tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5495559232677248672024-03-27T12:15:53.256-04:00CIRCUITS OF FEVERDenisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.comBlogger6209125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-27192379541300578542024-03-23T03:00:00.001-04:002024-03-27T12:15:16.254-04:00Tokyo 2024 Travel Log: Day 5 — Nigiri Set Lunch at Hina Sushi<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxORyqwmibTtIe8uReN28JiNP-fQtFSaDocnhIp8HFMUlvnynFFWuRY7fdCl-siNe5kHomiVGjKA45n9bWuOSalq3MBbqG7mZ335zcDyvNzVUZ9Rp3MpsEjB9svYKvSYVikK8mFR8b-ojbRrwr9x8fE0jXY76GNo0jgRnCFWszsRr7kS_BmAPTgYNUx1zH/s1600/march2024_tokyo_hinasushi.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center>Omurice <i>with seafood cream sauce</i></center><center><br /></center><div>On a hunt for a quick lunch and craving sushi, we decided to go to a restaurant called <a href="https://hina-sushi.com/shops/shinjuku-i-land/">Hina Sushi</a> that was very busy at 1:30PM on a Saturday located in an office building in the quietest part of Shinjuku. But they were offering an 8-piece nigiri set lunch — that includes miso soup, <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chawanmushi">chawanmushi</a></i>, a potato and carrot salad, and <a href="https://theheirloompantry.co/kinako-mochi/"><i>kinako</i> mochi</a> — for ¥1,700 and we couldn't refuse. Quality-wise, it could've been better — the sushi at any conveyor belt sushi restaurant will likely have better cuts of fish — but we've also realized that "decent sushi" in Japan is still pretty damn good.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Hina Sushi</b></div><div>Shinjuku i-LAND Tower</div><div>6 Chome−5−1 新宿アイランドタワ B1F</div><div>Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City</div><div>Tokyo, Japan 〒160-0023</div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-3629151423568125882024-03-22T09:52:00.009-04:002024-03-27T10:07:52.610-04:00Tokyo 2024 Travel Log: Day 4 — Omurice with Seafood Cream Sauce, Hambagu, and Ebi Fry at Royal HostSince we were exhausted from exploring <a href="https://circuitsoffever.blogspot.com/2024/03/tokyo-2024-travel-log-day-4-visiting.html">Senso-ji</a> and <a href="https://circuitsoffever.blogspot.com/2024/03/tokyo-2024-travel-log-day-4-ueno-cherry.html">Ueno Park</a> (we did over 20,000 steps!), we wanted to find a restaurant for dinner that would be near our hotel and open relatively late. So we decided to go to <a href="https://www.royalhost.jp/">Royal Host</a>, once of Japan's most popular Western-style family restaurant chains. <br /><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlJiCWR80klZC_QYdhBl58CWd_rcbHnRVjEieNn-mf9G6v1_mt2tf_bQg0ijjHpcqM68rubLS2QOXUonQ_nC0bds6vFQrjOWf6dnvoi6Vjbb_X5JpBpBI2mSzZDhi0qsmYqdiT8-FuZDoxZ4MWxoj3nZjZskYYvd1hQiK1JnP-DPxqBr_8zBmf7jaGhqJ/s1600/march2024_tokyo_royalhost1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center>Omurice <i>with seafood cream sauce</i></center><center><br /></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Opb9sVq_671jtQXDCYDHOcsSUabuCbxQEkFGcBzmL3L_PNjngc1y5YEly-T0Y0xk480rDZVa7KoQyhPqlKHBuIF9qjW5eJ0JYwe7AjOIF6PPCe9Rtc5loJKH3btaNIm25CWA-UvYz-lQ-wK-G_s61gBdRF1wr_8_f_Pf7BVhluMLpAYoAtMIzr5lXa6t/s1600/march2024_tokyo_royalhost2.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center>Hambagu <i>with vegetables</i></center><center><br /></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikWSLb4VEv3_nkbidjRG054LRUfULbGY_bISWBBWr2pgQ_OdwdNDvqovsgkKN1NAHkPDHX-v7GpjihUj4fZ6SqnImbbN1CoI6IOcf3WWIR-v-1yPAM_j-0PvII0s_GVx7oJBBVG4vLfEPQ83lDhtjGHMwsFJlgdS_RgKeRNccjXyqTyk5yMYc7Kaoxk72/s1600/march2024_tokyo_royalhost3.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Ebi</i> <i>fry with tartar sauce</i></center>
<br />
<div><div>Two things I hadn't eaten in Japan yet were <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omurice">omurice</a></i> and <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamburg_steak#Around_the_world">hambagu</a></i>. So I decided to kill two birds with one stone and got one of the "Western Food Specials" that included <i>omurice</i> with a seafood cream sauce, a <i>hambagu</i> with vegetables, and an ebi fry — all for under ¥2,500. Surprisingly delicious and a great value. (So good, in fact, that my mom wants to come back tomorrow. We shall see.)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Royal Host </b></div><div>Shinjuku Mitsui Building</div><div>2 Chome−1−1 新宿三井ビル 1F</div><div>Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City</div><div>Tokyo, Japan 〒160-0023 </div><div>+81-3-3345-0276</div></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-74218649948477977832024-03-22T08:30:00.003-04:002024-03-26T14:23:43.165-04:00Tokyo 2024 Travel Log: Day 4 — Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival at Ueno ParkSo, we went to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ueno_Park">Ueno Park</a> in the evening 'cause the <a href="https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1675/">Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival</a> started and the park is illuminated after sundown and the view is supposed to be pretty damn spectacular. <br /><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBsxRSVzhQlPuDyZk8GtWnBv1xgpu1xYeFSApwqkikGbeLCeNuQgRsqLPOEVz0ynJxvV7dR8PVIFy8egm2RI1ZuFQD69q-VjsWbBKT7lQvVj5Q2gsAwmpZtE9l1gFUvL0hBYbRdLu8csOrCk8bZTnsWzxyDD_tqdbqGxCI_ZOMrsOz9yzU_RkLD1YvG_y/s1600/march2024_tokyo_uenopark3.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival</i></center><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwww60824hYDvCituK2iTyXbvkpmh3og2I20uxffu3ojL5zVekhTUG9iTyUNZwgcA-g_WG4SkZVpUMS4crUnSYHx6jUddlsSX1Pmo0-1dkMGHmNjmlTGzaT3aEPzwHv7NLG62yLH7Ir-0hAS7ggN-OfYVE7pi4SPFNIsmg6mk9cxKRUkU1tBu__O8fNOp/s1600/march2024_tokyo_uenopark1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival</i></center><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EijyKWNJFz5kmZq3xvyOEeA7Q4C_00lmUXiyyDqx1L2n4MGBvXlT1zvktnUzsfzQzNKNi8KYM9uLOI_rhyphenhyphenEaRVaRQqC4FfOHt61MObWCKWV2O1BUhK7TDcnHuIyfgFX1cdANJJSXWHCWvryjfuPLWFrLcTcttqIt_9RMUUPuR1ojd_jsHnQE_a16FRca/s1600/march2024_tokyo_uenopark2.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival</i></center><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3wPIAER9T6H5DlcmyhjnlqxkZae2PgoqOL-yFqIweUE1iaisrxbaHLYqZhAYuPkQ12zcnYA377hTXz3BcWU2Rd3qBJjz0MCJz9mAIhEO-5MOqfXLuPTvkos7hyvBJYI4tt5M0Q2L5Djhf3q_-MuH45bbJ-1jED4WhNI2BXOPT2MeG8MSkf_WAtDV7Nnm/s1600/march2024_tokyo_uenopark4.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival</i></center><br />
<div>Except we just saw hundreds and hundreds of barren trees because apparently the sakura are blooming late this year in Tokyo. But we did find two trees that started blooming and, hey, at least the lanterns are pretty!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Ueno Park</b></div><div>Uenokoen, Taito City</div><div>Tokyo, Japan 〒110-0007</div><div>+81-3-3828-5644</div></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-16382184678503479222024-03-22T06:35:00.001-04:002024-03-26T12:28:29.465-04:00Tokyo 2024 Travel Log: Day 4 — Asakusa (Okuyama Oimari) Street Food TourDid you think I would go to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asakusa">Asakusa</a> and not do a street food tour?<br /><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUjzQUbi5QtKakJz4y3QG2iTyuHQzdSO3_BsHQZaJs7eM_2Xeo79WYn1NxP6hdyUW_ewdELo-0fhtE6nKqNZ1TQynjFbSKEaCBPFhEM927foD7CDkXcgOww1yYhRC_yYsVBkBwnTffsYoFY0_wORGvaZcchRf0TuYH7i1Q_vtpJvUO_mS3k_aaLazudHm/s1600/march2024_tokyo_okuyama3.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curry_bread">Kare pan</a><i> from <a href="https://giraffacurrypan.jp/">Giraffa</a></i></center><div><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbcRvJOorXT746c5p0JKvQbmDKUTwq80fwYHGdJ6an3SZBFr9IDqGJOz2HuIOg42391OX-gOk6inIG16VC67bOQ5T5rkcANw3ym32B36HRHtbkBO7Tw5VJz8gJNwpKKVmDGceaIjS5DRH9BQ6gi0gnoG4IzbdcNXfdlsKXSteoriULT-3bkjX39e-Gz7V/s1600/march2024_tokyo_okuyama5.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oden">Oden</a><i> from <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g14134311-d1664165-Reviews-Kimizukashokudo-Asakusa_Taito_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html">Kimizuka Shokudo</a></i></center><div><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRczaV4dDOoKk3UkuIDdez2Clh6EE5IorJIval85PMR2uovr3S7aEGpf0qVYIzITEaE30c6G4ajDx3btj031rZI0fVptWGaLfza1wjOB9ZZUZ1XJxvsnfrSQu_TAfIWIMbY4m95yhS7ef5_p5xEUebQKSd99NGtKhiLDMtQByM5MryF5ht8F64VruscurS/s1600/march2024_tokyo_okuyama4.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Roasted pork taiyaki from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/edotaiyaki.asakusahonten/">Edo Taiyaki</a></i></center><div><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi941twPVijG_M24W7def_8lrbt7TDHXfyA0W6o-En9eqPaXuDYNKuZK94kNsYjOip-tLS9BwRCD_1WiN7_SOP5B_AIVcNdTHB3H8ofICw0LkTFeLaj-Z4SSL-kn4H7Rm4JagplP_q337Y5CVklh6k8zGNKjsC133VhP_w3T2YyE_wcbTdVzkpXWMErKKkr/s1600/march2024_tokyo_okuyama7.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Crème brûlée custard cream sweet potato from <a href="https://shop.imo-pi-pi.com/">Imo Pippi</a></i></center><div><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wF1eON3E5y5Zb-OihXr4sBT5s_i9zdqnNXIuSJelqXQR5s8IWuyGFqmm_5ERtHjcEmRPCf8mA-_5dW83zYUTYJ4zuWaiR5IDBoLQntByfk649ynDhA1u6ip3pAVXVWbp17qqlkoQAogsIkzdT7fTMUbx1t2xUzMCnyHz6pgqFnA1Kgqo_CXaxflTYLR8/s1600/march2024_tokyo_okuyama8-1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Uji matcha chocolate crunch crêpe from from <a href="https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1311/A131102/13239832/">Kotobuki-sei-an</a></i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFgCmRADZmtiwIoR2C6e0TkFCCrbjsolkzjyjsSWfgSQ89cMhnvetC8fYAYaYMTzmPi4NoXZjwdD1wkUW7N39ljSQyK2FS4-x8z7ITUFrE_LJvL9VzOiHCCdUWZD9t3o8DrWcirSbgDLxC7bE4iH4qeVIFhm5j4wMTpo7cXQvNgn54oy0p7ztbNHrQZqo/s1600/march2024_tokyo_okuyama6.