Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo and some bites here and there

[KitKat]

***apologies - error in sequence of dishes***

This dish should precede the palate cleanser

"Grace of the Hometown - as Ambassador of Kagawa's heritage..."
Sanuki Olive Beef on stoneware in sukiyaki style with young yam
Again delicious beef, cooked well
The young yam is an interesting item - ok for me in small amounts here, actually quite good texture in a small sliver
(but can't eat it when grated up as part of a Japanese breakfast - a little too slimy feel for me)
PCR 7.5

The next dish is after the palate cleanser above

simmered rice flavoured with cherry blossom tea and sakura shrimp from Surugawan bay
This was good as well, we ate all of it despite feeling quite full by now
Love those little shrimps
Can eat them anytime
PCR 8


Some green tea just to help everything go down

Dessert next..

 

[KitKat]

Desserts - here we go..


A "reconstructed strawberry" - strawberry candy shell filled with frozen powdered strawberry yoghurt



here it is with the shell broken with a tap of the spoon, exposing the strawberry frozen powder
(gotta eat it fast as it melts quickly)


here it is with strawberry jam

PCR 7.5

The menu runs with a seasonal kaiseki theme, with "hot" and "cold" concept dishes to encapsulate the seasonal message from the chef

 

[KitKat]

Sake ice cream and sake souffle
I liked this - a little sweet and yeasty, the soft cream went well with the warm souffle
PCR 8.5


The +1 did not like the sake souffle the last time, so they made her a blood orange soufflé which she gave the thumbs up
Happy +1
Happy me



And as tradition, they finish with a thick matcha tea (not too most tastes as it's a little bitter at the end)
Good end to the meal

 

[KitKat]

So Ryugin, a great meal
We finished past midnight. They organised a cab for us to bring us back to the hotel as the trains were no longer running.

The chef came out to thank us for coming and stayed till we drove away.. was pleased that he was in the kitchen tonight

In summary, we enjoyed ourselves. Love the way the Japanese present ingredients at their prime - seasonal, and not eat things out of season. The presentation is amazing as well. Part of the enjoyment is looking at the dishes, china and cutlery.

They do try to alter the menu based on feedback and had substituted some dishes for some of us

The price was JPY 27000 per person includes taxes but excluding 10% service charge - an indulgence for my parents, they aren't getting younger and I'll try to treat them whenever I can


Ok, some tourist activities next (maybe)

 

[drron]

An amazing meal,so well presented at the restaurant and in your report.A feast for the eyes.

 

[love_the_life]

Given the quality of the dishes, JPY27,000 is a snatch - that's only about $A300 per head; certainly worth it IMO for a treat.

 

[KitKat]

An amazing meal,so well presented at the restaurant and in your report.A feast for the eyes.

Thanks drron for the kind words.... your TRs provide me with inspiration to travel...

 

[KitKat]

After a good sleep it is time to do some sightseeing with my parents.
As this is their first time in Tokyo, it is off to Sensoji today

Not too busy at 10am on the metro

After an easy metro ride with one change of trains, we arrived at Asakusa Station.
Following the crowd, we arrived at Kaminarimon gate (the outer gate)


Past this gate was the shopping street - Nakamise


Was quite busy


This lead to Hozomon gate in the distance (and our first glimpses of cherry blossoms - yay!)

 

[KitKat]

I think we are going to be lucky this year (for the cherry blossoms)

 

[KitKat]

Hozomon Gate


Tokyo Skytree in the distance as viewed from Sensoji


Main Hall in the distance


five-storied pagoda (apparently reconstructed following a fire)

 

[PLANT]

Least you get good mobile reception there

 

[drron]

Love that temple.As you are at the start of the walk up to the vtemple to the left along the street are 2 interesting restaurants.One specialises in whale meat,the other one of the first Suikiyaki restaurants.About 150 years old and a real experience.

 

[KitKat]

Love that temple.As you are at the start of the walk up to the vtemple to the left along the street are 2 interesting restaurants.One specialises in whale meat,the other one of the first Suikiyaki restaurants.About 150 years old and a real experience.

Thanks drron for the tips - will try this next time

Love Japan and Tokyo

 

[KitKat]

Lots of incense burning going on





getting crowded


Image in Main Hall Ceiling

Main altar

 

[KitKat]

view towards main hall



love the pink colours
seems more intense when they are buds


scenes around the temple

 

[KitKat]

more cherry blossoms in the temple complex

Senso-ji
for more info on Sensoji

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

KitKat - have loved your TR and photos ! I never could try a wasabi Kit Kat though With all our trips to Japan we have NEVER been in blossom time :shock:

I have told drron if he doesn't take me to Japan in cherry blossom time next year .... he is in deep doo doo

 

[KitKat]

KitKat - have loved your TR and photos ! I never could try a wasabi Kit Kat though With all our trips to Japan we have NEVER been in blossom time :shock:

I have told drron if he doesn't take me to Japan in cherry blossom time next year .... he is in deep doo doo

Thanks mrs.dr.ron
We were very lucky with the timing this time - was looking at the average bloom times and just aimed to get there around that time

 

[KitKat]

After enjoying the Cherry Blossoms in the Sensoji area, it was time for a late lunch before going to Sumida Park


Simple Katsudon for lunch a block away towards the Sumida river
PCR 6 - did the job

Eating stops when travelling need to have clean bathrooms. Not a problem in Japan usually

After fillling our tummies and a short rest, it was off to more blossom viewing..


Sumida river with Skytree in the distance




Lots of people enjoying the pleasant weather and cherry blossoms

 

[KitKat]

non cherry blossom pic!


love the pink hues

There were food stalls along the river, so easy food top up while enjoying hanami

As it was getting a little crowded, we left to have a look at Ueno Park