Day 16 - Sunday 24 January 2016 - Tokyo

First thing this morning we boarded a train to Asakusa to visit the Nakamise markets and the Sensoji Temple. Sensoji is a very popular Buddhist temple built in the 7th century.

Kaminarimon is the first of two large entrance gates leading to Sensoji temple. First built more than 1000 years ago, it is the symbol of Asakusa. The Namamise markets leads from Kaminarimon to the temple grounds.

 

Nakamise Markets

Sensoji Temple

From there we went to the famous Shinbuya crossing.  When the lights turn red at this busy intersection, they all turn red at the same time in every direction. Traffic stops completely and pedestrians surge into the intersection from all sides, like marbles spilling out of a box.

The best of the day we went to the Park Hyatt Hotel in Shinjuku for high tea on the 41st floor. We were very lucky as we got a window seat and then the food started coming out. 

Sweets outside, inside savoury

More sweets

And then as the curtains on the sunny side where draw up, Mt Fuji was in full view. Not a cloud obstructing the view. We were told this opportunity is rare!! 

Best way to finish the Japan trip!!! 

Tomorrow is our last day in Tokyo. We are going to the fish markets tomorrow morning for sashimi breakfast and then will be off to Narita Airport to head back to Oz.

Love Cherie xox

Day 15 - Saturday 23 January 2016 - Tokyo

Sorry guys not much happened today.

This was lunch, amazing, salad!

This is the area we had dinner in.

Day 14 - Friday 22 January 2016 - Tokyo

We visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku this morning. 

This building is often visited by tourists because it has free observation decks which provide good panoramic views of Tokyo and beyond. The building is 243 meter tall and has two towers. It had been the tallest building in Tokyo until it was overtaken by the Midtown Tower in 2007.

With favourable weather conditions, however not today you can see Mount Fuji but we could see The Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine and the Tokyo Dome. 

Mt. Fuji covered by cloud in the distance. 

We then went back to the Quilt Festival. We thought going in the afternoon we would miss the crowds, which by late afternoon we could freely walk around and not get bashed up. 

Fabric buying for the day. 

Day 13 - Thursday 21 January 2016 - Tokyo

The reason behind my trip to Japan!!

Held annually at Tokyo dome from a week with approximately 40,000 people a day. We found a lot of pushing and shoving and people generally being rude to get to the show booths.

This is the winning quilt of the show, bananas!

Exhibitions was also held for William Morris

And my favourite Peter rabbit

Stash buy today for us three ladies

Tomorrows blog more pictures of the quilts.

Day 12 - Wednesday 20 January 2016 - Otsuma Nakano and DINNER!

Today I went back to Otsuma Nakano High School. This school is where I spent 2-3 weeks on high school exchange back in 1997. I had a guided tour by Mr Mizusawa. The school now goes from year 7- 12 and has approximately 1500 students. Also the building I remember no longer stands and a newer bigger building which is 8 flours now exists. All Saints College has not done exchange with Ostuma for approximately 10 years however Otsuma has an exchange program with a school in Cairns.

Me in 1997

School Building

Me and Mr Mizusawa on the tour

Tonight I went to the Mardarin Oriental Tokyo for dinner at the Molecular Bar. All I can say is AMAZING and an once in a lifetime experience. How I found out about it was that my brother and sister inlaw went 12 month earlier.

Tool kit which will assist in the meal- the tape measure has the menu printed on the back. I also had the designated wines with each dish.

Forest crudités/dip

Prawn Cocktail langoustine/avocado/brandy

Penne ikura/ potato espuma

Benedict iberico/hollandaise/fig

Cigar BBQ pork/ vegetables/ sesame ash

Foie Gras curry/ chutney/ naan

Onsen Tamago tofu/ squash

Cappuccino lobster/ coffee/ foam

Grouper broth/ spring onion

Guinea fowl bechamel/ truffle

Wagyu cheek/ herbs/ citrus

Rice milk/ vanilla

Walnut espuma/ shell

Cheese card elderflower

After eight chocolate/ mint meringue in liquid nitrogen hence the whiteness coming out of my nose.

There was a couple at dinner who were on their honeymoon...

So the egg was place on the bar and then.......It exploded leave a paper crane inside!.

Our chief Kentsu who is Canadian.

So full but absolutely AMAZING!

Night chichi

Note from the Editor:

Cherie, I love you very much BUT....no more meals like this please!!!

It just took me almost an hour to copy all your captions, pictures and text from your email onto the blog to then reformat...hehe x

I'm glad you had an amazing night and it has been WELL documented for your memories!!

Day 11 - Tuesday 19 January 2016 - Nippori!!!

Today was Nippori day, FABRIC TOWN DAY!!! Nippori, is known as the fabric district of Tokyo. Located in the northeast part of the city.

Tomato: Discount bolts for 100 yen per metre, how can you not love this place! Frequently the discount fabric is a collection of outrageous poly bends, but occasionally you will find a great deal. You can also only purchase these discount fabrics in full meter cuts.

On the ground floor of Tomato’s main building is discount and novelty print cottons, head to the back of the shop for a good selection of linen and double gauze cottons. The second floor has an awesome selection of knits, and the fourth floor has popular Japanese brands.

Fabric stash from today for us 3 ladies

Lunch- tempura and soba noodles

Dinner - crumbled beef with soya and wasabi sauce, Japanese salt, Worchester and then dip in curry sauce. Tempura egg, cabbage, rice and miso soup plus a draft beer.