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Mushroom cream stew bun with bacon and corn from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dorei_asakusa">Komugi no Dorei</a></i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXDa9pOrWvlESLbrsA6KF3coq0wYUPZblI7OG3v7Vq1KNx3bmyUqeLaOzm0k_NDx8uN4dEjLj7mDNPs9fBVPB3H80Hlb9YQVjg8yACEZTAymDse6bq4rzPQu6L9aTHxlxRubn8MM8-4kYJAHFNq4wPYL3PgqS7dxXgD57KWUsxJ0jJO2TvwGRGD5Q64Td/s1600/march2024_tokyo_okuyama9.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Assorted baby <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castella">castella</a> from <a href="https://mochinyanyaki.com/">Mochinyan-Yaki</a></i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFW9oMdj1FJzBGEfWqsZqWQ2aGYiHK8nYrl_uJa0BIAlmy3wClwbLeS2SCHKuzrDiAucgwHr4LgCvfCOzTM26-2vmfTVtMubefbZfeoOmJlhu-BXkENnEQTwddpCfuv20kKNl04phMpny3kkZaJ65_qKUoQLzQsiNCepH0PB-PMSKq94Tt-1Gc9QyGTB6-/s1600/march2024_tokyo_okuyama1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i><a href="https://e-asakusa.jp/en/information/4209">Okuyama Oimari</a></i></center><div><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudnigiOOxkoDQl0PD2mvt_M20AMWKLrTtUEWfXV-bYS9KiAxi4gn3jaePY9ap0JG71n4E1QE2_bu0Ffc3HQKicgOuoRUhC5pmczkg2sQ3-8eKI088OZdW518D4xEofoqHp3eEn9fZ9TeP18SKfCZbcJtyQ51P6AWe0QwH6xB9MaOQCqIPEjJXDxuTkB9m/s1600/march2024_tokyo_okuyama2.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Okuyama Oimari</i></center><div><div><br /></div>
<div><div>Not a single flop here. In fact, we went back to <a href="https://giraffacurrypan.jp/">Giraffa</a> for a second <i>kare pan</i>. (And we would've gotten another bun from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dorei_asakusa">Komugi no Dorei</a> if they weren't already sold out of everything.) My biggest tip is to skip the insanity that is <a href="https://www.asakusastation.com/nakamise-shopping-street-asakusa/">Nakamise-dori</a> and go straight to the back streets for food. We went to <a href="https://e-asakusa.jp/en/information/4209">Okuyama Oimari</a> and didn't feel the need to go anywhere else for all of our street food eats.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Giraffa(ジラッファ)</b></div><div>2 Chome−3−26 君塚ビル</div><div>Asakusa, Taito City</div><div>Tokyo, Japan 〒111-0032 </div><div>+81-3-6802-8175</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Kimizuka Shokudo</b></div><div>2 Chome−3−26 君塚ビル</div><div>Asakusa, Taito City</div><div>Tokyo, Japan 〒111-0032 </div><div>+81-3-3841-5686</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Edo Taiyaki</b></div><div>2 Chome-5-5</div><div>Asakusa, Taito City</div><div>Tokyo, Japan 〒111-0032 </div><div>+81-3-6826-9520</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Imo Pippi</b></div><div>2 Chome-3-24</div><div>Asakusa, Taito City</div><div>Tokyo, Japan 〒111-0032 </div><div>+81-3-3841-7027</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Kotobuki-sei-an</b></div><div>2-Chome-7-21</div><div>Asakusa, Taito City</div><div>Tokyo, Japan 〒111-0032 </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Komugi no Dorei</b></div><div>2 Chome−7−19 高橋ビル 101</div><div>Asakusa, Taito City</div><div>Tokyo, Japan 〒111-0032 </div><div>+81-3-5246-4449</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Mochinyan-Yaki</b></div><div>2 Chome-3-25</div><div>Asakusa, Taito City</div><div>Tokyo, Japan 〒111-0032 </div></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-37419501602138443162024-03-22T04:00:00.000-04:002024-03-26T12:28:42.885-04:00Tokyo 2024 Travel Log: Day 4 — Visiting Senso-ji TempleOne place I really wanted to visit on this trip was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sens%C5%8D-ji">Senso-ji Temple</a>. For those who don't know, it is the oldest temple in Tokyo, one of the most significant Buddhist temples in Japan, and is the most widely visited religious site in the world. I didn't get a chance to visit last year because we just couldn't fit it in our schedule, so I was determined to go this time. <br /><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSdqN1fCFcu3vvFgVd0Lacq0oYJpndFIy4zwrn-8zCv13hf3x2RWtmJAP8b10eRX_sS1e3mrnHbooqhQ7Gr08fXqvMzsrYZh77aU4St9I0JYfSYAX6NHtqzYP8fDX5vyZccx-nIVL5hs4lH_f_k52nCYJthimgbd38Rh0wQmOOmNcXCtX4QDv2DPWepPD/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C5%8Dz%C5%8Dmon">Hozomon Gate</a></i></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WbhoXxd8lPTjm00Ju0vJVMdtZ-O38GdQM9WnqDU9sHJx5VwvQD_I2QiK0WnDTnJ-jlIBimByMlhznLWldFfK0V_38wiH2r0S88BUK4MmEBvkuOdzktk2guoTvxEXGz6KphzPuHzPC2k0cvoH7RktAJih7xzp0hNcIiWMWGmJHWjS6JLLzg13g7CQ-ZQo/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji_portrait2.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Hozomon Gate</i></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2P_XpdCJp8gsfzS2aBFacPBmKxYa8gV3DzqH1IZUG59zDN0lAdn9s1i0eBbgxY0mNoquclVcRKmWkYd2Df5aaJgWpgsoVqNJ7z8VUWq2cxz1mOPftaBqSYTFULzgx2O8Gomp7SlNtGhESUi8KVT-hv9kaXDzJoNCvd8nhXoD2K3ityE4Bgm1xntdJap6r/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji_portrait3.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Hozomon Gate</i></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEity1uAa0DpVFBJFloj_Kof2rEc2UfvctKQrs5Y-zFWcuSNicQrmE20wmRUzn1QjzrtmmEw-qGAzksziWNefNnjChVNBHbJYmP7_GA5PVXw8nXWFSyg28nfTd0zi3ek0vB7f0Vj8CJqbyZnDan-HUP0agNMmpW2yKxfZ7hj7FSgm7ENNwj04Teg7eiDmZYZ/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji2.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i><a href="https://www.senso-ji.jp/guide/guide06.html">Five-Storied Pagoda</a> and Senso-ji Temple</i></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7E2GFxOrFntHtCW5KLml-iPu49d6-KmKB7Il0BDXC0U2CbztBuwijfubq_heYZjeBT0ZX6oZVSKRXGUotvk86ZlokMZpuCMglQ_qACPBR3kDLu8eScOOqih0BlpBLONocftTqQ5RbwghhtOFC1FdQCXUA3TBdl4aUwQLHrL5k1o7x96zUYU54haU4yT5/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji3.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Senso-ji Temple</i></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9w42vR03Bfq83LCx5I6u_hKws7Z9LTOz-wio1LB9h5zAqKcBIXWeqPdyE2My_M2oQjV5mDZwxBld6x4yDCs_3k3lPSX2v1pzY9acgIdiQcY1SyU8pBE-XPhpMwO_7GTm2kjpSOhk9gZmU1_avBrSRBhqdFoD5_hZ9yg3c9X5vv8owAx_UdEHNjTwcgEU/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji_portrait1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Five-Storied Pagoda</i></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFQrRgWWH1PchZEB0wrsMLtnCqZNvGO0GNHUo8gdgBG4TIMnZEcLvrs_yAa6Xkp3xcFkEX8o41LzzAkhWHGEuHxjjPAul39B8693mz3VeAtz6BDBXVpJXgsbw8VmvbxpOD5tFBCFfJAd4Qj3s42VwyMjaj7g0uWvsyEO9TUaBaRbDVpujTBcNYUtqIhGh/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji4-1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Hozomon Gate (North face)</i></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxCWawQSTb4KsvyQ7nX4rfnRq1Yq_waYqA7gDHCdeegvzJNKKUzetd07tg9O7JFXv70LESKbRzTD9ncpQLfB5uisRWuRWnV4OOvSZOFT81HuJ1DvKuR90hMfPoaGC7KG5AzM0W9oBHF-yPEdIp-jDE0k1jeQD2AAVkNA9zAYGuAbtp0kzr-JtolQNCgnV/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji4.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Senso-ji Temple</i></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaL5fGmvMfxxxWeRlU5H0YQTTv4Jm4Ik6T_SVXsz-XtLFWwDMWmiRD0649YMrXymrZ_TGDrHWGOM5RNJiGDMLkgt17GfKqD8BsyzGgzs3VJEmMyVaqhrzwDm50y4WHGwAvjVzcqAUg2aDumvkW6budgMoNGgjpV4_6LTUQQn1YZ-XkkuuL54zzF_VpOTU/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji_portrait5.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Statue in front of Senso-ji Temple</i></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1McEfQsVIC9avfyGreQzFn0d-0GkS0Dw98ICbw65mj0Ng22E3NMaUQPdp4NgLWW8hPc1QkEmZP6ISAygM_E1W_ae0pFM3LTptbPyRylONAh6bV2QRHuid1SJrxIrvQiLzf52fKWHghMF40gO04sEVWhNlWvzEFEBT8Ck7gb9On82m9xgMbH8N-MxX3Yx/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji5.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>A yuzu tree</i></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGfviFhqJwymT8Exw-53Ss7al-TRWjEa65ob10eWdrc7OsOMBazI4COIHp12YSEuJyNiAu1qmhUuPywyqjMA2DryW2NJu9IscY2oqpshE7xQ846exfn9MWXHdqp2b5uOKEEwtdvQZSCxFnXgphYAzxFiWh-5R2-N4kwdhqUAHd_1iwAavYmRiKyyuwLqX/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji_portrait11.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Senso-ji </i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukubai">tsukubai</a></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCmsrXNlr-a7w7IgiyC7IHIHEuzKN2klDccnztVP_wpx5CVRv0MtZS9KXRYnReULmj7ctQQTzAe5xNKY77pDWUB3o14a-GuxE-mMXdRP4QRDzSjcNlgpmLKA595MYCZQPIy89qrOa_OTt-lvSpiUBbGzNPBgoBMqd52LQgsla7bgd0EX-k_oLTuDjwP2X/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji15.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Senso-ji </i>tsukubai</center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlA87QFYu4VM1L0xShc18nBfP9yKrUZvNrROMK6CxGlIkgzTAZuHg1Nj5_XZmD78YEMEn3kH1rWmZbq9VWhlCJROeNhXTO8h6j6cmzsERy4w0s0Y4fC15oJC-72jHArO6S8OXFKyM5VdTO-mY_Ikwb5-RwL4vOZKsh7X0-fe0EnB-ePF1ko1w1E9SEnXZ/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji6.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center>Nisonbutsu<i> (Two Buddhas)</i></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxxzFA925DRYjAKYgsGonzX7D0NS4MwjoJuL5t9r66WJuhBp6tqK1Bfn2QIFDCljbxzLNP9KojVgljCtVPgLanxXCF_83t8ohrE8LqwA_PJjbZUsMldd1JkKLx8e-oUyh_I5pV2y7VcOXcC20OpC1pz-10fhE_ghIApoK8Xbprpv1cFseCpT67xdOxrml/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji8.