Frank and Robyn Visit Japan in 2014: March 2014

Monday, 31 March 2014

Fuji San,Cherry Blossoms and Sukiyaki

Look out of hotel window and have first viewing of Fuji San. Wander around understated hotel gardens and then off to Kappabashi Dori, the street of a thousand kitchenware supply shops. Enjoyed watching ceramic shop owner's face as 2 blind people tried to navigate through shop with white canes. Udon noodles and tempura for lunch and then viewing of temple.
To Ueno Park to watch groups of salary men picnicking under the cherry blossoms.
In the evening dinner of Sukiyaki at Imahasa Akusan restaurant-turned out to be a brief affair.

Fuji San

Hotel gardens

Don't be so koi

Kappabashi Dori

This could put a real strain on our relationship

Cutting edge technology

Gay blades

Plasic display food

Gadget city

Knife engraving

Enjoy it while you can, Buddy!

Lunch

Cute

Restful contemplation

Salary Men

It started off as a small mole on my shoulder

Sake wit Fuji San glass

Appetiser(abalone, baby squid, bamboo shoot etc)

Lightly marbled Kobe beef

Sukiyaki

Trainee sukiyaki chef

Sunday, 30 March 2014

The clash of traditional rivals

Walk out in the rain under cherry blossoms and then by train to the Tokyo Dome to witness the clash between our team(Yomiuri Giants) and the hated Hanshi Tigers. The baseball here is a tribal affair accompanied by chanting and banging together of miniature plastic baseball bats; only the batting team supporters are allowed to chant. The clash of traditional rivals is accompanied by the clash of traditional bodies as 2 fielders converge on a ball, resulting in ambulance on the field as injured player is carted off to the Royal Tokyo Infirmary. Final score Us:12, Them:3-a pyrhhic victory!
Then an hour by train to host dinner-picked up at station and taken to spartan dinner at host home. Initially awkward but soon became relaxed and very entertaining with post-prandial displays of Rubik cube dexterity and juggling followed by a hearty rendition by Frank(a capella) of Waltzing Matilda and traditional exchange of gifts(gold Rolex watches). Return by train while being interviewed by reporter from The Japan Journal.