Yamanashi 2018 山梨県の旅 - Day 2 Shosenkyo 昇仙峡, Kofu-shi 甲府市

Day 2: 13.10.2018 (Sat)
* Day 2/3 Tokyo Wide Pass

Breakfast: Toyoko Inn Kofu Eki Minami Guchi 2 東横イン甲府駅南口２

Visited Maizuru Jo Koen 舞鶴城公園.

Kofu Eki Minami Guchi / South Exit Bus Stop 4 甲府駅南口 (0730 hrs) > Shosenkyo Guchi 昇仙峡口 (0759 hrs)
by Yamanashi Kotsu Bus 山梨交通バス. [590 yen]

Visited Shosenkyo 昇仙峡.
http://www.shosenkyo-kankoukyokai.com/

Lunch: Bashi Honya 橋本屋

Shosenkyo Taki ue 昇仙峡滝上 (1332 hrs) > Kofu Eki Minami Guchi / South Exit 甲府駅南口 (1421 hrs)
🚍 by Yamanashi Kotsu Bus 山梨交通バス. [900 yen]

Kofu Eki Kita Guchi Bus Stop 2 甲府駅北口 (1500 hrs) > Takeda Jinja 武田神社 (1508 hrs)
🚍 by Yamanashi Kotsu Bus 山梨交通バス. [170 yen]

Visited Takeda Jinja 武田神社.
http://www.takedajinja.or.jp/

Takeda Jinja 武田神社 (1600 hrs) > Kofu Eki Kita Guchi / North Exit 甲府駅北口 (1608 hrs)
🚍 by Yamanashi Kotsu Bus 山梨交通バス. [170 yen]

Kofu Eki Minami Guchi / South Exit Bus Stop 2 甲府駅南口 (1615 hrs) > Aeon Mall Kofu Showa イオンモール甲府昭和 (1645 hrs)
🚍 by Shuttle Bus シャトルバス. [210 yen]

Visited Aeon Mall Kofu Showa イオンモール甲府昭和.
http://kofushowa-aeonmall.com/

Dinner: Aeon Mall Kofu Showa イオンモール甲府昭和

Aeon Mall Kofu Showa イオンモール甲府昭和 (1930 hrs) > Kofu Eki Minami Guchi / South Exit 甲府駅南口 (2000 hrs)
🚍 by Shuttle Bus シャトルバス. [210 yen]

- End of Day 2 -

Yamanashi 2018 山梨県の旅 - Day 1 Kofu-shi 甲府市

Prelude: 

This is my 13th visit to Japan and I decided to explore Yamanashi Prefecture, which is just adjacent to Tokyo. This was a trip dedicated to Fuji-san, a symbol analogous to Japan. Fuji-san spans across two prefectures - Yamanashi on the northern side and Shizuoka on the southern side. In Nov 2017, the images of Fuji-san captured during my expedition in Shizuoka Prefecture already blew me away. At that point of time, I made a mental note to visit the areas around Fuji-san on subsequent trip to Japan, to witness this breathtaking view all over again. Though weather was not at its best during my one week long stay in Yamanashi - cloudy and intermittent rain, there were a few precious moments when the majestic mountain stood out valiantly amongst the dispersing clouds.

Kofu-shi (甲府市), the capital city of Yamanashi Prefecture, was the focal point of my entire trip.
For the first half of my trip, we travelled westwards from Kofu to Fuji Yoshida-shi (富士吉田市) and Kawaguchiko-cho (河口湖町) where the famous Fuji five lakes, such as Kawaguchi-ko (河口湖) and Yamanaka-ko (山中湖), are located in.
In the second half, we made a stop in Koshu-shi (甲州市) to savour the best grapes in Katsunuma (勝沼) and commuted eastwards to Kiyosato highlands (清里高原) in Hokuto-shi (北杜市). Here, a completely different view awaits as the magnificent Yatsugatake mountain range (八ヶ岳連峰) can be seen clearly.