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>A flowering tree in full bloom</i></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1-BLQcPzF2P9_a4gsA4hTNn-bI47zHiDAC546bOwwcOr9T4F-f6QMe22TvJ5512K5ZaCwPdyVwnxPapNgxAzYOLO7gDerVcJOs73F28HITzD9FfZO14E9-_tfkkFs6GM1gJJkFUBpuu6pmgGE4EaBhYspZ4d7b1E0mMsBd-Lml9jQktmCGAeleLWHu2n/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji9.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Garden at <a href="https://voicemap.me/tour/tokyo/secrets-of-sensoji-temple-a-tour-of-asakusa-s-history-art-and-culture/sites/yogodo-pavillion">Yogo-do Pavilion</a></i></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfQ9PaxiUL91TtqaQA8EwFMRL5f1zZ0Wd9oqi65a5REDY9QIoSmf9fi6Vs12oBznEGn4ovJcwrAR6964gEm6RRUY2dqsBDoCVJ1P1Lb-NNhv0lR-boNLUfz41fdT0Ju-gm11eX0t26jl3pMhfZgkDKBVZ9gPuTXtrqayGUhhK51Wt1CQE6aRYr3tG6y0F/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji10.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Koi pond </i><i>at Yogo-do Pavilion</i></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPnzJTDrNUaf6ep1jXdZLz-zsMOTlN9W_S9I-rAaVaI_kwC5IpSV000yKj7Kb9PSP5Xqdak4-9pRwKd6OulPBKhH8G2aLIQEHSUDErGRxVjVFglpx4pKgBEJDMmpe4GhCyV-zFxZH0tAZSAe5V-KSgjvTwM8OpNFqLuJgLMKgUQ_ZH9QTBEUN2OXSrh2s/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji11.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Cascade </i><i>at Yogo-do Pavilion</i></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHI1yylqgn9TbV757iBZwqilDrIat4WsdXixG_dn9niIQgaNWvidJF7DF_dpso5dzMU0XkoeRFZSwHq0Y_VUz-iwph3nTp5DfXHsxKhbT7FAc4Ucu6dgXPWz67X7ygaetgd8J-0rnv5TnDuR2dwHGT5mvbXVW6vT9wZTIdb5hkJvfWm-rAzQCHIYgfCcY/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji_portrait6.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Bronze </i>Hokyoin-to</center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XrfAMdq5IjJmwqqngsuM4nQyhvr4U5lVZQjic2i9r5T_S3CD_5SHaqO9NwC3f4j5lkuW4Ez67tR4fLNPZI94ussDCZOmIR1I2MmKWbIm8M4BELKmov3uAb5g1isjvDJcLQ9OaXm9t3HCfZI5esAGdrNVVpalv0JBLrAAhDPi1J3rS1jAN2GU0rYP8ZYk/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji_portrait7.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Seated Bronze Statue of </i>Amida Nyorai</center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pBpEwhwGR4HiCU44cnZqpaYi_lsWByNODaJz1wUOS4Y66xc2QsifPUiyNvmImLa-hL6jg1Mltp-tmd8S18uu3vFXVjbK9r28TqYJSdhkB4k6qOriTBST1B1XzDPpGHJtlMIOj-5L8q-r_BA8Yvo61AZKCbXVToyBZGDj1QHwCTapEKegkHfRFADfVOjh/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji_portrait9.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Seated Bronze Statue of </i>Kannon Bodhisattva</center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxpSNmRvbR1wAkfFNZGOck1sEpCEAeuP7QxsWkh0zTbsHntSv8xhkqg36wtW6aDXJbVLr6EAY-Yw0xMZSGf_Z5S2X67ySc4KFYyY_jT09vy7yLBEhpp2rIXpwrIY-j4LtXV2bBQfH9aDlY59CF0onNcUyDKlB1wdqLxNk34mH52VmMx9JIc6ueoyDRBD1/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji_portrait10.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Lantern in front of Hashimoto Yakusi-do Temple</i></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjN98JGEJVysDm9ajGEpqAMk7ACpWCme0QgYphjwgZVB4WfSnTsRvwhAAWbBZQ5EbSKh-sv5cjn_YtRsfRNAhilh7qP0kBes4KP7uPQWlblZPw6ycZabfz1RMdrytkQT3wQvHHOxMW-PUQSdXwQ1DO2nkKvCqyuWx02pvQZ0rvvcHz4P3uaKCvQKkRPVfO/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji7.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>A sakura tree</i></center><center><i><br /></i></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4bUsAEq5200nQVIf33Zb2NB6kFtccrDJsT4fRXFlrom1ATqp3jigcGN1XvU_VYWjI2-mOz5aqgg0TBIsoNMqSi1jVW3XfsDTbrcfEpGm2cYhW3mXI9f1MviEOzHchVnW0gnOQPlAPIkXfmhj7D4CbaTn_nCaSYvDx8H4NyZl0_9u5wMqcKuQhbvcesNj/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji12.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center>Nakamise-dori</center><center><br /></center>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnYyYsM-txUnOn1n8rPp12PDi44wuWislG2T6dt8yTXez-b4Iy8p9b5uF4H3-ePJc-54JFU74-lTfbL7XOiwL72dPjyF9XdTdcTZLeV4ceUlM5mmKuoesctGDdZEmXQYrT5KnouRomhn_dGGcrpagfHue32qppVDfE-BIDZDuhQsWT4DF8Hf1IxVLrrxc/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sensoji13.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Lanterns at </i><span style="text-align: left;">Nakamise-dori</span></center><center><br /></center>I'm not religious, but my grandmother was Buddhist and always took me with her to temple when I was a kid, so I've always appreciated the beauty of the religion and its buildings for worship. I know it's one of the most touristy sites in Tokyo, but it is totally worth dodging crowds for. (I did skip most of <a href="https://www.asakusastation.com/nakamise-shopping-street-asakusa/">Nakamise-dori</a>, though. Those crowds are a little too much for me.)<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Senso-ji Temple </b></div><div>2 Chome-3-1 </div><div>Asakusa, Taito City </div><div>Tokyo, Japan 〒111-0032 </div><div>+81-3-3842-0181
</div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-37191261383512420102024-03-21T09:30:00.001-04:002024-03-25T06:08:50.576-04:00Tokyo 2024 Travel Log: Day 3 — Carbonara Udon at Tsuru Ton Tan Udon Noodle BrasserieSince we were in Shibuya, we decided to have dinner inside <a href="https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com.e.apy.hp.transer.com/">Shibuya Scramble Square</a> at a restaurant called <a href="https://www.tsurutontan.co.jp/shop/shibuya/">Tsuru Ton Tan Udon Noodle Brasserie</a>. Luckily, we weren't too hungry when we got in the insane line-up because we had to wait for nearly 45 minutes to get a table. (At which point we became <i>very</i> hungry.)<br /><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOIfyKYnHppjnc72xoa1YKs5g13bGn-MOLrHJUY2Tql-mkYUfPX1sA5K_mDOE77KywWIV_HCEJuIY-ElXSM-HLdKuoC57F5I7Af-sNE7KFuqWixbMq3pibMULPVstXn7kR2YardiPrXZxQ9fipni1Ok1crUfhFEHtkd2nVCfCGdmS82ulM13l_GpgR0L9/s1600/march2024_tokyo_tsurutontan.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Carbonara udon</i></center><div><div><br /></div><div>I decided on the carbonara udon, which includes udon noodles, thick-cut bacon, eggplant, broccoli, fried lotus root, and an egg yolk. This tasted INCREDIBLE, especially when the egg yolk is mixed into the cream sauce, which makes it extra rich and flavourful. It doesn't like look it would contain that many things just from looking at it, but I kept finding different veggies and slices of meat as I fished around in the bowl. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was originally tempted to get 1.5 servings of noodles because Japanese portions are usually smaller than North American ones and I have a very, shall we say, North American appetite. But good thing I didn't, because these bowls are MASSIVE (like, it could fit a pretty big watermelon). Based on this udon alone, I'd say that it's definitely worth trying and coming back to eat, but probably not worth waiting in line for 45 minutes, so I'd either visit during off-hours or try going to one of the other dozen locations around Tokyo. (I mean, to be fair, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shibuya_Crossing">Shibuya Scramble Crossing</a> is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, so I guess line-ups to eat around here are to be expected.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Ramen, check. Soba, check. Udon, CHECK. Japanese noodle trifecta, COMPLETE!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tsuru Ton Tan Udon Noodle Brasserie</b></div><div>Shibuya Scramble Square</div><div>2 Chome−24−12 スクランブルスクエア 13階</div><div>Shibuya, Shibuya City</div><div>Tokyo, Japan 〒150-6113</div><div>+81-3-6419-7155</div></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-18545541836393085692024-03-21T02:00:00.003-04:002024-03-25T06:09:04.794-04:00Tokyo 2024 Travel Log: Day 3 — Shrimp Tempura Soba Lunch Set at SojiboWe obviously have to get the Japanese noodle trifecta while we're in Japan, so today's lunch: soba! <br /><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcpNKD1Sdwaego4ZDKrn6TMuSCXTTZXyhdQDqNAJ1NgH3N0ZlwL1VBv91n9lKLF-WXA0cjPnRXA7fwi-LwLZEoG3iBFLLXdAKruUA035xnHjankcgP1o0uYmxEN6Z7gbKKAtLCn0EbnhrlvidmpALXcNp5xU_qjl_PLafDiu307YWx8QNFAQwwFxb_Bqg/s1600/march2024_tokyo_sojibo.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Shrimp tempura soba set meal</i></center><div><br /></div><div><div>We found a soba restaurant called <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co/Restaurant_Review-g14133673-d9770386-Reviews-Sojibo_Shinjuku_Mitsui_Bldg-Nishishinjuku_Shinjuku_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html">Sojibo</a>, where I got the shrimp tempura soba set meal, which also comes with a bowl of <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takikomi_gohan">takikomi gohan</a></i> on the side. The soba noodles are pretty standard, but it's satisfying and filling and the set is an incredible value at ¥1140. (I guess a lot of the office workers nearby agree 'cause it was a full house by 1:00PM.) Anyway, that's soba checked off the noodle list, and now we have udon left. Let the journey continue!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sojibo</b></div><div>Shinjuku Mitsui Building</div><div>2 Chome-1-1 </div><div>Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City</div><div>Tokyo, Japan 〒163-0490</div><div>+81-3-3346-1351</div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-10745555331532272502024-03-20T10:30:00.001-04:002024-03-24T08:32:27.054-04:00V — "FRI(END)S" MV Reaction #3<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="405" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h-62RBZMvH4?si=U6qXgoEmyvZ5iL5P" title="YouTube video player" width="720"></iframe></center><br /><div><b>[Couple making out furiously on screen]</b></div><div><b>IU</b>, bursts out laughing: "Oh, wow!"