Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Okada Coffee 岡田珈琲

Visited 20.03.2014

In actual fact, this is not my first time to Okada Coffee because I have been to its branch in Singapore, which has been around quite some time ago. Had their high tea set and signature Mont Blanc cake on several visits and I am quite pleased with the food so far. Told myself I have to pay this cafe a visit if I ever come to Kumamoto next time. Originated in 1945, Okada Coffee has been around in Kumamoto for 70 years and has established several branches within this prefecture as well.

Came to the main branch located in Kami Tori after dinner. A two storey shop house - first floor sells a variety of coffee beans, sweets and biscuits while the cafe is located on the second floor. Took the counter seats as the rest of the tables in the cafe were occupied. Despite the small space, wooden furnishings, dimmed lighting and usage of English style tableware, created a nostalgic and cosy atmosphere for diners.

Taste test. Ordered a slice of roll cake and Mont Blanc cake, accompanied with coffee and tea. Mont Blanc cake did not disappoint at all - crispy base topped with fragrant chestnut mousse and filling. In terms of taste, I find it quite similar to what they offered in Singapore. Roll cake was moist, wrapped with sweet and smooth chestnut cream - a perfect dessert to go with coffee/tea. Overall, this was on par with the Singapore's branch though I was actually expecting more from this visit. Nevertheless, still glad to know that the quality of food & beverages are not compromised in their overseas branches.

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Okada Coffee (Kami Tori Main Branch) 岡田珈琲 (上通本店)
〒860-0845 熊本市上通り1-20
Opening hrs: 1000 - 2100 hrs
http://www.okada-coffee.com/

How to get there?
Take Kumamoto Streetcar (Route A from Kumamoto JR Station towards Kengunmachi 健軍町) and alight at Torichosuji 通町筋. Look out for Kami Tori covered walkway and Okada Coffee is the second shop on the left.

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Okada Coffee Singapore Branch
100 Tras St, 100 AM building (Shopping complex connected to Amara Hotel), #03-23.
Opening hrs: 1030 - 2200 hrs

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Keika Ramen 桂花ラメん

Visited 20.03.2014

My impression of ramen was changed totally after eating Ichiran ramen in Hakata. Finally I've finally found one that suit my taste in Japan. In Kumamoto, a slightly different type of ramen is served. Similar to Hakata style, pork broth is used as the soup base. What is unique about Kumamoto ramen is fried garlic is infused into the milky pork broth to elevate its rich flavour. 

Decided to indulge in the local ramen on my first night in Kumamoto. Keika Ramen is a local brand that has been around for more than half a decade and has opened several branches in Kumamoto, Fukuoka and Tokyo. Got to know later that they have ventured overseas, with three shops established in Singapore too. On this night, we visited the main shop located in Hanabatacho 花畑町. 

A hearty bowl of Kumamoto ramen.

Ordered their original ramen and a plate of gyoza. The fragrance of fried garlic immediately hit me when my bowl of noodles was arrived. Thick noodles was used and was served together with a few slices of char siew, bamboo shoots, shallots and a half egg (not the usual soft boiled egg). Rich and milky white pork broth was mixed with fried garlic oil, turning the soup slightly golden brown in colour. The first sip of soup did hit the right spot as I am a fan of garlic. However, felt that the soup base was still on the saltier side for me. Nevertheless, this is still a good hearty bowl of ramen to satisfy a hungry stomach. Gyozas was wrapped with juicy meat fillings and so far (at least for me), this side dish has never failed to make the entire meal complete. 

I have also patronised Keika Ramen in Singapore (branch in Takashimaya) on a later date. Was hoping that the flavours could be replicated here (with the saltiness reduced to suit Singaporeans' tastebuds?), but I felt the fried garlic flavor was lacking in the soup and that was to me the most important element behind its delicious taste.   

