Japan Travel: Fun at Japanese Cafes and More

May 10, 2016 by 5 Comments

It may seemed with all my previous Japan Travel Tuesday posts that we had a very cultural experience, but that’s not true. We also did quite a few miscellaneous fun things that were goofy. You may or may not want to also do these activities, depending on your own preferences. All these Japanese cafes and more are located in Tokyo. These were all fun for us, in their own special silly way.  Some memories you make should not be serious.

Akihabara Maid Cafe

Visiting a Maid Cafe was not on my list of must dos, but apparently it was for F. He seemed to have a good time teasing me every time we passed by one of the maids on the street advertising their cafe, usually only a few steps away. We specifically stopped at an @home maid cafe location inside Don Quixote.

Maid Cafes are specific themed Japanese cafes where everyone is female, dressed like a maid, and serves you like you are a master or a princess (which is what they call you while you are there). No photos allowed at the cafe with the maids without paying, but after being on feet wandering Akihabara for hours since morning even before any stores were open, and now since it was well into lunchtime, we relished the chance to sit down purchased a lunch meal that included a photo for each of our meal packages (1 drink, 1 food dish, 1 photo) to look at and laugh at ourselves for years to come.
Inside Don Quixote, we stopped for lunch at @home maid cafe and we each selected a maid to have a photo with Inside Don Quixote, we stopped for lunch at @home maid cafe and we each selected a maid to have a photo with

The food comes in the unique plating that can only be described as Cute Japanese Style Food. For instance, for his mocha latte and my green tea latte, we got to choose which animal we could have drawn on our beverage (I guess that explains the “Magic Sketch” portion of the menu item names). For my lunch I ordered the Cutie Puppy Curry Set that included little hamburger steaks for ears (hamburger steaks in Japan are a bit like salsbury steaks), and he got Napoletena Spaghetti Set. I don’t know why both sets came with potato salad. This was by no means a gourmet foodie meal… it was really just an unique experience as we had to awkwardly figure out how to sing with the maid waitress (you get to choose your maids from a bulletin board with their photos…) to add moe magic love filling to our food with a little song before we could eat :O
Inside Don Quixote, we stopped for lunch at @home maid cafe. For these Magic Sketch beverages, aka his mocha latte and my green tea latte, we got to choose which animal we could have drawn on our beverage. Inside Don Quixote, we stopped for lunch at @home maid cafe, this is the Cutie Puppy Curry Set Inside Don Quixote, we stopped for lunch at @home maid cafe, this is the Napoletena Spaghetti Set

J World Tokyo and Namja Town

Also a request from F, who is more into anime than I am with his subscriptions to stream subtitled anime at Crunchyroll and FUNimation. He is more up to date on the latest series that are popular in Japan, particular with anime inspired by Shonen Jump, a weekly manga magazine that publishes the latest chapter of multiple manga series all in one anthology publication.

J World Tokyo is an indoor theme park focused on Shonen Jump manga characters like you see here, including both games and themed food that matches characters and scenes from the manga or anime. Some of the shows we saw featured included Dragonball Z, Naruto, One Piece, Gintama, Monster Hunter, Kuroka’s Basketball, and probably others that I don’t recognize.
A lot of places are closed on New Year's Day, but one of them that was open was J World Tokyo. This is an indoor theme park focused on Shonen Jump manga characters like you see here. Mainly, Fred was interested in Gintama. I didn't really take this seriously until we both saw they had THEMED FOOD and said, hey why not? A lot of places are closed on New Year's Day, but one of them that was open was J World Tokyo. This is an indoor theme park focused on Shonen Jump manga characters like you see here. Mainly, Fred was interested in Gintama. I didn't really take this seriously until we both saw they had THEMED FOOD and said, hey why not?

The themed food was clever and in turns hilarious. Tip: when you pay admission, show your foreign passport to get a discount. On the website you can see that the games are pay per play, and which ones are marked with English translations available. With your admission, you come back as many times you you need to during the day, so we ate here for lunch on New Year’s Day and later came back for dessert after a dinner at Namja Town.
More themed food at J World amusement park. I mean, it's 800 yen, and you have to pay extra for games and as you order food. But if you show your passport then you get a discount. And you can come back in and out the same day, so we were here for lunch and dinner. Cotton Candy golden cloud Dragon Ball Z at J World Kitchen Gintama themed food, a special at J World Tokyo we visited only from November 2015 - February 2016. This is referring to a particular episode where Gin is riding the shogun like a sled and he discovers something can work to steer or slow his human sled down. The straps you see him holding are from making a wedgie. That's all I'll say Gintama themed food, a special at J World Tokyo we visited only from November - February This is the dessert we had to come back after 5 PM to be able to order at J World's cafeteria, Gintama themed between Nov 2015 and Feb 2016.

Namja Town is similarly is an indoor theme park focused also on Namja characters, games but also offering Gyoza (Potsticker) Stadium and several choices of dessert stands. Inside, it is themed like you are in a mini city even though you are just walking around part of the floor of a shopping center. There are even a few booths like this that you an get in and sit and eat like you are at home, and some area that evoke dining outside in a food court streetside with crates as part of the tables or your seats.
Namja Town. Inside, it is themed like you are in a mini city even though you are just walking around a food amusement park on part of the floor of Sunshine City shopping center Namja Town. Inside, it is themed like you are in a mini city even though you are just walking around a food amusement park on part of the floor of Sunshine City shopping center Namja Town. Inside, it is themed like you are in a mini city even though you are just walking around a food amusement park. There are even a few booths like this that you an get in and sit and eat like you are at home Namja Town eating area is a little nicer than just food court seats thanks to the decorative atmosphere

Gyoza Stadium is a food court area where you can order gyoza from multiple stands where each one has special unique takes on gyoza. Warning, this is not vegetarian friendly – most of the gyoza are filled with eat. Can you tell that the visit to Namja Town and Gyoza Stadium was my idea, not F? I think it was equal play – he got his J World and I got my Gyoza Stadium in Namja Town.
Namja Town has an area that is their Gyoza Stadium with a dozen little booths of different pot stickers, or gyoza, to try. You can get them for here or to go in little boxes you can collect in a basket so you can sample from multiple booths and try different styles Namja Town has an area that is their Gyoza Stadium with a dozen little booths of different pot stickers, or gyoza, to try. You can get them for here or to go in little boxes you can collect in a basket so you can sample from multiple booths and try different styles Namja Town has an area that is their Gyoza Stadium with a dozen little booths of different pot stickers, or gyoza, to try. You can get them for here or to go in little boxes you can collect in a basket so you can sample from multiple booths and try different styles Namja Town has an area that is their Gyoza Stadium with a dozen little booths of different pot stickers, or gyoza, to try. You can get them for here or to go in little boxes you can collect in a basket so you can sample from multiple booths and try different styles