</div><div><b>TWS</b>: "Whoa! Kyungmin, close your eyes!"</div><div><b>Hyein</b>, looking over at other NewJeans members: "Am I allowed to see this?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Love the dichotomy between Koreans and Westerners when it comes to reacting to displays of affection. 🙃</div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-61398663290682451972024-03-20T08:00:00.003-04:002024-03-24T08:39:38.954-04:00Tokyo 2024 Travel Log: Day 2 — Yuzu-Tsuyu Tsukemen and Aburi Koro Chashu Gohan at Afuri Well, you know I can't stay in Japan for very long without getting another bowl of noodles.<br /><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhseqojpVxhAG3iH3hgbDdwk1rYsgnWBEcjzaf1yPH_PUXZS24lhD4cjarDHfEsBSVG-MmZ2msLEN4FqfKKgFXWSsuLbRQlzC_34FHHCYrnFRxofFHZjci3aqNNARl4rDOmqRJx0qbTEeV8ZHtKKj7f9AmN-GSFvZmDmX-zBi_KcnGSf-hTNGKM-q7YZ2/s1600/march2024_tokyo_afuri1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center>Yuzu-Tsuyu Tsukemen</center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyaz2TgbJyDztnQdv1j7uGZPA-mctRCa3bUwxbTTIXqyL0pG49BDeSMfZySncQiXPEjeHMqgKnP3Pfly3JfxC-AcLMWEEi2g7IG5CqjZ1h_xfNzPRvXZ7Z-Dw4wEkQi7yBZWU50BkgD1_w2XBW1EldORisEuoUY14zS9ry9a6CcAPL4hDBqCxeSEm31yK/s1600/march2024_tokyo_afuri2.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center>Aburi Koro Chashu Gohan</center><div><br /></div><div><div>One thing I really wanted to try on this trip was <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukemen">tsukemen</a></i>, which is like ramen but instead of having all the hot broth inside the bowl already, the ramen (served cold) is dipped into a separate, much more concentrated sauce (served hot). So when we decided to go to <a href="https://afuri.com/menu/">Afuri</a> for dinner (my mom wanted ramen), I decided to get the <i>Yuzu-Tsuyu Tsukemen</i> with both <i>chashu</i> and chicken. It is a refreshing, aromatic bowl of delightfully bouncy noodles, and the hint of yuzu adds a really lovely brightness to the umami of the dipping broth. This would make an amazing summer noodle option, actually.</div><div><br /></div><div>This set also came with a bowl of their <i>Aburi Koro Chashu Gohan</i> — a rice bowl with grilled <i>chashu</i>, yuzu, and daikon <i>oroshi</i> — which is honestly just as delicious as their noodles (according to both me and my mom, who also got it with her ramen set). I guess it can get overlooked because, you know, Afuri is a noodle restaurant and the <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takikomi_gohan">gohan</a></i> is technically under "side orders" (we love carbs with a side of carbs!) but I would honestly come here just for this. (You know, if I lived in Japan and didn't want noodles for some reason.) </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Afuri</b></div><div>Shinjuku Sumitomo Building</div><div>2 Chome-6-1 </div><div>Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City</div><div>Tokyo, Japan 〒160-0023</div></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-29356185417305100872024-03-20T02:00:00.020-04:002024-03-23T10:33:48.239-04:00Tokyo 2024 Travel Log: Day 2 — Gyukatsu Set Meal at Gyukatsu MotomuraOkay, so I've eaten many, many deep-fried pork cutlets (<i>tonkatsu</i>) in my life. But when we were in Osaka, we saw a lot of locals enter <i>gyukatsu</i> (deep-fried beef cutlet) restaurants and I got curious because it's not nearly as popular as it's pork counterpart, at least outside of Japan. But we didn't have enough time (or, rather, stomach space) to try it there, so I was determined to get it while here in Tokyo, and I found it at <a href="https://www.gyukatsu-motomura.com/en/">Gyukatsu Motomura</a>:
<br /><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1N3wqXh_9yIJxXAPouH5IrIQyUgCjwz73mhsaMKbCjZu6cFgM4SqFkNPOir4k-rBj-BtH4yLXd220Zl5p0Fb3SKdvtKszNbVjPQgTNmuy4w3_n2fEMUDKF4JXtoNhsnZoPoYmVF-G4QXgq2Ud1CKIugmTo4xOrtcfb6l9fgRWyCFd8BvK_rDOQZvKw3K/s1600/march2024_tokyo_gyukatsu1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center>Gyukatsu <i>set meal</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOC0XUCK6p9btbIR410ffNqCHQgEZZiND2pDpnoskUKFV5BtJL5aEPdbinhyrB0DiY-rdooXKJuBGEqC6YWWhbK0ETIe1wiQutig3DRsSbXAuuAvcWk7nSq4sgWiCgHowof05qrjj47pYaond-nWTzoo1T68ntoZIcPxrSbnvDw3KhDoAripy_FLyWwhXY/s1600/march2024_tokyo_gyukatsu2.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center>Gyukatsu <i>cooking on a hot stone</i></center><div><br /></div><div><div>IT'S A WHOLE NEW WORLD. Unlike <i>tonkatsu</i>, which is fully cooked to serve (obviously, since it's pork), <i>gyukatsu</i> is served seared so the breading is crispy, but the meat itself is rare. There is a hot stone over a fire that you place the beef on to cook to your preferred doneness, and beef tallow is added to "make it more delicious" (IT IS DEFINITELY MORE DELICIOUS). The set is served with two types of sauce (which you can add wasabi to), cabbage salad, potato salad, rice, miso soup, and <i>kinako</i> mochi for dessert. We got 1.5 servings of beef because we're fat-asses, but NO REGRETS BECAUSE IT IS EVERYTHING I HOPED IT WOULD BE AND MORE. Honestly, one of the best meals I've had on this trip so far. 10/10, SUPER <i>OISHI</i>, HIGHLY RECOMMEND!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gyukatsu Motomura</b></div><div>7 Chome−1−2 川安ビル B1F</div><div>Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City</div><div>Tokyo, Japan 〒160-0023</div><div>+81-03-6279-2899</div></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-19691619905867001452024-03-19T10:30:00.001-04:002024-03-22T11:12:28.576-04:00V — "FRI(END)S" MV Making Film<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="405" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zgEur17BZds?si=Qu9b45AJqxg79Mlw" title="YouTube video player" width="720"></iframe></center><br />LMAO, I CAN'T WITH HIS EXPRESSION AFTER TOSSING THAT DUDE'S ENGAGEMENT RING ASIDE. 😂😭Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-61782801548957704502024-03-19T08:30:00.006-04:002024-03-22T12:44:48.190-04:00Tokyo 2024 Travel Log: Day 1 — Dinner Tasting Menu at Caffè (カフェ)Took the <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinkansen">shinkansen</a></i> from Osaka to Tokyo this afternoon. Of course, after lugging around our 20-pound carry-on bags all day, we were exhausted and cranky, so we thought we deserved a fancier-than-usual dinner. Thus, we decided to indulge in the dinner tasting menu at <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/japan/hyatt-regency-tokyo/tyoty/dining">Caffè</a>, an Italian-inspired restaurant in the Hyatt Regency Tokyo:<br /><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNH3uCxsTuLGoHygRtV9_lY_wLX5dExRH32_AytHzTJVwwZwM_z1xSQWLwMzdRGVSSHQo-vzM1Dcmb2Kc1Cpn5EcWfXe6jQEh9lo9W-9XXLpLq4nHiaBXpTtxDw9ze8a8BxSsDhmoUg1d13f7Khy_McjWOHuT6jgFppIXTTElA7zMniyJLxk-eB2UQK3x/s1600/march2024_tokyo_caffe_setdinner1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Amuse-bouche: Quiche Lorraine and corn puff pastry</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN6XR7u4Uuu2_kMkzv1vQ3ndp0KLBLJ2H2Cv8u7polCbMeWzOPaIj_qDwsSM_aNL4CV_TTHWoKtw2hmE9BJ_s9ZQtk-pwj-6aBSY9fJOzgegHkyx6v_CFVfsf6aca_n-ndhOwdgWuBCJ7BDhS6dJjN-Xv3OOeONOVerQLcJ5zPKmV4KX_XQO77XZnx_be/s1600/march2024_tokyo_caffe_setdinner2.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><center><i>Appetizer: Rice puff-encrusted seared scallop</i></center></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73M0H8GT9krPKCqNGqMK-9lOOxKU0ye_0ssOhwcKJ2_wsiCcXALubQEOFVUo5I7C5bJLxAuFX6iDt15ahXlD075no0haufRDv65XI3Ouc2vIyas3mF2ZPT3_MfkiCTs-INLqexoz7-bJreYXiNw8p7LK6UVh8jekikKPqB8ZkBKYvB-bGUdzFc90kdW8L/s1600/march2024_tokyo_caffe_setdinner3.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Pasta: Garlic spaghetti with chicken, onion, and asparagus</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyArvkQN6M-ud8gT5CulFJB-xzo-liksrhMIGTulknN27tvF0vnGjZF1HnyTgWkzcLuBWwzwVT7kdISbIyLL84yzCAdotlrcts3a64uhsdbTk39pDBjxRoakGIpIcGhfe7fPsdJHMSkfTuIByfxC5_pvrheOH5-6_xBF99oaJExxuw4uu29wESAicQkPpX/s1600/march2024_tokyo_caffe_setdinner4.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Fish: Panko-crusted sea bass with herb sauce</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhH6VZYAc5fFhP91mSkWsuzdDrcDwBCGBQ2nvAcmqL71jBdo1b5kfhIP54OSzAhKLdiGNTugDL_mUwgeZYInkWFsemTuvm3LZvqfSLcaxNE2-6DhZlzF3fGXXCWqNP3P_353IsQnEAQdITvGze4N3QQ839wG_s9OUXiWQTH00cLsX4kBG19NnZqVeLrZjs/s1600/march2024_tokyo_caffe_setdinner5.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Meat: Filet mignon with mashed potato and asparagus tempura</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeqeRg9ru33bKyRPgk_qcAttIKHaFtIsU1rU-f8U2G3KWKons0iQC1cKzp2EfYTNKGlpt0lKFGQ5Y7PoPmPQxEE3R61A3XxSAxsTUX91t5AAotw3U_M8VQ0apkSviq7G25dv8yaCghHMNMSQdiO7w8Q8wbr3cwiJ7lErer-nVJWT8JWl-NzCizQmlhxCI/s1600/march2024_tokyo_caffe_setdinner6.