Keika Ramen in Singapore: http://keika-raumen.co.jp/shop_kaigai.html#kaigai2

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Keika Ramen (Kumamoto Main Branch) 桂花ラメん 熊本県本店
熊本市中央区花畑町11-9　K-1ビル
Opening hrs: 1100 - 2400 hrs (Mon - Thu); 1100 - 0145 hrs (Fri, Sat); 1100 - 2000 hrs (Sun)
http://keika-raumen.co.jp/

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Mitsui Garden Hotel Kumamoto 三井ガーデ ンホテル熊本

Stayed 20.03.2014, 23.03.2014
Booked via Rakuten Travel

Kumamon craze. Japan is truly a land of mascots, each has its own distinct features which are associated with the place or thing it is promoting. Kumamon, a black plump bear with red cheeks, stood out valiantly from the rest. This mascot was first created to promote the extension of Kyushu Shinkansen to Kagoshima in 2011. Its popularity was unprecedented to the point it was even appointed the ambassador of Kumamoto, making domestic and overseas trips to promote Kyushu. Kumamon can be spotted everywhere within the city - on posters, banners, sign boards, etc. His contribution to revive tourism in Kyushu has "earned" him an office in the city too (Kumamon Square located in Tsuruya Departmental Store)!

His popularity has brought along numerous business opportunities - an extensive line up of merchandise are continuously being churned out and local hotels are offering Kumamon themed rooms to boost occupancy rates. So far from what I have seen, The New Otani has the most elaborate Kumamon themed room and is also the most pricey (15,000 yen/person) among all.
The New Otani website: http://www.newotani-kumamoto.co.jp/event/pickupkumamon/

Was hoping to stay in a themed room but did not want to splurge too much on it. Fortunately, I discovered a cheaper option to get close to this black bear. Mitsui Garden Hotel, which is located closer to the busier hub of Kumamoto city, offers similar themed room with simpler design at a much affordable rate. 

Highlights:

- Booked a Kumamon themed twin room (inclusive breakfast) for 11,600 yen, and a normal twin room for 11,000 yen. Stayed in this hotel on two separate nights (Day 6 and 9). Similar business hotel model, all rooms are equipped with basic amenities, sufficient for a pleasant night stay.  

- Kumamon themed room. A conventional twin room was decorated with numerous Kumamon goods. The first object that caught my attention upon entering the room was this huge Kumamon plushie which sat at the work station/dressing table. Kumamon cushions are placed on the beds and rest chairs. Beds were also decorated with runners will various expressions of Kumamon. Moved on to the bathroom and saw a shower curtain imprinted with Kumamon! In addition, mugs, complimentary mineral water bottles and clear files, pictures hung in the room, were all embedded with this lovable mascot. Though decoration was not very detailed, the ambience can still bring out that sense of excitement from guests (regardless of age) occupying the room for the night.

- Breakfast was buffet style and a mix of Western and Japanese dishes were served. Lotus root stuffed with spicy mustard and miso and fried in yellow batter (also known as Karashi Renkon), created from a traditional recipe which is said to have originated more than 300 years ago, was also spotted on the breakfast table. Overall, dinning experience was satisfactory.

Karashi Renkon

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Mitsui Garden Hotel Kumamoto 三井ガーデンホテル熊本
〒860-0012　熊本市中央区紺屋今町1-20
http://www.gardenhotels.co.jp/kumamoto/

How to get there?

(1) City Tram (Line A) - board at Kumamato JR Station and alight at Karashimacho (辛島町). A 5 min walk from the tram station.

(2) Taxi - takes about 5 mins from Kumamoto JR Station.

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Kumamoto JR Station 熊本駅, Kumamoto City Tram 熊本市電

Kumamoto JR Station, serves both the local trains and Kyushu Shinkansen.

Main lines include:
(1) Kagoshima main line - travel northwards to Hakata and southwards to Kagoshima.

(2) Misumi line - connecting Kumamoto to Misumi.

(3) Hohi main line - connecting Kumamoto to Oita.

(4) Kyushu Shinkansen line - connecting Kumamoto to Hakata and Kagoshima.