You can go to the counter of each gyoza stand and on the laminated menus there, look for one that is English so you can know what you are ordering. I recommend looking at them all to plan out which ones you want to try. They can bring you the gyoza in little boxes that you collect in a plastic basket so you can collect several boxes of gyoza to create your own gyoza buffet.
Namja Town has an area that is their Gyoza Stadium with a dozen little booths of different pot stickers, or gyoza, to try. You can go to the counter and on the laminated menus there there is one that is English - it's just that you can't see it until you get up there to the register, I wish they had it on the signs or not just when you have the pressure of you're already at the cashier and need to order Namja Town has an area that is their Gyoza Stadium with a dozen little booths of different pot stickers, or gyoza, to try. You can go to the counter and on the laminated menus there there is one that is English. I recommend walking around to compare your optios before you choose. Namja Town Cheese Winged Gyoza "Trying

Also at Namja Town, you can also visit lots of various dessert stands where they plate the dessert in lots of cute ways, including with animal faces. When I went, they had some Sailormoon themed items, so I enjoyed a fruity beverage themed with Sailor Venus that included orange heart shaped fruit. One stand offered 50 flavors out of 88 possible ones for ice cream. We ordered a sorbet that had beautifu layers of color.
Lots of cute dessert food here too at Namja Town besides Gyoza Stadium Lots of cute dessert food here too at Namja Town - the cats I believe are the major mascots of Namja Town One of the shops at Namja Town had a LOT of ice cream flavors - I think this is the reduced version of what used to be Ice Cream City when it first opened in 2003. They have really unusual flavors like eel ice cream, wasabi ice cream, sake ice cream, sea urchin ice cream, etc. My Sailor Venus drink at Namja Town included orange heart fruit. Really beautiful layers to this sorbet at Namja Town Really beautiful layers to this sorbet at Namja Town

On New Year’s day a lot of things were closed, and if you are looking for an activity on a holiday, in the evening, or during crappy weather this might be also an option to consider as it is all indoors and they have a discount admission after 5 PM and are open year round. J World and Namja Town are both in the Sunshine City indoor mall in Ikebukuro, so you can also bolster your visit with shopping, eating, and they also offer in Sunshine City an aquarium, planetarium, movie theater, and a Pokemon Center.

Kanda Myojin

While we were in Akihabasa, we took a short few block walk away from the stores to visit Kanda Myojin, which some like CNN Travel call “The World’s Geekiest Temple”. This is due to a special good luck omamori (Japanese charm) available at Kanda Myojin, specifically an IT Charm to protect your technology devices. The charm you can purchase at this temple that is a 3 for one package that includes a credit card sized card for your wallet, a longer rectangular sticker for your computer, and a SD card sized sticker for your mobile phone.
a special good luck omamori (Japanese charm) available at Kanda Myojin temple in Akihabara, Tokyo, specifically an IT Charm to protect your technology devices. The charm you can purchase at this temple that is a 3 for one package that includes a credit card sized card for your wallet, a longer rectangular sticker for your computer, and a SD card sized sticker for your mobile phone

The best information on Kanda Myojin I found was from the blog Rurousha who also mentioned that there was a tiny temple horse,  and you can have your car blessed at the shrine. I didn’t see any car blessings in progress, but did see the horsie! I also found a fortune teller puppet machine.
Yep, Kanda Myojin has it's own lil horse! At Kanda Myojin, for this machine put in some money and the puppet will perform a little dance, (though it was already moving around and playing a little music to get your attention) and then give you a slip of paper with a fortune

For more information on omamori, which are great small souvenirs for yourself and to give others back home, and easy to get as they are available at all temples and shrines (though some specific ones like this one are at specific temples) see these two articles I found super useful.
Where you can purchase temple charms (omamori) for various kinds of good things, they are great small souvenirs for yourself and to give others back home, and easy to get as they are available at all temples and shrines (though some specific ones like this one are at specific temples) Where you can purchase temple charms (omamori) for various kinds of good things, they are great small souvenirs for yourself and to give others back home, and easy to get as they are available at all temples and shrines (though some specific ones like this one are at specific temples)

Calico Cat Cafe

This was my request and F tagged along. There are multiple kinds of Japanese cafes that are animal themed in that they offer audience with a type of animal – ranging from cat cafes to owl cafes to goat cafe, rabbit cafe, even a hedgehog cafe. With the small spaces, long work hours, and often strict rules, many Japanese citizzens can’t own pets and so animal cafes are a way to get a little animal companionship. Although there is a cat cafe in Portland, it doesn’t offer as many cats as the ones in Japan do, and I wanted to try out the experience.

After finding the Calico Cat Cafe in Shinjuku in the 8th floor, we went to the welcome window where we’re given a time stamped lanyard. We will pay at the end based on how much time we spend in the cafe with the cats. You are given slippers to wear after you remove your shoes and place in lockers (there are more lockers inside past the door to the cats for your bags or anything else you want to put away). Then we wash and disinfect our hands at these sinks right before the door leading to the 2 floors of kitties, as illustrated here on the note on the mirror.
Slippers to wear after you remove your shoes at the Calico Cat Cafe we wash and disinfect our hands at these sinks right before the door leading to the 2 floors of kitties... as illustrated here on the note on the mirror at Calico Cat Cafe

There is an area for cats to go away from humans and hang out behind a windowed area so you can at least admire them but can’t interact. You will find cats in cat beds, cat towers, and cat shelves 🙂
Calico Cat Cafe in Shinjuku, 2 floors of cats to play with or just sit around as you read manga or purchase beverages and snacks. There is an enclosed glass area for cats that we can just see without touching. Notice the cat in a cloak! Calico Cat Cafe in Shinjuku, 2 floors of cats to play with or just sit around as you read manga or purchase beverages and snacks. The squat little legs of this one are adorable Calico Cat Cafe in Shinjuku, 2 floors of cats to play with or just sit around as you read manga or purchase beverages and snacks. Shelves of cat Calico Cat Cafe in Shinjuku, 2 floors of cats to play with or just sit around as you read manga or purchase beverages and snacks. Notice the little cat decal by the door lock/knob! and the shelves for the cats even in the stairwell to the 2nd floor

They have seats on the 2nd floor (take the stairs down from where you enter Calico Cat Cafe) but most people I saw just ended up settling at cat level on the floor. There are manga to read, as well as Wii and games to play. You can also purchase food and drink for yourself to eat at some of the seats downstairs. If the cat and human carer is not out you can ring the bell by the sliding window.
Ring the bell for service at Calico Cat Cafe in Shinjuku! From a person, not from a kitty... A staffperson prepares food and drink from a room behind that sliding window. Calico Cat Cafe in Shinjuku, 2 floors of cats to play with or just sit around as you read manga or purchase beverages and snacks. Devote to Cat. Calico Cat Cafe in Shinjuku, 2 floors of cats to play with or just sit around as you read manga or purchase beverages and snacks. Investigation of the noise that occurred by the box... what happened? Drink and Food Menu at Calico Cat Cafe in Shinjuku, 2 floors of cats to play with or just sit around as you read manga or purchase these beverages and snacks.

