BPM.jpg" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mI3VgDHd8ig/WgBSRo2Q6XI/AAAAAAAAKT8/LmrTYtkgCY0teCN6I1JrmxrITlDkEbZvACLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B03%252C%2B3%2B07%2B47%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mI3VgDHd8ig/WgBSRo2Q6XI/AAAAAAAAKT8/LmrTYtkgCY0teCN6I1JrmxrITlDkEbZvACLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BNov%2B03%252C%2B3%2B07%2B47%2BPM.jpg" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldHYwywbxv4/WgBYnmM-CpI/AAAAAAAAKUQ/9csj4_GpKRM2lpHdW6rFIAE1P__UJrpogCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B03%252C%2B4%2B07%2B24%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldHYwywbxv4/WgBYnmM-CpI/AAAAAAAAKUQ/9csj4_GpKRM2lpHdW6rFIAE1P__UJrpogCLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BNov%2B03%252C%2B4%2B07%2B24%2BPM.jpg" width="400" alt="New Hakkeien fuji" height="299" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uRmmqVwvukw/WgBYnilZkqI/AAAAAAAAKUM/6iuzWBN4ST8vRkGC145bAmwWJVzEXz9OwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B03%252C%2B4%2B07%2B59%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uRmmqVwvukw/WgBYnilZkqI/AAAAAAAAKUM/6iuzWBN4ST8vRkGC145bAmwWJVzEXz9OwCLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BNov%2B03%252C%2B4%2B07%2B59%2BPM.jpg" alt="Hakkeien fuji" width="400" height="299" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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We stayed at <b>New Hakkeien</b> <a href="http://www.hakkeien.jp" target="new">ニュー八景園</a> which is a very short walk away from the ropeway. The 2 special Mount Fuji view rooms we got in their west building (西館特別室 & 西館和室10帖) were excellent -
incredible view from both! Yes, Fuji is just right there! ... plus not really more expensive than your typical ryokan stay! The multi-course meal was also very well done-they did a great job substituting many dishes for one of us who doesn't eat seafood by calling us ahead to confirm (in Japanese). Buffet breakfast has good Japanese and Western items, plus Mount Fuji view again! Reliable WIFI everywhere which is not always a given at a Japanese ryokan!
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One room is 10 tatami and the other is much bigger (21 tatami) with a room separated by sliding doors with twin beds although they also set up futons in the very large tatami room for us anyway. Each room has a small tub which you can fill with hot spring water for your own private bath but of course the rooftop public hot spring baths with amazing Mount Fuji view are not to be missed! Even nicer than online photos and really exceeded my expectations!
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Definitely pay a little bit more for the bigger room - we were very impressed even though we've stayed at quite a few Japanese hotels and find most ryokan rooms very similar despite price differences. One of the best for sure! Don't be put off by the less than attractive exterior.
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<p>The bus stop to the station is just down the hill to the right, diagonally across from 7-11 (10 minutes & 170 yen, no SUICA) - yes you do have to walk up a steep hill for a couple of minutes to reach the hotel.</p>
redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-40443847409917832522017-09-18T04:58:00.001-07:002017-11-13T03:26:03.445-08:00Menya Musashi 麺屋武蔵 hopping<table align="center" border="0"><tr>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BD0gyE2Nd3w/Wb-0p8IJADI/AAAAAAAAKRU/udR-KAOGiFA92OC7ED4sDF4wH6sCL1bKQCLcBGAs/s1600/menya%2Bmusashi%2Broppongi%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BD0gyE2Nd3w/Wb-0p8IJADI/AAAAAAAAKRU/udR-KAOGiFA92OC7ED4sDF4wH6sCL1bKQCLcBGAs/s400/menya%2Bmusashi%2Broppongi%2B1.jpg" alt="Menya Musashi roppongi" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1"><b>Roppongi branch</b> 六本木 麺屋武蔵 虎嘯</font>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2T-liWYaIJ4/Wb-0pxgt-OI/AAAAAAAAKRQ/K1QiKA4iy0MZM5nnnuOV9WZ0VSM1-O7qwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BSep%2B18%252C%2B3%2B23%2B19%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2T-liWYaIJ4/Wb-0pxgt-OI/AAAAAAAAKRQ/K1QiKA4iy0MZM5nnnuOV9WZ0VSM1-O7qwCLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BSep%2B18%252C%2B3%2B23%2B19%2BPM.jpg" alt="Menya Musashi Akihabara" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1"><b>Akihabara branch</b> 秋葉原 麺屋武蔵 武仁</font>
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<b>Menya Musashi</b> <a href="http://menya634.co.jp/" target="new">麺屋武蔵</a> is a tsukemen/ramen chain with quite a few shops in Tokyo, each with its own special way of preparing the pork. The decor is cool, the noodles are thick, and the dipping sauce is a mixture of chicken, pork bone, and seafood broth. We've tried 4 of their shops so far - all good!
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt9GhlV5qDU/Wb-19PNIwxI/AAAAAAAAKRo/q7QD-JIg-FE1znv2jg6aRl6gnx8_lQhPQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BSep%2B18%252C%2B3%2B41%2B08%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt9GhlV5qDU/Wb-19PNIwxI/AAAAAAAAKRo/q7QD-JIg-FE1znv2jg6aRl6gnx8_lQhPQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/Photo%2BSep%2B18%252C%2B3%2B41%2B08%2BPM.jpg" width="400" height="299" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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The <b>Roppongi branch</b> is down the side street next to Ichiran in Roppongi, close to the subway station. We had tsukemen and rice with pork - the fatty pork is just the best thing ever, seasoned and cooked to perfection & beyond our expectations! We ordered extra pork for 200 yen a piece. The tsukemen's sauce is not as thick as their original Nishi-Shinjuku store but still good. The noodles have bits of pepper in it but the flavor is quite subtle & the texture is similar to their other shop. The unique sugar yuzu vinegar sauce and spice with dried shrimp at the counter are both excellent additions. Seriously the pork is even more tender and uber delicious than the Shinjuku shop and that's already really good!
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There are 2 Menya Musashi in <b>Akihabara</b> and the one called 麺屋武蔵 武仁 is behind Yodobashi Camera. Each piece of super tender juicy pork is over 100 grams and absolutely delicious! We ordered thick dipping noodles with twice the meat (濃厚武仁肉二倍つけ麺 tsukemen) for 1470 yen and even though the meat was amazing, 1 piece would've been plenty (it's so big!). If you pay an extra 150 yen, you can add more bits of pork to the dipping sauce but that's probably also not necessary - it's really hard to eat all that pork even though it's really good. Turns out there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. We still prefer the Roppongi branch but this one comes in a close second before the Kamata and Shinjuku branches which are both awesome.
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I35PQ-dJyNM/Wb-19IH31_I/AAAAAAAAKRo/3381a6KwYzIk9S222Pq7iDA9GKLhV4ZpACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/menya%2Bmusashi%2Bkamata.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I35PQ-dJyNM/Wb-19IH31_I/AAAAAAAAKRo/3381a6KwYzIk9S222Pq7iDA9GKLhV4ZpACPcBGAYYCw/s320/menya%2Bmusashi%2Bkamata.jpg" alt="Musashi Menya kamata"
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<br><font size="-1"><b>Kamata branch</b> 蒲田 麺屋武蔵 蒲田店</font>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EOS2k1uesE0/Wgl7lbPgzAI/AAAAAAAAKXc/3TloDSe1bJcPD6EgAc3qhM8fkb5IyVWiwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BNov%2B12%252C%2B4%2B01%2B36%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EOS2k1uesE0/Wgl7lbPgzAI/AAAAAAAAKXc/3TloDSe1bJcPD6EgAc3qhM8fkb5IyVWiwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Photo%2BNov%2B12%252C%2B4%2B01%2B36%2BPM.jpg" alt="Menya Musashi tamachi" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1"><b>Tamachi branch</b> 田町 麺屋武蔵 芝浦店</font>
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The <b>Kamata branch</b> 蒲田 has a much bigger shop, nice decor. The pork pieces are smaller than the Akihabara one but equally tender and perhaps even more delicious! Definitely go for the fatty pork instead of the flat pieces. Honestly, sometimes we just order rice with pork and not even bother with the noodles. If you feel bad about eating too much pork, there's a convenience store across the street where you can down some black oolong tea which reportedly may help unclog your arteries.</td><td>
The <b>Tamachi branch</b> 田町 is smaller than the Kamata one but with both counter and a few table seats. There are 2 types of pork, the thick fatty one is slightly too salty for my liking but still tender. They have fish dashi on the counter to thin out your tsukemen dipping sauce to a drinkable soup. The red in-house sauce makes a great addition to the noodles!
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<tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#000000"><font color="#ffffff"><b>affordable Michelin-star ramen in Tokyo</b></font></td></tr>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/08/michelin-star-soba.html"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldtMZ_GpgWw/WZ_Tp0tcgWI/AAAAAAAAKNA/-4x2lilP_cMC45L2dfSTvfniAWLI3ixAgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B12%2B57%2B16%2BPM.jpg" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /><br><b>Michelin star ramen</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/08/michelin-star-noodles.html"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d_uQnxQU8VE/WZVVE1kkrqI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/j7rqFotguCo2Pb6LA-A8yAGrUe-5zgPcwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B1%2B30%2B51%2BPM.jpg" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /><br><b>Michelin star tantan noodles</b></a>
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redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-39237072106604493562017-09-09T06:36:00.000-07:002017-09-17T04:14:24.661-07:00Takatoriyama Hiking 鷹取山<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_2jbhxEBTY/WbPy-1MdLZI/AAAAAAAAKPo/l8RuJTiFAIQWMsV-VoAaJMj4HJX9q2IfQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC06075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_2jbhxEBTY/WbPy-1MdLZI/AAAAAAAAKPo/l8RuJTiFAIQWMsV-VoAaJMj4HJX9q2IfQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC06075.JPG" alt="Takatoriyama" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br><font size="-1">The 8 m carved Buddha, <b>Magaibutsu</b> 磨崖仏, near the end/beginning of the<br><b>Jinmuji / Takatoriyama Hiking Course</b> 神武寺・鷹取山ハイキングコース</font></div>
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After our failed attempt to get in the tree house cafe in Yokohama, <a href="http://nanjya.jp/cafe/" target="new"><b>Nanjya Monjya</b></a> because of the crazy long line on a Saturday afternoon (should've known!), we headed to <b>Higashi-Zushi Station</b> 東逗子 for this very quiet and interesting 2.5 km hiking course which took just a couple of hours. The mountain is just 139 m
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j9V1HmYwAUc/WbPuFi3hh7I/AAAAAAAAKOw/bNRSqP9iRNcm0EuFNG7ISYZf1dl-KpgLQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC05968.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j9V1HmYwAUc/WbPuFi3hh7I/AAAAAAAAKOw/bNRSqP9iRNcm0EuFNG7ISYZf1dl-KpgLQCLcBGAs/s200/DSC05968.JPG" alt="Takatoriyama Hiking" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">Hiking course entrance near<br><b>Higashi Zushi Station</b>.<br>All signs are in Japanese!</font>
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Exit the station, turn right, and go back over the tracks. Continue uphill for a bit until you see the entrance to the hiking trail on the right (sign in Japanese). After going through the lovely <b>Jinmu-ji Temple </b>神武寺 with statues donning conical hats, the trail continues sharply uphill behind the temple, eventually leading to an area of high quarry faces, like a mini <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/11/nokogiri-mountain.html"><b>Nokogiri Mountain</b></a> 鋸山! There are also 360° views of the ocean - can see <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/mount-fuji.html">Fuji</a> from the observation deck 展望台
on a clear day, apparently! After getting off the trail, you can head downhill to Keikyu's <b>Oppama Station</b> 追浜駅 past the supermarket or take the bus there.
