Sunday
After spending a day in Tokyo, we spent Sunday with Hiro's grandparents' house in Choshi. It was a seaside town and completely different from what I had expected. I expected Tokyo style population density throughout all of Japan, but Choshi had giant patches of agricultural crops. The town itself is known for its soy sauce and fish, so Hiro's grandparents treated us to daily catches of the day for lunch and we were introduced to the relatives. For dinner, we had delicious blowfish hotpot. I'm still alive! We also bought a lot of rice crackers since one of its key ingredients is soy sauce after all.
Monday
On Monday, we returned to Tokyo and went to Asakusa where there were many delicious eats. We had fried bun, millet cake, which is essentially just mochi with soy bean powder, rice wine, cake with red bean filling and this magical rice powder based deliciousness. I can't really describe it. Needless to say, that was a good morning! Oh yea, there's also a huge temple there and I drew "best fortune". Hiro drew "regular fortune". For lunch, it was beef stew and curry over rice.
In the afternoon, we walked through the electronics district and was unable to find the shrine of career success. Hopefully that's not a bad sign or anything! Finally, we went to the former garden of Shoguns. It was very beautiful but since it's only in the 40s here, it was freezing cold! Also, since there was construction, the garden certainly didn't look its best. Finally, dinner was delicious ramen. You mean commence your drooling now...
Tuesday
We started the day a little late but had delicious lunch of wagyu beef. It was mouthwatering delicious! We then walked to the Tokyo tower. The view was great! Unfortunately, neither one of us was able to see Mt. Fuji. Ironically, we watched a television show where they went to Tokyo Tower, and they had to draw in Mt. Fuji to figure out where it is. I have several picture from the point where we were supposed to be able to see Mt. Fuji... I'll try and piece it together later.
After Tokyo Tower, we went to Sweets Forest. Yes, it's every bit as decadent as it sounds. Hiro and I split Mt. Blanc and this salty caramel roll cake. I definitely have to figure out how to make it when I come back! For dinner, we went to eat okonomiyaki, which is this pancake thing with cabbage and assorted toppings. It was life altering good. See picture below.
Wednesday
Finally today! We headed to hot springs resort near Hakone. We walked around the town and had a harrowing experience walking on stones up a steep hill while it was raining. We then discovered the easier path as we were coming down. Well... I do have to say that at least our walk was pretty. We found this buddhist temple in the middle of our walk and it turns out that they have a sister temple in Taiwan. Perhaps we will go there to complete the cycle!
The hot springs is fabulous! We just dinner and it was 7 courses of deliciousness! Hiro just informed me that Japanese people celebrate Pi Day... I think I'm in love. Anyway, here are some random pictures to catch you up on our trip!
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