I highly recommend you spend the 300 yen for a little container of shredded chicken as cat treats, especially if you want to experience a kitty swarm as they all seem to know as soon as you crack the lid open a little bit. They KNOW. The Calico Cat Cafe staff will ask that you not feed the ones with scarves as they have a special diet you don’t want to ruin, and they will request you try to spread out the treats to different cats so no one gets too fat.
What happens when you buy one of the little containers of shredded chicken at Calico Cat Cafe that you can feed the cats as treats. As soon as you open it, they know. They KNOW I highly recommend you spend the 300 yen for a little container of shredded chicken as cat treats, especially if you want to experience a kitty swarm as they all seem to know as soon as you crack the lid open a little bit. They KNOW. The Calico Cat Cafe staff will ask that you not feed the ones with scarves as they have a special diet you don't want to ruin, and they will request you try to spread out the treats to different cats so no one gets too fat. What happens when you buy one of the little containers of shredded chicken at Calico Cat Cafe that you can feed the cats as treats. As soon as you open it, they know. They KNOW

You pay by the first hour and then for every 15 minutes thereafter. There always seemed to be a “cashier cat” at the window – if one kitty leaves, another one jumped up there.
You pay by the first hour and then for every 15 minutes thereafter at Calico Cat Cafe. There always seemed to be a cashier cat at the window You pay by the first hour and then for every 15 minutes thereafter at Calico Cat Cafe. There always seemed to be a cashier cat at the window

Ghibli Museum

F and I have seen all of Hayao Miyazaki’s films and are big Studio Ghibli fans, so purchasing a ticket to visit the Ghibli Museum was a treat for us. The museum works on advanced reservation tickets only that are open to be sold 3 months beforehand (and tickets do sell out!), and they are set for specific dates for one time admittance (no reentering after you leave). At the Ghibli museum’s entrance, the reserve tickets are exchanged for a 35mm film strip that features a scene from one of the Studio Ghibli films that you keep as a souvenir. I know the one to the left is from Laputa Castle in the Sky, but not sure what the right one is from.
At the Ghibli museum's entry, the reserve tickets are exchanged for a 35mm film strip that features a scene from one of the Studio Ghibli films that you keep as a souvenir.

You have to pay admission to go inside the museum, but some sights like the Totoro’s Reception window are outside the museum so you don’t necessarily need a ticket to see him.
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka - the information brochure mentions 'Those who can lose their way and fully enjoy this space are welcomed at the Museum.' Ghibli Museum, Mitaka - the information brochure mentions 'Those who can lose their way and fully enjoy this space are welcomed at the Museum.' Totoro’s Reception, Ghibli Museum - this is outside the museum so you don't need a ticket to see him Totoro’s Reception, Ghibli Museum - this is outside the museum so you don't need a ticket to see him

Ghibli Museum having all this green on it seems completely appropriate and expected since so much nature is part of the theme in the studio films and is part of the wonderful detail of the environment that they create in watercolor background for each movie. The museum has a Rooftop Garden at the top features a Robot from Laputa (Castle In The Sky), still tending to nature, and a symbol of humanity’s choice of whether its legacy will be as destroyers of this world or its caretakers. Ghibli Museum having all this green on it seems as expected since so much nature as part of the theme in the studio films Ghibli Museum having all this green on it seems as expected since so much nature as part of the theme in the studio films The museum has a Rooftop Garden at the top features a Robot from Laputa (Castle In The Sky), still tending to nature, and a symbol of humanity's choice of whether its legacy will be as destroyers of this world or its caretakers. The museum has a Rooftop Garden at the top features a Robot from Laputa (Castle In The Sky), still tending to nature, and a symbol of humanity's choice of whether its legacy will be as destroyers of this world or its caretakers. The museum has a Rooftop Garden at the top features a Robot from Laputa (Castle In The Sky), still tending to nature, and a symbol of humanity's choice of whether its legacy will be as destroyers of this world or its caretakers.

I also knew that most of the exhibits were in Japanese, so we decided to go on a tour (we found one via Viator that was an afternoon tour). It sounds like the tour has changed since when we took it where the guide entered the museum with the group to explain some of the exhibits and walk through a couple rooms with us pointing out details that you might otherwise miss or and telling us the story behind some things and referencing the movie for us – otherwise we would have done a lot of looking but not necessarily a lot of understanding. Unless you can read Japanese I think a tour is invaluable in this case in giving you background and tips for the most enjoyment. The way the tour was set up she walked around pointing out extra stories or sights we might have missed, than gave us our own time to wander and we had a choice whether to leave with the group or stay longer.
Studio Ghibli Museum Tour - she pointed out little details for us to notice, like the crest on the gate and on bricks here or there Studio Ghibli Museum Tour - she pointed out little details for us to notice, like the crest on the gate and on bricks here or there Studio Ghibli Museum Tour - she pointed out little details for us to notice, like the crest on the gate and on bricks here or there Ghibli Museum Crest

Photos aren’t allowed inside the museum, so I only have photos from outside to share. Still, you can get an idea of the exquisite detail they have inside just from what I captured outside. I actually liked that no photos were allowed as it forced all visitors to get absorbed in the atmosphere and wonder. Hayao Miyazaki’s intention was that people focus on the experience and taking back memories. The information brochure even mentions “Those who can lose their way and fully enjoy this space are welcomed at the Museum.” The doors and all the windows and skylights featured breathtaking stained glass with references to the Ghibli films. Here’s a hint of that just from the front doors before I put away my camera, which pay homage to My Neighbor Totoro.
Ghibli Museum - Stained Glass on the front doors which pay homage to My Neighbor Totoro - they had stained glass with Ghibli characters in many places including the skylight ceiling in the Central Hall Ghibli Museum - Stained Glass on the front doors which pay homage to My Neighbor Totoro - they had stained glass with Ghibli characters in many places including the skylight ceiling in the Central Hall Ghibli Museum - Stained Glass on the front doors which pay homage to My Neighbor Totoro - they had stained glass with Ghibli characters in many places including the skylight ceiling in the Central Hall

The Ghibli museum is 3 stories and is full of winding paths inside through little rooms and hallways, interior bridges and balconies, multiple winding spiral staircases including one in a small clock tower, to evoke a feeling of exploration and adventure. The building design is meant to be a nod to Hayao Miyazaki’s building designs in the Studio Ghibli films. When you visit Ghibli Museum, you get one entry to view a short film in the Saturn Theater, and the short film rotates and is original for the museum.
The Ghibli museum is 3 stories and is full of winding paths inside through little rooms and hallways, interior bridges and balconies, multiple winding spiral staircases including one in a small clock tower, to evoke a feeling of exploration and adventure. The building design is meant to be a nod to Hayao Miyazaki's building designs in the Studio Ghibli films.

My favorite room was the history and science of animation that had a three-dimensional zoetrope of “Bouncing Totoro”, with models of characters from My Neighbor Totoro that it would stop moving so you can see all the detail of each individual figure, and then turn off the light and spin quickly to see the amazing animation as the characters come to life. It inspired Pixar to create one as well for California Adventure Land – this is the best hint I can give you at how truly fantastic it is.