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Day 1: 12.10.2018 (Fri)
* Day 1/3 Tokyo Wide Pass

SGP T2 (0035 hrs) > NRT T1 成田空港 (0845 hrs)
by NH 804.

Purchased Tokyo Wide Pass. [10,000 yen]
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/tokyowidepass/

NRT (0945 hrs) > Shinjuku JR 新宿駅 (1110 hrs)
🚆 by Narita Express 成田エクスプレス 10.
* Train delayed, reached Shinjuku at 1130 hrs

Shinjuku JR 新宿駅 (1110 hrs) > Kofu JR 甲府駅 (1328 hrs)
🚆 by Azusa あずさ 15 via JR Chuo line 中央線.

🏨 Check in: Toyoko Inn Kofu Eki Minami Guchi 2 東横イン甲府駅南口２
https://www.toyoko-inn.com/eng/search/detail/00132/

Kofu JR 甲府駅 > Sakaori JR 酒折駅
🚆 by local train.

Visited Kai Zenkoji 甲斐善光寺.
http://www.kai-zenkoji.or.jp/

Sakaori JR 酒折駅 > Kofu JR 甲府駅
🚆 by local train.

Break: D&Department Yamanashi
https://www.d-department.com/ext/shop/yamanashi.html

Visited Koshu Yume Koji 甲州夢小路.
http://koshuyumekouji.com/en/about/

Dinner: Hoto ほうとう at Kosaku Kofu Ekimae 小作甲府駅前店
http://www.kosaku.co.jp/tenpo-kofuekimae.html

- End of Day 1 -

Japan Autumn Nov 2017 一人で日本の旅 - Raikuji 頼久寺

Visited 20.11.2017 (Mon)

Origin. After visiting Bicchu Matauyama Castle, I requested to be dropped off at Raikyuji on the return journey back to Bicchu Takahashi Station 備中高梁駅. The origin of Raikyuji traces all the way back to the 14th century. Though the exact date when Raikyuji was built is not particularly clear, it was known to belong to Eigenji, one of 14 autonomous branches of the Rinzai school of Japanese Zen Buddhism. It was rebuilt in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji 足利尊氏, the first shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate (1336–1573) and the temple was named Ankokuji 安国寺. In 1504, Ueno Yorihisa (Raikyu), the lord of Bicchu Matsuyama Castle, renewed the exterior of the temple. After his death, the temple was renamed Ankoku Raikyuji in honour of him.

Zen. When I first saw the photos depicting the garden in Raikyuji online, I knew I have to pay this place a visit. Even though the garden only occupies a small section of the entire compound, it is a true gem of the temple. For me, I spent most of my stay here sitting at the edge of the porch, admiring this immaculate landscape while sorting out my thoughts and reviving the inner balance in me. In fact, the therapeutic effect derived from viewing at such harmonised scenery has always been recognised by people of the past. Such landscape of the garden is known as "Horai" style which means spiritual peacefulness and harmony is derived when viewing it. This elegantly composed rock garden comprised of two low hills of stones protruding out from the beautifully raked sand covered ground which represent the water ripples. The well pruned bushes of azalea on the left side represents the undulating waves in the sea. The time of my visit was also just right as the garden was already decorated by some autumn foliage, a scene that is unique to this season. All in all, Raikyuji is definitely an attractive place worthy of a visit in Takahashi city.

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Raikuji 頼久寺
〒716-0016 岡山県高梁市頼久寺町18
Operating hours: 0900 - 1700 hrs
Entrance fee = 300 yen
http://raikyuji.com/

How to get there?

(1) By foot. About 15 minutes walk from Bicchu Takahashi JR Station 備中高梁駅.

