A Train to Okutama

I did not want to leave Japan without going some place outside of Tokyo. I was also wanting a break from the crowds. There were a couple places I wanted to visit for some time. One was Enoshima, but being an island with the weather being cold and a bit windy it might not be so pleasant. The other place was Okutama, which a friend recommended on my previous trip. That's the Okutama Station with the Ome Line train that I took behind it.

Okutama is up in the mountains on the edge of Tokyo. It does take a little time to get there. Four trains from Hamamatsucho Station. I took the Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station where I caught the Chuo Line out to Tachikawa Station. From there if I remember right it was an Ome Line to Ome Station and then walk across the platform to the local Ome line that ends in Okutama. You can't go any further than that.

Even though I had to change trains and the trip took some time, the view during the final leg of the journey was worth it. So beautiful! The train traveled along valleys with the Tama River below, passing through small towns and really small stations. If it wasn't for the style of building the landscape could have passed for Oregon or Northern California. I just sat back and watched it unfold as we traveled to Okutama.

If I remember right there are a couple Chuo Lines trains that go all the way to Ome and back so that's one less transfer. I was in luck in getting one for my return back from Okutama. By the way, that is a giant ice cream cone in the window of the station.

Leaving the station I took a look at the sky over the mountain tops. Cloudy but at least not rain. I hoped for a little clearing.

I stopped in at the Visitor Center where the very kind lady gave me a map. I was hungry since I skipped lunch again so I went for one of their small wasabi cheese tarte. Mind you this is not horseradish wasabi but real wasabi. And a decent cheese flavor too. Pretty good little tarte.

I wasn't sure what I was going to do except walk through the town and take in the sights. I had spend most of my time before this trying to figure out the trains to take. I decided to head towards one of the rivers. Just beyond the station there was a small shrine. Note the red flowers near it?

It was the Okigoto Inari Shinto Shrine. Small but nicely tended to.

Unlike most of Tokyo, when you get out towards Okutama there are a lot less people. It has a feeling of being a bit more rural which was a nice change.

There are hot springs onsen and places to stay and some buildings and grounds are older and well kept.

Along the way I came to the Okuhikawa or the Oku-Hikawa Shrine, 奥氷川神社. There wasn't much to see except a few trees.

Specifically these three Japanese cedar trees. Hikawa Sanbon Sugi, 氷川三本杉

Which somehow grew together and became well known sacred trees.

Not far from the shrine is this engaging bridge with metal work images of fish.

And of wasabi.

It's the Hikawa-Ohashi Bridge which goes over the Nippara River.

The view from there reminded me of California and Oregon with the houses stacked on the hillsides.

Along with the trees and the clear cut spaces. But the view from the bridge is pretty. This is looking back to the main part of town where the train station is.

Below is the Nippara River. The water looks clear even from above.

I wish I could have seen it with the sun on it. Even without I could tell there are amazing blue green colors in the water.

Since I took so many photographs I don't want to post one super long entry. So will have more from Okutama in my next two posts.

Tokyo Food

Probably better to title this "A Sampling of Tokyo Konbini Food". While I didn't eat every meal from a konbini, I did take advantage of the variety of fresh food you can get at them. Like this teriyaki chicken I ate the first night. Always good to know the words "atatame masu ka?" which is what the employees will ask wanting to know if you want them to warm your food.

Being in Japan in March means it's time for sakura themed everything. This little crepe was one of the first things I bought at 7-Eleven.

This was like a dorayaki filled with "fluffy mochi" or so the wrapper said. Hidden inside was a bit of whipped cream and anko red bean paste I think. It was actually pretty good.

I went looking for almonds and found these on sale. Also pretty good. I know we can get Lotte Almonds here, not sure about the crisp part. I did find non-chocolate almonds later.

That sakura theme? It's on everything. Including this rather sweet sake. I did try it, not something I would drink again. Definitely a marketing for sakura watching parties. Personally if it's sparkling I would rather have champagne.

Sorry my photos aren't better lit. Result of having windows of another building just yards away from mine. I don't think I opened the drapes the whole time I was there. Thus lack of light for photos. At least this sushi roll was better than the photo. Cucumber and surimi with a mustard mayo seasoning. Not my usual choice for sushi but I wanted to try something different.

Back to the sakura theme and my little dessert that night. This was more like a short bread cookie with a salt pickled sakura bud. Definitely different.

I don't know why I decided to try different sake this trip but it helped that konbini have a variety of small bottles to chose from. I think this is the same maker as the big US brewer Takera. Who are also responsible for that Mio sake. This however was not brewed in the US.

Glad I had an excuse to try the Yamazaki strawberry cake. Also nice my room had a fridge to keep the second piece cold for another day.

Because there was a birthday so why not enjoy a little something for it. Pretty delicious.

And a french cruller donut for breakfast in between concerts. For those who can't decide if they want chocolate or not. (I swear I bought this before someone else posted a photo of a french cruller donut at that time).