Special sightseeing & limited express trains departing from/passing by Kumamoto JR Station include:
(1) 'A' train - commutes between Kumamoto and Misumi, along Misumi line.

(2) Aso Boy train - commutes between Kumamoto and Miyaji, along Hohi main line.

(3) SL Hitoyoshi - commutes between Kumamoto and Hitoyoshi, along Kagoshima main line and Hisatsu line.

(4) Kyushu Odan Tokkyu - commutes between Beppu and Hitoyoshi, passing by Kumamoto.

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What's nearby?

Kumamoto ekimae tram station

(1) Kumamoto City Tram 熊本市電
- Take the tram from the train station to the busier district of Kumamoto city at Torichosuji (通町筋) and Suidoucho (水道町).
- To visit Kumamoto Castle, alight at Kumamoto Castle/City Hall stop (熊本城.市役所前).
- Each trip cost 150 yen, regardless of the number of stops travelled.
- One day unlimited tram ride pass cost 400 yen. Can be purchased from Tourist Information Counter in Kumamoto JR Station.

- Kumamoto City Tram has two lines and both meet at Karashimacho (辛島町):
A line (Red) - tram commutes between Tasakibashi (田崎橋) and Kengunmachi (健軍町), passes by Kumamoto JR Station.
B line (Blue) - tram commutes between  Kami Kumamoto Ekimae (上熊本駅前) and Kengunmachi (健軍町).

Map: http://www.kotsu-kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileDsp.aspx?c_id=9&id=2&set_doc=1

(2) Ekimachi 1-chome えきまえ１丁目
Make up of restaurants, fast food outlets and souvenir shops, all housed within the train station. Here you can drop by Keika Ramen to taste Kumamoto style ramen and visit familiar fast food outlets such as MOS Burger and Yoshinoya. A huge collection of merchandise featuring Kumamon, the adorable mascot of Kyushu, is made available in a handful of souvenir shops here.
Website: http://ekimachi1-kumamoto.com/

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Commemorative stamp:

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Attic アティック, Dejima Wharf 出島ワーフ－

Visited 20.03.2014

Left: Turkish rice

Turkish rice? As much as possible I will search for unique and famous gourmet originated from that particular area I am visiting. In Nagasaki Precfecture, the top three food on my list were Sasebo's burger, Champon noodles (or Chinese cuisine) and Castella cake. There is one more food which has an intriguing name, called Turkish rice. This dish totally aroused my curiosity because I could not relate Turkey to Nagasaki at all. 

Fusion yet separate entities. Made up of three components: fired pork cutlet (and fried ebi sometimes), Neapolitan spaghetti and saffron rice topped with curry. Despite the name, this dish did not originate from Turkey. I have read various stories explaining the origin of this name. When this dish was first introduced, it only has saffron rice, which is a Turish style of cooking. The side dishes (pork cutlet and spaghetti) were included on one fine day after patrons demanded more variety to be added to this dish. This expanded combination was well-received by locals and later became one of Nagasaki's signature gourmet. 

Enjoy the scenic view from Dejima Wharf; Background: Mt Inasa

Dropped by Dejima Wharf, our last stop in Nagasaki. Opened in 2000, Dejima Wharf is made up of a row of two storey shop houses with about 20 restaurants and shops. So happened to spot this restaurant, Attic, which served this local specialty. Decided to give it a try since it was time for lunch too. Serving was big making it quite worth the bucks, but the taste were not very impressive. It looks like food that will appear on my buffet plate (mixture of noodles and rice). Saffron rice, Neapolitan sauce and curry sauce, all have strong flavours and did not blend well together on a single plate. Not quite sure what is the rave behind this dish but I'm pretty sure this place did not serve the best Turkish rice in Nagasaki. Can only hope to taste this dish again from a different restaurant if I ever visit this city again. 

Anyone has a better recommendation?

