Back to Nagoya

So, it's time for the very last part of my Japan trip from last February. It's been a month, hmmm how time flies. Anyway, it was our last day in Japan and after two days spending our time in Shirakawa-go, Takayama and Kanazawa, we finally continued our journey to where it all started, Nagoya.

However, just before heading back to Nagoya, we first managed to visit Kanazawa's Omi-cho fish market, how awesome is that! Everything's fresh here and good Lord, we tried their best grade of sea urchin and it was SOOO GOOD! Though we didn't spend much time there, I was happy enough to taste the uni and otoro.

Stopped for a 15 minutes break at the rest area, and it means picture time! Also a cone of ice cream, perhaps? ;)

Lunch was quite early that day, it was at 11AM. We had oh so yummy grilled eel and it's one of Nagoya's special dish, known as Hitsumabushi! What's so unique is that there are 3 ways to enjoy hitsumabushi. However, you need to divide the rice bowl contents into four equal servings beforehand.

First, place a quarter portion of the rice bowl on a smaller bowl and eat it just like that.

Second way is to mix another quarter portion with other condiments including the wasabi.

Thrid, try to eat another quarter portion with the dashi broth.

And you can eat the last quarter portion any way you like.

After lunch, we went straight to Nagoya Castle to learn yet another history of the city and of course for pictures ;)

"During the Edo period, Nagoya Castle was the heart of one of the most important castle towns in Japan."

Before we entered Nagoya Castle, we first visited the Hommaru Palace where you can find beautiful paintings and traditional sliding doors inside.

"The Hommaru Palace was regarded as the finest masterpiece of modern castle architecture in Japan and along with the Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle in Kyoto , which is designated as a National Treasure, was considered to be the preeminent example of samurai style Shoin palace architecture."

And this is the view from Nagoya Tower (Castle).

Moving on, snack time! Yet another Nagoya's specialty, Ogura Toast (red bean paste on toast) with whipped cream, yum!

We ended the day with a night stroll near the hotel we stayed in Nagoya.

Last but not least, I would like to thank JNTO Indonesia and Cathay Pacific Indonesia for having me and for arranging this wonderful trip. Also thank you to Hans and Sierin for taking most of my pictures :)

Takayama to Kanazawa

Here goes the second part of my latest Japan trip with JNTO Indonesia and Cathay Pacific Indonesia, a continuation of my previous post :)

Well, as we ended the previous night having Hida beef steak for dinner in Takayama, we had the chance to visit the beautiful old town of Takayama right after we had our breakfast on the next day. The old town itself has been beautifully preserved with many buildings and whole streets of houses dating from the Edo Period (1600-1868), when the city thrived as a wealthy town of merchants.

Our first stop was Takayama Jinya, a beautiful traditional Japanese style building that used to serve as Takayama's government office during the Edo Period, when the city stood under direct control of the shogun. Although it was still snowing heavily, we made sure that we had a lot of fun, not only by strolling around taking many beautiful pictures, but also because of learning the history of Takayama, it's interesting.

Lunch was a simple but yummy Japanese style hot pot with vegetables and chicken in it, we had it after our free strolling time, just perfect for the weather.

So many lovely pictures taken by Hans, I know!!

Moving on, we headed to Kanazawa to experience their famous Hakuichi gold leaf wrapped ice cream. It's thick and creamy, it's milky, it's my style!! It's so damn good I swear.

Next stop: Kenroku-en Garden

Located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, it is an old private garden. Along with Kairaku-en and Koraku-en, Kenroku-en is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.

The snow had finally stopped when we reached the garden, it was just like meant to be, such a perfect time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kenroku-en Garden without the snow showers.

Not far from the garden, it's the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. The museum was designed by Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of the architectural office SANAA in 2004.

I'm not really a museum person and I don't really understand about contemporary art, but I enjoy taking pictures here and there ;)

We ended the day by having dinner near our hotel straight from the museum. It was a simple traditional Japanese menu, sushi & sashimi and it was good. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of the food but you know Japan, everything's just so fine.

Stay tuned for more ;)