Unfortunately, the plush cat bus upstairs from Totoro is for elementary kids only. The only other negative about the museum is that the gift shop is small and gets very crowded like a madhouse, so I would recommend visiting a Ghibli store elsewhere which will have similar products and more space, and there are several locations. Don’t miss visiting the cafe area where you can get a special Ghibli beer Kaze no Tani (you can take the empty bottle out with you), and check out the detail of the sinks with reference’s to Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Don't miss visiting the cafe area where you can get a special Ghibli beer Kaze no Tani (you can take the empty bottle out with you) Wash your hands afterward at Ghibli Museum's cafe area at the outdoor sink that includes the cat from Kiki's Delivery Service for a handle

Next week is my final Japan Travel post with a summary of the various types of Japanese foods to look for when you visit. Then, the Travel Tuesday posts will shift to Sante Fe!

Of all these various special interest stops, are there any that interest you? When you travel, are there certain types of “hobby or special interest” attractions that interest you? What do you think of the Ghibli Museum policy of no photos in order to have you absorb the experience and only take back memories instead of photos?

Here’s a summary of my Japan Travel post series:

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Green Beans with Walnut and Feta and Mint Vinaigrette

May 9, 2016 by 1 Comment

When I realized that I had way too much feta from my Costco order which I had delivered via Instacart (which I’ve raved about before for bringing me needed items at the last minute right to my door – and I don’t need a Costco membership), I immediately thought of this recipe for Green Beans with Walnut and Feta and Mint Vinaigrette for the next potluck at work in order to help use it up.
Recipe for Green Beans with Walnut and Feta and Mint Vinaigrette, an easy salad to serve cold or at room temperature for a potluck or get together that is vegetarian

I had the recipe idea pinned from The Kitchen is My Playground for a while, with it’s intriguing promise of fun textures of the firm green beans, walnuts, and feta while highlighting a fresh mint vinaigrette.
Recipe for Green Beans with Walnut and Feta and Mint Vinaigrette, an easy salad to serve cold or at room temperature for a potluck or get together that is vegetarian
Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch or so pieces
  • 3/4 cup of diced red onion
  • 1 cup of chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
  • 3/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup of minced fresh mint leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt or to taste
  • 1/2  teaspoon of  black pepper or to taste

Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the cut 1 1/2 pounds of green beans and cook for only 3 minutes –  we want it to turn bright green only. Drain the hot water and immediately plunge the green beans into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry with paper towels.
    Trimmed green beans to length of 1-2 inches, which is enough to be a forkful without having to figure out how to fold it into your mouth!
  2. In a mixing bowl set the dried blanched green beans. Add the 1 cup walnuts, 3/4 cup diced red onion, and 1 cup crumbled feta; toss to combine.
    1 cup walnuts, 3/4 cup diced red onion
  3. In a food processor combine the 3/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, 1/4 minced fresh mint, 3 cloves worth of minced garlic, salt, and pepper for 30 seconds or so.
    To make the Fresh Mint Vinaigrette, In a food processor combine the 3/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, 1/4 minced fresh mint, 3 cloves worth of minced garlic, salt, and pepper To make the Fresh Mint Vinaigrette, In a food processor combine the 3/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, 1/4 minced fresh mint, 3 cloves worth of minced garlic, salt, and pepper
  4. Add the dressing to the mixing bowl and toss everything. Chill for about an hour before serving.
    Easy vegetarian recipe for a potluck or group meal, healthy Green Bean Salad with Red Onion, Feta, Walnuts in a Fresh Mint Vinaigrette

So this salad was definitely great for lunch for a couple days… great for the potluck for a group as it was easy to transport to work and leave out. For later lunches it was a nice crispy side of veggies and nuts with a bit of acid to balance out a grilled cheese sandwich.
Easy vegetarian recipe for a potluck or group meal, healthy Green Bean Salad with Red Onion, Feta, Walnuts in a Fresh Mint Vinaigrette

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Feast 2015 Brunch Village Recap

May 6, 2016 by 5 Comments

This weekend is Mother’s Day, which for many people means enjoying brunch. For me, it makes me think of the annual best brunch event ever in Portland, the brunch at Feast Brunch Village. In a mere 2 weeks the schedule for Feast Portland 2016 will go live on May 19 9 AM PST, and I hope Brunch Village makes its 2016 return as a marquee event. If you’re not sure whether Brunch Village is for you, here’s a Feast 2015 Brunch Village Recap so you know how the deliciousness went down last year.

As always, for one price all your food and drink are covered essentially for all you can eat during the time of the event. Last year, this included

Chef Offerings

Whenever I see Rick Gencarelli of Lardo and Grassa at an event I make a beeline because he always has a crowd pleaser dish. This time was no different, delivering with Brisket Benedict with Sunny Quail Eggs and Smoked Hollandaise on a House English Muffin. I mean how adorable is that with the little egg, and how Rick makes sure to lovingly plate each one for you.
At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Rick Gencarelli of Lardo pleased the crowds with Brisket Benedict - Sunny Quail Eggs, Smoked Hollandaise, House English Muffin At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Rick Gencarelli of Lardo pleased the crowds with Brisket Benedict - Sunny Quail Eggs, Smoked Hollandaise, House English Muffin At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Rick Gencarelli of Lardo pleased the crowds with Brisket Benedict - Sunny Quail Eggs, Smoked Hollandaise, House English Muffin

Andrew Carmellini of Locanda Verde from New York offered Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and showed how chefs have no feeling in their fingers anymore and can cook with their bare hands, ha ha.
Brunch Village at Feast 2015 - Andrew Carmellini of Locanda Verde from New York offered Lemon Ricotta Pancakes Brunch Village at Feast 2015 - Andrew Carmellini of Locanda Verde from New York offered Lemon Ricotta Pancakes Brunch Village at Feast 2015 - Andrew Carmellini of Locanda Verde from New York offered Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Fingers that feel no pain are demonstrated also by the team lead by Daniel N Oseas of Broder as they turned fresh made Aebleskiver with Lingonberry Jam
Brunch Village Feast 2015 the team lead by Daniel N Oseas of Broder Café offered fresh made Aebleskiver with Lingonberry Jam Brunch Village Feast 2015 the team lead by Daniel N Oseas of Broder Café offered fresh made Aebleskiver with Lingonberry Jam Fingers that feel no pain are demonstrated at Brunch Village Feast 2015 by the team lead by Daniel N Oseas of Broder Café as they turned fresh made Aebleskiver with Lingonberry Jam Brunch Village Feast 2015 the team lead by Daniel N Oseas of Broder Café offered fresh made Aebleskiver with Lingonberry Jam

Patrick Fleming of Boke Bowl prepared Spicy Black Bean Pork, Turnip Cake, Small Egg, Berry Bean Bao which delivered on a lot of flavor.
Brunch Village at Feast 2015 - Patrick Fleming of Boke Bowl prepared Spicy Black Bean Pork, Turnip Cake, Small Egg, Berry Bean Bao Brunch Village at Feast 2015 - Patrick Fleming of Boke Bowl prepared Spicy Black Bean Pork, Turnip Cake, Small Egg, Berry Bean Bao Brunch Village at Feast 2015 - Patrick Fleming of Boke Bowl prepared Spicy Black Bean Pork, Turnip Cake, Small Egg, Berry Bean Bao