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Although I did make it in flip-flops, you'd definitely be better off with hiking sandals or shoes because the up-and-down trails
include beautiful mossy rocks, tree branches, packed mud, steps, and a small area with chains. There are lots of mosquitoes (yeah nature) so either use bug spray or wear long sleeves (which we also didn't do)! There are no vending machines except for one at <b>Takatoriyama Park</b> 鷹取山公園 really close to the end/beginning of hiking course (depending on where you start the hike) so make sure you have some water.
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gpzAou_REEs/WbPvgqZyleI/AAAAAAAAKO8/_peXBFGiOmkA4nuBH2onmB3xkbIBCN9GQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC05979.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gpzAou_REEs/WbPvgqZyleI/AAAAAAAAKO8/_peXBFGiOmkA4nuBH2onmB3xkbIBCN9GQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC05979.JPG" alt="Jinmuji" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">bathroom just before <b>Jinmuji Temple</b> 神武寺</font>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-jN6v9-Gfg/WbPwKuhifwI/AAAAAAAAKPE/SDPUsefRCUoY92LJSlKiD5AyEJLFgFR8wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC05992.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-jN6v9-Gfg/WbPwKuhifwI/AAAAAAAAKPE/SDPUsefRCUoY92LJSlKiD5AyEJLFgFR8wCLcBGAs/s320/DSC05992.JPG" alt="Jinmuji" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">clock tower's cool dragon</font>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hC8UNOGe4qg/WbPwrqbZ-II/AAAAAAAAKPI/Emc8sbvUJ6IMkCHBJqV-L7Co5v3bmqM2wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC05998.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hC8UNOGe4qg/WbPwrqbZ-II/AAAAAAAAKPI/Emc8sbvUJ6IMkCHBJqV-L7Co5v3bmqM2wCLcBGAs/s400/DSC05998.JPG" alt="Jinmuji" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">conical straw hat is the look</font>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JUtaFHOAm58/WbPwru3wc-I/AAAAAAAAKPM/AiZ5bO2WS9g1aH35FBCDErZXyl9qhQJCwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06007.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JUtaFHOAm58/WbPwru3wc-I/AAAAAAAAKPM/AiZ5bO2WS9g1aH35FBCDErZXyl9qhQJCwCLcBGAs/s400/DSC06007.JPG" alt="Jinmuji" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">at <b>Jinmuji Temple</b> 神武寺</font>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufrr2h_US2U/WbPxcRom_3I/AAAAAAAAKPQ/5-vD6HieeRoJMO1lkBxIhKv3Z_jju-2wgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06018.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufrr2h_US2U/WbPxcRom_3I/AAAAAAAAKPQ/5-vD6HieeRoJMO1lkBxIhKv3Z_jju-2wgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC06018.JPG" alt="Takatori yama" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">first view point</font>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AF2O_r7Ep5c/WbPxc2q7KvI/AAAAAAAAKPU/pvOJ4xDmHW4SGTdclx400Eef8J6htHd3QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06028.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AF2O_r7Ep5c/WbPxc2q7KvI/AAAAAAAAKPU/pvOJ4xDmHW4SGTdclx400Eef8J6htHd3QCLcBGAs/s320/DSC06028.JPG" alt="Takatoriyama" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">walk between big rocks</font>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yduohtPOqg/WbPx7mUT-lI/AAAAAAAAKPY/-09RQTUgfDEJ3lwmQ46u9a_h16qqwglOgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06034.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yduohtPOqg/WbPx7mUT-lI/AAAAAAAAKPY/-09RQTUgfDEJ3lwmQ46u9a_h16qqwglOgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC06034.JPG" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">short part with chains</font>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__j9_PvIw-8/WbPyR9El89I/AAAAAAAAKPg/nCBGywBusE8kEp-Fy3zHAYqTvYbf269ewCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06054.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__j9_PvIw-8/WbPyR9El89I/AAAAAAAAKPg/nCBGywBusE8kEp-Fy3zHAYqTvYbf269ewCLcBGAs/s320/DSC06054.JPG" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">quarry faces and ocean view</font>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0zAD9tLWCds/WbP2y7cuWqI/AAAAAAAAKQE/4lsEb9pQv9wkUoZjZM7v_zTxZaaAZ3D3QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06066.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0zAD9tLWCds/WbP2y7cuWqI/AAAAAAAAKQE/4lsEb9pQv9wkUoZjZM7v_zTxZaaAZ3D3QCLcBGAs/s320/DSC06066.JPG" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sRv0_zqwwLY/WbP2y6NKZ1I/AAAAAAAAKQI/0_m-KaYij48GDpYhuN5_rQnr4M1mGbnfwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06077.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sRv0_zqwwLY/WbP2y6NKZ1I/AAAAAAAAKQI/0_m-KaYij48GDpYhuN5_rQnr4M1mGbnfwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC06077.JPG" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxkmhozmkUY/WbP1hbFt1mI/AAAAAAAAKP4/tLNEJ6KXAGMrMlQE4jN-D5likFkkOHMFgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06063.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxkmhozmkUY/WbP1hbFt1mI/AAAAAAAAKP4/tLNEJ6KXAGMrMlQE4jN-D5likFkkOHMFgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC06063.JPG" alt="鷹取山ハイキングコース" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">Takatoriyama hiking map</font>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGqPXfErDTI/WbP1hLagCfI/AAAAAAAAKP0/0stnnw2UEwQ8DyLBTB7jjAjH8bvmPdNtwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06082.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGqPXfErDTI/WbP1hLagCfI/AAAAAAAAKP0/0stnnw2UEwQ8DyLBTB7jjAjH8bvmPdNtwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC06082.JPG" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">heading downhill to Keikyu's <b>Oppama Station</b> 追浜駅</font>
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redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-86829164976055018492017-08-25T00:49:00.003-07:002017-08-26T03:49:39.090-07:00Michelin star soba<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldtMZ_GpgWw/WZ_Tp0tcgWI/AAAAAAAAKM8/QaYvPFqXJtMtA1XmGCmJz9eBX9N9xAqcwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B12%2B57%2B16%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldtMZ_GpgWw/WZ_Tp0tcgWI/AAAAAAAAKM8/QaYvPFqXJtMtA1XmGCmJz9eBX9N9xAqcwCLcBGAs/s640/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B12%2B57%2B16%2BPM.jpg" alt="tsuta ramen" width="640" height="478" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a></div>
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<b>Tsuta</b> <a href="http://www.tsuta.com/" target="new">蔦</a> is the first <a href="http://gm.gnavi.co.jp/shop/0117026401/" target="new">Michelin star ramen</a> restaurant and you bet there is a queue for this 9-seater shop! From the South Exit of Yamanote Line's <b>Sugamo Station</b> 巣鴨駅, go left then make a left at AU (orange sign) before turning right at the 1st corner across from サミットsupermarket (green sign). It'll be on your left.
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iq_9JoFlbWg/WZ_XNThtz5I/AAAAAAAAKNQ/TCfzJrZURh8rbVbQFNqm3bgurd6hhA9hgCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B9%2B49%2B58%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iq_9JoFlbWg/WZ_XNThtz5I/AAAAAAAAKNQ/TCfzJrZURh8rbVbQFNqm3bgurd6hhA9hgCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B9%2B49%2B58%2BAM.jpg" alt="tsuta queue" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">Get a card early, for the time slot you want!</font><br><br>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G7NZIAmGnYc/WZ_WjKTifQI/AAAAAAAAKNI/xoG1qFWSbs0Adjfh-G8R7SvHNT5VFjofACLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B12%2B57%2B46%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G7NZIAmGnYc/WZ_WjKTifQI/AAAAAAAAKNI/xoG1qFWSbs0Adjfh-G8R7SvHNT5VFjofACLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B12%2B57%2B46%2BPM.jpg" alt="tsuta soba" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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It was just renovated this summer (August, 2017) - I know because I came last week and there were carpenters inside doing stuff.
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Came on a Friday at 9:50 am to pay a <b>1000 yen deposit</b> for a colored card corresponding to the time slot to come back later (every hour between 11 am-3 pm / 6-8 pm). There was no line for that.
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Came back just before noon, my chosen time, and there were already more than 20 people in front waiting next to the shop in a covered area (shade!). The staff then came out to separate the line into 2, singles versus group.
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40 minutes later, the staff came & took my card then gave me back my 1000 yen. I was told to buy a ticket inside the store (big button on the top left for the <b>soy sauce truffle oil blended soba noodles</b> with wonton dumplings and lots of pork, <b>1700 yen</b>) then go back out for another 10-minute wait plus 5 more minutes in the shop for the noodles to be served. So, under an hour in total, unlike the 2-hour wait at the <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/08/michelin-star-noodles.html">other Michelin-star ramen</a> place.
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There was a lot of soft tender pork and the soup was nice and light. Even though I was tempted to order one of the side rice bowls, I couldn't even finish my bowl of noodles. Yeah, it was nice, but the best noodles ever? Maybe I don't have the palate for <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/08/michelin-star-sardines.html">Michelin-star</a>-grade flavors. Try it for yourself though!
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Zb8QsGLcgY/WZ_ZAj7bt0I/AAAAAAAAKNc/NoxYOGH6GZYAW0VFMA_elv0OwqDgGepbgCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B9%2B50%2B08%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Zb8QsGLcgY/WZ_ZAj7bt0I/AAAAAAAAKNc/NoxYOGH6GZYAW0VFMA_elv0OwqDgGepbgCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B9%2B50%2B08%2BAM.jpg" alt="tsuta hours" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">The hours. Closed on Wednesday</font>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyrXE4_lceE/WZ_ZAqCF8lI/AAAAAAAAKNg/DM3_wqCFaQ8TiqsroCEJvXNF7YCNxGGVQCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B9%2B51%2B04%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyrXE4_lceE/WZ_ZAqCF8lI/AAAAAAAAKNg/DM3_wqCFaQ8TiqsroCEJvXNF7YCNxGGVQCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B9%2B51%2B04%2BAM.jpg" alt="tsuta menu" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">the meal ticket machine</font>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pN_HRw7h278/WZ_ZhSgldLI/AAAAAAAAKNo/ARLkG0bxEEwaLrBfuYDwHfvO33BMvZC4wCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B12%2B46%2B21%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pN_HRw7h278/WZ_ZhSgldLI/AAAAAAAAKNo/ARLkG0bxEEwaLrBfuYDwHfvO33BMvZC4wCLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B12%2B46%2B21%2BPM.jpg" alt="tsuta menu" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">the main menu</font>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qtGveSfR2nc/WZ_ZhWj30fI/AAAAAAAAKNs/j_C_ALksCp8IgUo7MrKUVnJZ5dXgSxEsACLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B12%2B46%2B32%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qtGveSfR2nc/WZ_ZhWj30fI/AAAAAAAAKNs/j_C_ALksCp8IgUo7MrKUVnJZ5dXgSxEsACLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B12%2B46%2B32%2BPM.jpg" alt="tsuta menu" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">side dishes I wish I could eat</font>
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So, what to do if you want to hang around and kill a couple of hours? There are a few choices within walking distance:
<br><br> ★
<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/11/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-tokyo.html#rikugien"><b>Rikugien</b></a> 六義園 : garden famous for <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/11/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-tokyo.html">cherry blossoms</a>
<br><br> ☆
<b>Kyu-Furukawa Gardens</b> <a href="http://www.otanimuseum.or.jp/kyufurukawatei/" target="new">旧古河庭園</a> : famous for its rose garden
<br><br> ★
<b>Sugamo Jijodori Shopping Street</b> 巣鴨地蔵通り商店街 : very long street with lots of old school shops
<br><br> ☆
<b><a href="http://www.sakura-2005.com/" target="new">東京染井温泉 SAKURA</a></b> : very nice hot spring spa!
