Tokyo Day 1: Harajuku & Shibuya

Our first full day in Tokyo began with the hotel breakfast. When I'm on vacation, I normally head to a fast food place for breakfast; cheap, easy and on the go. But we're in Japan, so do as the Japanese do. We had the Japanese-style (versus the Western-style) breakfast in the second floor of our hotel.

Japanese breakfast: rice, egg, miso soup, grated daikon radish, pickled radish, grilled fish and nato

In the picture you will notice a little paper cup of beans. The Japanese refer to this as natto. This seemingly innocent substance is one of the more controversial food items of Japan. Forget the blowfish, this is the stuff that you'll have to wrap your mind around. Natto is basically fermented soy beans. It is very potent and has a very pungent smell and taste. It is surrounded by a sticky, stringy film that is on par with spider webs.

close up of natto

Boyfriend and I know about natto thanks to exposure from my family, but it is not for picky eaters. I tried it and still can't stand the stuff. However, my Mother will be happy to know that the two white boys I ate breakfast with, both ate and enjoyed it. Good for you guys, but I'll pass.

After breakfast we hopped on the train and explored the city. I think Boyfriend's friend and colleague said it best. "When you look around, Tokyo looks like every other city. But when you look closer, everything is completely different."

Tokyo is a collection of many populated connecting districts. There are a lot of commuters, restaurants, bars and shops. However, Tokyo is shockingly quiet. The only major metropolitan city I've been to is Chicago, but in comparison, Tokyo is as quiet as a museum or library. Everyone has tunnel vision and is traveling quickly and efficiently and silently. The cars don't honk, there are no wagons or carts being pushed down the sidewalk, even the alleys and trains are eerily quiet.

We started our journey at the Meiji Shrine next to the Harajuku station. Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. The grounds are covered in trees and greenery, which were gathered from all over Japan and donated to the Shrine in dedication to the Emperor.

Entrance to the grounds is made of cypress

Barrels of sake wrapped in straw

Barrels of Bourgogne wine 

Boyfriend and I at one of the gates

Paper lanterns

Walking through the inner gardens

So peaceful

"Feed me Seymour"

Clever man feeding a bird and capturing it on his phone

Emperor's well

Customary to cleanse hands and mouth to enter shrine

Gifts to purchase for prayer

It is very common and traditional to go to the shrine for New Years to pray and ask for blessings for the upcoming year. Many prayers are made at the head of the shrine by bowing twice, clapping hand twice, then bowing once more. Others choose to write their wishes for good fortune and display them on a wall.

The wall of wishes

Hand-written prayers from visitors

After Meiji Jingu, we walked around the neighboring Harajuku district. Made famous by outrageous outfits and incredible shopping, Harajuku is one of the major shopping districts of Tokyo. I thought it would be loud and busy, but it was quite calm. It could have been because it was a weekday, but the shopping district was just as quiet as the shrine.

Harajuku from the streets

On top of a department store in a nice garden

Roof-top view of Harajuku

Unfortunately I didn't do any shopping in Harajuku, for the sake of the men-folk. After all, we were doing things as a group and I didn't want them to waste the daylight on standing in stores waiting for me to buy something.

After walking through some stores, we headed back toward the shrine to Yoyogi park. Though it is Winter, the park was fairly occupied with a few book clubs, jugglers and pet-owners. However, the largest population of occupants were the giant ravens. Creepy.

Next stop Shibuya, another well-known shopping and eating district. The train station is one stop from the Harajuku station and leads you directly into the famous Shibuya crossing/ intersection. Adjacent to the train station, this giant crosswalk with a backdrop of large TV screens and billboards. A rumored 20,000 people walk through this intersection each day.

Shibuya crossing

Shibuya crossing

Streets of Shibuya

When you arrive at Shiubya train station, there are multiple exits including the one that is next to the Shibuya crossing. Besides the high traffic due to shopping and eating real estate, this station exit is made famous by a dog and is dubbed Hachiko exit. Hachiko was the name of a Shiba Inu (a Japanese dog breed) with a touching story. Every day his master would leave for work at the Shibuya station where Hachiko would wait for his master's return from work. When his master passed away unexpectantly, Hachiko continued to wait at the train station for 11 years. The people were so enchanted and touched by the dog's loyalty, they built a statue to commemorate Hachiko.