Also representing Portland chefs at Brunch Village was Jason French of Ned Ludd who created Pork Tenderloin Ham on a Cheesy Corn Cake with Fermented Green Tomato and Cured Egg Yolk.
At Brunch Village Feast 2015, Jason French of Ned Ludd created Pork Tenderloin Ham, Cheesy Corn Cake, Fermented Green Tomato, Cured Egg Yolk At Brunch Village Feast 2015, Jason French of Ned Ludd created Pork Tenderloin Ham, Cheesy Corn Cake, Fermented Green Tomato, Cured Egg Yolk At Brunch Village Feast 2015, Jason French of Ned Ludd created Pork Tenderloin Ham, Cheesy Corn Cake, Fermented Green Tomato, Cured Egg Yolk

Longest line of the Brunch Village 2015 was for Brad Farmerie of Saxon + Parole from New York who impressed (and so did his heroic sous, crackin how many hundreds of eggs the entire event) to offer the adoring crowds Turkish Eggs served with bread to dip. I mean look how many eggs are in that circulator! This was my favorite dish for 2015 Brunch Village.
At Brunch Village for Feast 2015, Brad Farmerie of Saxon + Parole from New York impressed (and so did his heroic sous, crackin eggs the entire event) to offer the adoring crowds Turkish eggs At Brunch Village for Feast 2015, Brad Farmerie of Saxon + Parole from New York impressed (and so did his heroic sous, crackin eggs the entire event) to offer the adoring crowds Turkish eggs At Brunch Village for Feast 2015, Brad Farmerie of Saxon + Parole from New York impressed (and so did his heroic sous, crackin eggs the entire event) to offer the adoring crowds Turkish eggs At Brunch Village for Feast 2015, Brad Farmerie of Saxon + Parole from New York impressed (and so did his heroic sous, crackin eggs the entire event) to offer the adoring crowds Turkish eggs At Brunch Village for Feast 2015, Brad Farmerie of Saxon + Parole from New York impressed (and so did his heroic sous, crackin eggs the entire event) to offer the adoring crowds Turkish eggs At Brunch Village for Feast 2015, Brad Farmerie of Saxon + Parole from New York impressed (and so did his heroic sous, crackin eggs the entire event) to offer the adoring crowds Turkish eggs

I also loved the freshly fried chicken by Simpatica who was rocking it like a well oiled (stainleess steel) machine making their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup. As you can sorta see I went back maybe a couple times… they ran out of waffles but not fried chicken and I can’t complain about a little tray of multiple morsels of fried chicken.
At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Simpatica pleased the crowd with their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Simpatica pleased the crowd with their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Simpatica pleased the crowd with their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Simpatica pleased the crowd with their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Simpatica pleased the crowd with their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Simpatica pleased the crowd with their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Simpatica pleased the crowd with their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Simpatica pleased the crowd with their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup

Ben Ford of Ford’s Filling Station from Los Angeles offered Lamb Rillettes, goat cheese, chile, mint
At Brunch Village for Feast 2015, Ben Ford of Ford's Filling Station from Los Angeles offered Lamb Rillettes, goats cheese, chile, mint At Brunch Village for Feast 2015, Ben Ford of Ford's Filling Station from Los Angeles offered Lamb Rillettes, goats cheese, chile, mint

Sarah Schafer of Irving Street Kitchen, always a big supporter of the fight against hunger, made Smoked Bison Brisket Tamales
During Brunch Village at Feast 2015, Sarah Schafer of Irving Street Kitchen, always a big supporter of the fight against hunger, made Smoked Bison Brisket Tamales During Brunch Village at Feast 2015, Sarah Schafer of Irving Street Kitchen, always a big supporter of the fight against hunger, made Smoked Bison Brisket Tamales

Alissa Frice of Frice Pastry brought various kind of Madeleines, including these Biscuits & Gravy Madeleines,  Steak and Egg Madeleines, and also Banana Chocolate Chip Pancake Madeleines.
For Brunch Village Feast 2015, Alissa Frice of Frice Pastry brought various kind of Madeleines, including these Biscuits & Gravy Madeleines For Brunch Village Feast 2015, Alissa Frice of Frice Pastry brought various kind of Madeleines, including these Steak and Egg Madeleines as well as Biscuits & Gravy Madeleines and Banana Chocolate Chip Pancake Madeleines

Nate Snell of Pip’s Original Doughnuts brought his mobile cart to hand out Raw Honey & Sea Salt and Blackberry Lavender mini doughnuts along with Handcrafted Chai. Meanwhile, Jackie Ellis of Beaucoup Bakery from Vancouver BC, Canada offered Petit Chocolate Almond Croissants.
At Feast 2015 Brunch Village Nate Snell of Pip's Original Doughnuts brought his adorable little mobile cart to hand out Raw Honey & Sea Salt and Blackberry Lavender mini doughnuts along with Handcrafted Chai Brunch Village at Feast 2015 - Jackie Ellis of Beaucoup Bakery from Vancouver BC, Canada offered Petit Chocolate Almond Croissant

More Bites and Sips by Participating Sponsors

USA Pears, one of the participating sponsors, really brought their A game with their Creamy Coconut and Star Anise Poached Pears and a Pear Shrub with Sparkling Prosecco or Soda Water
At Feast Brunch Village 2015, USA Pears, one of the participating sponsors, really brought their A game with their Creamy Coconut and Star Anise Poached Pears and a Pear Shrub with Sparkling Prosecco or Soda Water At Feast Brunch Village 2015, USA Pears, one of the participating sponsors, really brought their A game with their Creamy Coconut and Star Anise Poached Pears and a Pear Shrub with Sparkling Prosecco or Soda Water

Titled sponsor of Brunch Village Tillamook brought what they dubbed Pine State’s Tillatart A La Mode with bourbon apple butter and Tillamook Smoked Cheddar
Sponsor at Brunch Village Feast 2015 Tillamook brought what they dubbed Pine State's Tillatart A La Mode with bourbon apple butter and Tillamook Smoked Cheddar Sponsor at Brunch Village Feast 2015 Tillamook brought what they dubbed Pine State's Tillatart A La Mode with bourbon apple butter and Tillamook Smoked Cheddar

Participating Sponsor Whole Foods Market gave us a bit of health with a Balancing Act Smoothie
Participating Sponsor Whole Foods Market at Brunch Village during Feast 2015 gave us a bit of health with a Balancing Act Smoothie Participating Sponsor Whole Foods Market at Brunch Village during Feast 2015 gave us a bit of health with a Balancing Act Smoothie Participating Sponsor Whole Foods Market at Brunch Village during Feast 2015 gave us a bit of health with a Balancing Act Smoothie