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z6Q6_Bn6pcY/WZ_548AEZxI/AAAAAAAAKN8/s129LEzKDbo4uShb0fYhf82lG9vd9bxVwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B10%2B04%2B11%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z6Q6_Bn6pcY/WZ_548AEZxI/AAAAAAAAKN8/s129LEzKDbo4uShb0fYhf82lG9vd9bxVwCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B10%2B04%2B11%2BAM.jpg" alt="東京染井温泉" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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Under 15 minutes to walk to this onsen, which opens at 10 am. Go back to the main road & walk past the station before making a right at the post office. Keep walking down the small road & then turn left at the end of the road. The entrance will be on your left.
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It's <b>1269 yen</b> if you bring your own towels & extra for towels and more if you want to use the dry hot stone room. Everything else, from lotion, body wash towel, to conditioner, is included. There are 2 tan colored hot spring pools of different temperatures outside plus a small milky one. There's another indoor bath on top of a cold water tub, standing/laying down jacuzzi, a dry sauna and a wet one that sprays water!
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<p>Everything is labelled in English. You can also pay for lots of body scrub & spa services. On the 2nd floor, there's a beautiful tatami "talking room" and a relaxation room with reclining chairs, Japanese TV, comics, and newspapers. Free wifi.</p>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c11C5adC9RY/WZ_6cun2O_I/AAAAAAAAKOE/evM3xLmiNvYHThJfEvzxaaIm60lTTYwDQCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B1%2B14%2B56%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c11C5adC9RY/WZ_6cun2O_I/AAAAAAAAKOE/evM3xLmiNvYHThJfEvzxaaIm60lTTYwDQCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B1%2B14%2B56%2BPM.jpg" alt="Sugamo jizo temple" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1"><b>Edorokujizoson Shinsho Temple</b> 江戸六地蔵尊 眞性寺<br>Near Sugamo Station - cross the street!</font>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--C0C_ee8TC0/WZ_6_uqT3QI/AAAAAAAAKOM/RSEkb2OAkLYcjE9HBV2F8fQKTU65BIebgCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B1%2B28%2B15%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--C0C_ee8TC0/WZ_6_uqT3QI/AAAAAAAAKOM/RSEkb2OAkLYcjE9HBV2F8fQKTU65BIebgCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B1%2B28%2B15%2BPM.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1"><b>Sugamo Jijodori Shopping Street</b> 巣鴨地蔵通り商店街 :<br>lots of Japanese sweets shops & red underpants shops</font>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzIBCdUzB5k/WZ_88wySlWI/AAAAAAAAKOY/yYSrAZvI-S03D2WRt9gdifNo3EpmXUVswCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B1%2B47%2B04%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzIBCdUzB5k/WZ_88wySlWI/AAAAAAAAKOY/yYSrAZvI-S03D2WRt9gdifNo3EpmXUVswCLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B1%2B47%2B04%2BPM.jpg" alt="sugamo mascot" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">Sugamo's mascot</font>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWLSP56bXFQ/WZ_9KTZvg6I/AAAAAAAAKOc/ppSeFXQ4XbUrBOSJQmqJBActyJwf7_VFwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B2%2B06%2B15%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWLSP56bXFQ/WZ_9KTZvg6I/AAAAAAAAKOc/ppSeFXQ4XbUrBOSJQmqJBActyJwf7_VFwCLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B2%2B06%2B15%2BPM.jpg" alt="flaming shaved ice" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">左藤総本店 that sells flaming shaved ice 焼き氷 富士山氷</font>
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<tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#000000"><font color="#ffffff"><b>other affordable Michelin-star restaurants in Tokyo</b></font></td></tr>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/08/michelin-star-sardines.html"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cAP7o8mALGo/WYwVPdzHQLI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/361-7_oFtokvbzs_h8gcQv7wjOz74u3IACPcBGAYYCw/s200/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B12%2B02%2B44%2BPM.jpg" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /><br><b>Michelin star sardines</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/08/michelin-star-noodles.html"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d_uQnxQU8VE/WZVVE1kkrqI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/j7rqFotguCo2Pb6LA-A8yAGrUe-5zgPcwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B1%2B30%2B51%2BPM.jpg" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /><br><b>Michelin star tantan noodles</b></a>
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redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-35740967557722563312017-08-20T02:45:00.000-07:002017-08-24T06:10:55.113-07:00Kagaya is a funny izakaya<p>Chances are you've heard of <b>Kagaya</b> from some online source and want to find out more, amiright? This is a very strange restaurant that offers surprisingly nice homemade food in a somewhat rundown basement near <b>Shimbashi Station</b> 新橋駅 (Take JR's Hibiya Exit, walk to the left, go down the street where Family Mart is, it's underground on the right with a frog sign, next to another Family Mart). DO NOT watch any related videos online before you go. It's best to bring someone you want to surprise/shock, someone who is not easily offended by erratic shouting, overacting, or inappropriate humping, if humping is ever appropriate. It was great fun for all of us! It was especially nice because all the other customers were really into it as well!</p>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XNgx7dwCMlo/WZlaCm4AXZI/AAAAAAAAKLw/PEcuOOtabuUdGApeUEmLbZfGDTFfIdypACLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B20%252C%2B12%2B56%2B05%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XNgx7dwCMlo/WZlaCm4AXZI/AAAAAAAAKLw/PEcuOOtabuUdGApeUEmLbZfGDTFfIdypACLcBGAs/s640/Photo%2BAug%2B20%252C%2B12%2B56%2B05%2BPM.jpg" alt="kagaya shimbashi" width="427" height="640" data-original-width="1067" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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You pay a set price per person (¥1080/¥2700/¥3240 plus ¥702 per drink or ¥4860 including drinks - the Japanese menu looks cheaper than the English one because it doesn't include tax but it's really the same price) depending on how hungry you are and the very normal woman cooking the food will bring you what she has cooked for the night - no choice. The guy is known for his antics so that's mostly what you're paying for here - the "experience".
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When your table orders drinks, you have a choice of how the drinks will be "presented" to you based on the country you choose, be it <b>America</b> (crazy frog skit & humping), <b>Brazil</b> (octopus wig dancing), <b>England</b> (teddy bear waiter), <b>China</b> (kung-fu service), <b>France</b> (sketch artist) or <b>Japan</b> (in order of our preference, except that we did not get to see Japan since no other table chose it). Basically, the guy serving you will duck into his tiny changing room separated by a curtain and come out with his take on the country... cultural appropriation? Nah, it's too ridiculous to even call it that.
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Make a reservation at <b>03-3591-2347</b> - He speaks English, kinda. Everyone there had a reservation (each table gets 2 hours) as this is not really the type of restaurant you just wander into, especially given the wealth of options available in Shimbashi. There are lots of standing bars under the tracks, for example.... great places to hang out afterwards!
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fizdEIrn2_A/WZlbKyR9JeI/AAAAAAAAKL8/jEpuFp1m5BcAWn8s3-6oXsHQOTs5X7BQQCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B18%252C%2B6%2B36%2B11%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fizdEIrn2_A/WZlbKyR9JeI/AAAAAAAAKL8/jEpuFp1m5BcAWn8s3-6oXsHQOTs5X7BQQCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B18%252C%2B6%2B36%2B11%2BPM.jpg" alt="kagaya menu" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4FQxe8FRnh8/WZlbKzodDnI/AAAAAAAAKMA/4bafTS3O0UEONZOEqg1xOxVo_k-_CLzsgCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B18%252C%2B6%2B49%2B54%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4FQxe8FRnh8/WZlbKzodDnI/AAAAAAAAKMA/4bafTS3O0UEONZOEqg1xOxVo_k-_CLzsgCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B18%252C%2B6%2B49%2B54%2BPM.jpg" alt="kagaya menu" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rILFdsv1F58/WZlcYBE12YI/AAAAAAAAKMQ/nDclXWzHFOkhkIh8JH2XHNDKcSqRQx6_gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC05957.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rILFdsv1F58/WZlcYBE12YI/AAAAAAAAKMQ/nDclXWzHFOkhkIh8JH2XHNDKcSqRQx6_gCLcBGAs/s320/DSC05957.JPG" alt="kagaya food" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o9doGp9--yU/WZlcX2z77kI/AAAAAAAAKMM/hyJjO7R5LLM_iGDQR7hgierVRFq04RpQgCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B18%252C%2B7%2B08%2B05%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o9doGp9--yU/WZlcX2z77kI/AAAAAAAAKMM/hyJjO7R5LLM_iGDQR7hgierVRFq04RpQgCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B18%252C%2B7%2B08%2B05%2BPM.jpg" alt="kagaya" width="239" height="320" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQcmlbtbMJk/WZlc57zpcyI/AAAAAAAAKMY/E-9Lw19P9NsZnL5IkiK1rAfO2in6qZrgwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B18%252C%2B6%2B32%2B51%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQcmlbtbMJk/WZlc57zpcyI/AAAAAAAAKMY/E-9Lw19P9NsZnL5IkiK1rAfO2in6qZrgwCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B18%252C%2B6%2B32%2B51%2BPM.jpg" width="239" height="320" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">an intimate moment</font>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RbYH466Uh0s/WZldZpEYJyI/AAAAAAAAKMg/CWuHJmLqtZ4i2cVtpZ4hVfcOGx0SKU04wCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B18%252C%2B8%2B37%2B00%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RbYH466Uh0s/WZldZpEYJyI/AAAAAAAAKMg/CWuHJmLqtZ4i2cVtpZ4hVfcOGx0SKU04wCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B18%252C%2B8%2B37%2B00%2BPM.jpg" width="239" height="320" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">hang out with salaryman in Shimbashi</font>
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</tr></table>redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-83411382307017931192017-08-17T04:21:00.001-07:002018-04-24T04:58:09.977-07:00Nezu Shrine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0SYUSp5z0uY/WZV8AkCgAHI/AAAAAAAAKKg/XDpCYS77DrQ_pMP7LT2Kt-IZO__AX7NKwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B23%2B36%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0SYUSp5z0uY/WZV8AkCgAHI/AAAAAAAAKKg/XDpCYS77DrQ_pMP7LT2Kt-IZO__AX7NKwCLcBGAs/s640/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B23%2B36%2BAM.jpg" alt="Nezu Shrine" width="640" height="478" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a></div>
