Aerosmith Japan Tour 2011

For those who wants to catch the Aerosmith Japan Tour 2011 – you still got a few more days before the tour ends.  The band started their tour in Japan in late November and has 8 dates to their concert and tomorrow the legendary band plays in Nagoya – Japan.  Aerosmith bass player Tom Hamilton  was said to have bought a special Fender Precision Bass for this tour and why not right?  since his first bass guitar was a Fender Precision – one that he borrowed from a friend – so he said in an interview and he later bought it from his friend.  Of course, now he doesn’t have to buy it from a friend nor borrow a Fender Precision because he can afford any Fender Precision Bass.  Anyhow, it’s an honor to be able to see this legendary band play – so for those who are in Japan – go see them – in Nagoya or Sapporo.

Choya – Japanese Green Plum

One of the desserts I missed a lot from Japan is the Japanese green plum dessert – also known as the Auome.  Found in most confectionery or cake shop in Japan – these are just exquisite.  Made from Japanese green plum of course – it’s very tasty and not too sweet nor sourish.

I was actually introduced to these Japanese green plum thru’ these choya drinks and fell in love with it.  If I ever go back to Japan for a vacation – I would buy a dozen of these  to share with people here.

Deepavali In Japan

I didn’t think they celebrated Deepavali in Japan – but they do – in fact in Yokohama – with such a diverse multicultural residents – it was only too easy to enjoy the celebrations with our other Indian friends living there.   Deepavali – or Diwali as they called it – is the festival of lights.  In Japan – they have the street celebration and lots of Indian food you can purchase to try out.  They also had dances and Bollywood songs that they dance to.  Diwali is celebrated in October in Yokohama.

Dango

I do not recommend the dango if you have caps or fillings in your teeth – because they can be so chewy and hard at times – your caps or fillings may come off while trying to chew it.   Dango is made of flour and it can be sweet or savory – so you can choose which type you want to pick and try.  Dango comes in different colors too – and they are like candies to the kids – till they try it.

Little Train Ride In Kyoto

While many think that Kyoto is a very quiet and idle place to be – I loved Kyoto because of the nature and many good food.  One interesting thing you have to do – is take the little train – at Kameoka thru’ the Hozu River and enjoy the scenery there.  While some people take the tain from Arashiyama – we took the train from Kameoka – for 600 Yen.  The ride was short about 25 minutes only – but still a very pleasant train ride.

This is a paddy field at the train station.  We then went for a boat ride at the Hozu River for 2 hours.  It was interesting and we enjoyed it tremendously.

The boat ride was about 3500 yen if I am not wrong – but for a 2 hrs ride – i think it was worth it.  Enjoy the wild life in Kyoto here – it’s quite refreshing.

Prada In Japan

Prada at Omotesando is a very unique building as you can see but I’m sure you wouldn’t expect anything less in Japan  – plus this is Prada you are talking about.  Look at the bubbles on the building – you cannot mistaken it as any other brand right?

I didn’t go in the day I took the pictures because I wasn’t dressed appropriately.  I just didn’t feel right – as the Japanese thinks that you don’t respect them or their establishment if you walked in with your bermuda.

A Walk Thru’ The Golden Pavilion

Living in Japan for 6 months reminds me of my walk at the Golden Pavilion Temple – also known as the Kinkaku-ji.  So how do one get to the Golden Pavilion Temple?  The temple is located in Kyoto – and I was there for a few months at least – so i became very familiar with the place.  Open from 9am to 5pm – I take my afternoon walks here with my apple nano and to rest my eyes after a few hours of looking on the computer or talking with engineers.   At that time – I had to get my Apple Nano from Canada – because I couldn’t understand the ones in Japan – so before going to Japan – I saw them in Canada – and had bought them immediately.  Little did I know that my apple nano was going to be my constant companion during my stay in Japan.

The admission fee for the KinKau-ji was 400 yen then – I don’t know if it had change now.  But as you can see – it was a great place to spend the afternoon to relax before heading back to work.

The Golden Pavilion – said to be covered with gold leaf on two storey – this was used as a retirement villa for a shogun.  The surrounding is quite extravagant as you can see here – almost breathtaking the first time I came here for my walk.  I avoid talking to anyone – when I’m out for a walk – so by using my apple nano – it was perfect.  If you are visiting Kyoto – take a walk at my favorite place.

Tokyo Subway

Unfortunately, I haven’t been on the Tokyo subway on my own – I always travel with someone who have been in Japan for a long time.  The subway in Tokyo is like a huge maze – looking at the maps in the train station can be very mind boggling and intimidating if you ask me.  Even if you approach anyone – they hardly speak in English.  I have never seen a cramp train before – maybe I was lucky – but it can be very crowded at the Tokyo subway – at all times of the day.  But given that there are so many people living in Tokyo alone – it’s not hard to understand that the subway is open till late at night.  But if you are ever in Tokyo – you have to take the subway at least once and experience it yourself.

Pink Pepsi

Strawberry and milk flavor – and I would loved to try it – but only in Japan can you find seasonal flavors for everything it seems – from Kit Kat chocolate and now pepsi drink.  Should be a really interesting drink don’t you think?  Launching out today I heard – wonder how it went.  I haven’t tried it – so I won’t be able to tell you the taste – so those heading to Japan right at this moment or soon – make sure you try this pink stuff.

Baby Cafe In Japan

Not much of a baby’s cafe if you asked me – but what do i know right?  plus it’s white in color – now that’s not so smart eh?  but mothers are supposed to be able to gather here and have some beverages while there children play safely – and really i don’t see much to play – but it’s shibuya – and for an hour’s worth of play time for the kids – it will make you poorer by 500Yen.  Children under 7 only – so it’s pretty exclusive – but the Japanese have the money that’s for sure.