This Hatsukuru Yamada Nishiki sake was my favorite along with that great one from Hiroshima. The glass is one of the things that made it home with me.

 This Tamano Hikari sake was nice too.

I looked for chocolates that I can't find in the US. Choices were a bit limited in the konbini. I did find these Fujiya brand Look chocolates. Unusual flavors plus a lot of packaging.

Last are a couple of pastries I didn't get at a konbini but at La Boulangerie Quignon at Tachikawa Station. Which leads to my next set of posts.

Pretty nice baked goods for my last day and of course there's that sakura blossom on the scone.

It was the Magic Hour in Shibakoen

I was pretty tired but I still felt the desire to get out in hopes of finding something to offset the feeling of let down after two nights of exciting concerts. Also knew I wanted to try to get back to Zojo-ji Temple which I last saw in 2011. Sun was setting and things were looking a little dark and dull.

A white tulip tree seemed to glow a little.

Underneath were squirrels on pedestals. I don't know why.

The sculptor did catch that look squirrels give you when they see you, that friend or foe side-eye.

Like Daimon, Sangedatsumon was also disappointingly covered up. Guess it was time for repairs and refurbishment.

 Not daunted I went through and into Zojo-ji. I was in luck to see the Daiden Hondo, main hall, with Tokyo Tower now glowing beside it.

It was twilight, the magic hour.

The view at Ankokuden hall was also luminary. I could see why photographers and film makers love to shoot during this time period.

Walking over to the Shinto Kumano Shrine the wind blew a little and leaves rustled as if something was stirring.

The air had a feeling that something could happen. Like possibly seeing Yatagarasu the three legged crow.

Walking to the back of Zojo-ji Temple, Tokyo Tower was even more vivid against the darkening blue sky.

Glowing even above the Mausoleums of the Tokugawa Shoguns where the wooden sobota rattled although there was no wind. I would not have been surprised to see a figure in armor appear as the air darkened around me.

I decided to revisit Daitokuin Mon, the remaining gate of the mausoleum for Shogun Tokugawa Hidetada.

I noticed something special had happened. I could see Nio Ungyo, who represents latent strength, clearly.

The same for Nio Agyo, who represents overt strength.

It was as if the protective wire screen in front of them had almost vanished. It was magic.

But it was that Tower that captured my attention. Even next to what was the pathway up to the area where Hidetada's mausoleum once was.

 Walking up the sky darkened. But was still light enough to make out some of the Zojo-ji buildings.

Cresting the top of the hill by Prince Park Tower Hotel night had descended and the view was enchanting.

 I walked down to the small Benzaiten Shrine on the other side of Shiba-koen to find Tokyo Tower was captured in one of Benzaiten's ponds.

 I have a few posts about Zojo-ji, Shiba-koen and Daitokuin. Just click on the labels below if you want to see more photos and read a little more.

Back to Hamamatsucho in Tokyo

Six years had passed since I spent time in Hamamatsucho in Tokyo. I was curious what changed. The Furukawa was still the same with the restaurant boats and more.

New was Devil Craft Chicago Pizza and Craft Beer, a very American style place that offers beer they create at their brewery. I had hoped to get in to try their "White Face Devil" brew.

The Jizo statue was still there and still getting attention.

There are a lot more bars and restaurants in the Hamamatsucho area just south of Hamamatsucho Station. I can't remember if Warayakiya Izakaya was here six years ago. With the striking dark facade I would have noticed it. Checking online it looks like it's only been here for a couple years.

 Meishu Center Tokyo Sake Tasting Bar is definitely new and a place I was tempted to visit. If I get back I will try to stop in when it's not crowded.

 Nippon Maguro Gyogyodan is also new. So new it doesn't show on Google Maps. I actually figured out the name from their signage. And yes this place is known for it's tuna.

Further from Hamamatsucho Station on the other side of Daiichi-Keihin National Route I found a few interesting things. Like this window full of clowns and noise makers.

Another window reminded me why I had Tomad shops marked on my map. I was walking by when the colorful Kracie's Tabino Yado hot springs milky assortment pack came into view. A bath favorite at a really good price compared to what they are sold for in the US.

Another kind of window back by Hamamatsucho Station where a very large building is being constructed. I have never seen a public decibel level meter at construction sites in the US. Definitely something good to have.

Last window, this time looking out at Hamamatsucho from a place in Shibadaimon. A place that was still there amongst all the refurbished buildings in the area. A place I remember fondly for serving the first hot meal I was able to enjoy back in March, 2011.

MOS Burger where I enjoyed another shrimp burger. I think I even sat in the same seat that I sat in six years ago.

Also enjoyed their delicious onion rings. Wishing I could have some right now.

Hamamatsucho has changed. I noticed a lot more people on the side streets at night enjoying the places to eat and drink. During the day everyone is busy walking to and from work but at night it's a different feeling. There is a definite night life happening in Hamamatsucho now.