Japan | Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Tokyo fabulous food 2015

Tokyo fabulous food 2015, this was my 4th visit to this wonderful city. I was travelling with my friend Hamish from Pattaya who is also a huge fan of Japanese cuisine.

Sushizanmai is my favourite restaurant

This is one of their many branches, my favoourite was near the old Tsukiji market.

Best food in the world

That’s just my humble opinion, good Japanese food all over the country is magnificent 🙂

Did I say perfection?

Well, here’s proof.

Open 24 hours a day & there always seems to be a queue

It’s now 2021 & I hope they have not moved as the fish market has.

So many choices & such little time. 🙂

What a terrific variety of top quality sashimi.

The Cellar Grill at Omotesando

A fabulous restaurant with incredibe food.

Sausauges at the Cellar Grill

Now this does not look Japanese.

Baked avocado was fabulous

I am now hooked on baked avocado. 🙂

Our friendly waiter at the Cellar Grill

If you visit tokyo make sure you try this wonderful restaurant.

Pre dinner drinks at Metro cafe

What a mix, on Canadian, Two American & two Australians.

Heading for Piss Alley

Memory Lane, or Piss Alley as its often referred to (or in Japanese, Omoide Yokocho).

Lots of smal crowded restaurants in Piss Alley.

Located in Shinjuku, Piss Alley is a must see when you are in Tokyo.

Two Ameican girls dining in Piss Alley.

Naturally Hamish & I had a nice chat with the gorgeous girls.

Another terrific restaurant near Shibuya station.

The food was so good I ate there two nights in a row.

Here are two dishes they serve

One beef & one chicken.

Shabusen in the Ginza

Kobe beef to die for. 🙂

Am I happy, or am I happy. 🙂

Shabusen is fabulous.

Farewell from Tokyo

I can’t wait to visit again. Many thanks for visiting my Tokyo fabulous food 2015 photo blog.

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Niseko Ski Resort Japan

Niseko Ski Resort Japan is the most famous and popular of the all of the Japanese ski resorts, offering a variety of accommodation, fantastic restaurants and modern facilities to complement the epic mountain.

Mt. Niseko-Annupuri

Not a bad view. 🙂

Coronaviris

As you can see my friend Hamish Elton is in contact with the Coronavirus. Hamish took all the photos for this blog, but it seems he spent more time in the wonderful restaurants than on the slopes. 🙂

See what I mean

Hokkaido is like a crab-lovers fairy-tale with its coastal waters containing some of the biggest and most delicious crab in the world. Famous hairy crab, snow crab and king crab are abundant, and each morning in the markets of Hakodate and Otaru, buyers and sellers trade the best crab available. Many of these crabs are purchased by Niseko restaurant owners, and within just a few hours, could be on your plate!

Hokkaido is famous for seafood

Make sure you take your platinum credit card. 🙂

Komagatake Single Malt

This will help keep you warm in the snow.

Single Malt Komagatake Limited Edition 2018 is a blend of "nicely aged" whiskies that have spent at least 3 years in either a Bourbon cask or an American White Oak cask. Unlike the Double Cellars and Yakushima Aging releases, the Limited Edition 2018 is aged entirely in Shinshu.

Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar

Salmon roe is another Hokkaido favourite that you simply must try in Niseko. Often marinated or soaked in soy sauce to add a rich, savoury element to the flavour, the 'popping' sensation when eating Ikura is a fun experience when dining with friends. You will commonly find ikura served with uni in a rice bowl or salad.

Little girl, big crab

She had to struggle to get it out of the tank. 🙂

Team Hamish

On the final night the mob decided to have Indian food instead of seafood, I can't imagine why? 🙂

Magic mountain

The team from Healthcert

They provide medical and Patient Education: In collaboration with universities and other teaching institutions, Min focus is to teach GPs how to diagnose and treat various medical conditions.

Steak Rosso Rosso restaurant

These Hokkaido scallops look good enough to eat. 🙂

The main course

TripAdvisor rating is # 19 of 252 Restaurants in Kutchan-cho.

Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafutei

Very close to the snow with an Onsen on the bbalcony. A short ski to the main lift. Hamish stayed here & was very pleased with cleanliness& location. Get an excellent room discount through THIS LINK.

Niseko Ski Resort Japan

Thanks for visiting my Niseko Ski Resort Japan photo blog.

For an excellent room rate sround $80 USD at the Niseko Grand Hotel just use THIS LINK.

For London & UK hotels there are great discounts through this link.

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Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar

February 12, 2020 by David Herd

Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar

Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar is ranked #4 of 328 Restaurants in Kutchan-cho Hokkaido. The following photos were taken by my friend Hamish Elton who was in Nisenko for 10 days skiing.

Even though Hamish & his friends dined at many other restaurants including the Michelin starred Kamimura, Ezo was his favourite , in his opinion it had the best and most unique range of fresh seafood.

Bring on the oysters

Hamish & I live in Pattaya Thailand & his nickname there is “Oyster Man”. 🙂

Big & Juicy

I must admit I am also an Oyster, a couple of years ago I had some wonderful huge oysters in Sendai, please check out THIS LINK.

Very expensive compared with Sendai

6,600 Yen or $89 AUD.

Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar fabulous scallops

These look wonderful. Here is their web page for bookings & information.

King crab

The pièce de résistance without a doubt.

Say no more….

How good does this look?

Hairy Crab

The hairy crab (kegani in Japanese) or horsehair crab is found in the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. It gets its name from the spiky hairs that cover its entire body. This little critter is smaller than the snow crab and the red king crab, making many people say it is more difficult to eat, but it has a dense , sweet flavor, making the effort of cracking open that shell well worth it. People who call themselves true crab lovers will often choose the horsehair crab. It is often boiled in saltwater to bring out its rich original flavor, then cut into sections and eaten by hand.

Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar

As I said earlier Hamish said Ezo was his favourite restaurant in Niseko, put it on your bucket list.

Thanks for visiting my Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar photo blog. Before you leave check out Sushi Kato.

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Kamimura Michelin Starred Restaurant

February 11, 2020 by David Herd

Kamimura Michelin Starred Restaurant

Kamimura Michelin Starred Restaurant is located in Niseko Hokkaido, Japan’s premier ski resort. The owner/chef is Yuichi Kamimura spent his early years in his parents’ restaurant. Finally when he met renowned chef Tetsuya Wakuda in Sydney, he became fascinated by both Testuya’s culinary philosophy and proficiency.

Take plenty of money. 🙂

My good friend Hamish Elton & his colleague Paul Elmsie are not shy about spending a fortune on food & wine. They enjoyed the 11 course degustation menu with the appropriate wines for a mere 63,000 Yen, or $850 AUD.

Chef’s Degustation 18,000 yen per person

The menu is a chef’s ‘Omakase’ tasting menu, as a showcase of Hokkaido ingredients and challenging to some new tastes, exploring the treasure of food.

Such a romantic setting

Hamis, what a shame it was just you & Paul. 🙂

Strawberry & black pepper tart

Hamish took most of these photos on his Google Pixel 3 phone, thus the high quality. I’m only guessing the names of certain dishes so I could be wrong.

I have no idea which dish this is….

I’ll have to see if Hamish can remember.

I’m betting this is the Wagyu

Plus I bet it tastes sensational.

How good does this look

If it tastes half as good as it looks it will be terrific. 🙂

Quite a small serving

Lucky there are eleven dishes in total. 🙂

The magical mystery tour continues

Works of art everyone of them.

Could this be the pumpkin ravioli?

Your guess is as good as mine. 🙂

Another mystery dish

My apoligies for not knowing the correct names.

Kamimura Michelin Starred

Thanks for visiting my Kamimura Michelin Starred restaurant photo blog. Before you go please check out. Sushi Kato.

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Sushi Kato Niseko Japan

February 10, 2020 by David Herd

Sushi Kato Niseko Japan

Sushi Kato Niseko Japan is an interesting restaurant in Japan’s number one snow resort which is located in Hokkaido, a 2.5hrs drive from Chitose Airport. There are 4 interlinked ski resorts here – Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and An’nupuri .