Japan Autumn Nov 2017 一人で日本の旅 - Hitachi JR Station 日立駅

Award winning. When I arrived at Hitachi JR Station, I was surprised by the modern appearance and novel outlook of the train station! The train station was designed by Kazuyo Sejima, a Japanese architect from Ibaraki Prefecture, and has become a pride of Hitachi city. In fact, the train station has won the Good Design Awards in 2012 and the prestigious Brunel Award (under the category of Station Building) in 2014. Clean modernist elements were incorporated into its design and intelligent usage of huge glass panels transformed the train station into a viewing gallery of Pacific Ocean. Seamless connection between the train station to the seaside and city was also made possible by a spacious and transparent walkway.

Trivia. For most of us, the first thing that comes to our mind naturally when "Hitachi" is mentioned is household appliances. In fact, the headquarters of this renowned household brand was actually first established in Hitachi city and was shifted to Tokyo in 1918. Hitachi still owns offices and manufacturing plants here, and you will be able to spot them around the train station.

Limited express trains serving Hitachi Station include:
(1) Ltd Express Tokiwa ときわ
(2) Ltd Express Hitachi ひたち
Both commute along Joban line (常磐線), which connects Tokyo to Koriyama in Fukushima Prefecture. From Hitachi Station,
- train commutes southwards to Mito, Tsuchiura, Toride, Ushiku and Tokyo.
- train commutes northwards to Takahagi, and eventually to Koriyama in Fukushima Prefecture.

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What's nearby?

(1) Tourist Information Center, located near Chuo Guchi (Central Exit).

(2) Bus Terminal, located just in front of Chuo Guchi (Central Exit). The main bus operator in Hitachi city is Hitachi Dentetsu Kotsu 日立電鉄交通, and attractions such as Kamine Park and Nikko Mining Museum can be assessed via bus. Unfortunately, my stay in Hitachi city was a short one ( just to stay for the night at Unoshima Villa) and I did not get to visit any places of interest here.

Hitachi Dentetsu Kotsu website: http://www.hitachi-dentetsu.co.jp/
Bus routes from Hitachi JR Station (in Japanese): http://www.hitachi-dentetsu.co.jp/bus/bus_map_2017.pdf

(3) Sea view! Exit the train station from the Kaigan Guchi (Seaside Exit) to enjoy the comfortable sea breeze and a view of Hitachi Bypass 日立バイパス, the road bridge running alongside Pacific Ocean. This is one spot not to be missed after arriving at the train station!

(4) Hitachi Civic Center 日立シビックセンター, 3 minutes walk from Chuo Guchi (Central Exit).
http://www.civic.jp/center/

Japan Autumn Nov 2017 一人で日本の旅 - Omuro Keishokudo おおむろ軽食堂

Visited 13.11.2017 (Mon)

Lunch. It was about lunch time after transiting back to the foot of Omuroyama by chairlift. Decided to settle my lunch here before heading back to Izu Kogen Station. In fact, before I ascended Omuroyama earlier in the day, I was already attracted to this natural modern looking restaurant situated at the entrance of chair lift station. Though keishoku (軽食) means light meals, the food served here at Omuro Keishokudo are actually more intricate than simple snacks. Firstly, all the main courses here are accompanied by appetiser plate and dessert. There is also decent variety of rice bowls and udon to choose from the menu. For example, rice bowl topped with freshly caught shirasu (whitebait) from Usami Port or chicken marinated with soy sauce and simmered in bonito flavoured broth (とりてり丼). On the other hand, the udon noodles are served with vegetable tempura, soy sauce marinated pork or butter flavoured clams. Being a fan of fried food, I could resist not ordering their fried fish rice bowl, which happens to be one of their most popular food item on their menu. In addition to that, seafood is a specialty of Izu Peninsula because of its coastal geographical location.