Boyfriend, Hachiko and I

While walking through the crowds of eager shoppers, we started to get a little hungry. True to form, Boyfriend  suggested we go down some of the smaller alleys to find a place to satisfy our hunger. Low and behold, an automated dispensing sushi restaurant fell into our laps.

It's Genki Sushi! Haha

Order with your touch screen menu...

and your sushi zips out to you and stops until you send the tray back

Boyfriend's warm sake

My soju and grapefruit juice 

Seared Shrimp/ Salmon with Garlic Butt[er] Haha

Grab your sushi!

Evan trying Ikura (Salmon Roe)

Pudi pudi pudi! Japanese custard

After more exploring, we went back to our hotel to prepare for our dinner plans. One of Boyfriend's colleagues was meeting with friends in Shibuya for dinner and we were invited to join them.

Irashai masei!

We went to a Yakitori (grilled skewers) place in Shiubya. All sorts of fun. I never thought we would be able to meet new people, mingle with the locals and drink, eat and laugh the night away in a foreign city.

Beer and skewers

Cheezu!

Group shot

After about 10 rounds of skewers and 4 rounds of beer, we went to another bar where you pay a flat rate for all you can drink beer... in the span of 2 hours. AMAZING! Truthfully, I had already had several beers, so the booze wasn't really flowing on my part for the second bar. To be fair, I can't compete with the German and Japanese people we were with.

At bar number two

After saying our goodbyes, we hopped onto the last train from Shibuya and had one of those stereotypical run-to-the-train moments, followed by an equally stereotypical pack yourself into a sardine-can of a train car. Yes, they have officials that literally push people into the cars to the brink of capacity.

Packed into a crowded train

Waiting for the last train of the night

Drunkenly awaiting train

What a full day, and we made the most of it. What a way to spend a Friday in Tokyo!

-Akemi-chan

En Route to Tokyo

Boyfriend and I are back from Japan and we're exhausted, but the exhaustion was well worth it. To lend a little context to my first trip to a different continent, I'll give some background info.

Boyfriend is part of an international experiment collaboration. Tokyo Tech graciously volunteered to host the collaboration meeting in the beginning of the year.

When I first heard about Boyfriend's possible week-long venture to Japan, my initial thought was, "There is no way in hell that you are going to Japan without me!" Seriously, this is my heritage, my history, my culture. I gladly volunteered to work crazy shifts in order to get the week off. Even if I had to stow away and hide in a suitcase, I was determined to get to Tokyo.

Luckily, Boyfriend is always happy to include me in any of his adventures and his colleagues didn't mind either.


On Wednesday, January 9th at 8 am, we departed from CMI and hopped on American's only ORD to NRT flight. We managed to get First class on the largest plane I've ever been on, the Boeing 777. In an effort to sound grateful but not completely full of it, we are truly blessed. The combination of guilt and embarrassment that I felt due to the extravagance of First class was only amplified knowing that Boyfriend's friend was sitting in coach for the duration of the 13 hour flight.

All the leg room

Blouse: Ann Taylor Loft

Skirt: The Limited

Watch: Kenneth Cole

Hello Kitty manicure to add to my Asian excitement

To twist the knife even further, I'm posting the food from the American Airline's International First class menu.

Momosas and bubbles in First class

Wine tastings to determine what to have with your meal

Amuse bouche of dates wrapped in bacon with melon and mint

Shrimp and Peruvian purple potatoes

Boyfriend's beef tenderloin with potatoes, goat cheese and tomatoes

Enjoying the swiveling chair, on-board noise-cancelling headphones and his very large book

The scorching hot sweet  potato curry, though I was more impressed with the gorgeous spoon

Green leafy salad with hearts of palm, candied pecans and creamy wasabi dressing

My miso marinated salmon

Boyfriend's view of me and his beef

After the entrees are served, the lights go down and people can rest for the long journey to Asia. Options include: personal TV screen for movies, TV shows or video games; asking for turn down service to sleep in a completely flat chair in complementary pajamas; or swivel your chair to face a desk to do some work or read a book.

Boyfriend and his TV

Half way through the flight, in case the four-course lunch wasn't enough, you have a mid-flight snack option. 

Mini bento box of sushi, pickled radishes (takuan), and miso soup

Caramel, pretzel ice cream sundae

And just in case the mid-flight "snack" didn't fill every possible crevice in your stomach, they serve another meal. Yes, more food!