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Dessert: Tiramisu with vanilla bean ice cream</i></center><div><br /></div><div>You know, tiny portions are deceiving because after six courses, I was surprisingly quite full. (They do also give you two buns — an olive bread and a French baguette-type bread — but still, I'm someone that usually eats 5 slices of pizza or 6 tacos in one sitting.) The most disappointing course was the pasta — it was tasty, don't get me wrong, but not particularly interesting — but all the other courses were fantastic, especially the fish and meat. Apparently, the dishes change everyday so you never get the exact same menu, but the tasting menu always includes six courses (plus coffee or tea). We usually don't dine in hotel restaurants because they're so overpriced, but we thought this was entirely worth it at ¥8,000 (about $72 CAD) per person. In fact, we loved it here so much, we also made a reservation for their <a href="https://www.hyattregencytokyo.com/Portals/0/images/restaurant/pdf/2401_Strawberry%20Collection.pdf">strawberry-themed afternoon tea</a> on Saturday!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Caffè (カフェ)</b></div><div><div>Hyatt Regency Tokyo, Lobby/2F</div><div>2 Chome−7−2</div><div>Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City</div><div>Tokyo, Japan 〒160-0023</div><div>+81-03-3348-1234</div></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-74754351597200426992024-03-18T10:30:00.003-04:002024-03-22T10:04:13.945-04:00V for W Korea: "FRI(END)S"<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="405" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VUFuh4glr8I?si=G34Wha6augfrwMoW" title="YouTube video player" width="720"></iframe></center><br />Okay, first of all, he sounds amazing. Secondly, he looks ridiculously handsome. Thirdly, his earring looks cool as fuck. (Cartier, you chose your ambassador well.) Fourth, I am always impressed at how much the BTS members were able to fit into their schedules before heading off to the military. Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-6274156126309615722024-03-18T09:30:00.000-04:002024-03-22T10:04:23.407-04:00V — "FRI(END)S" MV Reaction #2<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="405" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dKik18br2w8?si=rGEUcaenT00FtDKW" title="YouTube video player" width="720"></iframe></center><br />Love that they were just casually hanging out in V's apartment to react to his MV while he's in the military. Wooga Squad is friendship goals, for real. Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-36510694008917372792024-03-18T07:30:00.001-04:002024-03-21T09:07:50.652-04:00Osaka 2024 Travel Log: Day 5 — Tonkatsu and Ebi Fry Set at KatsumaOn our way to the subway station from Osaka Castle, we decided to look for a restaurant to eat an early dinner before heading back to our hotel and found a <i>katsu</i> restaurant called <a href="https://tabelog.com/en/osaka/A2701/A270107/27111743/">Katsuma</a>. <br /><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYnOdILC-Ln6_u3q1J4R_C4cwbIjaEvKPXa3QLlTzTdzxTz2pZ3jwJm_xMEmq_fNzyJK9yaPD7AxNxWjWYx8V8A03RVxckTYCkXW1OPrMpqfwBF0gRHDFOGJ0W62AcdnKEirGctUJ-fTWsBGskwUZA699UJiO_YPSidY_nL5EYLsnuUYD5YeWZfveRXdD/s1600/march2024_osaka_katsuma.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Tonkatsu and ebi fry set</i></center><div><br /></div><div><div>I decided to get the <i>tonkatsu</i> and <i>ebi</i> fry set, which comes with cabbage salad, rice, and miso soup. Both the pork and the shrimp were perfectly fried and super crispy. The elder gentleman who served us was lovely and kind as well. Not sure how busy it gets here during lunch and dinner rushes (we got there at 5:00PM, so there was literally only two other parties in there), but we didn't have to wait more than five minutes for the food. Very satisfied with this meal, and it checks <i>tonkatsu</i> off my list of things to eat in Japan.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Katsuma</b> </div><div>Jo-Terrace Osaka</div><div>3 Chome-1-101区画</div><div>Osakajo, Chuo Ward</div><div>Osaka, Japan 〒540-0002</div><div>+81-06-6944-2288</div></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-39631365095310281152024-03-18T04:30:00.000-04:002024-03-21T09:11:19.571-04:00Osaka 2024 Travel Log: Day 5 — Walking Around Osaka CastleWe walked an hour from Namba to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka_Castle">Osaka Castle</a> and got there just as the queue to go in closed for the day (can you tell I didn't do any research before going?), so we quite literally walked around the main building:<br /><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aCIv4gGgTDcIA6amI4Q6yk9DMTxH_6QmjxZy2FuTE1QGAAMlGiSUG8H8tG0bncJWCF3jBN5PidRvFCfR346NAoE68clT-9qDLQXPPGdDJUz5bwZVaUGbnT3H-KtoXzNdZsJU14JyER4N55jf3xqc7snxuR6_GZimQmadQDrPpJsgBxUPW-n6Ys2rwJGQ/s1600/march2024_osaka_osakacastle1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Osaka Castle </i><span style="text-align: left;"><i>— Main Tower (South Side)</i></span></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOoXHDGD36JHMTS8gEx7TVivwh8yEJB3yAZXs5FzOhfSwOuX35BFUtp1XjnMTD-cOGfYUryrBhemzj5K5qzqJH3WDB3-X-bhWTvaUdxPER1m8Uk4KgUKjOGrYmyy2lSJ9lugBJhO4gXzRjgVAHrGrLk6V5PHG3BsrgZd21wET1TbvCtxgUJJOWmfcwkw7/s1600/march2024_osaka_osakacastle2.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Osaka Castle </i><span style="text-align: left;"><i>— South Outer Moat</i></span></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKXxh1SmpkwAkQp7UWBeKaPcqy7TBpwV3I87KzcviZ2FKzeFnb8AZnNpRI1kdcjaowkvnLjVKbX7yvNwUTa49gddg0zQAGx7DpiPKf3iEzU2J0tDEj9X8iojsxH-ZGeTfF-ofttLgycO07Jqd_tivqEHK995Dvne5JfNjbXOU_0RyqIyPLn8KX7IpWcKG/s1600/march2024_osaka_osakacastle3-1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Osaka Castle </i><span style="text-align: left;"><i>— Main Tower (South Side)</i></span></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTkos6Qr936SNuUuOrO2mko88ZRJ5zT_HfZnXubi4Vn7Hn6ZhqjcHPXBnhsJ_pBc7xCghRlKzRmFkEFkufaxCIPJ1EaJPgtmEqUdfUYSXvo_trBxYhuvtHD6RGYsmRDKE9wfWyuweCm6aQM20rOKKtxHYi0NJusEPaHAY4kM_1l1Pnz0eSTkeo4QVIJdO/s1600/march2024_osaka_osakacastle4.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Osaka Castle </i><span style="text-align: left;"><i>— Inner Moat (West Side)</i></span></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqqRS8WB0uR1SlkqYNP2Kzncr1mHqsn_G-2z40GK-c1svwmvY0G5WFHWijpM6XzIUec2NDASJ80gjf5nE2REpYtMv7GAJAZ8DhShSEnEYlh5wGJGOrSxw09lKn428Sz2gjeXmTfSSZQViUDLImELjocfhPn9F1H9_qTCgissTihqbQiAZpRua1fl3Mufx/s1600/march2024_osaka_osakacastle5-1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Osaka Castle </i><span style="text-align: left;"><i>— Main Tower (Northwest Corner)</i></span></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippjtWDLUr2eML1VLOXp_b9RHV3XeHawogCtnIK2J7X6pjgd0x69NkII17QxTt3wKIhFEpE5Qbd8b20LjdFcon5HwIQjEK-7NBmCrljGo7a4VICb6Z54BYS6__OcCM3g_ZCYFHqliQgmBSiDFwzGhvgNRy-35TXbuuP7u92YHTjvgX9ZpJPrhRiDyJQacf/s1600/march2024_osaka_osakacastle6.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Osaka Castle </i><span style="text-align: left;"><i>— Inner Moat (Northwest Side)</i></span></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiAGZbcmZOlHudb3GSPQ7IYOX60LEfgwlq5nQtOKDWX6EvwDM4MSoMPujD2PtUaI0mhd8BvUYysq-i-LeDNDHfEkPgiRphb9BFzLH9b35QoTSuYb9gBSyACeWeUfGY-sMJsl5rOPCopFJZ8BcP6hcoZ_Y2pDrJnVX2kdWFv0q3P-dVirFullZrChtlGdV/s1600/march2024_osaka_osakacastle7.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Osaka Castle </i><span style="text-align: left;"><i>— Main Tower (North Side)</i></span></center><div><br /></div><div><div>But you can be damn sure I took photos of the exterior from as many sides as I could. (And the moats. 'Cause who doesn't love a good moat?)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Osaka Castle</b></div><div>Osaka Castle Park</div><div>1-1 Osakajo</div><div>Chuo Ward</div><div>Osaka, Japan 〒540-0002</div></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-26213072153249877062024-03-18T00:30:00.004-04:002024-03-25T06:12:45.463-04:00Osaka 2024 Travel Log: Day 5 — Seaweed Salt & Buttered Mashed Potato with Bacon Teritama Burger, Shrimp Filet-O, and Matcha Kuromitsu Warabi Mochi Pie at McDonald'sYes, I know it's, like, the most foreigner thing ever, but I didn't get to try McDonald's the last time I was here and their spring menu — a.k.a. the Teritama series — is out now, so I had to get it this time. (Surprisingly, even my mom was hellbent on trying McDonald's here. Every time I asked her what she wanted to eat, she would think for a minute and then say, "McDonald's?") <br /><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaHown0WpGB31vAF2ic7OdLDxilQx-5GJ4i3_M2nDLkXgCl801-25aaGveKEpOiNOWwtoBNadjNUcf3P4oDunTXTvnq25DLYPcsJvjOKJ_G2nDU1Udm81ET4dYpgT3_rJ26RXGTQhfJLqTm44ZZmvSWcm0m6TpkuI2cs5oK3_H1n47oVJBPr7VgY1dRWJ/s1600/march2024_osaka_mcd1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Seaweed Salt & Buttered Mashed Potato with Bacon Teritama Burger</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdWnzYIV5tGiYWJrJY1wDLku1fPXTxPi0jc3WNFNKi7oUOYDUY1zvrm29LKx6CCXF_Jyi8Cu0M46WIo63ofGAlx1To9OjAsiuk4WQLDLRnk9RYKUF4R-gXkSylyM5cqyh-Yw-dZuM5FTRyhpCgElCz4gI52izpx1XINI68yMZ6GZJ5ITzHkS3Kpo-xtST/s1600/march2024_osaka_mcd2.