Wabi-Sabi Sole

Bashamichi Taproom

On June 24, 2017

Dave and I went up to Yokohama to check out one of the microbrew bars. Bashamichi Taproom is owned and operated by one of Japan’s best craft breweries, Baird Brewery. Besides delicious craft beers, Bashamichi Taproom also serves American barbecue.

We started with a Shuzenji Hertitage Helles and a Suruga Bay Imperial IPA.

We ordered a nacho appetizer. The nachos came in orders of four. So, you could order 4, 8, or 12 nachos. We were confused as well. We decided to go with an order of 8 nachos. Turns out it was 8 tortilla chips with perfectly placed toppings. Seriously. Only in Japan can you get an order of 8 tortilla chips.

As we were preparing to order our second round of beers, I noticed the menu had a back. Surprise! The amazing barbecue joint has a brisket sandwich. Yes, please! Good thing we only ate eight tortilla chips between us! The sandwich was delicious. American smoked brisket meets Japanese pan (bread). As the brisket fell apart, the pan held the sandwich together. Perfection.

The second beer I ordered, Teikoku IPA, might be my favorite craft beer I’ve found in Japan.

Dave and I shared the sandwich. The pickle bite was so many levels of perfect!

The building is three floors and we were seated on the second. All things considered, there was so much space! No doubt we will return. Mainly because of a communication problem…

While we were eating, I saw an advertisement for a beer stamp card. It said you could get 12 beers for the price of 10. Seemed like a great deal. We already had four, we were well on our way! When I asked the waitress for the bill, I also asked for a stamp card. She asked if we wanted to put Dave’s beer on the card. (I think, she was speaking Japanese and gesturing.) we said, hai! She then told us to go to the register (first floor) and she would bring it to us. (I think)

We took the ticket to the cashier. Another person rang us up. ¥14,000. Wait, what? $140 for four beers, eight nachos, and one brisket sandwich!?! That’s ridiculous!

But, I pay. And then try to understand what happened. Dave and I are discussing the price of food and the fact beer prices weren’t listed. Surely, the beers weren’t ¥2,500 each. That’s absurd. We were on the train home and it finally dawned on me to look at the receipt. That’s when I realized, the card itself costs ¥10,000 – $100!!! The food and four beers were only ¥40,000 – $40. Much more reasonable.

And notice Dave’s beer isn’t on the receipt, because it was the first stamp! Simultaneously, the other side of the card clearly showed the price!

So, yes, we will be going back. We have 11 more beers to drink and perhaps 11 more brisket sandwiches to eat!

Kanazawa Natural Park

By wabisabisole

On June 22, 2017

In Japan, Roller Slide

Kanazawa Natural Park is a park connected to the Yokohama Shiritsu Kanazawa Zoo. It is about a 20 minute drive to the park from our house. It has been on my list of places to visit because it has “the best roller slide” in the area.

My first experience with roller slides was at Kannonzaki Park in December. When I went to that park, I only used a piece of cardboard to slide. Today’s experience was much better thanks again to Dina. One of the turnover items she gave me was her family set of roller slide sleds or HipSori (notice they can be used in snow as well).

I invited Jenn and her two kids to go to the park with me. I also thought it would be a good chance to show Jenn a little bit more of the area and I knew the kids would love the slides. We set off this morning. The drive was very easy. In fact, the most challenging part of the experience was finding a parking spot. We never found the advertised parking for the park. Instead we used one of the public parking lots. Anyways, back to the slide.

The slide is literally made up of rollers. As gravity pulls you down the slide, the rollers help move you faster. Here we are at the top of the slide. Please notice the size of the sled. They are best suited for kids and kids at heart!

Getting ready for the first trip down.

Hayden and Mady went down at least seven times. No small feat when you consider they had to climb back up to the top each time! Plus, it was super humid – it was a sweaty spaghetti kind of day!

Our timing was pretty good. There were several Japanese students at the park on a field trip and they sat down to eat lunch shortly after we arrived. This gave the kids plenty of time to run to the top and ride down. Over and over and over and over!

I took a video of my second trip down the slide. The sound is the sled going over the rollers. I did use my feet a little to brake. The sled made it go so much faster than cardboard!

We can definitely add this to your list of things to do when you visit. I recommend we go when it is not as humid as it was today because you really need to wear long pants and long sleeves. I got a couple raspberries on my ankle and elbow from rubbing the sides of the slide. But, as Ricky Bobby would say, “Rubbin’, son, is racin'”!

Smile Because It Happened

By wabisabisole

On June 21, 2017

In Chu-Hai, Friendship, Japan, Sushiro, Zushi

One of my favorite quotes is by Dr. Seuss. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” I find this quote to be very comforting when I’m faced with the many changes brought about living life as a Navy spouse. One thing always consistent with Navy life is moving. Each move brings new adventures in new locations and new friends with whom to share them. Unfortunately, too often, paths crisscross for only short periods of time. Dina and her kids left Japan for vacation today. She will return and move while I am away next month. Last night we enjoyed one last delicious dinner at Sushiro. Our favorite!