<p><b>Nezu Shrine</b> 根津神社 is like a mini <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/kyoto.html#south">Fushimi Inari Taisha</a> minus the crowd! The whole shrine itself is actually quite nice and very quiet. The torii gates here are a bit narrower but still very cool!</p>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gq3LqfH_op8/WZV8P8jlX-I/AAAAAAAAKKk/Zf3R6sJ8GtI-tEm397Y-0g-mKAJ9XSiuACLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B23%2B28%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gq3LqfH_op8/WZV8P8jlX-I/AAAAAAAAKKk/Zf3R6sJ8GtI-tEm397Y-0g-mKAJ9XSiuACLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B23%2B28%2BAM.jpg" alt="Nezu Shrine torii gates" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-flRc3YhzEzU/WZV8PxImd4I/AAAAAAAAKKo/-son1g_Z-mkN7H63_tbWZiB0nFcQpJQRACLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B23%2B50%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-flRc3YhzEzU/WZV8PxImd4I/AAAAAAAAKKo/-son1g_Z-mkN7H63_tbWZiB0nFcQpJQRACLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B23%2B50%2BAM.jpg" alt="Nezu Shrine tori gates" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-itzWg2cAiD8/WZV8pgKwiqI/AAAAAAAAKKs/wnCgJOp3hA81NlIPUJ1tG5uAEOJPGGB4QCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B24%2B32%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-itzWg2cAiD8/WZV8pgKwiqI/AAAAAAAAKKs/wnCgJOp3hA81NlIPUJ1tG5uAEOJPGGB4QCLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B24%2B32%2BAM.jpg" alt="Nezu Shrine tori" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBBtIACaZuo/WZV8wbUre1I/AAAAAAAAKKw/54h8hJtHgAImkH7wJ_m2xaAn7EITq25rACLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B24%2B42%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBBtIACaZuo/WZV8wbUre1I/AAAAAAAAKKw/54h8hJtHgAImkH7wJ_m2xaAn7EITq25rACLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B24%2B42%2BAM.jpg" alt="Nezu Shrine torii" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivB43jJ9388/WZV9Vnpx86I/AAAAAAAAKK4/d7lPFuug-24N6aL95_4-MbyQ21e81YsqQCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B32%2B03%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivB43jJ9388/WZV9Vnpx86I/AAAAAAAAKK4/d7lPFuug-24N6aL95_4-MbyQ21e81YsqQCLcBGAs/s640/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B32%2B03%2BAM.jpg" alt="Nezu Shrine" width="640" height="364" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="909" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5THvJpJvwY/WZWBQWhArTI/AAAAAAAAKLU/UrbnanBxNV09sF5oKW7y6-SnXRy3Mz0hgCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B19%2B03%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5THvJpJvwY/WZWBQWhArTI/AAAAAAAAKLU/UrbnanBxNV09sF5oKW7y6-SnXRy3Mz0hgCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B19%2B03%2BAM.jpg" alt="Nezu Jinja" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKmCIIeucbw/WZWBQZMlQvI/AAAAAAAAKLY/hm9vhjTDK3kXQlYlySuWG3b2HkZnpHQoQCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B19%2B50%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKmCIIeucbw/WZWBQZMlQvI/AAAAAAAAKLY/hm9vhjTDK3kXQlYlySuWG3b2HkZnpHQoQCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B19%2B50%2BAM.jpg" alt="Nezu Shrine" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTKI6Be8MzU/WZWBQTvZ-1I/AAAAAAAAKLc/zutQi4IYzBcXueh5go0Qe0QOB28mwrEcgCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B23%2B01%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTKI6Be8MzU/WZWBQTvZ-1I/AAAAAAAAKLc/zutQi4IYzBcXueh5go0Qe0QOB28mwrEcgCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B23%2B01%2BAM.jpg" width="320" alt="Tokyo torii gates" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rydYbZ6bBfc/WZWBRHKRi6I/AAAAAAAAKLg/kbx8A2qryKQVLgaeLWktCXiyMBCk_uq8gCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B30%2B50%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rydYbZ6bBfc/WZWBRHKRi6I/AAAAAAAAKLg/kbx8A2qryKQVLgaeLWktCXiyMBCk_uq8gCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B30%2B50%2BAM.jpg" alt="Nezu Shrine" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZKO-8w9rtw/Wt8ageJknXI/AAAAAAAAK2E/5Jj8mC9QCZwPN84iR3pgkzGdO8BnfjwHgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180424_102956172_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZKO-8w9rtw/Wt8ageJknXI/AAAAAAAAK2E/5Jj8mC9QCZwPN84iR3pgkzGdO8BnfjwHgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180424_102956172_HDR.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">during the <b>Azalea Festival</b></font>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--wHYRz5cfCM/Wt8ageKb7dI/AAAAAAAAK2I/sLmJ0_F_JzQuMJpCerwa6VjQq-w42NczACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180424_103104035_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--wHYRz5cfCM/Wt8ageKb7dI/AAAAAAAAK2I/sLmJ0_F_JzQuMJpCerwa6VjQq-w42NczACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180424_103104035_HDR.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">つつじ祭り in April</font>
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<tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#000000"><font color="#ffffff"><b>o t h e r c u t e l i t t l e s h r i n e s i n T o k y o</b></font></td></tr>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/12/toyokawa-inari-shrine.html"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAPc1-ZpDQ8/WFZti_1zGhI/AAAAAAAAJKc/niXl_Za_jw8XxsZlKWSrDenk1QlhwpSaQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Photo%2BNov%2B20%252C%2B2%2B52%2B20%2BPM.jpg" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /><br><b>Cute Fox Shrine</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/08/temple-of-waving-cats.html"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ghDF6hDalMY/WYwgy8oRBdI/AAAAAAAAKF4/ewqiDO0DavghqKFLKq6TuLJVrQnOsvnIwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B1%2B31%2B09%2BPM.jpg" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /><br><b>Temple of Waving Cats</b></a>
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</table>redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-57356830711292933152017-08-17T01:36:00.001-07:002017-08-26T03:50:11.389-07:00Michelin star tantan noodles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_uQnxQU8VE/WZVVE1kkrqI/AAAAAAAAKJw/ji6odcKy44EcZ4mm-IJtU8IijMJ_xLDvgCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B1%2B30%2B51%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_uQnxQU8VE/WZVVE1kkrqI/AAAAAAAAKJw/ji6odcKy44EcZ4mm-IJtU8IijMJ_xLDvgCLcBGAs/s640/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B1%2B30%2B51%2BPM.jpg" alt="Michelin star noodles" width="640" height="478" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F7-h-BKSMos/WZVVZ8l5LOI/AAAAAAAAKJ0/D9IWpArqtfgCoOGKrGkmBNgeZZTTvb3wgCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B11%2B36%2B27%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F7-h-BKSMos/WZVVZ8l5LOI/AAAAAAAAKJ0/D9IWpArqtfgCoOGKrGkmBNgeZZTTvb3wgCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B11%2B36%2B27%2BAM.jpg" alt="Nakiryu line" width="239" height="320" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">from the end of the line</font>
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<b>Nakiryu</b> <a href="http://gm.gnavi.co.jp/shop/0117028401/" target="new">鳴龍</a> got their Michelin star last year in 2016.
<br><br>
From Yamanote Line's <b>Otsuka Station</b> 大塚駅, take the <b>South Exit</b> & go left. Turn right at UFJ Bank then go straight down the main street. Make a left one side street before Mini Stop convenience store. It'll be on your right on the ground floor of a gray building.
<br><br>
I got there just after it opened at 11:30 and there was already a very long queue spilling down the block to the park - about 30 people ahead in line for this small restaurant with maybe 10 counter seats. There are fences on the side of the road you can sit on while waiting and the staff handed out umbrellas when the sun came out - just make sure you have something to drink/do.
<br><br>
We were told it would be 1.5-2 hours and I finally got seated after almost 2 hours. By the time i got in at 1:20, there were still 20 people behind me and a few more when I left.
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The shop closes at 3 pm and reopens for dinner at 6 pm until 9 pm, except for Mondays. It closes on Tuesdays.
<br><br>
Once you get in, use the machine to buy tickets for your order like at most ramen joints. Limit of 1 bowl of noodles per person. Nice & clean inside.
<br><br>
Took only a few minutes to get my <b>tantan noodles</b> 担担麵 (850 yen) with an extra order of thick cut pork チャーシュー(厚切り炙り焼き) for 500 yen.
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IcxOuIzrZ74/WZVXxbda0kI/AAAAAAAAKKQ/zCgY8OWwXNkI9jguY66R4wW5VXfyX5JcwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B1%2B14%2B49%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IcxOuIzrZ74/WZVXxbda0kI/AAAAAAAAKKQ/zCgY8OWwXNkI9jguY66R4wW5VXfyX5JcwCLcBGAs/s200/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B1%2B14%2B49%2BPM.jpg" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cQjjJ6JShls/WZVWC1MwEHI/AAAAAAAAKKA/ekkgDEJ0rogFFzocgXx_n24Hl4hZtslGQCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B1%2B03%2B55%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cQjjJ6JShls/WZVWC1MwEHI/AAAAAAAAKKA/ekkgDEJ0rogFFzocgXx_n24Hl4hZtslGQCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B1%2B03%2B55%2BPM.jpg" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">staff handed out sunbrellas when the sun came out</font>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--v9NpeIe5XE/WZVWCy5bagI/AAAAAAAAKJ8/xUs85ok3MosQpvHB7Z4Hb3bMezRw92NAQCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B1%2B06%2B21%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--v9NpeIe5XE/WZVWCy5bagI/AAAAAAAAKJ8/xUs85ok3MosQpvHB7Z4Hb3bMezRw92NAQCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B1%2B06%2B21%2BPM.jpg" alt="Nakiryu menu" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">the menu, some items only available at night</font>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iA55G2qYeHQ/WZVXGf9MKwI/AAAAAAAAKKI/JxHFiBx5k8kF5IsmND3gsNUmUXjh9Kc3ACLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B1%2B31%2B50%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iA55G2qYeHQ/WZVXGf9MKwI/AAAAAAAAKKI/JxHFiBx5k8kF5IsmND3gsNUmUXjh9Kc3ACLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B1%2B31%2B50%2BPM.jpg" alt="Naikryu noodles" width="400" height="299" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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Can't say it's the best tantan noodles I've ever had but it's got a very sophisticated, slightly spicy flavor. The noodles are very thin, like <a href="https://ichiran.com/index.php" target="new">Ichiran</a>'s kyushu style noodles. The pork is very tender and eats like a steak. The special pepper on the side really enhances the flavor.
<br><br>
Perhaps it's lame to say this, but honestly after trying two reasonably-priced <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/08/michelin-star-sardines.html">1-Michelin-star</a> places this month, maybe Michelin star restaurants' flavors are too "adult" for me. The food's "nice" and "sophisticated" but wouldn't say it's better than just loads of random restaurants in Tokyo that don't require any waiting. Try it for yourself!
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<tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#000000"><font color="#ffffff"><b>other affordable Michelin-star restaurants in Tokyo</b></font></td></tr>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/08/michelin-star-sardines.html"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cAP7o8mALGo/WYwVPdzHQLI/AAAAAAAAKFQ/361-7_oFtokvbzs_h8gcQv7wjOz74u3IACPcBGAYYCw/s200/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B12%2B02%2B44%2BPM.jpg" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /><br><b>Michelin star sardines</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/08/michelin-star-soba.html"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldtMZ_GpgWw/WZ_Tp0tcgWI/AAAAAAAAKNA/-4x2lilP_cMC45L2dfSTvfniAWLI3ixAgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B12%2B57%2B16%2BPM.jpg" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /><br><b>Michelin star ramen</b></a>
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redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-21880103521840766832017-08-15T20:41:00.001-07:002017-08-16T02:53:56.523-07:00Shimoda Festival + Snorkelling<table align="center" border="0"><tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzif62X6Sxc/WZMKhkJrGSI/AAAAAAAAKHc/Pn9cHrmxa3I9Km4Fvq7t0-Bf3L1_zV0cACLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B1%2B26%2B06%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzif62X6Sxc/WZMKhkJrGSI/AAAAAAAAKHc/Pn9cHrmxa3I9Km4Fvq7t0-Bf3L1_zV0cACLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B1%2B26%2B06%2BPM.jpg" alt="shimoda august festival" width="239" height="320" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MBJffZwIi0Q/WZMKxE8ygPI/AAAAAAAAKHg/LR6am3kZOzQUnWCquUtpRSEyuRbhFyBowCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B1%2B28%2B15%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MBJffZwIi0Q/WZMKxE8ygPI/AAAAAAAAKHg/LR6am3kZOzQUnWCquUtpRSEyuRbhFyBowCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B1%2B28%2B15%2BPM.jpg" alt="shimoda obon festival" width="239" height="320" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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From <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/08/snorkelling-in-ito-shimoda.html"><b>Ito</b></a>, we headed to <b>Shimoda</b> 下田 the next day where there happened to be a festival called <a href="http://www.shimoda-city.info/event/taiko.html" target="new">下田太鼓祭り</a> which takes places every August 14<sup>th</sup> and 15<sup>th</sup>. Cool girls and dudes in shirts that look like tattoos parade trees and wooden carts with large dolls around, ending in some very short but entertaining fireworks at night.