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Seaweed Salt & Buttered Mashed Potato with Bacon Teritama Burger</i></center><div><br /></div><div>First up, the <a href="https://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/en/products/6320/">Seaweed Salt & Buttered Mashed Potato with Bacon Teritama Burger</a>. (There are 4 burgers in the Teritama series, but this sounded the most interesting and is apparently new for this year, so that's the one we went for.) Put simply, this was not good. Firstly, there is way too much teriyaki sauce. It gets everywhere and your hands <i>will</i> get sticky, whether you're holding it with the wrapper or not. Secondly, the teriyaki sauce — which is mildly sweet and slightly garlicky — just doesn't go well with egg. I know this was the whole point behind the Teritama series, but it just doesn't jive to me. (Seems like it's just popular enough to bring back for a month every year, but not enough to put on the permanent menu.) Thirdly, the mashed potato has a strange aftertaste (probably that seaweed salt) that really, <i>really</i> doesn't go well with the sauce. Basically, the flavours here are just not cohesive. Great in theory, but not so much in execution. (My mom agreed.) I will say, however, that the quality of the ingredients and the portion sizes are incredibly impressive. The patty, the egg, the bun, even the lettuce, are all superior to what you can find in North America. <b>4/10</b></div><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmYCOR9Ln1ZR01vq5kTslIxcmlhq8wP9u1Sk-2yB976f9rgSzA1TmAT6wRo0kCM9kth7sbtsRJ9avoBj27Ib29pfMbJ-zb-EXNbUj8rKoUCf-A_-dA73U011DR9HY9EmwJ5Q1FOtAQ__FapTg3W6gKL3817ymL-naKpiMYDS2QXXxAU3AUXbWztmfQJxd/s1600/march2024_osaka_mcd3.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Shrimp Filet-O</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2oLe-xcw8XbKS1xCwuq5MiXt9SyUV-5V5Bixe1GjCa8pIfNcrKEcLpdC6_6P9NhEj-DIWeya0lavFe4BLgUGj2Mb4xaP76m_7b_OPbseb3nkTiDbOYERu4w_8w5TzyUDBH2UnKlyDJ09atw2a4fY062vYZ4RtAvUesIq3fqqUopFFfOtjo7LSUAHodkm/s1600/march2024_osaka_mcd4.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Shrimp Filet-O</i></center><div><br /></div><div>But the <a href="https://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/en/products/1090/">Shrimp Filet-O</a>... Oof, Japan doesn't even know how good they've got it at their McDonald's with just this one sandwich here. It's like the Filet-O-Fish, except a fried shrimp patty instead of fish, and Big Mac sauce instead of tartar sauce. And the shrimp patty isn't just made up of shrimp paste. There are full-on big chunks of shrimp in there. Like the Teritama burger, this sandwich is deceivingly hefty, too. In Canada, I'd need at least one combo with an extra sandwich to get full. Here, one combo is the perfect amount. Ironic that the McDonald's portions in North America are smaller than in Japan. (Yes, I was indeed extremely full after this meal.) <b>9/10</b></div><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RQ5BY-c_JN7OPuiIip06Id_wVPKJwZCsNYf_IQlBK_AWNAWuXOLet3hpI4nEzUnCfDIl8zR18yKeWC9CeKkbeX9x60dD6UnBIjOhiY4-e-eXe4YHxwkYec7qR6NS5j9xaK4tafEDqfssb0kljjnoD4G6Ia237OpGrycEzTZ2TdMlSsj63tEuUFSBMOzV/s1600/march2024_osaka_mcd5.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Matcha Kuromitsu Warabi Mochi Pie</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84z92KviPFRE4qoEQAPiXyjFqZa3GO55mVgJSBOGff8yNsyZi5JZyGW0KZ6xPvSb74Rqkp0s9zyuXZZEGw6koQxkXu7u7sflmZxTy1kPWUjAhCrlzmpoV_T9-R9QTjWt3lAmlW0sLw92Oqkw4iqHChQLB3W6xI3mEVCWMhYEFFD1ywhbepqjDDrK5SVa7/s1600/march2024_osaka_mcd6.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Matcha Kuromitsu Warabi Mochi Pie</i></center><div><br /></div><div><div>Finally, for dessert, another limited springtime release: the <a href="https://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/en/products/2580/">Matcha Kuromitsu Warabi Mochi Pie</a>. The first bite was okay, but quickly became way too much. The mochi with <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuromitsu">kuromitsu</a></i> — a Japanese black sugar syrup that is similar to molasses — inside a deep-fried shell were way too rich and heavy together. And the flavour of the <i>kuromitsu</i> overwhelms everything else — you can barely taste the matcha in the crust, and it becomes too sickly sweet. The <i>kuromitsu</i> <i>warabi</i> mochi and the matcha pie would be good separately, but like the Teritama burger, just do not go well together. Go for the classic apple pie instead. There's a reason why it's a permanent item. <b>5/10</b></div><div><br /></div><div>My conclusion from this very, very small sampling: I need to try more of the permanent menu items in Japan.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>McDonald's</b></div><div>2 Chome-5-3 </div><div>Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward</div><div>Osaka, Japan 〒542-0085</div><div>+81-06-6214-5101</div></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-75187495314243789282024-03-17T21:00:00.001-04:002024-03-20T07:04:45.468-04:00Osaka 2024 Travel Log: Day 4 — Rolled Unagi Omelette and Unadon at Hozenji YamakazuMy mom wanted to get <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unadon">unadon</a></i> for dinner so I did some researching and took us to <a href="https://tabelog.com/en/osaka/A2701/A270202/27133306/">Hozenji Yamakazu</a>, a restaurant that specializes in <i>unagi</i> dishes:<br /><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUY4j_Dci5CCKsBESIkUDDtrsbYIOgqzU44sVIhGt8KoZ0V_MU7XqSxSk08G3Pyi9LU-t3oKtupbwuS3fPHI-aEEUzn7gXeY_FB4hbIUw7_itDVbF7bfvH-izQuk9ZNlLwSr5Ob8LbtkodM-yES5euJGA1at2WEJtEyXdzje3loGdowO2YHoG-6o3WQ6w-/s1600/march2024_osaka_hozenji1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Rolled </i>unagi<i> omelette</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkBaYpl45bHRj7LoVWu__OoURAFezPdgbUy8klYTrf3a_9UyQU9GFStn1VvdoFWJAD0ApE0tpvegjv9-mXMhL3bAaXSLKx01PgmNsocfr-PND6qrcAkUWFZD1Y8NQkVFUV4cvxtB_f5K7WnH1xPkUPx4S10bV0qqvz4zlI8ZORr-fVaOJP_HIKHMqtk0R/s1600/march2024_osaka_hozenji2.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center>Unadon</center><div><br /></div><div><div>This was definitely, without a doubt, hands down, the best <i>unadon</i> I've ever had in my life. They make the most tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth, flavourful <i>unagi</i> without being overly saucy or sticky sweet. It was pretty pricey — altogether, it was about $35 CAD per person — and there was about an hour wait to get a table, but it so worth it. 10/10, highly recommend, would come back in a heartbeat.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Hozenji Yamakazu</b></div><div>1 Chome-1-16</div><div>Namba, Chuo Ward</div><div>Osaka, Japan 〒542-0076</div><div>+81-06-6211-5800</div></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-43163932655319661282024-03-16T22:00:00.001-04:002024-03-19T12:09:56.614-04:00V — "FRI(END)S" MV Reaction #1<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="405" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XfpUy9o1_IE?si=7332_GEahBHCdTeQ" title="YouTube video player" width="720"></iframe></center><br /><div>"Can't believe I put a guy like this to work at a restaurant."</div><div><br /></div><div>LOL, I love Na Young-seok PD so much.</div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-23362776247104674852024-03-16T18:00:00.005-04:002024-03-19T10:32:42.943-04:00Osaka 2024 Travel Log: Day 3 — Dotonbori Street Food TourWe fought our way through crowds and spent way too much time waiting in queues, but it wouldn't be a trip to Osaka without a plethora of street food:<br /><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgGdm0QkuHelLy3BD1ZjYfO9LDpX2kbzYs-WILmvnWCP5HTEc_AVOgQ2LvLuPqykjp8SohRWiGvP1-fo349ut7-qVuwY6wDhuW52tdFC33WP5Fqz9VATgzm_8agaA5tKBzYpms_yuQ4uQUgrsSXcBxcd2Wvd0zJ5ux1xq9NzEglLpqUqftS0BQxaikD06/s1600/march2024_march_streetfood1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Original </i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takoyaki">takoyaki</a></center><div><br /></div>
<div><center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxNt2tJdw3o38CyrD8b90s2mSFBsd81LsEVV3I-QW-qqacV-U0m1PmXSYWrlDMhap2vEDNlYCG9b_ZWeFVBVkh9xeqKbi74db9YJ67EW4iZ5aqCCX-ptEfkZeTgCTe_clkNFWiW-9Vux46u3SNlHf1oGtIkYmPy1A7BfGAlEGIGsggFThwvSh00o6LHjx/s1600/march2024_march_streetfood2-1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>A variety platter of </i>takoyaki</center><div><br /></div>
<div><center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7xW_366cxpRAj_eMfwBCGFxwnJx2cjXsuKD9a8FB_tK2j1iPBpem1Nq9D5rzpog9Y15Acr6amS6Eyesf2gI1D3ymM22p3gTCt0lW45IHJdwhZCUyarM2JULZWKMUytyEqfkyZ9VvXWE2LKqDxi9VGXULrERHno14C5lhJXEiV1C4boEykYtfQpNpxKQ1/s1600/march2024_march_streetfood3-1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitarashi_dango">Mitarashi dango</a></center><div><br /></div>
<div><center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKQYYrvZzUo2vulbQRyLBayYRZBGAfmkf2AofNm-4DNAkrdM6HnTi4Iu6FnAtSPvCFHlPaL1tfsq6u7XFckG6Vh1orHAQvJtk5hDuik1pnuZPyqf0suvRMmotPvWfb9MKpW3-i1FOlxDHTeRsWwrkQMtgx9v43WPK-i0rTsML6M2LB7qglfvfQmjl__ri/s1600/march2024_march_streetfood4.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>10 yen cheese coin pancake</i></center><div><br /></div>
<div><center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmp7PswrsGwxcwU6RrbwLvm77GgVJfqwSqfZv8vYLmudWOlV_tv095j9NI3XbH4yQI16sL8nYdQPHEmRjBgADDAXzfhThB8HfGPN-YsBRaJ5lrSZacjafo9n2mZTDIVZb6pYcQ7-EGQlAT2C8ILu5z1RtNaFmcQ5pom7G08ksY4UcFQCttmHAPCOnsN6Hn/s1600/march2024_march_streetfood5.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Sweet potato </i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiyaki">taiyaki</a></center><div><br /></div>
<div><center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMjhSEvlUE3RgNqY8QBQX38YoJ2f-V0MhMagXl01MRr1b_LdvIoipStxqzf6xT13iYA1ebA3DiLfv05CXpe2CQq-gJM0bNR3PNeTnbgPDR7EtSoCgseFW3k750O5EOlbh55ASB9QGfmSM8EqbrjvjVcXTjZ-YwQzpNJcL0pH-HN6vzN1Fn3OoMadNs8hb/s1600/march2024_march_streetfood6.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melonpan">Melonpan</a><i> with strawberry ice cream</i></center><div><br /></div>