True to typical form, we made friends who were more than willing to have their picture taken with the two tall and cute Americans.

Happiness is friends and a big slice of tuna.

The night wouldn’t be complete without a stop or two at combini for chu hai.

The best picture and memory of the night was Dave giving Eme a shoulder ride up the hill on the walk home!

I will miss you, my friend. Thank you for all the laughs, adventures, and morning runs to the beach. A quick throwback picture to our first run to Zushi beach last October.

It’s not sayōnara, it’s only jā matane – see you later…

Quality Time

By wabisabisole

On June 19, 2017

In Hasedera, Hydrangeas, Japan, Kamakura

The leader of my Friday English class organized a field trip for us today. We went to visit Hasedera Temple to see the hydrangeas and enjoyed lunch at the Kamakura Park Hotel.

This view!

And these hydrangeas!

The hydrangeas were still blooming and very beautiful.

Two of my Friday students were able to attend today and we spent the morning walking around the temple and the town of Hase. Here is a picture of Junko-san and Haruko-san, both are star students!

After visiting the temple, Junko-san drove us to the Kamakura Park Hotel. We enjoyed a four-course lunch! Our appetizers included: snow pea soup, slice of chicken with vegetables, tomato jelly with sashimi, and a half quiche.

Next course was snapper with fresh Kamakura vegetables. The purple piece is Kamakura diakon. The purple is natural!

The third course was Sakura chicken with more fresh Kamakura vegetables. The piece of pumpkin was my favorite.

And finally dessert. Yogurt with cherry topping, pound cake with whipped cream and honey dew sorbet. All of it was delicious!

Before leaving the hotel, I asked to have my picture with Junko-san and Haruko-san. They are so sweet. I enjoyed being able to spend quality time together visiting the temple and viewing the hydrangeas. The added bonus was them teaching me new Japanese phrases.

Today’s Japanese phrases:

“Urikire” – sold out

“Sandaru” – sandal

“Karasu” – crow

“Oishī” – delicious

Ever so slowly, my Japanese is improving. I must stress slowly.

Emperor’s Summer Garden

By wabisabisole

On June 18, 2017

In Flowers, Friendship, Hayama, Hydrangeas, Japan

My English student, Manami, invited me to go with her and her mother, Atsuko, to visit the Emperor’s Summer Garden. The Summer garden is located in Hayama and a short drive from where we live. The gardens were lovely. They exuded a more natural ambiance because they were not overly manicured.

The koi pond had some of the largest koi I have ever seen! Their colors were so bright and their patterns so bold.

Within the garden was also a beautiful waterfall.

The other highlight were the blooming hydrangeas.

We stopped to take a few pictures before we left. The first is of Manami and me. The second is Manami and Atsuko.

It was a very special adventure. I truly appreciated their invitation to show me a beautiful part of Hayama. I am very fortunate to have met them both and to have the opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture as a result of their friendship. I saw this quote on a bench in the garden and really felt it speaking to me. “This is you life” – I would only add “embrace it”.

On a more somber note, thank you to our friends and family who reached out to check on Dave after hearing of the collision. He is safe. Our thoughts remain with our friends and shipmates aboard the USS Fitzgerald. It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart, Dave and I extend our condolences to the family and friends of the sailors who lost their lives. May you find peace and comfort in the memories of your loved one during this difficult time. ❤️

Koishikawa Kōrakuen Garden

By wabisabisole

On June 17, 2017

In Iris, Japan, Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens, Tokyo

My third Wabi-Sabi garden in Tokyo was a visit to the Koishikawa Kōrakuen Garden. I stopped to visit this garden after my visit to the Hakusan Shrine on Friday. Of the three gardens on the list of five that I have visited, this one was my favorite. To start, when I paid my ¥300 entrance fee, the worker offered me a garden map in French first, then English! I was so excited not to be assumed American. Obviously, no one assumes I’m Japanese but, when I’m assumed something besides American, I get a little excited.

The garden was a cool oasis after my walk in the summer sun. I found a shady corner when I arrived and sat for a few minutes to cool down, enjoy the view, and read about the park. The large white thing in the background is the Tokyo Dome. The Tokyo Dome is an indoor stadium. Dave and I will attend a baseball game there between the Yomiuri Giants and the Yokohama Baystars at the end of July.

Did you notice the roller coaster? That’s is Thunder Dolphin at Tokyo Dome City assumement park. Thunder Dolphin is 260 feet high and the 8th tallest continuous circuit roller coaster in the world. Who is going to ride that one with me!?!

In the meantime, let’s return to the garden. It has a circular path through the garden with manmade hills and ponds. The largest pond is the center focal point. A majority of the path around the garden was a stone walkway. It made the setting even more beautiful.