<br><br>A guy mumbled, "Arigato, Shimoda!" as he watched the fireworks exploding in the air to make a happy face.
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3K_CzrqXsGM/WZOY5--h9fI/AAAAAAAAKHw/E4YTMQpOF84r23RGRr0PywAb8zdeKV0wwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B1%2B36%2B24%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3K_CzrqXsGM/WZOY5--h9fI/AAAAAAAAKHw/E4YTMQpOF84r23RGRr0PywAb8zdeKV0wwCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B1%2B36%2B24%2BPM.jpg" alt="Shimoda summer festival" width="239" height="320" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x1JL0GGcBbk/WZOY5-WdNPI/AAAAAAAAKH0/MkeeX2QT-Tgwupgm2fNu94YgUKV8oX-ZwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B1%2B37%2B56%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x1JL0GGcBbk/WZOY5-WdNPI/AAAAAAAAKH0/MkeeX2QT-Tgwupgm2fNu94YgUKV8oX-ZwCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B1%2B37%2B56%2BPM.jpg" alt="Shimoda obon festival" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">in front of <b>Ryosenji</b> 了仙寺</font>
<br><br>
Despite the weather forecast of rain these 3 days,<br>
it barely rained at all except for a couple of drops.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-500Ay6CrWUk/WZOhb96iXrI/AAAAAAAAKII/45sKzjREAi88T0JL1swBGhsNkTJL1VOAwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B6%2B05%2B08%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-500Ay6CrWUk/WZOhb96iXrI/AAAAAAAAKII/45sKzjREAi88T0JL1swBGhsNkTJL1VOAwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B6%2B05%2B08%2BPM.jpg" alt="perry road" width="640" height="478" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">Nice Italian food & awesome view at <a href="http://shimoda100.com/restaurant/pageone/" target="new">パスタと雑貨</a> on the very atmospheric but short <b>Perry Road</b> ペリーロード.<br>
Feels like Amsterdam in Japan! Lots of mosquitoes though so bring bug spray!</font></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok4PaB3fHn8/WZOjfuMHlEI/AAAAAAAAKIU/m9vsVe6sBHUM_rgMEze5wOhoDCyIAvZIQCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B6%2B04%2B18%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok4PaB3fHn8/WZOjfuMHlEI/AAAAAAAAKIU/m9vsVe6sBHUM_rgMEze5wOhoDCyIAvZIQCLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B6%2B04%2B18%2BPM.jpg" alt="perry road pasta" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KS1hFB7jUZI/WZOjfRYP-ZI/AAAAAAAAKIQ/iD_G6C1cxm0qF6_Dtp6SLhHFwUxHWzB-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B6%2B12%2B57%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KS1hFB7jUZI/WZOjfRYP-ZI/AAAAAAAAKIQ/iD_G6C1cxm0qF6_Dtp6SLhHFwUxHWzB-gCLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B6%2B12%2B57%2BPM.jpg" alt="perry road night" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--hBObZfAY-8/WZOkaJZnHhI/AAAAAAAAKIg/E7CmyKhwkCcrXLoDxzDkfrG4nCPgg7bzACLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B6%2B25%2B14%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--hBObZfAY-8/WZOkaJZnHhI/AAAAAAAAKIg/E7CmyKhwkCcrXLoDxzDkfrG4nCPgg7bzACLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B6%2B25%2B14%2BPM.jpg" alt="perry road shimoda" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-87G4uQunoyA/WZOoElXjWWI/AAAAAAAAKIs/Y_GhD0vXBk8_ajNIdz2wfRUQuPbE-nymACLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B1%2B55%2B48%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-87G4uQunoyA/WZOoElXjWWI/AAAAAAAAKIs/Y_GhD0vXBk8_ajNIdz2wfRUQuPbE-nymACLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B1%2B55%2B48%2BPM.jpg" alt="shimoda snorkelling" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bl7eQE9H18c/WZPJGdjpHXI/AAAAAAAAKJc/XwLQabsMVq45PxI3Q-hLX-H9vtxsWd8OQCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B4%2B23%2B59%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bl7eQE9H18c/WZPJGdjpHXI/AAAAAAAAKJc/XwLQabsMVq45PxI3Q-hLX-H9vtxsWd8OQCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B4%2B23%2B59%2BPM.jpg" width="239" height="320" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">funny rock along the coast</font>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JLDUHXsSt9c/WZPI-89K_rI/AAAAAAAAKJU/h9QulcEH55QZYS0z_avo8lBOOjYIYplXQCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B4%2B56%2B52%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JLDUHXsSt9c/WZPI-89K_rI/AAAAAAAAKJU/h9QulcEH55QZYS0z_avo8lBOOjYIYplXQCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B4%2B56%2B52%2BPM.jpg" alt="Shimoda park" width="239" height="320" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">funny statue at <b>Shimoda Park</b></font>
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We walked past <b>Perry Road</b> towards the beach by 下田海浜ホテル. There are shops by the station selling tubes (900 yen), snorkels (under 3000 yen) and fins (around 3000 yen).
<br><br>
Not as many fish here but a lot of kelp and pink coral. There are many rocks close to the surface. There were some people hanging out here but not nearly as many as other beaches.
<br><br>
You can walk along the shore towards Shimoda Park 下田公園 past an awful aquarium where they keep dolphins and sea turtles in tiny enclosures.
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Msj1cAiN3BI/WZPIU0hODFI/AAAAAAAAKJM/8GuE776Nza8S_RwqEzQi29JAIk5W9yv6QCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B4%2B23%2B09%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Msj1cAiN3BI/WZPIU0hODFI/AAAAAAAAKJM/8GuE776Nza8S_RwqEzQi29JAIk5W9yv6QCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B4%2B23%2B09%2BPM.jpg" alt="shimoda izu" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAfJjzh-ceY/WZPIuifAxHI/AAAAAAAAKJQ/wkKq3lMAfZotXZ_qMoRInviss5HP4KKpwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B5%2B06%2B06%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAfJjzh-ceY/WZPIuifAxHI/AAAAAAAAKJQ/wkKq3lMAfZotXZ_qMoRInviss5HP4KKpwCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B5%2B06%2B06%2BPM.jpg" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-69344724082299932282017-08-15T07:05:00.001-07:002017-08-15T20:46:05.528-07:00Snorkelling in Ito<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FcvrljiCRyg/WZO_QEvQhnI/AAAAAAAAKI8/5vw7pA_9u8Y7mpPR-W7PYKoNjNfFOQRDACLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B15%252C%2B9%2B40%2B03%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FcvrljiCRyg/WZO_QEvQhnI/AAAAAAAAKI8/5vw7pA_9u8Y7mpPR-W7PYKoNjNfFOQRDACLcBGAs/s640/Photo%2BAug%2B15%252C%2B9%2B40%2B03%2BAM.jpg" alt="ito shizuoka" width="640" height="478" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fPE6i2H4We8/WZL9ssHQdNI/AAAAAAAAKGg/bcw6OvP0XBYMXWxuW_Aa_sOJuqa4AUVnACLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B13%252C%2B12%2B15%2B08%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fPE6i2H4We8/WZL9ssHQdNI/AAAAAAAAKGg/bcw6OvP0XBYMXWxuW_Aa_sOJuqa4AUVnACLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B13%252C%2B12%2B15%2B08%2BPM.jpg" alt="Kawana Beach" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">not the most attractive beach drawing crowds during obon</font>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFY56-ysdLo/WZL_OS4kunI/AAAAAAAAKGo/gnmQk4pgvS8tiUYyrdQggQm05SyLkktGwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B13%252C%2B1%2B26%2B15%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFY56-ysdLo/WZL_OS4kunI/AAAAAAAAKGo/gnmQk4pgvS8tiUYyrdQggQm05SyLkktGwCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B13%252C%2B1%2B26%2B15%2BPM.jpg" alt="Kawana snorkelling" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">quieter side a short walk away for snorkelling</font></td>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vzpFx43ouv8/WZL-6chTB1I/AAAAAAAAKGk/qyreU0TV_o85qzm12PKqZPLn0CxqbNHkQCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B13%252C%2B12%2B40%2B47%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vzpFx43ouv8/WZL-6chTB1I/AAAAAAAAKGk/qyreU0TV_o85qzm12PKqZPLn0CxqbNHkQCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B13%252C%2B12%2B40%2B47%2BPM.jpg" alt="Kawana uni" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">Good, but I wish it was all uni!</font>
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Surprising a lot of colorful fish at rocky <b>Kawana Beach</b> 川奈海水浴場, a short walk from <b>Kawana Station</b>. Saw little blue fish and big yellowish green fish amongst many others. There's a hut renting out tubes for 1000 yen, although you can buy them for cheaper at shops in the city. There's a dive shop on the way here from the station selling snorkel sets also. During obon, there were jet skis and a banana boat and quite a few people.
<br><br>
Really amazing sea urchin at the restaurant <a href="http://www.yoboutei.com/" target="new">海女の小屋 与望亭</a> overlooking the beach. The sea urchin bowl うに丼 is 2800 yen but will be so worth it - can get a little bit of extra uni 生うに for 1650, as good as the uni in <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/sapporo.html">Hokkaido</a>!
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I wanted to rent a tube but didn't know the Japanese word for it.
<br><br><br>
Me pointing at the tube, in Japanese: <b>What is this called in Japanese?</b><br><br>
Japanese lady: <b>Snoopy</b><br><br>
Me: <b>I know, but what is THIS in Japanese? </b><br><br>
Japnese lady, slowly: <b>korewa su-nu-pi desu.</b><br><br>
........
<br><br><br>
In case you're wondering, it's called <b>ukiwa</b> 浮輪.
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2FzLSYw3Dc/WZMAuSvja3I/AAAAAAAAKG0/qxlcA2gYwbc7ycWjYLSv9FXHUyjH0mzWQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B13%252C%2B1%2B56%2B09%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2FzLSYw3Dc/WZMAuSvja3I/AAAAAAAAKG0/qxlcA2gYwbc7ycWjYLSv9FXHUyjH0mzWQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B13%252C%2B1%2B56%2B09%2BPM.jpg" width="239" height="320" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Xw8LPfLsE8/WZMDdJp0IMI/AAAAAAAAKG8/4_l-Z98srNoy9NMuI8hsi_xOjYBq_GFQgCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B13%252C%2B6%2B16%2B42%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Xw8LPfLsE8/WZMDdJp0IMI/AAAAAAAAKG8/4_l-Z98srNoy9NMuI8hsi_xOjYBq_GFQgCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B13%252C%2B6%2B16%2B42%2BPM.jpg" alt="izukogen onsen" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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After snorkelling, it was time to head to an onsen <a href="http://www.suiransou.com/" target="new">立ち寄り温泉 伊豆高原の湯</a> a short walk away from <b>Izu-Kogen Station</b> 伊豆高原駅. It was very crowded on a Sunday night during obon but it's such a nice hot spring place that looks even better in person than the pictures online!
<br><br>Other than the indoor jet pool, small shallow area for kids, and sauna, there are 2 large/medium-sized outdoor hot spring pools on different levels, a cold pool, few beautiful ceramic tubs with very hot water, and an onsen for you to sit in with the whole body clay mask they provide.
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<p>The only thing is that the changing room is quite small and there weren't quite enough showers for such a big crowd. Soap/shampoo/conditioner/cotton buds/hairdryers available but no lotion. The outdoor standing showers were quite nice! There's a relaxation area with comic books. You can use the coupon on their website to get 100 yen off.