<div><center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0I59Qch5BQlqJN6VWjX4JAoVsf1qU3izR-yDkVbfG3ZTTYacKPNUNn0zP66hfumF_xaP_u7s4hDnOJqfeL4s8TSTZD7MnH7ibt4gKwehKFLSUDMQoW05Jbs3HrSldu8boXhS6FmriLL-irq7RKbn8T9F7pWs0J8M1bud8Ax5EB0o9aml2jO0pvC3aHp6h/s1600/march2024_march_streetfood7.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center>Ichigo<i> </i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daifuku">daifuku</a><i> with strawberry cream and matcha cream</i></center><div><br /></div>
<div><center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoCMN0BqRX14l9B0ozxDW7gwu9BUHOHuEJsn9gvlnBDNj-3VT50PcZalbi9aI7Ow1qh07BSJmFZqYcBYcUrvm1nYWv8r66ti78cr2HKeP_fG8M_4R9Fo7TqGb9qQFI6UUR1NhcE4OAHF2iIyKYRXiT9CGn15LUOHVxlAbk8YT32Ri-4lk2g86bW9KyNAa/s1600/march2024_march_streetfood8-1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Sweet corn with strawberry soft serve</i></center><div><br /></div><div>Not a single disappointing item. ONLY DISAPPOINTED IN MYSELF BECAUSE I COULDN'T FIT ANYMORE IN. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Dotonbori</b></div><div>Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward</div><div>Osaka, Japan 〒542-0071</div><div>+81-06-6211-4542</div></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-67447123507625778482024-03-16T15:00:00.001-04:002024-03-18T13:20:20.508-04:00Osaka 2024 Travel Log: Day 3 — Rich Beef Bone Ramen at Mugen Ramen 無限ラーメン千日前店We originally wanted to go to <a href="https://tabelog.com/en/osaka/A2701/A270202/27003897/">Creperie Alcyon</a> for lunch, but after lining up for 15 minutes and not having the queue move at all, we decided to find something else, which is how we ended up at <a href="https://sennichimae.com/streetmap/shop18/">Mugen Ramen</a>:<br /><br />
<div><center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDrxZBXywxd229y31gJzZHq_BtEAasAmAFJRVmRqyJN7XWutqZWRGybl5gs_RJrDEHxNF0Q62Y9DN9sJbpu5gT5J1YIurl1alPhyBNzKmKSDp0CYd9ONgOEktgsUvzgdqWOPu_DDQr_b_821K3VrBbnYkRvgIxwBvRB0H0l3YKUk0kyjRHPEwFO2r-WiN/s1600/march2024_osaka_mugenramen.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Rich beef bone ramen</i></center><div><br /></div><div><div>You can customize your ramen after ordering your base bowl, so I chose the rich beef bone ramen with extra rich broth, extra <i>char siu</i>, sirloin beef slices, and a soft-boiled egg. I think this is the first time I've had beef bone-based broth, and it is EXCELLENT. It was the creamiest, most flavourful broth I have ever experienced. The noodles are thinner than standard ramen, but they cling better to the thick broth. The char siu was excellent (I ordered an extra 2 pieces), but the raw beef slices didn't cook enough even after sitting in the steaming hot broth for over 5 minutes, so the texture of the meat felt almost slimy with the rich broth. Not sure if that's how it's supposed to be, but I would stick to the <i>char siu</i> here. Overall, though, a delicious, satisfying lunch, and shockingly, no line-up. Worth visiting if you're looking for ramen in Dotonbori. (Also, ignore the ratings on Google. The reviews for this location are being given to another location because this one isn't listed in English.)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Mugen Ramen 無限ラーメン千日前店</b></div><div>1 Chome−2−2 無限ラーメン</div><div>Dotonbori, Chuo Ward</div><div>Osaka, Japan 〒542-0076</div><div>+81-06-6755-8925</div></div>
</div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-6142221632286797962024-03-15T23:30:00.005-04:002024-03-18T07:58:17.427-04:00V — "FRI(END)S" Official MV<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="405" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/62peQdQv4uo?si=DKn28PAjt_6iq_WD" title="YouTube video player" width="720"></iframe></center><br /><div>Ah, he fell for his friend with benefits. A rookie mistake. We've all been there. But it's okay; as the MV shows, the love that really matters is for yourself. (I mean, didn't BTS spend an entire era promoting just that?) </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You're in my head</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I had plans for the weekend </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>But wound up with you instead </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Back here again</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Got me deep in my feelings</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>When I should be in your bed </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You and I go back to like '09, it's like forever</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And you were there my lonely nights, yeah</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Keeping me together</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>So wouldn't it make sense if I was yours?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And you could call me your baby</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>But we say we're just, say we're just</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Friends, just for now</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Yeah, but friends don't say words that</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Make friends feel like more than just</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Friends, just for now </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Now, I'm over pretending</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>So let's put the "end" in friends</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Friends are not supposed to get too close</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And feel emotions that</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We're feeling now, now, now</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We ain't slowing down, down, down </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>But once we cross the line</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>There's no denying you and</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I can never turn around, 'round, 'round</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Know we'll never be the same </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You and I go back to like '09, it's like forever</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And you were there my lonely nights, yeah</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Keeping me together</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>So wouldn't it make sense if I was yours?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And you could call me your baby</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>But we say we're just, say we're just</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Friends, just for now</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Yeah, but friends don't say words that</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Make friends feel like more than just</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Friends, just for now</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Now, I'm over pretending</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>So let's put the "end" in friends </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Friends, just for now </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Yeah, but friends don't say words that</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Make friends feel like more than just </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Friends, just for now</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Now, I'm over pretending</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>So let's put the "end" in friends</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And on that note, this song is actually way more playful and poppy than I expected, and I'm OBSESSED WITH IT. It's already on three of my playlists because it fits so many moods and genres. Plus, the storytelling and cinematography in this MV is just... chef's kiss, incredible. ENTIRELY WORTH THE WAIT.</div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-40388445272302811182024-03-15T22:30:00.002-04:002024-03-18T12:28:08.862-04:00Osaka 2024 Travel Log: Day 2 — Strolling Through Dotonbori<div><center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLNrzNbDiV_Tv9JtxVP3lvevIboH8bifxEA1U7XPEzYNzGsNXLImX4qZ4elMjYytOl5FTAOX49lEHG6-5gyZjUMSLuu4zjPljyhq7fTKbIvykXq-f_qahCWxbpciJ3L5o_k-CbslhgOiweurFF-5N0O2bqdqLAo5hDkaldEjpb96TkFZWDr3iPkToewfJ/s1600/march2024_osaka_dotonbori6.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Dotonbori</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMDmyQzwxUbFNxfJnhlxDhEViZapMTPALPAUt97U-1qfj302CAuO_M28VBmBUxz3iznD6PEIs5qbD-yGS2RpUGIYjKdczpO6go7kVJ7uArgoQo4mz9bm4qE4fKFgBdCYnhbVRe1SUQOYvdsQDvTgiJY0-I5a5Vb-LTvx8t0Ip-oiQjJJYyegu9j1EaWMm/s1600/march2024_osaka_dotonbori7.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Dotonbori</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPe4F5ALUlBqOS3UwJV-phcDnrTXZTGX4wk-9yfzbOVxQAMGpbBNni1u2dyGWCYgAhAwjm7Jl-l8RnlNaXxkns4dlWgmMzdKDQVsAN3piAVrAyreLBfaguOpO5IwlJf7llv_D_afhL71pulgPkGqYyqKCtNUk3gIFwnxQa5sLHFjKPFWykWswvdmseFbjT/s1600/march2024_osaka_dotonbori8.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Dotonbori</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHm0967aXQ7RbbMazR6v-OZ5GV2Q7BBDjI4fr7VVaZjs7ewXu7-aIDKhdQ1urnS-myXNxFkYxl7QnGy4JxPRBzu1LW44mL43xIdIC8vQURY0Livxh1FrE-MizKyjv0Tc3uQnss2wjbxvCD3w6rmCe1n5tYOyyU98EZl7SlfN5OUmaverGG7aqMUG_NY2T/s1600/march2024_osaka_dotonbori9.