The smaller pond at the back of the garden had two small bridges. The city buildings in the background created the perfect wabi-sabi contrast.

I was fortunate to visit this time of the year. The garden had a large area of irises blooming. So many different colors! And I love seeing the Thunder Dolphin in the background!

There was also a small hill that led to an Ume grove (plum trees). The brochure said these bloom in early February. I will need to return!

Another highlight of the garden was the Engetsu-kyo (Full Moon Bridge). When the reflection of the bridge is visible in the water, it creates an illusion of a full moon. Unfortunately, the light wasn’t in my favor today. It was still very beautiful and serene.

In the garden there are also wisteria trellises and a 60 year old weeping cherry. This garden has moved onto the “Julia Tour” when we are in the Bunkyo area of Tokyo. Depending on when you visit, we will see either beautiful fall foliage or happy spring flowers!

Hakusan Shrine

By wabisabisole

On June 16, 2017

In Flowers, Hakusan Shrine, Hydrangeas, Japan, Shrine, Tokyo

The Hakusan Shrine is on the north side of Tokyo and known for beautiful hydrangeas of many different colors.

I saved the location of this Shrine a few weeks ago. I wanted to wait to visit until the hydrangeas were in full bloon. I ventured up today hoping to see amazing hydrangeas. It was about an hour and fifteen minute trip on the train.

I wasn’t disappointed. The hydrangeas were stunning. There was every color imaginable. Purple, pink, blue, and white. With many shades of each.

This blue one was spectacular!

I took several close up pictures so you can see the size of the blossoms and the variety. I tried to pick a favorite. They are just too beautiful to not love them all!

How about this one- what do you see?

When I first took the picture, I saw a heart. Now, I see a butterfly. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder!

The hydrangeas also beautifully decorated the Shrine.

One selfie for good measure.

And maybe a few more hydrangeas.

I know, I’m making it really difficult for you to decide when to visit next spring. It is hard to pick a favorite flower. Maybe you can rest easy knowing if you plan a spring visit, you will see beautiful flowers and gardens regardless of the flower blooming.

Delayed Gratification

By wabisabisole

On June 15, 2017

In English, Flowers, Hydrangeas, Japan, Yokosuka

Even though my Tuesday night teaching gig ended three weeks ago, I didn’t receive payment until today. I worked in a trip to Yokosuka today to pick up my earnings and was delighted to see the hydrangeas blooming in the park next to the school where I taught for six weeks.

Here are a couple shots with the building in the background. I taught on the second floor of the short building in the foreground behind the tree. The building in the background is an apartment building.

The size of some the hydrangeas were impressive!

I honestly didn’t expect much payment for this little side gig. However, I was pleasantly surprised not only with the hydrangeas but also with the compensation. Delayed gratification paid off.

Proving yet again, good things come to those who wait.

PS. Subtract 4x¥500 for my round trip train ticket each day I taught. Subtract 2x¥4000 for the two dinners Dave and I enjoyed together on two of the four nights I taught. Suddenly, my compensation is nil. None the less, time with my husband & a chance to see hydrangeas- priceless.

Nogeyama Zoo & Park

By wabisabisole

On June 14, 2017

In Flowers, Gardens, Hydrangeas, Japan, Yokohama, Zoo

Dina and I both needed a trip to the Daiso and we wanted to visit the four-story Daiso in Hinodechō. I thought we would make a detour to help entertain the little person acompanying us. The Nogeyama Zoo is a small and free zoo about a 10 minute walk from the Hinodechō train station. First stop at the zoo was the ice cream stand for a vanilla, apple, and mango swirl.

There were a couple cool animals at the zoo. The red panda, the peacock, and the giraffe were our favorites.

After visiting the zoo, we went to the park. From my research, I learned the park had a a variety of flower gardens and this time of year we should expect to see the hydrangeas in bloom. There were several hydrangeas and they were absolutely stunning.

A couple of my favorites because they include my beautiful friend and one her sweet daughters.

There were two small rose gardens that deserve a picture or two as well.

The zoo and park were a pleasant detour. I continue to be amazed at how many quiet parks / gardens are tucked away throughout the major cities. I truly love how the Japanese incorporate natural beauty into urban settings. I look forward to sharing these hidden gems with you when you visit.

Chasing Rainbows

By wabisabisole

On June 13, 2017

In Hello Kitty, Japan, Sushi, Train

When it rains, chase rainbows. Or maybe train stamps. Except if it involves Hello Kitty. Because the cutest train station in Tokyo may have amazing Sushi… but, it doesn’t have a train stamp. Seriously. Dina and I rode the train for an hour and forty-five minutes with additional delays to arrive at Tama Station. Hoping for Hello Kitty overload and at least a stamp. We did get a little kawaii but, no stamp.

The highlight of kawaii in the station was the stained glass. I went to the floor to get the perfect shot or five. Photo credit to Dina for the picture of me on the floor of the train station…