First thing you will see is the rustic Bar Kato pictured above, a whiskey and sake bar that serves as both the waiting room for the restaurant as well as a perfect spot to unwind over a quality drink.

Sushi Kato Niseko Japan Set menu

Most of the photos here were taken by my friend Hamish Elton who enjoys food more than he enjoys skiing. 🙂

Sushi Kato offers three different set menus, Matsu (pine), Take (bamboo) and Ume (plum). The restaurant solely practices Kaiseki style of dining, meaning it is a prescribed set course dependent on the seasonal produce.

Hairy crab

This opening dish was appropriately the restaurant’s staple ingredient; hairy crab served in its shell accompanied by cod roe and ponzu jelly garnished with citrus flowers.

Just bring out the food

The owner Kato-san, Chef JJ and their impeccable team, have brought true authentic Japanese sushi to Niseko.

Portions are rather small

As you would expect with so many dishes on the set menu.

Tempura

More wonderful hairy crab, too much hairy crab is never enough. 🙂

Sushi Kato Niseko Japan

Shiraoi Beef grilled on a hot stone. The selected beef is Japanese Black beef, raised locally in the nearby town of Shiraoi which provides the perfect combination of weather, food and an abundance of water allowing the farmers to craft their prize cattle into some of the best produce on the globe.

Some sweet tasy fruit to finish

Thank you for visiting my Sushi Kato Niseko Japan photo blog, & thanks to Hamish Elton for sharing his wonderful experience. Before you leave check out this Michelin Starred restaurant.

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Favourite photos Japan part one

October 6, 2019 by David Herd

Favourite photos Japan

Favourite photos Japan, there are so many, I need to do two, maybe three posts. Such a fabulous country with a wonderful mix if old & new, or should I say ancient & modern. 🙂 The beautiful garden above was in Kyoto.

Yokohama station

There is a surprise around every corner in Japan.

Tōdai-ji Nara

Originally founded in the year 738 CE, Todai-ji temple was not opened until the year 752, absolutely spectacular.

Nara is 50 minutes by train from Osaka.

My favourite Tokyo restaurant.

Sushizanmai is a well known restaurant chain, this branch is open 24 hours a day & was adjacent to the old Tsujiki fish market, without a doubt it’s my favourite restaurant in Tokyo.

I really love this photograph.

In Kabukicho there is a small lane called “Piss Alley”, there are many tiny restaurants serving fabulous food. I have named this photo “Only the Lonely”.

Peace & serenity

One of the many artists in Ohori Park in Fukuoka.

Kanazawa castle

A huge fire in 1759 destroyed the whole castle then it was re-built in 1788. That year is also when 11 ships with 1,530 people onboard, 736 of them convicts, arrived in Botany Bay a few miles south of Sydney Harbour in Australia. This event is known to all us Aussies as “the first fleet”.

Nagasaki Peace Park

Awesome statue commemorating the atomic bombing of the city on August 9, 1945 during World War II.

Boat ride around Hikone castle

Hikone Castle is a Japanese National Treasure, one of five in the whole country. It is regarded as one of Japan’s most beautiful and historic castles.

Here I am with some Harajuku girls.

Harajuku girls are famous ‘Fashion Aficionados’ or ‘Beauty stars of Japan’ which are known all over the world for their unique clothing style.

Coffee in Tokyo

These coffees certainly have the “wow” factor. 🙂

The Shibuya crossing

I love to sit in Starbucks & watch the peak hour crowd swarm across this famous intersection.

Shabusen in Tokyo

In the heart of the Ginza this terrific restaurant is a great place to enjoy Kobe beef. Go at lunch time when the special are cheaper. 🙂 TripAdvisor rating is #45 of 8,342 Restaurants in Chuo.

Another look at the Shabu Shabu.

I visit this great venue every time I’m in Tokyo.

Favourite photos Japan

This is Dotombori in Osaka, there are so many restaurants & such little time. 🙂

Thanks for visiting my Favourite photos Japan photo blog.

