The reason I stayed in Yokohama so late was this. Yamashita Park's illumination, Snow Rose Garden.
Which were lovely.
And crowded, which made it difficult to take photos.
Besides the lighted arches there were rose images projected on the ground. Even harder to photograph because there were a lot of little kids who were playing there. It was a problem because it was very dark and difficult to see them, especially by people who were walking through the areas.
The lit roses were very nice. Roses in December, it's really nice to see this.
I was ready to return to Ikebukuro but realized I was very hungry. Very near the park I saw Eggs 'n Things. A reminder of Hawaii.
This was a bit much, but I couldn't resist getting it. The "Christmas Chocolate Short Stack".
It was pretty good. I liked that there were berries inside with the cream. However, I couldn't finish it. I ate maybe two thirds?
And finally back to Ikebukuro Station where I found dolphins. From the sea to the station. I went from Japan to China to Hawaii.
One of the nice things about the Yokohama waterfront is there are wide pathways that you can walk. Including an elevated boardwalk. Very nice views from there looking out to Tokyo Bay or into the city.
This green copper dome caught my interest.
It is the Yokohama Indian Water Fountain. Inside is a drinking fountain. This was donated by Indian residents of Yokohama in gratitude for assistance following the 1923 earthquake, and in memory of those lost during it.
Sunset sky was lovely. I wish my photos could show how serene it was.
There is a lot to see along the waterfront. I wish I had visited 山下公園, Yamashita Park earlier. Perhaps another visit is needed in the future. It is a large area.
One of the highlights of the park is the roses. Another is this fountain.
Yokohama's sister city in the United States is San Diego. It makes sense. Both are port towns, both have strong navy ties.
As a gift to Yokohama, in 1960, San Diego gave them a copy of a statue that is in San Diego.
The Guardian of the Waters by sculptor Donal Hord.
I was surprised to see these mission bells. Growing up in California, I am familiar with California Mission history and the 20th century bell markers of Camino de Real. I didn't expect to see them in Japan.
I did expect to see roses. Pretty in the twilight but not easy to photograph in less light. It is lovely to see roses blooming in December.
Japanese Meiji style street lamps. These have a feeling of both western and eastern style combined.
This is the Hotel New Grand with the Yokohama Marine Tower in the background. Built in 1927 after the Great Kanto Earthquake, it was the place to stay for dignitaries and celebrities.
While there have been modern upgrades, a lot of the interior design details have been preserved, along with the architectural details outside. The blog Old Tokyo has photos from a 1940 brochure here https://www.oldtokyo.com/yokohama-hotel-new-grand-picturesque/
With the sun going down and after that long walk through Todoroki Valley, it was time to think about dinner. So I took a short ride from Todoroki Station to Jiyugaoka Station to check out a restaurant I had noted in my online research. Where I ended up is part of the Shibuya koé hotel group. Located at the koé house store in Jiyugaoka is koé green.
There was definitely a Scandinavian vibe to koé house. The restaurant was in the first floor of the store with tables that were placed around the center stairs. Ordering is done at the counter and then you pick where you want to sit. I passed on the pasta gratin selections and went with their green's deli plate.
This came with a battered fish that I think was cod, salad, two deli items, bread and drink. The fish was really nice with a light batter. I don't usually eat fried food in the US, but in Japan, there is much less of an oily taste. I think it's the type of oil that many places use in Japan. Possibly canola oil? I know I prefer it and use it at home. In America, corn oil is used more often.
Everything on my plate was delicious, with bits of spice and heat in unexpected but nice ways. Tsukemono pickles were topped by cold curried shrimp. Amazing taste! koé green is located at koé house, 2 Chome-9-19 Jiyugaoka, Meguro City.
Finishing my dinner, I went for a short walk. To La Vita.
I think I arrived at a perfect time, with the moon rising in the sky and the sun setting.
La Vita is a little area in Jiyugaoka where the architectural design is based on Venice.
It is only one block in size, but the photos make it seem much bigger. In part because of all the details like the lights and moldings. Even Roman goddess Diana is there hunting. Nice timing with the moon showing up in the sky.
Besides the architecture reminding me of Venice, there is a little bridge over a canal and a gondola.
The canal doesn't go any where and is very shallow. But it is picturesque and a number of people were busy taking selfies there.
It was dark when I made it back to Jiyugaoka Station, which is why I noticed this very creative illumination in the shape of a Gothic arch.
Besides the sakura pink lights in the trees, red and pink rose lights covered the arch.
Along with these other rose lights that changed color.
Before I left Jiyugaoka, I did stop at a couple little shops by the station. I had heard of Cafe&Cake Mozart, and there was a little store outside the station.
So I bought their little chocolate chocolate chip and nut cookies. I think the nuts were almond. These were very nice. Cake&Cafe Mozart's address is Front Exit Jiyugaoka Station, 30, Meguro City.
Being that Jiyugaoka is a place that has a more European style to it, it was not surprising that there was a Dalloyau Paris shop there. Of course I had to get a few macarons. Left to right is chocolate, chocolate orange, and pistachio. I had asked for and pointed to the season special, pistachio with peppermint, but I was given the regular pistachio macaron. Other than that, they were delicious! Crispy outside, creamy inside. Their macarons are a little smaller than I've seen elsewhere, but nicely made. Dalloyau Paris address is 2-chōme-11-2 Jiyūgaoka, Meguro City.