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Dotonbori</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUWmAuMl_AZ5T1szrg_Ms8hur3SUjf5N3o-FdqllJc3AfZlBAOTsEhJf3ONOLo-knSeQUh8EAqfl6c-igRlS4ULPM9MfnO2GKs1tSx_QR5QO8B8jBow-amGLkyw7POqllrYOSEI0elL4i0Gfp87KgEy3LnXcduCRftE-zyK-dhEjg3qmkjfa49X9twgSg/s1600/march2024_osaka_dotonbori1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Dotonbori</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mbZovMFUWm6UWBh5wjrz3VDA4ZFR1aJB4PVLvM6012secrQfU-Q1ZE1gk0Nga8ra2MdggUCpC1UxSlzwdAg94uSRKq5dn4MNLX7KORKjNRqNcgK3Ie1DukVicjPhaOCGVR4DmXp-dlYkjSAdG26KGyI-8YmB5d9QogxL2d7juFBquOK-RrT09iZuF1jf/s1600/march2024_osaka_dotonbori2.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Dotonbori</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWHODHtkBvE5pO_fRHM4PbBO4bJ3jhrkASzT93BuBJh-sLOBiC1D6Bue1CMLe1X8rH2in66gSMZ_gqvu-FLGQo417p8-UsuO-t8wVWOiVdRj_WHPOWaAMyNkngXNVM-6DzVrva5Bybel5t6zlqtHqGa008c2ghyphenhyphen1q9Ae87F4KItiOh418Y8I3f5x6MxZ8/s1600/march2024_osaka_dotonbori3.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Dotonbori</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvRhTkR6a-laPn6wxPRyLeH2MX1d6GqNCxVuOnaI0YqGKdpY8zLA2khV9nmjD836cq8ThMxzQOBBZbOMK_yUgXqI8-LPnCUBSCBRT1g0dBYUM9wPRBhopZVi-kLGUkmINudAQmoELbMfl8l-rF5d64WboRQPvILe3Y3IarPxUjVfBMgdQJ_o2lqzUTnqT/s1600/march2024_osaka_dotonbori4.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Dotonbori</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGo9uYiQAX-MhDAm-1cgE8syNVoSml7-tyIBlFJXjnDUHI_ll3XJJrdFpzJkiviTMUlR8Uqi_USjl1HFMDX3wqzf9ceQg27HCYlmVBB7J8Ecw7fipwnkKpnyQ-SA5HUTqt3upTiQ7nUJIHI8jARczzYpiNF5ggR_wWk0G5YZokyolKxhP32Vmj0UvCTjvg/s1600/march2024_osaka_dotonbori5.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Dotonbori</i></center><div><br /></div>
Had to go back to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C5%8Dtonbori#Landmarks_and_sights">Glico Running Man</a>. Because did you even go to Osaka if you didn't visit the Glico Running Man?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Dotonbori</b></div><div>Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward</div><div>Osaka, Japan 〒542-0071</div><div>+81-06-6211-4542</div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-87761623526329843062024-03-15T21:00:00.002-04:002024-03-18T09:28:52.145-04:00Osaka 2024 Travel Log: Day 2 — Kaitenzushi at Daikisuisan KaitenzushiWell, you know we had to get <i><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2036_kaitenzushi.html">kaitenzushi</a></i> (or conveyor belt sushi) at least once in Japan. <br /><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUk5srBiCGWG05Jlti-3UZAOaaH21Sqfcrml13QXqSW788aYmlM2sUR6tetrAhlUrWFVsfXnTc9x6LR9IimQT-Wkyccusm4N8OKPOiOSV9Jlr23oRmEccATj7yM7LcrwbWUAdOdnX8-Ms2E1tJCi9m6ILYdNfJu2ibN4IwlNArqwljmjGNGJnOnnEn-eh/s1600/march2024_osaka_daikisuisan1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center>Kaitenzushi</center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4EedOv_CoLHOBkdAQoW0ujvqbzjWd30_7dbEfEvREmw3JGrWRiEyh8yEhxogi5x4GFdV819xBrC2IXweGO2IhOMqCFFFVFdFG-svs3tO_cfM_QjY9enMajbTdLqui2FCogPLRuSGUSQvgEhZvn01vndFyokmZ4gLoE1VQyxnW1xvjY_YawUKziocKTfc/s1600/march2024_osaka_daikisuisan2.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Assorted sashimi</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPAiBhIiYV_dhOPKoeWSVW04_OkqDFVcnt0iaTZq20AVwJPmtXCrGFArwZ5Zb-r1Zp90xO6kofECOw0uKZYPOZf0EWO7proxkv61XXGNBCWJ2UJNLUI_ApuZduRl4CkYRQ-uKqPCKzxEm7RWDOBpRQeoz_-l0jMIcVt0W3LeKnErXKFaGWqiujppBHL4q/s1600/march2024_osaka_daikisuisan3.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Sweet shrimp nigiri</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ugJqAaIkxY92Z0S2otEwfVA3DdRWYfyXefSet_ChrY0ZgYtVe6wHAT9jC-TKJ1gVb2u7Miu025pzO0wns3CPWHE9cbsc7CApCoCv2pT8E5wvJLYzVpNCYREhQG1CychPmJlYrfDjkSP8tDUdiqizIXNsxQO17_cl1uTzCgoI3vGplSfc-kKC1Ug8Jc37/s1600/march2024_osaka_daikisuisan4.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Freshwater eel nigiri</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRh8ZaKC17N3Fnx72mZzY7-RDEO8Hza9a_fBRswBLJpzA-6bEO0a2JdH-mi-ocign67W7BUL7AT4WW8gba4ylbCAHwhsYuNR-44Mg-wonAHQxUstzWKKQjNEmRtoKmcDeNw1fcPTctJjsmG5-mesXEawQ1HnG_gEXflP6gIDfgaNirD74a0PQGSMA-12HL/s1600/march2024_osaka_daikisuisan5.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Cuttlefish nigiri</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHvyf5G2g3HVjWEXFEk-ToY-Exf46ErGL9pbHxPkfKd_X0ALwdxwqUwl3Mkm64Yjpqa3Dbcnh50qn6HHsPaU_kg9rf5QUA2_uPddfJ_0xTCyOW-XGtQOQRl-9Qqg10CXd29dapfFJQSfRm9ECR2hE-51E2iwgw34qbSLnIA-1IfB3agDz_XcO0od3LUg9/s1600/march2024_osaka_daikisuisan6.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Salmon nigiri</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi348hYi-UKgKkkx4amitKpYKOO0J5itIwjt9x1rrBTw1gBxNN3xV4FsBpIY16gzR0Sh4YLQtgiikEpnZ7fWXPMHZRjlYYbYHz3xGwA7y_uZPtO0tbNoMnoHXZuaiDxDsSoH7ShP6XVEqFaZfmOONsiMJGUDjpwZlh541GgNbQxyNcA8BezmJrW4PspLqYj/s1600/march2024_osaka_daikisuisan7.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Tuna and pickled radish gunkan</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBg9-MV2nQqM346FLe_q5pt8TjuS-iLe2a9umk792xuLzpmEI8hzNTxm8Us3sGHQkRMUZSsXyT8Fps0DHV33wLDukL9Pf_bUNg5TvDHIeffcV2KYu0Z9R6urHVSAkoy1v5SaukeznSebNxT7ugWjtjtpU6HWEKBpMJy6fnt3JRTqMIJk9SRxtB0ILrKkcp/s1600/march2024_osaka_daikisuisan8.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Chutoro tuna nigiri</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFCsSY7eJFCI9QsOSMx_6S489izJN4iQYfiUVcMG6rkRxfmXPFlJdlehLicWtSqthWkuMjg5vZQ5lNJwuNwm5ZnLAuAbg4UeeoAFdQkvmyHCdz18TMq-C4WnmQWHSanapxJF79KSkqqwQ93SDdiOq7rO05P7oanPmigI5adj3qGfATDGVHI-tp1CfIyPg/s1600/march2024_osaka_daikisuisan9.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Deep-fried tuna</i></center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8o78X-jNnEAbQz2sOu5rzaw7dZ77FPW0pqAUuVkz_YcxVo-PuGSloD1DY2PClhZpZxv3hC9sCjYAgPhnMDxb95wfb7K34pwMMdYf_ybJvGR0nb7V1MU-oicOZUFhHpgGmZMUOVKHzU_0-oDiQso6yVtUkHbUi3WuaZEluPlvSjwmGH0ENDyAP0wXSXQyq/s1600/march2024_osaka_daikisuisan10.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Shrimp tempura udon</i></center><div><br /></div><div>We initially went to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kura_Sushi">Kura Sushi</a> because it's one of the big national <i>kaitenzushi</i> chains, but there was a 90-minute wait, so we said "fuck it," and kept walking down Dotonbori. And good thing we did, because that's how we found <a href="https://sushi.daiki-suisan.co.jp/">Daikisuisan</a>, a smaller <i>kaitenzushi</i> chain restaurant (this one is only in 4 regions — Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, and Kyoto — rather than nationwide), where the food is superb, the variety is excellent, the service is efficient, the prices are reasonable, and — best of all — there is no line-up. Not sure why everyone was hellbent on waiting at Kura Sushi when this place is not even a block away, but hey, at least I got to eat first.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Daikisuisan Kaitenzushi</b></div><div>Shikairo Dontonbori Building, 1F</div><div>1 Chome−7−24 道頓堀ビル 1F 四海樓</div><div>Dotonbori, Chuo Ward</div><div>Osaka, Japan 〒542-0071</div><div>+81-06-6214-1055</div></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549555923267724867.post-72573512520523678782024-03-15T14:30:00.006-04:002024-03-18T09:29:01.183-04:00Osaka 2024 Travel Log: Day 2 — Dotonbori and Hiroshima Okonomiyaki at Chibo OkonomiyakiTime for our first Osaka specialty: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okonomiyaki">Okonomiyaki</a>! <br /><br />
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnaNhS9E3toNlYVDzR_QJlQiDgSnDN20gxp6hM8nFvrvmAPR9wM5mmdo8odSBUkIU31Qn8uxafu_OYNvvuGuF5-fCGm7sxH7b53pSlgE-J72WT9UW0ZInWwUsiG2YgbluREQg8NYAqwCkc_3CUJprhXP2uxe-Hjdo4duokwDUK_-n0J8atA2eaUnLHMJl/s1600/march2024_osaka_chibo1.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Dotonbori </i>okonomiyaki</center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjum6cDNcW_n3IZk4QbvDmEvP6eTzo44Nm9Z35bOkyhqDc2uGCDlzqXTnHWeMUsfN_493djRef7vxwlmbxsiGAV1MKynQN1aIBymk29vmgiwxVlWPRwR7hpTYzpRlXguA2jOmi8cToNqYLKDcpOobt4LXZZFkjm0S6YYr_Wfr7hCHCRQqaXREf2chjvsi/s1600/march2024_osaka_chibo2.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Hiroshima </i>okonomiyaki</center><div><br /></div>
<center><img border="15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCtbKXD7mcUezxMRxj7U37qPIk9QJzIWO1_m08Cd638aI9VwfcTQULQTYLK09_Dwq0R-d4NSxeep6OukJQgiC8oGpqvzYILl3mYDhHbqCvOEiyGEd_Q9iR0IcMaKF3O7vztVvtqV5Pi7azBorbpxSqkPn_pCn5cFXkpUtC6Gv_sm5oVlgbxC58P4MuDsM/s1600/march2024_osaka_chibo3.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(244, 244, 244);" width="100%" /></center><center><i>Cooking</i> okonomiyaki <i>on the </i>teppan</center><div><br /></div><div>Went for lunch at <a href="https://shop.chibo.com/shop/28">Chibo Okonomiyaki</a> and got their top 2 most popular items: the Dotonbori <i>okonomiyaki</i> (with pork, shrimp, squid, cheese, stewed beef, konjac, green onions, and a sunny side-up egg) and the Hiroshima <i>okonomiyaki</i> (with pork, shrimp, squid, yakisoba noodles, green onions, and a sunny side-up egg). Stuffed to the brim with tasty fillings, delightful crispy edges, and just the right amount of sauce and mayo. We both preferred the Hiroshima okonomiyaki slightly more because the yakisoba noodles added a nice springy texture, but they were both delicious, A+++, would eat again. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Chibo Okonomiyaki</b></div><div>1 Chome−5−5 道頓堀ビル 1~6F 千房</div><div>Dotonbori, Chuo Ward</div><div>Osaka, Japan 〒542-0071</div><div>+81-050-1807-5395</div></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17089607558566007598noreply@blogger.com0