There's a launderette next door.</p>
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Next up is <b>Ito</b> 伊東, which does not seem like the most interesting place but it is nice to take half an hour to have a little wander. <a href="http://kshouse.jp/ito-j" target="new">K's House</a> below looks like a cool place to stay! There are 7 statues around <b>Ito Station</b> that you can pour warm onsen water over for different types of good luck!
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2MA58K2OMjQ/WZMFDLN082I/AAAAAAAAKHQ/1R0c6nf8xzczNT8nH1vCTmeLl1m_zWy3ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B10%2B44%2B53%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2MA58K2OMjQ/WZMFDLN082I/AAAAAAAAKHQ/1R0c6nf8xzczNT8nH1vCTmeLl1m_zWy3ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B10%2B44%2B53%2BAM.jpg" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qWQx0TFvux0/WZMEn6zSFoI/AAAAAAAAKHI/LL5f-NwMGWYFLJltiB7Y0RY4ow62XvAkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B10%2B32%2B16%2BAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qWQx0TFvux0/WZMEn6zSFoI/AAAAAAAAKHI/LL5f-NwMGWYFLJltiB7Y0RY4ow62XvAkgCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B14%252C%2B10%2B32%2B16%2BAM.jpg" width="239" height="320" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<p align="center">We headed down to <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/08/snorkelling-festival-and-fireworks-in.html"><b>Shimoda</b></a> 下田 the next day for snorkelling, festival, and fireworks!</p>
redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-5250714368400192192017-08-10T02:01:00.000-07:002017-09-11T07:17:37.622-07:00Temple of Waving Cats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cW2RACVgfsE/WYwh8IeuoFI/AAAAAAAAKGA/dLgUqiEuFZIYEiEPZ6tFsScz7MEogSJ6QCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B1%2B30%2B24%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cW2RACVgfsE/WYwh8IeuoFI/AAAAAAAAKGA/dLgUqiEuFZIYEiEPZ6tFsScz7MEogSJ6QCLcBGAs/s640/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B1%2B30%2B24%2BPM.jpg" alt="tokyo cat temple" width="640" height="478" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a></div>
<p>Who's a cool cat? Me me me me meow~ <b>Gotokuji Temple</b> 豪徳寺 is famous for having tons and tons of waving cats called maneki-neko 招き猫.</p>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ghDF6hDalMY/WYwgy8oRBdI/AAAAAAAAKF0/5TIhKpXF874s23wL1V9EB_LKujhCwpEkACLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B1%2B31%2B09%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ghDF6hDalMY/WYwgy8oRBdI/AAAAAAAAKF0/5TIhKpXF874s23wL1V9EB_LKujhCwpEkACLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B1%2B31%2B09%2BPM.jpg" alt="tokyo cat temple" width="239" height="320" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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It's a 12-minute walk from Odakyu's <b>Gotokuji Station</b> which is just 15 minutes from Shinjuku on trains bound for Hon-Atsugi 本厚木. It's much closer to Tokyu Line's <b>Miyanosaka Station</b> 宮の坂.
<br><br>
Exit Gotokuji Station & walk left past Famima along a small shopping street with cat flags. Keep walking for a few minutes then along the railway tracks for a bit. Turn left when you reach the small railway crossing then right where you'll see a small sign/map (there appeared to be no signs pointing to the temple before this). Walk through the residential path then left (before hitting the main street where Miyanosaka Station is). This medium-sized temple will be on your left.
<br><br>
It was very peaceful on a weekday afternoon and you probably won't need more than 20 minutes here. You can get cat statues of varying sizes from 300 yen to 5000 yen nicely boxed for you. There were a lot of mosquitoes where the cats are so probably a good idea not to wear a skirt - I got like 8 bites within a 5-minute span. Still worth it though.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVWXUUQ9H3s/WYwgJYiU6rI/AAAAAAAAKF4/EfrJxtnlqcAyNWifTzaucJfNC6BiJSgWQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B1%2B27%2B42%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVWXUUQ9H3s/WYwgJYiU6rI/AAAAAAAAKF4/EfrJxtnlqcAyNWifTzaucJfNC6BiJSgWQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B1%2B27%2B42%2BPM.jpg" alt="gotokuji" width="640" height="251" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="627" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6tCwsUkKIM/WYwgjK3ZP7I/AAAAAAAAKFw/smoa7uPsV7YrdHOt0zchTxaaxP-garYlwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B1%2B29%2B33%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6tCwsUkKIM/WYwgjK3ZP7I/AAAAAAAAKFw/smoa7uPsV7YrdHOt0zchTxaaxP-garYlwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B1%2B29%2B33%2BPM.jpg" alt="tokyo cat shrine" width="640" height="327" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="818" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5txHIZJ82I/WYwi-Qf6m6I/AAAAAAAAKGI/7lbFp60ksJ0RFI2jCSC3t2bzlQJKQOEzACLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B1%2B22%2B07%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5txHIZJ82I/WYwi-Qf6m6I/AAAAAAAAKGI/7lbFp60ksJ0RFI2jCSC3t2bzlQJKQOEzACLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B1%2B22%2B07%2BPM.jpg" width="320" alt="gotokuji temple" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">temple grounds</font>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYLC6I657KM/WYwi-bCDXtI/AAAAAAAAKGM/EtscxWgC-YoqlaPap-8u4yWYZb8fbRJZgCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B1%2B41%2B00%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYLC6I657KM/WYwi-bCDXtI/AAAAAAAAKGM/EtscxWgC-YoqlaPap-8u4yWYZb8fbRJZgCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B1%2B41%2B00%2BPM.jpg" alt="豪徳寺絵馬" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">ema 絵馬 for 800 yen each</font>
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<tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#000000"><font color="#ffffff"><b>o t h e r c u t e l i t t l e s h r i n e s i n T o k y o</b></font></td></tr>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2016/12/toyokawa-inari-shrine.html"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAPc1-ZpDQ8/WFZti_1zGhI/AAAAAAAAJKc/niXl_Za_jw8XxsZlKWSrDenk1QlhwpSaQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Photo%2BNov%2B20%252C%2B2%2B52%2B20%2BPM.jpg" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /><br><b>Cute Fox Shrine</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/08/nezu-shrine.html"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9I4AUIaJpk/WZV_2SSiHOI/AAAAAAAAKLE/-bDTXxXIF70ZXZ0VRY4K1X5I0QNW5KfrQCLcBGAs/s200/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B10%2B25%2B05%2BAM.jpg" width="150" height="200" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /><br><b>Torii Gates Shrine</b></a>
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redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-45219262173167508252017-08-10T01:19:00.000-07:002017-08-26T03:49:24.243-07:00Michelin-star sardines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cAP7o8mALGo/WYwVPdzHQLI/AAAAAAAAKFM/0JxxQNpkz8w6s9l22SS_Ad3KM40AIP6zwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B12%2B02%2B44%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cAP7o8mALGo/WYwVPdzHQLI/AAAAAAAAKFM/0JxxQNpkz8w6s9l22SS_Ad3KM40AIP6zwCLcBGAs/s640/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B12%2B02%2B44%2BPM.jpg"
alt="michelin star sardine tokyo" width="640" height="478" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a></div>
<p><b>Nakajima</b> <a href="http://www.shinjyuku-nakajima.com/" target="new">新宿割烹 中嶋</a> has 1 Michelin star and serves 5 types of sardine lunch sets from 800 yen to 900 yen, including refillable rice, pickles, and miso soup: </p>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJLEpd-eNDM/WYwW7l1OOFI/AAAAAAAAKFg/QO4VKfVGcIoVytsiU4jvGuzQypCJoCa5QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B12%2B02%2B50%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJLEpd-eNDM/WYwW7l1OOFI/AAAAAAAAKFg/QO4VKfVGcIoVytsiU4jvGuzQypCJoCa5QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B12%2B02%2B50%2BPM.jpg" alt="michelin star sardine" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1"><b>Yanagawa Nabe</b> 柳川鍋 :<br>
fried then cooked in a hot pot with <br>
flavorful watery sauce, onions & eggs</font>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIGIotuqnvg/WYwW7pupCVI/AAAAAAAAKFg/bS0E6ANw9Ow4PQ1TvVqUqzJRx0xm--zJgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B12%2B02%2B20%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIGIotuqnvg/WYwW7pupCVI/AAAAAAAAKFg/bS0E6ANw9Ow4PQ1TvVqUqzJRx0xm--zJgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B10%252C%2B12%2B02%2B20%2BPM.jpg" alt="michelin star sardine sashimi" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">½ order of sashimi</font>
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◘ sashimi 刺身<br><br>
◘ fried フライ<br><br>
◘ stewed 煮魚<br><br>
◘ grilled with salt 塩焼き<br><br>
◘ yanagawa nabe 柳川鍋<br>
<br><br>
Walk out of Shinjuku Station's <b>East Exit</b> with <b>Lumine</b> behind you and <b>Adidas</b> on your left & go down that shopping street until you hit <b>BEAMS JAPAN</b>, where you turn and will likely see a line outside this underground restaurant.
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I got there at 11:25 am, 5 minutes before it opened and there were already maybe 20 people ahead of me but everyone got seated. People who arrived after it opened had to wait at least 30 minutes.
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You can order one of the 5 sardine set lunches plus <b>½ order</b>s of sashimi or fried fish for <b>350 yen</b> each or add full orders for 600-700 yen if you want to try the other ways they cook sardines.
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Nakajima was my first <a href="http://gm.gnavi.co.jp/shop/0117028101/" target="new">Michelin star</a> experience so no basis for comparison. Was the food amazing? The Yanagawa Nabe was pretty good although I'm not really a fan of the sashimi I tried. To be honest, I don't really know what "good" sardines should taste like since I normally don't eat sardines and have probably only had canned ones - pretty giddy to be in a Michelin star restaurant for the first time though.
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<tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#000000"><font color="#ffffff"><b>other affordable Michelin-star restaurants in Tokyo</b></font></td></tr>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/08/michelin-star-soba.html"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldtMZ_GpgWw/WZ_Tp0tcgWI/AAAAAAAAKNA/-4x2lilP_cMC45L2dfSTvfniAWLI3ixAgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Photo%2BAug%2B25%252C%2B12%2B57%2B16%2BPM.jpg" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /><br><b>Michelin star ramen</b></a>
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<a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2017/08/michelin-star-noodles.html"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d_uQnxQU8VE/WZVVE1kkrqI/AAAAAAAAKJ4/j7rqFotguCo2Pb6LA-A8yAGrUe-5zgPcwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Photo%2BAug%2B17%252C%2B1%2B30%2B51%2BPM.jpg" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /><br><b>Michelin star tantan noodles</b></a>
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redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-5209924340137453762017-08-10T00:24:00.000-07:002017-08-10T00:34:25.517-07:00Best Chocolate Cake in the World<table align="center" border="0"><tr>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0S4IYAUy6qk/WYwJnPG5oJI/AAAAAAAAKEg/x8CP7W6sQhEeVR1WehbizWa4fGkGiN89gCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B08%252C%2B2%2B02%2B13%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0S4IYAUy6qk/WYwJnPG5oJI/AAAAAAAAKEg/x8CP7W6sQhEeVR1WehbizWa4fGkGiN89gCLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BAug%2B08%252C%2B2%2B02%2B13%2BPM.jpg" alt="worlds best chocolate cake" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9My3JxzcWL8/WYwJnLxy5AI/AAAAAAAAKEc/iDWvs8-6sHwo_1WkpnnCtbT41oHhtCFiQCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B08%252C%2B4%2B33%2B45%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9My3JxzcWL8/WYwJnLxy5AI/AAAAAAAAKEc/iDWvs8-6sHwo_1WkpnnCtbT41oHhtCFiQCLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BAug%2B08%252C%2B4%2B33%2B45%2BPM.jpg" alt="best chocolate cake in the world" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eAIQz7f7srk/WYwKBJbSMsI/AAAAAAAAKEk/PcBm2sGIAqQG42zyaZgVxw_pQQJUB6dkwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B08%252C%2B3%2B35%2B07%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eAIQz7f7srk/WYwKBJbSMsI/AAAAAAAAKEk/PcBm2sGIAqQG42zyaZgVxw_pQQJUB6dkwCLcBGAs/s400/Photo%2BAug%2B08%252C%2B3%2B35%2B07%2BPM.jpg" alt="Xabina" width="299" height="400" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.bubo.es/en/new-store-in-tokyo/" target="new"><b>Bubó Barcelona</b></a> apparently has the World's Best Chocolate Cake and there's one in Tokyo!