Green salad with Asian sesame dressing and chocolate cookie

Four cheese pizza

Fruit salad

My last drink of the flight, green tea of course!

After we got off the plane and through customs, we took the train from NRT to the Ours Hotel Hankyu near Oimachi Station. BTW: in case you were interested in visiting Tokyo, this hotel is awesome. Not glamorous or glitzy, but very clean and friendly and next to the train station. Besides, you're not in Tokyo to stay in the hotel!

Welcome to Japan!!! YAY!

Watching the passing train

Train ride!

After checking in and dropping off our luggage in our rooms, we headed out to explore the area. We walked around for a few minutes to find a little soba restaurant in a dark alley. Soba is a traditional Japanese buckwheat noodle. I've had soba before, normally dresses with soy or sesame oil, but this was some next level stuff.

Soba with curry broth, amazing

Fried tuna

Grilled fish

Real fresh wasabi

Kanpai!

After our first meal in Japan, we decide to hit the hay and try to get on Japan time. But before we turn in, we have to experience a Japanese vending machine. This may seem like a very mundane activity, but vending machines in Japan are more than your run of the mill school cafeteria coke or diet experience.

First of all, they have a variety of Japanese made beverages, including options like Pocari Sweat (a personal favorite) which is like a Japanese Gatorade; Calpisu, a soda flavored with milk or cold, unsweetened green tea. Not a big deal, but here's the kicker... the vending machine serves cold and hot drinks. Coffee with cream and sugar, hot tea, even hot cocoa. Take that Amerrrica!

Vending machines galore in Tokyo

With our first introduction to Tokyo under our belts, we get some shut eye for a day full of exploring and sightseeing. 

-Akemi-chan

Tokyo or Bust

We're leaving to go to Tokyo in a few hours and I have insomnia. It probably doesn't help that I work the night shift, not to mention my already anxious personality, but I always have a hard time sleeping before a trip.

Maybe it's because of the fear of sleeping in, the worry of not getting on the flight because I'm too low on the stand by list, or maybe I just like having butterflies in my stomach. Every time I have to work the night before only to leave for the airport in a few hours, I get late night anxiety.

I'm especially nervous about this trip, it being international and myself being far from fluent in my own ethnicity's tongue.

A few hours ago, Boyfriend's sister mentioned Ancestry.com, and how we should have researched me heritage before visiting Tokyo. Try as I might, my search only turned up documentation from within Hawaii/ the US. I was hoping to find some specific connections to my past in Japan, but alas, my search turned up empty.

I've never really identified with my Japanese heritage. With so many influences from different backgrounds in Hawaii, I grew up to become an American first, a Hawaiian resident second and a Japanese girl last. My basic knowledge of Japanese culture is limited to a few years of studying the language, only to lose it after studying Spanish and, of course, the food.

Hopefully I don't end up like Scarlet Johansen in Lost in Translation and spend the whole time wandering around alone or sitting in my hotel room. Either way, I hope to connect with Japan and create new memories.

Well, so much for my rambling. I need to arise in an hour and a half to do some last minute packing. Then, we're off to the races. Wish us luck, we'll need it!

-Akemi-chan

Homemade Pulled Pork Nachos and "Salsa" Soup

In less than a week, Boyfriend and I will journey to my motherland, Japan. Boyfriend's work is taking him to Tokyo for an international meeting and I convinced him to take me along. Let's face it, I wasn't going to turn down the opportunity to fly half way across the world, especially to Japan.

Since we're leaving the country in a few days, I figured we could save some money by having soup at home instead of going out to eat for a whole week.

We had some left over pulled pork from a few days ago, and I was going to make soup with kale and sweet potatoes and the pork. However, Boyfriend was dreaming of previously made nachos. No chips, no problem.

As far as the soup is concerned, it's not getting any warmer in Illinois, and soup seemed like the most reasonable option. Since I was making nachos anyway, it only made sense to make a salsa inspired soup.

Pulled Pork Nachos with Baked Tortilla Chips

8 taco-sized corn tortillas
non-stick spray
salt and pepper
1 cup of pulled pork, I used Kalua Pork recipe
1/2 avocado, cubed
2 cups cheese, shredded, I used pepperjack

For chips, spray each corn tortilla with non stick spray on both sides. Season with salt and pepper on both sides, you can add other seasonings if desired. Stack tortillas, like pancakes, and cut in half and then into quarters. Evenly space onto 2 baking sheets sprayed with non stick spray and bake in a 400 degree oven for 6-8 minutes, until chips are crispy.

