We decided to sort out food too late tonight. Partly because we both lost track of time and partly because neither of us was at first hungry. Our main problem was that many restaurants in Japan close at 21:00, limiting where we could get to. We found a tempura restaurant in Ginza that was open till 21:30 – ideal, so we went there. No where in the review did it mention price, nor was there any displayed outside. Turns out this one, Ten-Ichi is considered to be one of the world’s best, resulting in set meals rangine between 10,500 yen and 18,500 yen, that’s ~£50-95. We were comitted so went for it. The tempura was nice, but to be very honest for much of it Tsunahachi in Shinjuku was superior, but at under half the price. Over all our bill came to 36,000 yen, so around £180, almost 4 times as much for food that as a whole was not as good and all that extra for the ambience was not worth it. On top of which no guidance was given for what to use as a dip with each time.

Thinking back, I think the place myself and Dave went to in Hiroshima three years back was still the best I’ve eaten at, and I think it was only around £40 a head there, so possibly now £50-60, on top oif which back there the hef took pride in advising us what to use with what, resulting in the perfect flavour ballances.

Oyasumi Nasai

Just read that Kotooshu won his bout yesterday to become the basho champion for the first time. He won today to finish 14-1. His nearest competitrs were both 11-3

As expected the Shinto wedding was quite quick, simple, but artistically and beautifully done. I won’t mention here that it is possibly the nicest wedding ceremony I’ve attended as atleast a few people reading this might start venturing in to voodoo ….

The ceremony was held in a wedding shrine attached to Happoen, a beautiful set of gardens which I would have toured round before hand if it had not been raining. We met up in an ante room where tea was served. Everyone met here including the bride and groom. There was only three of us here was the UK (exluding Derek and Kaoru), Derek’s mother and an old friend of his, Owen. At this stage it was informal and a very pleasant atmosphere. In some respects I think this stage may have partly been so the bride and groom could relax after getting changed, as the traditional Japense clothing does take a while to put on and requires a number of people. Continue reading →

This afternoon I’m off to a freind/colleague’s wedding, but ths morning we planned to head over to the location, Happoen, as it has a well regarded garden, plus near by is the Shinto shrine to the 47 ronin. Except of course it was raining, so plan B. We’d do our own things then meet up after the wedding.

While Pak stayed back and started to sort out his photos, I went back to Akihabara severl times (first time was too early), before getting changed and heading out to Happoen for Derek and Kaoru’s wedding.

As Okinawan food is not some thing you’re likely to see in Europe, I felt it is only fair to say what dishes we had last night to give you an idea of the styles. Note these are desciptive as I have no clue as to what they are called. Continue reading →

There is an old saying, When in Rome, and being in Japan that meant buying a cheap umbrella which will be lost/thrown away because it’s raining heavily. Thus for a second trip to Japan I’m down by 500 yen (~£2.50) but am some what dryer. Continue reading →

We knew our hotel was near Akihabara (or Akiba to the locals), but we did not realise just how close. Post breakfast we set off. 5 minutes kater we’re in the heart of Akiba looking at electrical components, laptops, collectable figures, manga, the whole otaku 9 yards. Being a fan of both Genshiken while at the same time becoming more like Fred Galagher’s character, Piro in Megatokyo (though I deny it) it meant I had to carry on my education of Pak in the ways of manga/anime. Needless to say I did follow the old rule of When in Rome resulting in me buying a Lucky Star box set of unknown contents. Only on arriving back at the hotel did I find it was a pencil case with contents (bakah). I also picked up a copy of the last issue of Genshiken, almost as a tribue to the satire it so accurately portayed (I’m not sure if the Wiki article mentions it, but a lot of the stories were based on the author’s own experiences while going through university). Continue reading →

Hm does the day count start from when you land or the first full day (in which case it would be day 2).

My main musing is over the breakfast. I like Japanese breakfasts, but I’ve been dissapointed so far with the ones at this hotel. Don’t get me wrong, this hotel is better from here I stayed last time (Hotel Vantage Shinuku) though not as well placed for late night drinking, but breakfast it could be better.

Anyhow after a late start caused by bad Internet connections last night (causing very slow uploads) we’re about to hit Akihabara. Gadget shopping time 🙂 – oh and also time to find a Cosplay Cafe 😀

Forgot to say where my photos are for those who do not have the link. You will find them on Webshots under Tokyo 2008.

Well after a long day we decided to hit Shinjuku for the evening. Find a renound tempura restaurant, the go through Kabukicho, the lively, electric, and also some what seedy area that is full of life and contradictions. Continue reading →