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On Omotesando 表参道 (between Subway's Jingu-Mae Station 神宮前駅 and Omotesando Station 表参道駅), turn into the small street between "Tokyo Union Church" and <b>Burberry</b> then make a right. It'll be on your left hand side diagonally across from <a href="http://dominiqueanseljapan.com/en" target="new"><b>Dominique Ansel Bakery</b></a>, which sells <b>frozen s'mores</b> torched right in front of you & original cronuts!!
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<b>Xabina</b>, "World's Best Chocolate Cake" from World Pastry Cup in 2005, is <b>1000 yen</b> and the lighter colored <b>Sahara</b>, which is only available in Japan with citrus yuzu inside, is <b>840 yen</b>. Not sure about it being the very best but both mousse cakes are nice, especially Xabina.
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They've also got pastries, similarly priced cakes, and other nicely packaged snacks. You can take it to go (they give you lots of ice packs) or have it at the cafe upstairs with drinks from 450 yen to 900 yen. Really good service. There was no line at all when I went on a weekday afternoon.
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mjp_SUL6m90/WYwLDM6sDeI/AAAAAAAAKEw/twPv5Ik32kIQfZzDwhVFfSY_il_aa7HKgCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B08%252C%2B2%2B14%2B11%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mjp_SUL6m90/WYwLDM6sDeI/AAAAAAAAKEw/twPv5Ik32kIQfZzDwhVFfSY_il_aa7HKgCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B08%252C%2B2%2B14%2B11%2BPM.jpg" alt="frozen smores tokyo" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1"><b>frozen s'mores</b> for 770 yen each</font>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sDyWo0rX0Wg/WYwLDKfGi-I/AAAAAAAAKEs/cMO5SIq19IIJxcrifIH2l6-LqM-s-FyCwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BAug%2B08%252C%2B2%2B14%2B34%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sDyWo0rX0Wg/WYwLDKfGi-I/AAAAAAAAKEs/cMO5SIq19IIJxcrifIH2l6-LqM-s-FyCwCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BAug%2B08%252C%2B2%2B14%2B34%2BPM.jpg" alt="frozen smores" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">at <b>Dominique Ansel Bakery</b> across the street</font>
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redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-83390966261860196932017-07-16T03:47:00.000-07:002017-07-16T04:01:19.829-07:00TOKYO ART CITY by NAKED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0PfSfvRkyYc/WWtDKx4zRxI/AAAAAAAAKDo/9UM7Czwyl9oOjhawrljNuIqeKz87TacDwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC05903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0PfSfvRkyYc/WWtDKx4zRxI/AAAAAAAAKDo/9UM7Czwyl9oOjhawrljNuIqeKz87TacDwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC05903.JPG" alt="Tokyo Art City" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HG56-gMVGNA/WWtEICAGavI/AAAAAAAAKD0/jO2Yka0WRt0i680rEcpAxfurQJ8vJdBVQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC05929.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HG56-gMVGNA/WWtEICAGavI/AAAAAAAAKD0/jO2Yka0WRt0i680rEcpAxfurQJ8vJdBVQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC05929.JPG" alt="Tokyo Naked Art" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="http://tokyoartcity.tokyo/" target="new"><b>TOKYO ART CITY</b> by NAKED</a> is a futuristic light projection art installation collection in <b>Tokyo Dome City</b>' <b>Gallery AaMo</b> from June 16<sup>th</sup> to September 3<sup>rd</sup>, 2017.
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Think Total Recall with a bit of Matrix and some Dr. Strange. It takes about an hour to walk through. Tickets can be bought at convenient stores for 1600 yen or 3000 yen for 2... or at the door.
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Definitely a cool activity in the heat of summer.
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c4dumFQJHdY/WWtDft9DNxI/AAAAAAAAKDs/YHuh-k1lU9QLra21kqa4jUDatqxMPSsuwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC05911.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c4dumFQJHdY/WWtDft9DNxI/AAAAAAAAKDs/YHuh-k1lU9QLra21kqa4jUDatqxMPSsuwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC05911.JPG" alt="Tokyo Art City 2017" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QyI7ghZcy2s/WWtDywMhS8I/AAAAAAAAKDw/-cLaiw0xa84umthUk_Li0AUI8u4f6GXawCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC05915.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QyI7ghZcy2s/WWtDywMhS8I/AAAAAAAAKDw/-cLaiw0xa84umthUk_Li0AUI8u4f6GXawCLcBGAs/s320/DSC05915.JPG" alt="Tokyo Art City by Naked" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jlM1cpnrSP8/WWtFOoTrLhI/AAAAAAAAKD4/omcQwNfCgDwy6nMTQcGTn3VpT7BgE_lFwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC05926.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jlM1cpnrSP8/WWtFOoTrLhI/AAAAAAAAKD4/omcQwNfCgDwy6nMTQcGTn3VpT7BgE_lFwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC05926.JPG" alt="Tokyo Art City" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BctVAYneTi0/WWtFWjsxqqI/AAAAAAAAKD8/Lsif8a50aigwLZHlOJ9F2n8jaaTdXUKowCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BJul%2B16%252C%2B3%2B55%2B17%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BctVAYneTi0/WWtFWjsxqqI/AAAAAAAAKD8/Lsif8a50aigwLZHlOJ9F2n8jaaTdXUKowCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BJul%2B16%252C%2B3%2B55%2B17%2BPM.jpg" alt="Tokyo Art City" width="239" height="320" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-76402187887279344002017-06-22T03:10:00.000-07:002017-08-09T23:44:56.991-07:00Shosenkyo Gorge & Noodle Waterslide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRsBHBYNDF8/WUuefP-l12I/AAAAAAAAKC4/nJYQVVlbxZwCNaawig-WXH3TISTNa4UqgCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BJun%2B19%252C%2B3%2B12%2B49%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRsBHBYNDF8/WUuefP-l12I/AAAAAAAAKC4/nJYQVVlbxZwCNaawig-WXH3TISTNa4UqgCLcBGAs/s640/Photo%2BJun%2B19%252C%2B3%2B12%2B49%2BPM.jpg" alt="Shosenkyo" width="640" height="478" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a></div>
<p><b>Shosenkyo Gorge</b> 昇仙峡 is a <a href="http://yamanashikotsu.co.jp/noriai/timetable01.htm" target="new">bus</a> ride from the South Exit of <b>Kofu Station</b> 甲府駅's Bus Stop #4 - SUICA can be used for the fare. Not that many buses so time it well - if you happen to have some spare time, there is a nice little shopping area on the other side of the station to kill some time.</p>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ7utiP56pg/WUuZAs93tnI/AAAAAAAAKB4/LQuizkNIUA4yvKZRjCnSZ5CC5oNRwSyRgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC05832.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ7utiP56pg/WUuZAs93tnI/AAAAAAAAKB4/LQuizkNIUA4yvKZRjCnSZ5CC5oNRwSyRgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC05832.JPG" alt="Kofu Castle" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<br><font size="-1"><a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/mount-fuji.html">Fuji-san</a> says hello, right by Kofu Station</font>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fnq4s0oPZAM/WUuZo2hfvBI/AAAAAAAAKCA/cFRymcqFV1EsB5w1FR3wu7Qbi5g6O2i2gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC05835.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fnq4s0oPZAM/WUuZo2hfvBI/AAAAAAAAKCA/cFRymcqFV1EsB5w1FR3wu7Qbi5g6O2i2gCLcBGAs/s320/DSC05835.JPG" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">cute little shops on the other side of Kofu Station</font>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zzoPAyHp4xc/WUudHhxSrvI/AAAAAAAAKCs/ZBMBrKnyRB4xfx_bRhV0wOKJi_NhEv77wCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BJun%2B19%252C%2B2%2B08%2B44%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zzoPAyHp4xc/WUudHhxSrvI/AAAAAAAAKCs/ZBMBrKnyRB4xfx_bRhV0wOKJi_NhEv77wCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BJun%2B19%252C%2B2%2B08%2B44%2BPM.jpg" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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It takes half an hour to get to <b>Shosenkyo-guchi</b> 昇仙峡口 (590 yen) which is the starting point, where you can also choose to board a rustic horse-drawn carriage for 1500 yen if you don't want to walk the full 4 km.
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Basically you walk along the river on the asphalt road going slightly uphill, stopping occasionally to look at rock formations that have been given names... there are Japanese/romaji signs pointing to them but few of them actually bare any resemblance to the names. One rock looks like a monkey, yes. Another one named Matsutake-ishi looks like... a penis? Well, it's supposed to be a mushroom. Fair enough.
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBw-3JwHMps/WUua-fZ0iZI/AAAAAAAAKCM/Iwvwj1u6jCow_0ZdczQp5f-7-BdpH2BWACLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BJun%2B19%252C%2B1%2B58%2B57%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBw-3JwHMps/WUua-fZ0iZI/AAAAAAAAKCM/Iwvwj1u6jCow_0ZdczQp5f-7-BdpH2BWACLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BJun%2B19%252C%2B1%2B58%2B57%2BPM.jpg" alt="Shosenkyo horse cart" width="239" height="320" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sFsMyPwQOC0/WUua-5VGZUI/AAAAAAAAKCQ/OMdOIGGzarot04weNmxJkgTNnETJfJNxQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC05842.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sFsMyPwQOC0/WUua-5VGZUI/AAAAAAAAKCQ/OMdOIGGzarot04weNmxJkgTNnETJfJNxQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC05842.JPG" alt="Shosenkyo horse carriage" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkLBAHfiyuM/WUubuTC7oLI/AAAAAAAAKCc/9wR4OqrS75Ev6LXSCUnJmfSxs7XHx8J0wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC05845.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkLBAHfiyuM/WUubuTC7oLI/AAAAAAAAKCc/9wR4OqrS75Ev6LXSCUnJmfSxs7XHx8J0wCLcBGAs/s320/DSC05845.JPG" alt="Shosenkyo" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o9L_U7aQbb0/WUubufMMHpI/AAAAAAAAKCY/kYel4Pr6nGcQ2JQKRH8IryCyWcidp14cgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC05844.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o9L_U7aQbb0/WUubufMMHpI/AAAAAAAAKCY/kYel4Pr6nGcQ2JQKRH8IryCyWcidp14cgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC05844.JPG" alt="Shosenkyo Gorge" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe81sD34nKw/WUueCr-EbDI/AAAAAAAAKC0/lJKLZnT4Zx0CoRaVusMzePMZjoF4gHdfgCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BJun%2B19%252C%2B3%2B00%2B44%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe81sD34nKw/WUueCr-EbDI/AAAAAAAAKC0/lJKLZnT4Zx0CoRaVusMzePMZjoF4gHdfgCLcBGAs/s200/Photo%2BJun%2B19%252C%2B3%2B00%2B44%2BPM.jpg" alt="Shosenkyo map" width="200" height="150" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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It took us half an hour longer than the 1-hour time estimates on the <a href="http://www.shosenkyo-kankoukyokai.com/images/map2016omotenew.jpg" target="new">tourist map</a> from the starting point to the waterfall, <b>Sengataki</b> 仙娥滝.