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Attic アティック   
長崎県長崎市出島町1-1 長崎出島ワーフ1F美術館側
Opening hrs: 1100 - 2300 hrs (Fri & Sat - open till 2330 hrs)
http://attic-coffee.com/

Dejima Wharf 出島ワーフ－
長崎市出島1-1-109
http://dejimawharf.com/

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How to get there?
(1) By Streetcar - Take line 1 and alight at Dejima. Less than 2 mins walk from streetcar stop.

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Video: Dejima Wharf and Attic were featured in 遇约九州, a Taiwan produced travel program promoting Kyushu. Scroll to 27:12 on their recommendation.

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Megane bashi 眼镜桥

Visited 20.03.2014

Megane bashi means "spectacle bridge" (megane = spectacles). This name was derived because when the two arches of the bridge and the reflection in the waters are seen together, it looks like a pair of spectacles. Megane bashi, which runs across Nakashima River, is the oldest stone bridge in Japan and is voted as the top three bridges in Japan, alongside Tokyo's Nihonbashi and Iwakuni's Kintaikyo. This bridge was built in 1634, and the construction was initiated by Mokusunyojo, who is second generation monk of Koufukuji Temple (興福寺). However, the original bridge was destroyed by a flood in 1982. The current standing bridge was reconstructed later on.

Heart shaped rock supposed to bless you in relationships if you can spot it!

Heart shaped stone. Pry your eyes open to search hard for this unique heart shaped stone embedded in the stone wall of the river bank. This has become a "must do" activity for visitors when they come to this attraction. Managed to spot this after some time and the location of the stone is not too far from Megane bashi. If this is not enough, there are other similar stones hidden within the footpaths in Glover Garden, another well-known attraction in Nagasaki city.

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How to get there? 
(1) By Streetcar - Take line 4 or 5 and alight at Nigiwai Bashi (賑橋) or Koukaido Mae (公会堂前). Less than 5 mins walk from either streetcar stop,

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Hypocenter Park 原爆中心地公園, PeacePark 平和公園

Visited 20.03.2014

History. Nagasaki has a rich history and part of it emerged as a result of WWII. After the first atomic bomb landed in Hiroshima on 6 Aug 1945, the second atomic bomb fell in Nagasaki shortly on 9 Aug 1945. This devastating nuclear weapon inflicted catastrophic impact to Japan, a hefty and painful price to pay for the greed for power. Both Hypocenter and Peace Park are founded to remind mankind on the lessons learnt from WWII. Various memorials and signboards were put up in different corners of both parks, served as painful reminders on the cruelty of war and never to take peace for granted. Strolled the park with a heavy heart as I pictured the scenes on the day when the atomic bomb fell onto Nagasaki in the mind while reading the articles. Overall, it was an enriching history lesson to me and I will definitely recommend paying this place a visit.

Hypocenter memorial monolith

Hypocenter Park. Hypocenter is the spot where the atomic bomb fell and exploded. A memorial monolith was built on the hypocenter of the atomic bomb. A portion of the broken wall remnant of Urakami Cathedral, located about 500 m northeast of the hypocenter, stood near the monolith. There are about 500 cherry blossom trees planted in the park, therefore making this a popular spot during spring. Was fortunate enough to see some early bloomers scattered at different part of the park.

Left: Plaque reflecting the day & time when the atomic bomb exploded in Nagasaki; Right: Remnant of Urakami Cathedral

Matsuyama Bridge

Peace Park. Along the way from the Hypocenter Park to Peace Park, we crossed the Matsuyama Bridge (the former one miraculously survived the explosion despite being 120 m away from the hypocenter) and spotted several former air raid shelters. 

A peace memorial ceremony is held in front of the Peace Statue on 9 August yearly, in memory of the victims of WWII and to spread the prayer for everlasting world peace. A poem is carved into a memorial plate in front of the fountain of peace, This poem was written by a child who suffered from thirst in the immediate aftermath of the bombing. A moment of silence is naturally observed by all in front of the Peace Statue. A sculpture that symbolises peace: The elevated right hand points to the threat of nuclear weapons, while the outstretched left hand symbolises tranquility and world peace. Divine omnipotence and love are embodied in the sturdy physique and gentle countenance of the statue, and a prayer for the repose of the souls of all war victims is expressed in the closed eyes. The folded right leg symbolises quiet meditation, while the left leg is poised for action in assisting humanity.