While chips are baking, take a small saute pan and heat pulled pork. You may need some oil in the pan, depending on how fatty your pork is. Saute with salt and pepper until pork begins to turn golden brown. After chips are crisp, consolidate chips onto an oven-proof plate and cover with pulled pork and cheese.


Place nachos back into oven until cheese melts. Top with cubed avocado and another sprinkle of salt and pepper. Serve hot.

"Salsa" Soup

1 tbsp olive oil
3 small onions, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
garlic powder
pizza seasoning
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
1 can black beans. rinsed and drained
1 can of sweet corn, drained
salt and pepper
Shredded cheese, optional, I used pepperjack

In a large pot over medium heat, place olive oil, onions, pepper, garlic, salt and pepper and seasonings. Saute for 5-7 minutes or until veggies have softened. Add diced tomatoes, including liquid, and chicken broth. Add black beans and corn  and bring soup to boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20-30 minutes. Ladle into bowls and top with cheese.

This soup is awesome as a salsa itself. Scoop the soup with the homemade chips and it's a nice, warm option for Winter.

Soon I will be slurping real ramen and playing Pachinko. Until then, it's pantry cooking.

-Akemi-chan

Black Dog Smoke and Brew House

Before all the traveling for the holidays, Boyfriend and I had a dinner and movie date night. We were originally going to go out for pho, at our neighborhood Vietnamese restaurant. Unfortunately, it was packed. The silver lining was, the usually packed local BBQ joint, was less packed than usual. Opportunity rises to our advantage.

woof

A few years ago, a small local bar turned into Black Dog Smoke and Ale House. To summarize in one word: amazing! Black Dog takes Carolina-style BBQ with a casual dining environment and a variety of beers and whiskeys. The downside is the lines is always at least 45 minutes long during peak dining hours. Not a welcome option during the colder months, since there is no room to wait inside. 

On the top of a shelf near the bar, Black Dog has a giant glass jar. It always puzzled me, so one day I asked a waiter. It's a jar of tequila with pineapples and jalapenos in it. THEY MAKE THEIR OWN FLAVORED TEQUILA! Amazeballs! 

Pineapple jalapeno margarita

I've been afraid of "spicy" liquors after trying a Chipotle vodka that tasted like liquid smoke. But this margarita with their house-made  flavored tequila was jaw-dropping. You get the sweetness and tang of the pineapples and the kick from the tequila. The surprising part is that the jalapeno flavor is mild, almost like a bell pepper flavor, but with just a hint of heat. I couldn't stop gushing about how delicious this drink was. A must-try.

For dinner, Black dog has very affordable sandwich options, but Boyfriend and I went the entree plate route. It may sound silly, but my favorite aspect of Black Dog's menu is their coleslaw. It's vinegary and crisp and crunchy. It's to the point where I'll take a double order in place of fries. 

This time, I got the Pick 2 plate of brisket and free range chicken with their signature Carolina red sauce, sweet potato fries and my favorite coleslaw. 

Boyfriend got the Blue burger, a juicy burger with BBQ sauce, bacon and blue cheese, with a side of sweet potato fries. Don't forget the beer!

Dinner was great and we had the best seat in the house, the old DJ's seat. I forget which movie we went to see, might's been 007: Skyfall, but I might've just forgot because of a food coma. 

-Akemi-chan

New Years Resolution

On New Years Eve, we went into the country to celebrate New Years Eve with friends, some drinks, a bonfire and a sleepover.

Dark group picture by the bonfire

In the morning of January 1st, one of our friends asked about each of our new years resolutions. I said to get getting a "real" job would be nice.

Later today, I thought about it and I'm truly grateful for everything that my job has given me. I never thought I would fall into such a wonderful industry and be blessed enough to travel the world. Although I only have a part time position, it's those limited hours that gives me the freedom to travel often and still be flexible.


My New Years, or new life, resolution is to be appreciative of my friends and family and loved ones and to take advantage of what life has to offer. One of the main components of this lifestyle is the continue traveling and experiencing new things with open eyes.


I feel like it is my mission to travel where I can and experience the food, architecture, landscape and culture of other places. Maybe it's a little naive to try to live life like a host of a Travel channel show, but one can dream.

Happy new year!

-Akemi-chan