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If you don't feel like walking, you can skip all that and go straight to the nice short trail and steps leading to the waterfall by getting off at <b>Greenline Shosenkyo</b> グリーンライン 昇仙峡 (820 yen) instead or get off at <b>Shosenkyo Taki Ue</b> 昇仙峡 滝上 (900 yen) then walk back down to see all the best parts without having to walk uphill.</td>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZP3N8odRDo/WUucMh02trI/AAAAAAAAKCg/9PPEL-jev2kbkB032KN_mP7p1UdXe6H8QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC05867.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZP3N8odRDo/WUucMh02trI/AAAAAAAAKCg/9PPEL-jev2kbkB032KN_mP7p1UdXe6H8QCLcBGAs/s320/DSC05867.JPG" alt="Shosenkyo Gorge" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sNvZps81Kkg/WUucM9QJ7YI/AAAAAAAAKCk/ky3aoZcuzAICl6zfE6zm7-pC_jdJrYarACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC05869.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sNvZps81Kkg/WUucM9QJ7YI/AAAAAAAAKCk/ky3aoZcuzAICl6zfE6zm7-pC_jdJrYarACLcBGAs/s320/DSC05869.JPG" alt="Shosenkyo waterfall" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
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<a name="somen"></a>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7qTd-unfrk/WUuigJGxiQI/AAAAAAAAKDE/6MQjYO7AtLg6T0i4boQN0DctmrK0-5rngCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BJun%2B19%252C%2B3%2B42%2B26%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7qTd-unfrk/WUuigJGxiQI/AAAAAAAAKDE/6MQjYO7AtLg6T0i4boQN0DctmrK0-5rngCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BJun%2B19%252C%2B3%2B42%2B26%2BPM.jpg" alt="Nagashi Somen Kofu" width="320" height="239" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
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Near <b>Shosenkyo Taki Ue</b> 昇仙峡 滝上 bus stop across from the <a href="http://www.shousenkyo-r.jp/" target="new">ropeway</a> station is an awesome shop called <a href="http://so-men.com/" target="new">流しそうめん円右衛門</a> where you can sit outside by the river and have <b>nagashi somen</b> flowing noodles for 700 yen until 5 pm (last call at 4:30 pm & the last bus back is 5:32 pm).
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So, there are 2 ways to do it here! One is these bamboo pipes with water flowing down... one person releases the noodles upstream and the other catches them and eat! The other is a marble table filled with groundwater that goes 'round and 'round for you to "release and catch" your somen noodles. Also, they've got very good tempura made with seasonal local Yamanashi veg! Woo-hoo!
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2xuAvOGWvE/WUukBrod8oI/AAAAAAAAKDU/CfbE0CIVJyclMScSpBpdTxq8ikd1gbl9QCLcBGAs/s1600/fbprofile.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2xuAvOGWvE/WUukBrod8oI/AAAAAAAAKDU/CfbE0CIVJyclMScSpBpdTxq8ikd1gbl9QCLcBGAs/s320/fbprofile.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="960" data-original-height="959" /></a>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3V417LEQojg/WUuiwF9HSCI/AAAAAAAAKDI/QBDVyCRoHz4_YtO5WQxRAtP4pEyv0lylwCLcBGAs/s1600/Photo%2BJun%2B19%252C%2B3%2B53%2B10%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3V417LEQojg/WUuiwF9HSCI/AAAAAAAAKDI/QBDVyCRoHz4_YtO5WQxRAtP4pEyv0lylwCLcBGAs/s320/Photo%2BJun%2B19%252C%2B3%2B53%2B10%2BPM.jpg" alt="Nagashi Somen 円右衛門" width="239" height="320" data-original-width="1196" data-original-height="1600" /></a>
</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><font size="-1">Give a man a fish 'n you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish for noodles & you feed him for a lifetime?</font></td>
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redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-87543524891459222342017-06-03T05:52:00.001-07:002017-06-03T16:15:39.208-07:00Red Bull Air Race<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-me-u6ndLX1I/WTK0KyM4rrI/AAAAAAAAKBQ/sJa7nBEe1PcEskIKjhG4nP1i3RgpC6UHACLcB/s1600/DSC05826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-me-u6ndLX1I/WTK0KyM4rrI/AAAAAAAAKBQ/sJa7nBEe1PcEskIKjhG4nP1i3RgpC6UHACLcB/s640/DSC05826.JPG" alt="air race japan" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
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The weekend of June 3<sup>rd</sup> & 4<sup>th</sup>, 2017 was the third <a href="http://rbar.jp/en/" target="new"><b>Red Bull Air Race</b></a> in <b>Makuhari Seaside Park</b> 幕張海浜公園, a short walk from <b>Kaihimmakuhari Station</b> in <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/near-tokyo.html#chiba">Chiba</a> (the same Keiyo Line 京葉 you can take to <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/2013/12/tokyo-disneyland-for-adults.html">Disneyland</a>).
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvlhBKd0r_E/WTKytMPNDII/AAAAAAAAKBE/ub_cee2zeDQHXIGLhbvL0tYFs1VsHTSygCLcB/s1600/DSC05784.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvlhBKd0r_E/WTKytMPNDII/AAAAAAAAKBE/ub_cee2zeDQHXIGLhbvL0tYFs1VsHTSygCLcB/s320/DSC05784.JPG" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">helicopter rescue "show"</font></td><td>
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We watched the qualifiers 予選 which took place on the first day, with slightly cheaper tickets than the second day - still very exciting for amateurs though... much more impressive then I imagined! The planes were very close and it wasn't overly crowded. Although the place opened at 10, test runs didn't start until 1 pm and the qualifiers started at 4 pm and ended at 5:30.
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During the qualifiers, the planes fly through giant air-filled pylons at set heights and go up real high before coming down again. Each pilot does 2 rounds on the race track, competing for speed. The booklet they give out onsite explains the race track and point systems further, on top of telling you a bit about all the pilots. The pilots did much more interesting and unpredictable flips and dives during the test runs since they didn't seem to have to follow a set course then.
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You can enter and re-enter as long as you hold onto your tickets, which can be bought at convenience stores in advance. There are a few other events onsite, like really cool motorcycle and BMX jumps and skateboarders on half-pipe doing tricks. It'd be a good idea to bring a tarp and make sure to have loads of sunscreen as there is no shade while watching the air race on the beach. There are lots of food and booze stands inside but no outside food or drinks are allowed in - they search your bags at the entrance. Nearby in the APA Hotel is a Lawson's convenience store and there is also an <a href="http://www.31op.com/makuhari/english/" target="new">outlet mall</a> by the station.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vQY1yPLRhj8/WTKwhVfaCLI/AAAAAAAAKA4/RKyybg1EIk8_IcQEonk9zg86BdLAYAaAACPcB/s1600/DSC05780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vQY1yPLRhj8/WTKwhVfaCLI/AAAAAAAAKA4/RKyybg1EIk8_IcQEonk9zg86BdLAYAaAACPcB/s640/DSC05780.JPG" alt="red bull air race japan" width="640" height="418" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1045" /></a></div>
redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842508145678375438.post-45058353822411033722017-05-22T04:54:00.000-07:002017-05-22T05:13:30.752-07:00Cycle to Daio Wasabi Farm in Azumino<table align="center" border="0"><tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AktqEFSHO9U/WSLSJPJXLxI/AAAAAAAAJ-8/xVC3CgoTVjoYOdL3_TDnl2qmY0FFgBWQwCPcB/s1600/Photo%2BMay%2B07%252C%2B12%2B32%2B42%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AktqEFSHO9U/WSLSJPJXLxI/AAAAAAAAJ-8/xVC3CgoTVjoYOdL3_TDnl2qmY0FFgBWQwCPcB/s320/Photo%2BMay%2B07%252C%2B12%2B32%2B42%2BPM.jpg" alt="Cycle to Daio Wasabi Farm" width="320" height="239" /></a>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ow_0F_DSEOU/WSLT4PnVB6I/AAAAAAAAJ_M/3eCAk5spAFc7KxXzEMu7-8D6qr_63ElfACPcB/s1600/Photo%2BMay%2B07%252C%2B12%2B33%2B52%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ow_0F_DSEOU/WSLT4PnVB6I/AAAAAAAAJ_M/3eCAk5spAFc7KxXzEMu7-8D6qr_63ElfACPcB/s320/Photo%2BMay%2B07%252C%2B12%2B33%2B52%2BPM.jpg" alt="Cycling in Azumino" width="320" height="239" /></a>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--_yqOauGR_0/WSLTN9yGuBI/AAAAAAAAJ_E/iVp06e0fwIsqJrbxk4HyOan7lGZ08n5YACPcB/s1600/Photo%2BMay%2B07%252C%2B12%2B12%2B40%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--_yqOauGR_0/WSLTN9yGuBI/AAAAAAAAJ_E/iVp06e0fwIsqJrbxk4HyOan7lGZ08n5YACPcB/s200/Photo%2BMay%2B07%252C%2B12%2B12%2B40%2BPM.jpg" alt="hotaka bike rental" width="200" height="150" /></a>
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We rented bikes right out of <b>Hotaka Station</b> 穂高駅 near <a href="http://goseenihon.blogspot.jp/p/blog-page.html#matsumoto"><b>Matsumoto</b></a> - 300 yen an hour for each 3-gear bike with a basket & can leave your bags there for free. A few steps around the corner is another place offering bikes for 200 yen an hour. An hour and a half gave us just enough time to cycle 20 minutes past small temples and through rice paddies against spectacular mountains in the backdrop to <b>Daio Wasabi Farm</b> 大王わさび農場 in <b>Azumino</b> 安曇野 with plenty of picture stops! No bikes inside but we had enough time to walk around as well as pick up some souvenirs.
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3aNCPuZdZc/WSLT3_MgueI/AAAAAAAAJ_Q/zkOtY6cjknwMl3tDX-a1LkBt5R5Ta2cfQCPcB/s1600/Photo%2BMay%2B07%252C%2B12%2B33%2B54%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3aNCPuZdZc/WSLT3_MgueI/AAAAAAAAJ_Q/zkOtY6cjknwMl3tDX-a1LkBt5R5Ta2cfQCPcB/s320/Photo%2BMay%2B07%252C%2B12%2B33%2B54%2BPM.jpg" alt="cycle to wasabi farm" width="320" height="239" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">beautiful country road</font>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pIDFZ7qXaaU/WSLVmVmFPWI/AAAAAAAAJ_Y/n12SoAN7hfwsP6M8suoyaP8iHhSJrZkmQCLcB/s1600/DSC05703.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pIDFZ7qXaaU/WSLVmVmFPWI/AAAAAAAAJ_Y/n12SoAN7hfwsP6M8suoyaP8iHhSJrZkmQCLcB/s320/DSC05703.JPG" alt="daio wasabi farm" width="320" height="240" /></a>
<br><font size="-1">wasabi plants</font>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqGjGYoNDi0/WSLV0h4g5WI/AAAAAAAAJ_c/ae-HUtl3C7gnVnAGSKqCJH1Zm4is61hiwCLcB/s1600/DSC05713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqGjGYoNDi0/WSLV0h4g5WI/AAAAAAAAJ_c/ae-HUtl3C7gnVnAGSKqCJH1Zm4is61hiwCLcB/s640/DSC05713.JPG" alt="daio wasabi farm waterwheels" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
redeyebluezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18290625883933453006noreply@blogger.com