Exquisite. I was already quite impressed by the outlook of the appetiser at the beginning of my lunch course. Served on a rustic ceramic tile, the appetiser was made up of five different food items which varied from day to day. Featuring seasonal and locally grown ingredients, each appetiser dish on the plate has its own distinct flavour to whet diners' appetite. The fried fish rice bowl definitely earned its place as the signature creation here. The fillets were lightly breaded and deep fried to mouth watering shade of golden brown colour. Cooked to the right texture with its moisture retained completely, I was pleasantly satisfied by the outcome of the fried fish fillets. Halfway through, I finished the rest of my rice bowl in ochazuke style, by pouring dashi over rice. I have always enjoyed ochazuke since this is quite similar to how I will soak my last bit of rice in soup/broth and eventually slurp up everything at one go back at home. Dessert was served promptly after I finished my bowl of ochazuke. Comprised of a simple sweet, pudding and a bowl of lukewarm maccha, this delectable dessert set wrapped up the entire lunch course delightfully. One other noteworthy feature of Omuro Keishokudo to pay attention to while enjoying your meal is their tablewares which are all handmade,  piece by piece, by a local pottery workshop in Ito city.

Conclusion. I have to say that I am surprised to discover such a good restaurant located in a tourist attraction and I am quite sure that the relaxing ambience and delicious food served here can/will attract a decent group of people to return on another day... solely just to enjoy a meal here!

My bill:
- Fried fish don 地魚フライ丼 - 1,566 yen (tax inclusive)

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Omuro Keishokudo おおむろ軽食堂
伊東市富戸1317-5大室山リフト館1F; located near the entrance of Omuroyama chairlift station.
Operating hours: 1000 - 1600 hrs
http://izu-kukan.com/ohmuro-lunche/

Japan Autumn Nov 2017 一人で日本の旅 - Patisserie Que Sera Sera パティスリー・ケセラセラ

Visited 12.11.2017 (Sun)

Sweet tooth. Just before I headed back to Izukyu Shimoda Station 伊豆急下田駅 after visiting Perry Road, I decided to make a detour to Patisserie Que Sera Sera to enjoy some sweets. My original plan was to fulfill my sweets cravings in one of the retro cafes lined along Perry Road ペリーロード however, the menu from several shops did not appeal to me. My last hope was Patisserie Que Sera Sera, housed in a stand-alone, modern looking and white washed building and located about 4 minutes walk away from the train station. The patisserie has also allocated a section, operating it as a cafe, for dine in customers to enjoy their sweets, accompanied with drinks here. The patisserie with a touch of European flair (Que Sera Sera means Whatever Will Be, Will Be) is opened by a couple who has previously worked in the well known sweets shop, Mont St. Clair モンサンクレール, located in the chic district of Jiyugaoka in Tokyo. 

Limited period apple pie. Was already spoilt for choice by all the delicious line up of cakes in the display fridge. As I stood in front of the display fridge and could not make up my mind what to order (for quite a while), the staff directed my attention to a basket with two pieces of apple pies left and recommended me to give it a try. Initially I was unconvinced that the apple pie was a better option than the rest of delectable array of cakes but eventually gave in to the suggestion. I have to say this is one of the best apple pie I have eaten; even has as an edge over the ones I have savoured in Hirosaki on a previous trip (a city in Aomori Prefecture which is famous for apple pies). The flavours of the apple pie itself was already very well balanced; and it was further elevated by a scoop of vanilla ice cream placed on top of it. Utilising apples harvested from Aomori, the highest producing prefecture in Japan, I later found out that their apple pie is actually the most popular item in Que Sera Sera and is only available for sale between September and May. Would highly recommend to give this legendary apple pie a try if your visit to the patisserie falls within this limited period of time!

One of the best apple pies I have eaten!

Bought this Shimoda Tea Castella cake just before I left the shop. Like the cake as well - not too dense in texture and is infused with fragrant tea flavour. 

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Patisserie Que Sera Sera パティスリー・ケセラセラ
下田市敷根３－４０
Operating hours: 1000 - 1900 hrs; closed on Tuesdays
https://www.facebook.com/p.queserasera/

How to get there?