Travel Oregon had a booth area where during Feast they had visiting restaurants from Oregon show off dishes from all over the state. This included Novak’s Hungarian Restaurant from Albany, OR who offered Hungarian Meatballs and Red Cabbage for another ethnic take on brunchy food while Sammich of Ashland, OR brought House-Cured Pastrami with Double R Brisket on Light Rye with Swiss, Slaw, and Housemade Russian dressing.
Novak's Hungarian Restaurant from Albany, OR offered Hungarian Meatballs and Red Cabbage for another ethnic take on brunchy food at Brunch Village, Feast 2015 Sammich of Ashland, OR brought House-Cured Pastrami with Double R Brisket on Light Rye with Swiss, Slaw, and Housemade Russian dressing at Brunch Village, Feast 2015 Sammich of Ashland, OR brought House-Cured Pastrami with Double R Brisket on Light Rye with Swiss, Slaw, and Housemade Russian dressing at Brunch Village, Feast 2015

I was also super pumped to see a Nuvrei booth at Brunch Village I adore their croissants and macaroons. Particularly I go for the savory Sesame Thyme or Ham and Cheese croissants instead of the chocolate ones – I always have passed them up for the macaroons but this was my chance to get them! They generously gave each guest a choice a little bagged to take home Matcha Chocolate Crosisant, Chewy Chocolate Cookie, Mini-Canele, Chocolate Croissant, or Matcha Chocolate Almond Croissant. I picked the Matcha Chocolate Almond Croissant.
Nuvrei gave you a choice at Feast 2015 Brunch Village between a little bagged to take home Matcha Chocolate Crosisant, Chewy Chocolate Cookie, Mini-Canele, Chocolate Croissant, or Matcha Chocolate Almond Croissant Nuvrei gave you a choice at Feast 2015 Brunch Village between a little bagged to take home Matcha Chocolate Crosisant, Chewy Chocolate Cookie, Mini-Canele, Chocolate Croissant, or Matcha Chocolate Almond Croissant Nuvrei gave you a choice at Feast 2015 Brunch Village between a little bagged to take home Matcha Chocolate Crosisant, Chewy Chocolate Cookie, Mini-Canele, Chocolate Croissant, or Matcha Chocolate Almond Croissant Nuvrei gave you a choice at Feast 2015 Brunch Village between a little bagged to take home Matcha Chocolate Crosisant, Chewy Chocolate Cookie, Mini-Canele, Chocolate Croissant, or Matcha Chocolate Almond Croissant

What is your favorite brunch place in Portland? What of these brunch bites sounds good to you? Are you doing a Mother’s Day brunch?

Are you thinking of going to Feast Portland this year? Will you be with me at 9 AM on May 19 carefully reading the schedule and prioritizing which events you want to go to, and buying tickets on May 20?

 

Disclosure: I was granted a Blogger Pass for Feast Portland 2015 for blog post and social media coverage but I am not otherwise being compensated. I also purchased my own Feast event ticket to the Aaron Franklin Stumptown Coffee Cookout.  I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own

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Japan Travel: Visiting Himeji Castle

May 3, 2016 by 11 Comments

I couldn’t go to Japan without seeing a castle this time – and I always knew which one it would be. It would be Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) or White Egret Castle (Hakurojo) due to its elegant bird like silhouette from its curved roofs and the white color of the plaster walls which helped it survive since plaster won’t burn down (unlike most of the other castles in Japan). Himeji is one of Japan’s only 12 completely original castles.
Himeji Castle also known as White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) due to its elegant, white appearance is situated on a high hill

This is the one that I have admired for years with it’s bright white walls from postcard and pictures even when I was young just passing through Narita for an airplane transfer. It didn’t matter which season, this castle always looks stunning – whether it be with the brilliant red and orange autumn foliage around it, or covered in snow, or with the blossom of cherry trees and the castle park also with its plum, peach, azalea and wisteria growing on the grounds. Or in the case when I came in December, with none of those atmospheric elements and just the castle on its own.
Himeji Castle also known as White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) due to its elegant, white appearance is situated on a high hill

We took the shinkansen train here from Kyoto – though you can also use Osaka as your home base if you want, since Himeji Station lies between these two cities at only an hour away. From Tokyo I think by shinkansen it’s about 4 hours away, so also possible as a day trip. As you walk out of the train station you can see it vaguely at the end of the street already because it’s on a hill. From the train station it was a 20 minute walk along the main boulevard, watching Himeji Castle get bigger and bigger as you get closer. Takopost has a great Himeji Castle Day Trip blog post showing pictures of the approach as well as some of the inside and tips.

Then, here is your view as your cross the last street into the park area. Also in the surrounding area besides the castle are a garden and city zoo and what looked like an amusement park. The moat here is one of three moats that were originally encircling Himeji Castle – there are only 2 moats that survive as the outmost moat has been buried.
Himeji Castle, Japan - our first look once we walked down the main boulevard and crossed the last street into the park here. Also in the surrounding area are a garden and city zoo and what looked like an amusement park. The castle was originally encircled by three moats, of which two still survive Himeji Castle, Japan - the castle was originally encircled by three moats, of which two still survive

We visited the castle when it first opened in the morning – in fact we arrived maybe 30 minutes before the admission gates opened. I knew that for the past 5 1/2 years, Himeji Castle has had scaffolding covering the castle while restoring and making repairs, and had only reopened earlier in March of 2015 revealing the full castle walls again. So, since it’s reopening it has been a popular attraction even for locals to revisit.

The pictures from Takopost from July 2015 had shown huge crowds and queues of people shuffling in constant lines through and around the castle, and I did not want that experience. He advised immediately getting in line and admiring the grounds outside after. So I intentionally came early to beat any tour groups or school trips, and hoped that the fact it was New Year’s week meant it wasn’t as much of a draw. This paid off in that we were among the first 50 people in… and it turn out to be a light visit day so we never felt crowded and could take our time in all areas. If you want to guess what the crowds might be, the official Himeji Castle website has a calendar where you can look at the probable amount of visitors for that time.
Open area around Himeji Castle as you approach it from Himeji Station Himeji Castle also known as White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) due to its elegant, white appearance is situated on a high hill

On your way you may see some of the resident cats on the property! Supposedly there are sometimes people who are dressed like samurai or ninja that are sometimes here to earn money taking photos with tourists, but we didn’t see any. Just the kitties. There was quite a small crowd around them – they are obviously being fed by someone here – as we watched one cat unsuccessfully stalk a crow several times. This feeding area we saw was right outside where the line to enter Himeji starts, where there are public park restrooms. Once you are inside Himeji Castle, there are not restrooms available until you reach the Inner Keep area (where the photo with me above was taken, after already going up and down the main keep).
Some of the cats on the Himeji Castle park area Some of the cats on the Himeji Castle park area

After paying admission into the main keep grounds, you have to follow many winding paths through doorways (there were 84 gates total originally in the entire complex) to actually get into the castle. This is intentional design to drive the enemy into narrow passages and areas with dead ends.
Himeji Castle also known as White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) due to its elegant, white appearance is situated on a high hill

