DAY 1 & 2 : Sep 6 - 7 : TOKYO!!

HOLIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So to celebrate the first day, we had Unagi (eel). A favorite Japanese food.


Matt found a popular "Hitsumabushi" restaurant in Ginza from the restaurant guide. (it's good to bring a laptop!)





Like Oreo's (twist it - lick it - dunk it), someone started a new way of eating Unagi (as it is - with condiments - and lastly with soup) - and it became a hit.



Kappabashi - street of every kitchen tools for the pros!
Daichan said he needs a whole day in this place.

From plastic food to rustic pottery, apple peeler to cashier machine.

Matt's obsession to knives for every purpose is satisfied here. He loves his Knives So Sharp! and i'm not complaining!

This is a golden Kappa (a Japanese mythical creature of a swamp), believed to have helped the villagers build the bridge (hashi) of the town... Therefore the name Kappabashi.


At night, we met Matt's friends at Cicada tapas bar and restaurant in Roppongi, packed with unpretentious Yuppies.
I almost could imagine coming here if I was working in Tokyo....oh... did I just self proclaimed myself as Yuppie? eeww....















The next day, we walked around Tokyo and bumped into some festival.









In the afternoon, we met Yuko-san who I worked with when I was in Citi. It was a surprise for her too that I got hitched with Matt.

We went to Brazil festival at Yoyogi Park, and when it started raining heavily, we ended up dancing in the rain! What a blast!!



After that, we went back to the hotel for Ofuro (public bath) and went out for dinner.
Felt like such a long day!

Day 3 : Sept 8 : SAPPORO

A quick lunch at Haneda Airport turned out to be a really really nice Beef Curry Rice.
Meat so tender and rice so fluffy. Tears in my eyes...
Did I tell you I can eat Curry everyday?










Then it's off to HOKKAIDOO!
by a Pikachu airplane!?

Anyway,
SAPPORO here we come!!














The picturesque Tokei-dai (the clock tower) build in 1878.
This clock has been ticking ever since it was built, without any parts being replaced at all (really...?)
Well, apparently, that makes this one of National Treasure of Japan.








The old Government building build in 1888.

Inspired by American Neo Baroque architecture looks...well a bit creepy in this picture...



Susukino is the place for food, restaurant and good night life, where around 4000 shops coexist, and is bustling til the break of dawn.

...never knew this part of Japan is also all sex, perverts and rock'n roll.



Ramen-yokocho, Sapporo's Ramen of all Ramen place, about 50 ramen shops next to each other and they are all full.





Die Die Must try (tribute to Makansutra) is the Butter Ramen. Sounds very good for diet doesn't it?






Corn and sweet potato is proud Hokkaido produced delicacy.
Carbo lover haven....



Fuufu Katsura - Katsura's Couple Tree'

Originally, there were 2 seperate trees, but over time, the roots joined and became 1. The trees withstood for 300 years protecting the Katsura foot of the mountain. 20 years ago, due to strong wind, they fell. But miraculously, the root bore 2 trees. It is said that the right one is a boy and the left one is a girl.


Moiwa-yama (531m) Go up by rope way and voila! beautiful city lights of Sapporo.

So romantic!
Here, Matt decides to buy a tripod, so he can take better night shots.... very romantic indeed.

Day 4: Sept 9 : Sapporo & Otaru

First thing first.... a visit to Takeya's ancestral grave in Hiragishi, 15min train ride from City.



Notice the GUINESS BEER Matt offered. A taste of Irish beer to the Japanese Spirits.


Then a day trip to Otaru!!



In 1869 when Sapporo opened its trading from foreign countries, Otaru became the Japan's gate of the north.
Many big banks like Bank of Japan, Mitsubishi, Mitsui built their offices inspired by European architecture, and it was called the Wall Street of the North.

The whole city is reminiscent of those good old days and is charming with classic Art Noveau and Japonesque retro chic influence everywhere. (except for a tacky Medieval themed brewery restaurant that's up to suck in the tourists - like us).















100 yen a pop Scallops BBQ










Then back to...
Sapporo TV tower in the middle of Oodori Park which belts the city central. In July, this is where the Beer Garden is held and in the Winters, the famous annual Snow Festival is held.






Using the just acquired Tripod from Big Camera.












Here's me eating Gingiskhan - Lamb BBQ. I usually don't like lamb but this is really good. Really really good.






And the best way to burn those calorie is.... Karaoke!!

Day 5 : Sept 10 : Sapporo - Jyozankei

The Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium
(大倉山ジャンプ競技場,) is a ski jumping venue which hosted a number of winter sports events including 1972 Winter Olympics and FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2007.












We go up by rope way... It's 120m long, and it's really high and scarryy!





This green thing is supposed to represent a round algea living under the lakes in Hokkaido called "Marimo".
Someone decided to put "Mokkori" meaning erection, after Marimo, and the committee agreed and a green creature with an erection became their Mascot Marimokkori, selling everything from pencils to cookies...
I don't understand it either..




Met Masako-san, an ex Goldman employee in Tokyo whom i only know from a phone. Again, we head to Ramen Yokocho and joined the longest queue to see how good this popular place. Of course, it was nice, though a bit oily.

And I thought Ajisen in Singapore was oily.




Then off to JYOZANKEI (定山渓)




A monk named "MIIZUMI JYOZAN" discovered a spa in the JYOZANKEI area in 1866.
After settling down, he went on to develop the area and spa turning it into a "health resort" with special attention made on preserving its natural beauty and splendour.(What a business minded monk!). Due to the wondrous healing effects of the water,the area became famous and today attracts visitors from all parts of Japan.







Outside the hotel, there are few public spots to enjoy the hot springs.












We bought 2 eggs to test if they'll boil, making 'Onsen Tamago' but they didn't... but the water was sooooo hot!!








Went into a cave where 30 statues are kept. All of them represent a protector of something, like natural disaster or good luck thing - it was build in 1930s by a good man who prayed for the lives sacrificed when the roads to Jyozankei were being built. - kind of creepy. Totally recommended for those Claustrophobias. ha ha









Rest of the night we stayed at the ryokan (Japanese inn) where dinner and break fast is provided.








This ryokan allowed us a private bath entry...(m, m, m ;) and an outdoor hot spring entry all day long which was as good as a private bath. Lovely!




Tanoshikatta!!

Day 6 : Sept 11 : Jyozankei

We walked in and around quiet mountains of Jyozankei.



Ainu boat display at Ainu Culture Exchange Center.














Hookeikyo Dam (豊平峡ダム) 102m high Arch shaped concrete dam.

Snoooooze....

Matt admiring the construction of Geta.








Dined in at the Inn
Food was so nice, as you can see.