Koyo Chasing in Tohoku Japan (#9) and some last minute shenanigans

[rbjhan]

I was told the museum could be very busy. So went on a Saturday since it closes at 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
As it turned out, the mainland Chinese were absent (ban by Beijing for some reason, don't ask) and it was really nice and quiet!


Liked the daybed.
Okay probably not called a daybed but you know what I mean...

Spent a good half hour in the souvenir shop afterwards

 

[rbjhan]

Another day, another night market.
Shilin Night Market 士林夜市 is probably the most famous? At least 10 times the size of NingXia Night Market that's for sure, and maybe 10 times the people It was so packed, often impossible to take pictures!
So just some random shots...
Oyster omelette shop.


They were making some kind of pepper buns here, super delicious!

It didn't look much though...


Small sausage in big sausage, ha ha.

 

[rbjhan]

I wasn't quite sure which area of Taipei I wanted to stay, since I didn't know Taipei...so ended up booking two hotels.
The second one was right next to Jian Tan station, about 5 mins walk to Shilin Night Market.

Tango Inn Jihe
I booked a loft room. Downstairs was the sitting area, I think it can be converted to a double bed as well.




Downstairs bathroom

Bedroom upstairs


Bathroom upstairs

 

[rbjhan]

That's Jian Tan station right there.


Restaurant, (free) light breakfast was served here every day.


Hotel was the little one in the middle.

 

[rbjhan]

Went to Taipei 101 the next day.




The air quality was.....hmm probably shoulda come in the evenings.
Solution of course is heavily "enhanced" picture.

 

[rbjhan]

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Liberty Square




The two buildings are National Concert Hall and National Theatre

 

[rbjhan]

Last Day started with Yong Kang beef noodle.

Yong-Kang Beef Noodle – Taipei - a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant

Yong-Kang Beef Noodle – a Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking restaurant in the 2022 MICHELIN Guide Taiwan. The MICHELIN inspectors’ point of view, information on prices, types of cuisine and opening hours on the MICHELIN Guide's official website

guide.michelin.com

I went before 12 so the line was short.



Braised beef and tendon with noodles in spicy broth. It was really good!


Steam pork ribs with rice

 

[rbjhan]

I love books, love architecture.
So really cannot miss the Koo Chen Fu Memorial Library in National Taiwan University.
Admission is free but you do need to register with the front desk.



The main reading room.

 

[rbjhan]

Lastly a few random Taipei pictures.

Eslite bookstore Xinyi.




Liked the interconnecting walkways.




some street corner...

 

[rbjhan]

First time Taipei summary:
Since this was a very last minute change of travel plan, I didn't have enough time to do my normal research. And 4 days really was not that long...certainly didn't eat all the food I wanted to eat!
I did fall in love with Taipei though, mixture of Chinese and Japanese influences everywhere. Humidity aside, it was lovely, easy to navigate, inexpensive (apart from hotels), people were friendly yet not so OCD like the Japanese (and not rude like the mainlanders )
Next Feb I'll be visiting again I'm hoping to see more night markets (obviously!), and maybe do a day trip to Beitou/Tamsui/Jiufen...

 

[rbjhan]

Back to Taipei Main Station, there's intown check in just like HK , very handy.

I didn't know the CI lounge in T1 was quite a different thing compared to the one in T2...again, research missing!
Since my flight departed from T2 I just went. BIG MISTAKE.

Plaza Premium was so packed I couldn't find any seats...no pictures.
The CI lounge was slightly better but not by much - I think all their US/AU departures are from T2. And those flights are all about the same time! My flight was delayed by about 30 mins and that's enough for the whole lounge to clear out.
Just imagine this place full....


F&B were at one end, and I was sitting at the other end, so only had a beef noodle and some fruits.


After I got back I saw some pictures of the CI T1 lounge, bummer!

Interestingly all the boarding gates were one level down from the main departure floor level.
So across the lounge you have this, I dunno, relaxation area?


I was busy taking pictures of the then empty lounge and quite late to the gate. Most of J passengers were already boarded.

 

[rbjhan]

CI57

China Airlines probably has the most gorgeous super diamond seats out there.

Loved the lamp! The warm gloth just makes it very cozy.


IFE control, usb ports, etc. And mirror at the back, handy


This one I'm not sure, too small...


The tray table was my only complaint, hit my knees multiple times when I tried to sleep.

 

[rbjhan]

Compared to JAL's APEX suites, for me this one is so much better.




Another storage area under the armrest, a small bottle of water and the amenity kit were already in it.

 

[rbjhan]

Speaking of amenity kit...not sure why but The North Face bag was inside a pouch, which I think it's odd.
Dental kit, eyeshade, earplugs...then there's a morrocanoil hair treatment (??), Laneige sleeping mask and lip mask. Unusual but I liked the masks.



Slippers were very good but I forgot to take a shot.

 

[rbjhan]

G&T, plum drink.


A quick supper before going to sleep.


Chinese breakfast in the morning.


A self serve bar was set up behind the business class cabin. Forgot to take pictures

 

[rbjhan]

And home!


The End.

 

[rbjhan]

That's it for Japan trip #9 and Taiwan #1.
Tohuku probably is not on everybody's Japan must see list, fair enough. But I think the region has so much to offer, if it's not your first trip, I strongly recommend.
Ginzan, Zao, Nyuto onsen, Oirase stream, Sakura at Hirosaki Castle, Lake Towada, Lake Tazawa, Ouchijuku....just to name a few.

Feb 2020 trip already booked. Different areas in Japan of course
I'll be chasing snow (again!) in Chubu, from Nagano to Matsumoto to Okuhida onsen to Takayama, before finishing in my all time favourite place, Kyoto.
Can't wait.

 

[craven morehead]

And home!
View attachment 197400

The End.

Another very interesting and enjoyable TR. Many thanks

 

[drron]

i really love any report on Japan.We really love the place.On one trip we were in Hirosaki at the peak of sakura.Just beautiful.Excuse a few pics.
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[rbjhan]

Another very interesting and enjoyable TR. Many thanks

Thank you for the kind words!