(1) By foot. Approx 4 mins walk from Izukyu Shimoda Station.

Hokkaido Revisit 2017 三回目の北海道の旅 - Farm Tomita ファーム富田

Visited 28.10.2017 (Sat)
Previous post: http://hsuchia.blogspot.com/2013/03/hokkaido-summer-2012-farm-tomita.html

Pride of Furano. Farm Tomita is analogous to Furano and whenever someone mentions about Farm Tomita, lavender comes into my mind automatically. The story of how lavender was successfully cultivated in Farm Tomita, thereby elevated it to become an icon of Furano today continues to be an inspiring one. When I visited Farm Tomita on my first trip to Hokkaido in 2012, it was during the peak summer season in July when the park was packed with tourists. Despite that, I did not get to tour the premises extensively due to poor weather conditions then. This time round, though I managed to avoid the crowd at Farm Tomita, I missed the best time to see the carpeted lavender fields. It is hard to get the best of both worlds at times.

The slope of Choei Lavender Park covered by blooming lavender flowers in July.

Was lucky enough to capture a clear view of Tokachidake mountain range on the day of my visit! 

A close up shot of the snow-capped mountain.

Familiarity. However, this recent visit to Farm Tomita has affirmed that this well received sightseeing spot is still worth visiting during its off-peak season. Walked from Nakafurano JR Station to Farm Tomita after a satisfying lunch at Chevre. Along the way, I passed by Choei Lavender Park, another popular lavender sighting location in Nakafurano which I have visited on my first trip to Hokkaido. During summer, the slope is fully covered with blooming lavender and visitors can make use of the chairlift to gain enough elevation to capture a spectacular view of surrounding Tokachidake mountain range decorated with lavender flowers in the foreground.

As expected, Farm Tomita was so much quieter during an off peak season without the usual sighting of buses ferrying groups of tourists here. All the shops within its premises, except for Hanabito House 花人の舎 and Dried Flower House ドライフラワーの舎, were already closed for the year. In Hanabito House, visitors can bring back home Farm Tomita's huge array of lavender related items, such as fragrances, cosmetic products, food and stationery. At the cafe located within the same building, I could not resist not getting a lavender flavoured soft serve cone to relish (the feeling is like something I had to tick off from my to-do list). Love the smooth texture and rich milky flavour, infused with the signature soothing scent of lavender. This is definitely a delectable dessert that should not be missed during a visit to Farm Tomita or even to Furano in general.

Greenhouse. Though there were no vibrant flowers sighted in the outdoor fields, a completely different outlook awaits in this small greenhouse situated in the center of Farm Tomita. Here, beautiful lavender flowers blooming out of their bushes can be enjoyed all year round. The indoor scenery certainly pales in comparison to the flower carpeted fields which will make everyone be wild about during summer. But think otherwise. Due to less facilities/attractions to explore in other parts of the park at this time of the year, visitors can spend more time admiring these enthralling stalks of flowers closely and carefully instead. This is something that is difficult to accomplish when the flower park is packed with tourists. I had the luxury to take numerous close up shots of these endearing flowers and the bees buzzing around the bushes, without much disturbances. Apart from lavender, I was also greeted by beautiful white and pink coloured Geraniums planted at the sides of the greenhouse during the time of my visit.

In conclusion, despite not being able to witness the rainbow fields again, I felt that I enjoyed myself more thoroughly at Farm Tomita this time round...

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Farm Tomita ファーム富田
071-0704 北海道空知郡中富良野町基線北15号
Free admission.
http://www.farm-tomita.co.jp/

How to get there?

(1) Approx 20 mins walk from Nakafurano JR Station 中富良野駅.

(2) Approx 7 mins walk from Lavender Farm JR Station ラベンダー畑駅, a temporary train station which is only opened when Furano-Biei Norokko Train 富良野・美瑛ノロッコ号 is in operation.