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Japan, five popular places to visit

July 23, 2019 by David Herd

Geishas-Japan-popular-sights-Mt-Fuji-Kyoto

Japan five popular places to visit

Japan five popular places to visit. Japan is a beautiful country, with one of the most ancient civilizations in the world. There are many Japanese customs that have endured for hundreds of years – you’ll love their commitment to politeness and their incredible hospitality. The depth of Japan’s history is reflected in the many breathtaking tourist attractions waiting to be discovered, both natural and man-made. Here are five of the top ones for you to explore yourself.

1. Mount Fuji

Image by Yash Raut on Unsplash

At 3,776 metres high, Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain. It is an exquisitely-shaped volcano that has long been worshiped as a sacred natural monument and is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. It remains active, though its most recent eruption was in 1707, and it can even be seen from Tokyo and Yokohama when visibility is good. You can take the world-famous bullet train to enjoy views of this awe-inspiring landmark, and there are many attractions and resorts near the foot of the mountain to see it up close.

2. Snow monkeys

Image by Steven Diaz on Unsplash

You may have heard of the famous snow monkeys of Japan, which are actually Japanese macaques. There are numerous attractions in Jigokudani, Yamanouchi and Nagano based around these majestic animals. The Jigokudani Yaenkoen park is a particular favourite for visitors, where the primates can be observed in their natural habitat. It’s a great diversion if you are staying at one of the ski resorts of the Shiga Kogen region which are renowned for their beauty. Just make sure everyone in your party takes ski safety seriously – a surprising number of people still ski without helmets, for example, with helmet wearing rates in Germany falling as low as 40%!

3. Kyoto Temples

Image by David Emrich on Unsplash

There are more than 1,600 temples in Kyoto, so it can be quite challenging choosing which ones to visit in the city. To help you out, here are a few recommendations:

Nanzen-ji Temple – this is a sprawling Zen haven amid luscious green hills.

Tofuku-ji Temple – reputed to be one of the most beautiful of Kyoto’s temples, Tofuku-ji also has the advantage of not being overly crowded (unless you visit during the autumn).

Daitoku-ji Temple – more than just a temple, this is a whole world of temples, with some of the most exquisite Zen gardens you’ll find anywhere.
4, The Japanese Alps
If you want to soak up some of Japan’s most breathtaking natural beauty, the Japanese Alps are the best place to go. There’s plenty of opportunity for hiking, skiing and enjoying a soak in some of the country’s most scenic locations. There are also some unique attractions to discover, like a ninja theme park and a wasabi farm. A journey around the region could also involve a trip to Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Nagano and Obuse.

5, Himeji Castle

Image by Sebastian Sammer on Unsplash

When it comes to places of historical significance in Japan, Himeji Castle ranks highly. It has an elegant, white appearance and is exquisitely preserved for tourist visits. It is a world heritage site, one of Japan’s 12 original castles, and has stood since the 1400s. As it survives today, the complex is over 400 years old, made up of over 80 buildings connected by various gates and winding paths. The castle almost personifies Japanese culture and is not to be missed.

The magic and wonder of Japan comes from over a thousand years of rich cultural heritage, and there is so much more beyond these five highlights for you to discover. If you are visiting, you will enjoy the absolute privilege of taking in this wonderful culture.

Sayounara

Our little Princess hopes you enjoyed our Japan, five popular places to visit photo blog.

Dotonbori in Osaka

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Overnight Narita Station APA Hotel

June 24, 2018 by David Herd

Farewell Japan after my 5th visit since 2007.

Overnight Narita Station APA Hotel

Overnight Narita Station APA Hotel before flying home to Thailand after another wonderful Japanese holiday. My six hour flight was scheduled to leave at 10.00 am so staying in Tokyo would have meant getting up very early.

There is a free shuttle bus from the APA hotel to the airport which takes about 30 minutes.

All you can eat restaurant.

The Spiral Staircase is a small “hole in the wall” restaurant that offers unlimited food for a set price of around 2,200 Yen. They also included the largest glass of red wine that I have ever been served.

Desert included

A pancake with ice cream, delicious.

Reminds me of an old song

Smoke gets in your eyes, sung by the Platters way back in the 50s. 🙂

Overnight Narita Station APA Hotel

Huge glass of red from Chile + a large salad.

My lucky day….