There are paths that actually take you away from the tower even though you look like you’re going towards it. There are paths that correctly go to the main tower but are sloped downward to make intruders think they are going the wrong way.
Getting a bit photo happy as we approach Himeji Castle once they opened the admission gates (we had to wait about 30 min before they opened and were among the first 50 in I think). They have had scaffolding on the castle making repairs and only reopened earlier in that year after 5 1/2 years The Himeji castle property, situated on a hill summit in the central part of the Harima Plain covers 107 hectares and comprises eighty-two buildings. It is centered on the Tenshu-gun, a complex made up of the donjon, keeps and connecting structures that we are walking through here

There is even a trap by another gate that can send a landslide through to block the gate. Himeji Castle was designed ready for a siege – though it was never actually besieged in its history.
The entrance to Himeji Castle constitutes a veritable spiral maze of walls, gates and baileys, constantly under-fire attackers would need to penetrate and the design is intentional to drive the enemy into narrow passages and areas with dead ends. There are paths that actually take you away from the tower even though you look like you're going towards it, there are paths that correctly go to the main tower but are sloped downward to make intruders think they are going the wrong way The Himeji castle complex originally contained 84 gates, 15 of which were named according to the Japanese syllabary (I, Ro, Ha, Ni, Ho, He, To, etc.) At present, 21 gates from the castle complex remain intact, 13 of which are named according to the Japanese syllabary.

Finally, we arrive at the actual castle building. Very early on after entering the inside castle building, we were given plastic bags to carry our shoes and we are all wearing slippers they gave us as we start to ascend the levels of the castle, which you may catch in some of the photos I have. Externally, the Himeji Castle keep appears to have five floors because the second and third floors from the top appear to be a single floor. But, the tower actually has six floors and a basement. The castle’s granite base, combined with a highly flexible wooden structure, is designed to help Himeji Castle sway during earthquakes.
Finally about to enter the actual castle building now! The walking we have been doing is intentional in the design The entrance to Himeji Castle constitutes a veritable spiral maze of walls, gates and baileys, constantly under-fire attackers would need to penetrate and the design is intentional to drive the enemy into narrow passages and areas with dead ends

There are lots of windows as we go up each floor: this gives us a view of the city, the keep area… in the second photo you can see that big boulevard you see on the right is the street we walked on from the Himeji train station. You can see why building Himeji, which started as a fort, on top of Himeyana hill originally in 1333 was such a smart idea with this strong vantage point.
View from Himeji Castle in Japan of the rest of the keep Besides the detail look at the mythical tiger-headed fish called kinshachi as a talisman for fire protection, that big boulevard you see on the right is the street we walked on from the train station

From the windows you also see many of the Himeji Castle tiger-headed fish statues called kinshachi that are spiritual measure for the prevention of fires.
View from a window at Himeji Castle, Japan. The fish statues you see are spiritual measure for the prevention of fires and these mythical tiger-headed fish are called kinshachi View from a window at Himeji Castle, Japan. The fish statues you see are spiritual measure for the prevention of fires and these mythical tiger-headed fish are called kinshachi View from a window at Himeji Castle, Japan. The fish statues you see are spiritual measure for the prevention of fires and these mythical tiger-headed fish are called kinshachi

The weapon racks inside were empty, but you definitely notice how many there are. At one point, the castle contained as many as 280 guns and 90 spears. In the Ikeda family period (they significantly rebuilt Himeji Castle from 1601-1609 and started the castle complex that stands today) there were about 500 samurai warriors in residence here.

Honda Tadamasa and his son Tadatoki and daughter-in-law, Princess Sen, inherited the castle from the Ikedas. They had more than 1,200 vassals in addition to 4,000 foot solders and servants as they expanded the castle keep into a castle complex in 1617-1618, including a special tower for Princess Sen. Himeji Castle has then mostly been intact since then for the next over 400 years! In the Sakakibara family period there were 3,000 people at Himeji. When Sakai was the last lord of the castle just before the Meiji Restoration there about 2,200 people.
Himeji Castle, Japan - where you hang your weapons, at one point, the castle contained as many as 280 guns and 90 spears. In the Ikeda family period there were about 500 samurai warriors. Honda Tadamasa and his son Tadatoki had more than 1,200 vassals in addition to 4,000 foot solders and servants. In the Sakakibara family period there were 3,000 people. When Sakai was the last lord of the castle just before the Meiji Restoration there about 2,200 people. Himeji Castle, Japan - where you hang your weapons, at one point, the castle contained as many as 280 guns and 90 spears. In the Ikeda family period there were about 500 samurai warriors. Honda Tadamasa and his son Tadatoki had more than 1,200 vassals in addition to 4,000 foot solders and servants. In the Sakakibara family period there were 3,000 people. When Sakai was the last lord of the castle just before the Meiji Restoration there about 2,200 people.

All the stairs were like this at Himeji Castle – steep, and you have to watch your head when clearing the floor. There is no alternative to the stairs, so you must be physically fit enough to go through this to visit the inside of Himeji Castle.
All the stairs were like this at Himeji Castle - steep, and you have to watch your head when clearing the floor. There is no alternative to the stairs, so you must be physically fit enough to go through this to visit the inside of Himeji Castle. All the stairs were like this at Himeji Castle - steep, and you have to watch your head when clearing the floor. There is no alternative to the stairs, so you must be physically fit enough to go through this to visit the inside of Himeji Castle.

Here’s another look at a stair to another floor. The wooden framework of Himeji castle is made from huge pillars including a nearly 800-year-old cypress beam. Even though I’m not an engineer or architect, I am nothing but impressed with the design and construction that it took at the time to make Himeji Castle what it is today.
The wooden framework of Himeji castle is made from huge pillars including a nearly 800-year-old cypress beam, which is thought to bestow good luck on touching it.

Both the third and fourth floors of Himeji Castle have platforms situated at the north and south windows called “stone-throwing platforms” where defenders could observe or throw objects at attackers. They also have small enclosed rooms called “warrior hiding places” where defenders could hide themselves and kill attackers by surprise as they entered the keep. Windows are also placed higher to provide ventilation for gun powder.
Both the third and fourth floors of Himeji Castle have platforms situated at the north and south windows called stone-throwing platforms where defenders could observe or throw objects at attackers. They also have small enclosed rooms called warrior hiding places where defenders could hide themselves and kill attackers by surprise as they entered the keep. Windows are also higher to provide ventilation for gun powder. Both the third and fourth floors of Himeji Castle have platforms situated at the north and south windows called stone-throwing platforms where defenders could observe or throw objects at attackers. They also have small enclosed rooms called warrior hiding places where defenders could hide themselves and kill attackers by surprise as they entered the keep. Windows are also higher to provide ventilation for gun powder.