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Other places of interest:
(1) Atomic Bomb Museum 長崎原爆資料館 
Missed out this museum this time round. This one of the long list of attractions I have yet to visit in Nagasaki city. This museum showcases the events leading to the fateful day, the destruction inflicted and the long and painful road to recovery.
Website: http://nagasakipeace.jp/index_e.html

(2) Urakami Cathedral 浦上天主堂
The construction of this church started in 1895 and took 30 years to complete. The church was not spared from the atomic bomb blast on 9 August 1945. Reconstruction of the church was completed in 1959 to its present state. Precious remains/ruins of the old church are kept as monuments on the second floor of its congregation hall.
Website: http://www1.odn.ne.jp/uracathe/

Beautiful cherry blossom flowers spotted in the park.

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How to get there?

(1) By Nagasaki City Streetcar
From Nagasaki JR Station, take line 1 or 3 heading towards Akasako (赤坂). Alight at either Hamaguchi machi (浜口町) or Matsuyama machi (松山町).
- From Hanamguchi machi, approx 5 mins walk to Hypocenter Park
- From Matsuyama machi, approx 5 mins walk to Peace Park

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Hypocenter Park 原爆中心地公園
852-8118 長崎県長崎市松山町
http://visit-nagasaki.com/spots/detail/548



Peace Park 平和公園
長崎県長崎市松山町　平和公園内
http://travel.at-nagasaki.jp/en/what-to-see/33/

Kyushu Spring 2014 九州春季之旅 - Day 6 Itinerary: Nagasaki 長崎, Kumamoto 熊本

Day 6: 20.03.2014
* Day 4 of 5 Day JR Kyushu Rail Pass (Northern Area)

Kumamoto Castle

Breakfast: Dormy Inn Nagasaki 出島の湯 ドーミーイン長崎

Bought 1 day Streetcar Pass from Washington Hotel Nagasaki.
Fee = 500 yen.

Tsuki machi 築町 > Nigiwai bashi 賑橋
by Nagasaki Streetcar, via line 5.

Visited Megane bashi 眼鏡橋.

Kokaidomae 公会堂前 > Hamaguchi machi 浜口町
by Nagasaki Streetcar, via line 3.

Visited
(1) Hypocenter Park 原爆中心地公園
(2) Peace Park 平和公園

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Matsuyama machi 松山町 > Dejima 出島
by Nagasaki Streetcar, via line 1.

Lunch: Delicious Restaurant Attic アティック

Dejima 出島 > Tsuki machi 築町
by Nagasaki Streetcar, via line 1.

Dormy Inn Nagasaki > Nagasaki JR Station
by taxi. Fee = ~900 yen.

Tea break: Bunmeido Castella

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Nagasaki JR Station 長崎駅 (1320 hrs) > Shintosu JR Station 新鳥栖駅 (1447 hrs)
by Kamone かもね 24

On board Tsubame: from Shintosu to Kumamoto.

Shintosu JR Station 新鳥栖駅 (1500 hrs) > Kumamoto JR Station 熊本駅 (1534 hrs)
by Tsubame つばめ 329

Kumamoto ekimae 熊本駅前 > Karashi machi 辛島町
by Kumamoto City Tram, via line A. Fee = 150 yen.

Check in: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kumamoto 三井ガーデ ンホテル熊本

Visited Kumamoto Castle 熊本城. Fee = 500 yen.

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Dinner: Keika Ramen 桂花ラーメン, main branch @ Hanabatacho.

Shopping @ Parco

Desserts: Okada Coffee 岡田珈琲, main branch @ Kami Tori.

- End of Day 6 -