I scored a window seat in am exit row.

Great view from the plane.

A beautiful blue sky and ocean.

Another remote atoll

About an hour out of Tokyo on the way to Bangkok. Thanks for visiting my Overnight Narita Station APA Hotel photo blog.

The APA hotel is located beside Narita station, if you book through THIS LINK you will get an excellent room rate of under $50 AUD, + you have a free cancellation option.

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Dotonbori in Osaka – Piss Alley Tokyo

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Nagasaki – Yokohama – Kyoto – Kamakura

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Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan

June 23, 2018 by David Herd

Day & night Tokyo is fantastic.

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan come alive at night as does most of this great city. The lights, the restaurants, the bars, there is so much to do and see in Tokyo. Above is a busy arcade at Asakusa.

Early evening & the crowd is building.

A slow build up however the crowds will come.

A little hole in the wall for dinner.

A typical small Tokyo restaurant.

Delicious Yakitori

My favourite Japanese cuisine, as you probably know by now.

Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan

Asakusa is fabulous at night as is most of Tokyo.

Wet night in Shibuya

My last night in Tokyo tomorrow I take the Shinkansen to Sendai.

Shibuya is about 45 minutes from Asakusa

A direct ride on the Ginza line.

Time for dinner.

So many restaurants to choose from, there must be 5,000 restaurants in Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan.

Soup & dumplings.

Both delicious.

Starbucks in Shibuya overlooks the famous Shibuya scramble.

Check out THIS LINK for the scramble.

Ping pong club

Very different from those in Bangkok. 🙂

Tokyo Sky Tree

The view from Asakusa.

Creme cake in Asakusa

You are never too old to enjoy a creme cake, I hope he is hungry. 🙂

Glass skyscraper in Asakusa.

A terrific building in Asakusa. Many thanks for visiting my Asakusa Shibuya Tokyo Japan photo blog.

30 million visitors means it’s always busy here.

This Buddhist Temple is the cities oldest temple. Senso-ji is the most widely visited spiritual site in the world with over 30 million visitors annually. The temple was completed in the year 645, making it Tokyo‘s oldest temple.

Tawaramachi Station

I stayed at the Agora Place hotel which was a wonderful location close to 3 metro stations Tawaramachi, Ueno & Asakusa. You can get an express train direct from Narita & you can catch the Shinkansen from Ueno. Book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate

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Gastronomical Japanese Adventure

June 20, 2018 by David Herd

Eat to live, or live to eat?

Gastronomical Japanese Adventure

Gastronomical Japanese Adventure in May 2018, started with the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai, then I flew to Sapporo before another flight south to Nagoya. After a couple of overcast days I had a short trip on the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Four days later I rested in Hikone for 2 days before spending my final night in Narita.

The Yakitori chicken above was in Tokyo & absolutely mouth watering. 🙂

Sushizanmai is my favourite sushi chain of restaurants.

Always fresh & delicious.

Grilled Avocado at the Cellar Grill Omotosando

Quite an amazing taste.

Gastronomical Japanese Adventure continues in Sendai

Sendai is famous for oysters, “a cold current that contains nutrient-rich water travels down the coast from north to south. The two currents collide at around the Sanriku area, which includes the coast of Miyagi Prefecture.” The mixing of these currents leads to plankton blooms, which attract migrating fish. “This same nutrient- and plankton-rich water makes Matsushima Bay oysters delicious,” these wild oysters were first discovered as a culinary delight and harvested from Matsushima Bay back in the 17th century.

Salmon & almonds was delicious.

At the ANA Holiday Inn in Sendai.

Mongolian Lamb in Sapporo.

Lunch at the Beer Garden should certainly be on your bucket list.

Rare roast beef salad at Bistro Masuya Sapporo

Something a little different for a change.

Sapporo seafood market

Hokkaido of course is famous for seafood.

While on the subject of seafood markets,

Here I am at Omicho market in Kanazawa in 2016.

Gastronomical Japanese Adventure includes some edible gold leaf on top?

Kanazawa’s history with gold leaf began 400 years ago. Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) used to make gold leaf, Kanazawa now is the only remaining production hub of the coveted craft.