Once the path takes you up and then down through the main castle, you have a chance to admire the outside again. On the buildings, surrounding walls and roofs, look at the tiles at the end of the curved gables. If you pay attention you can observe that different types of family crests can be found. This is because many lords claimed Himeji Castle as their home and they each used their own crests. For example, you might see the butterfly crest of the Ikeda family, the paulownina crest of the Hashiba family, the hollyhock crest of the Honda family, and a cross-shaped crest for a Christian lord that once ruled Himeji Castle.
On the buildings, surrounding walls and roofs, look at the edge of the tiles. If you pay attention you can observe that different types of family crests can be found. This is because many lords claimed Himeji Castle as their home and they each used their own crests. For example, the butterfly crest of the Ikeda family, the paulownina crest of the Hashiba family, the hollyhock crest of the Honda family, and a cross-shaped crest for a Christian lord that once ruled Himeji Castle. On the buildings, surrounding walls and roofs, look at the edge of the tiles. If you pay attention you can observe that different types of family crests can be found. This is because many lords claimed Himeji Castle as their home and they each used their own crests. For example, the butterfly crest of the Ikeda family, the paulownina crest of the Hashiba family, the hollyhock crest of the Honda family, and a cross-shaped crest for a Christian lord that once ruled Himeji Castle.

You can observe open window like holes in the walls in the shape of circles, triangles, and rectangles located throughout Himeji Castle. The shapes are intended to allow defenders armed with tanegashima or archers to fire on attackers without exposing themselves. They have different heights in places based on whether you are in standing position, kneeling position, or prone position.
Himeji Castle also known as White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) due to its elegant, white appearance. Below you can see windows for an archer or defender using a Matchlock Himeji Castle, Japan. You can observe loopholes in the shape of circles, triangles, and rectangles are located throughout Himeji Castle, intended to allow defenders armed with tanegashima or archers to fire on attackers without exposing themselves. They have different heights in places based on whether you are in standing position, kneeling position, or prone position.

And what’s an old castle without a ghost story or two right? There are two for Himeji Castle that I read. The first is for Okiku’s Well. The story is that Okiku was falsely accused of losing dishes that were valuable family treasures, and then killed and thrown into the well. Her ghost remained to haunt the well at night, counting dishes in a despondent tone.
Himeji Castle, Japan. This is December so there isn't much color, but the park has hundreds of cherry trees and great fall colors in spring and fall. The extensive castle park also has plum, peach, azalea and wisteria growing in the grounds

The other is Genbei Sakurai, who was Ikeda Terumasa’s master carpenter in the construction of the keep, and who felt responsible for the mistaken measurement that causes the tower to lean in the southwest direction so he committed suicide by jumping off a donjon. The real reason for the castle leaning to the southwest is because of sunken cliffs in the east and west. Who knows if either of these folktales are true.
Himeji Castle in Japan Himeji Castle in Japan

On a previous post I shared street treats, which included photos and a video of Ningyo Yaki (a cake filled with sweet red bean paste) here they are available in the shape of Himeji Castle… Those stores are located right across the street from Himeji Castle park on the way back to Himeji Station. Because of the time of year that we visited, we did not visit the Kokoen Garden nearby (offering 9 gardens, and also an opportunity to experience traditional tea service – you can purchase a combined ticket with Himeji Castle admission if you so choose), so we spent about half a day here at Himeji, leaving after lunch and actually then heading to Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion in Kyoto which I covered a couple posts ago.
Himeji Castle Ningyo Yaki -Ningyo Yaki is a cake filled with sweet red bean paste. You will often see it in the shape of various buildings or animals.

While waiting for our train time to go to the plastform at Himeji Station, we followed our noses to find this, a treat called Gozasoro. They put a pancake like batter on one side add the bean paste filling (either the ‘shiro-an’ white bean paste or ‘aka-an’ red bean paste fillings), then put batter on the other side, just before the batter hardens, they put the two sides together to make a round cake and flip several times while cooking until golden brown. I highly recommend you try it!
We saw this at the Himeji train station while waiting for the train - this is a treat called Gozasoro. They put a pancake like batter on one side add the bean paste filling (either the ‘shiro-an’ 白あん white bean paste or ‘aka-an’ 赤あん red bean paste fillings), then put batter on the other side, just before the batter hardens, they put the two sides together to make a round cake and flip several times while cooking until golden brown. We saw this at the Himeji train station while waiting for the train - this is a treat called Gozasoro. They put a pancake like batter on one side add the bean paste filling (either the ‘shiro-an’ 白あん white bean paste or ‘aka-an’ 赤あん red bean paste fillings), then put batter on the other side, just before the batter hardens, they put the two sides together to make a round cake and flip several times while cooking until golden brown.

Helpful articles on visiting Himeji:

Clearly you can tell I had a huge interest for visiting Himeji Castle as I had already done so much previous research (which I then summarized in a word document to print out so it’s thin) before even arriving at the castle so I would be able to enjoy it with history and knowledge already in hand when I finally made my dream come true.

I do have other castles on my bucket list – a mossy Irish castle, a medieval French castle on an island (Mont Saint-Michel), an elegant German castle that was the inspiration for Disney (Neuschwanstein Castle, though seriously Germany has so many lovely castles).

Have you ever done a lot of research on history or features of a specific attraction before visiting? What was it for? Do you have a dream castle you’d like to see?

Here’s a summary of my Japan Travel post series:

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Mother’s Day Tea and Cake with Smith Teamaker

May 2, 2016 by 8 Comments

Looking for a low key event to celebrate Mother’s Day beyond brunch? Smith Teamaker is hosting a special Mother’s Day Tea and Cake event on Sunday May 8th, offering cake by Tiffany Howard from Oh Honey Bakes with their delicious Smithmaker teas. There will be seatings every hour from 10 AM – 2 PM at the Smith Teamaker Headquarters /SE Tasting Room at 110 SE Washington St. For $25, each Mother’s Day Tea and Cake seating ticket includes 2 slices of cake and a tea pot for two.

The cake will be a Jasmine Silver Tip infused cake layered with macerated raspberries and topped with a chocolate ganache and covered with a raspberry buttercream. Smith Teamaker Head Teamaker, Tony Tellin, has selected three Smith teas to pair with this cake, and the full tea menu will be still be available to make your own selections.

Mother's Day Tea and Cake - Smith Teamaker and Oh Honey Bakes team up on May 8th, 2016

Even after the pot of tea, consider adding on a flight of tea to try more since you’re already at the tasting room. Or, if you’re overstuffed from brunch and need a pick me up, add on a tea latte. The location is also a store so feel free to purchase some to take the experience back home (and perhaps share with other fellow moms – friends, sisters, more moms and aunts and grandmoms…). I’ve always admired the impressively elegant and classic design of the tea boxes they have for their teabags,  and they are light to carry or ship.

Tony Tellin showing off how teas can be be created from a lot of different ingredients in order to get the particular perfect balance of flavor Smith Teamaker Maker's Series No. 003 Phuket Fire with collaborator Gregory Gourdet of Departure

Smith Teamaker Head Teamaker, Tony Tellin showing off how teas can be be created from a lot of different ingredients in order to get the particular perfect balance of flavor

My personal favorite is to get growlettes of their tea on tap – with flavors like Masala Chai and Strawberry Honeybush, it’s more unique then the normal lemonades, regular iced teas, or punches for a get together where you want to offer a non-alcoholic drink.

You can reserve your time slot for the Mother’s Day Tea and Cake at the Smith Teamaker website.

What are you doing for Mother’s Day?

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