Japan in April 2016 – Tokyo, Kanazawa, Takashima and Kyoto

April 1, 2016 – April 9, 2016 – I’m back in Japan and around for the entire week of cherry blossoms, beginning to end. When I arrived, the Meguro River was swarmed with cherry blossoms. By the time I was leaving, the rain had already begun to wash them away. Here are some highlights that I highly recommend. Sites and eats I didn’t that didn’t leave a strong impression I won’t bother mentioning, but you can probably still catch pictures of them. Can’t wait to visit again next year!

Tokyo. April 1 – April 2.
– Sites
– Meguro River. Must-visit for cherry blossoms.
Kanazawa. Stayed in Komatsu but drove into Kanazawa every day. April 2 – April 4.
– Sites
– Omicho Market. I just come for food.
– Higashi Chaya District. Very touristy but it’s nice to walk around the old streets and admire all the gold shops.
– Nomura Samurai House. It’s said that the the garden is rated the #3 garden in Japan. (Where did I read that, though?) I wasn’t too impressed, though. I guess I just didn’t appreciate it enough.
– Favorite eats
– Morimori Sushi. Conveyor belt sushi. Opens 7am!
– 山さん寿司本店 Yamasan Sushi. Kaisen bowl. Opens 7am! Always a long line on the weekends.
– 更科藤井 for soba.
– 世界で二番目においしい焼きたてメロンパンアイス広坂本店 World’s second best freshly baked Melon-pan Icecream.
– Curio Espresso and Vintage Design. Lattes and antiques inside.
Shirakawa. Day trip to visit this old village surrounded by mountains. April 3.
Takashima. April 4.
– Sites
– 海津大崎 Kaizu Osaki. Cherry blossoms along Lake Biwa.
– メタセコイア並木道 Metasequoia Namiki. Tree-lined road. Even with the trees bare it still felt a bit surreal.
– 白鬚神社 Shirahige Jinjia. A torii in Lake Biwa.
– Favorite eats
– 二代目九州雄 for ramen. This bowl was perfect. This is actually in the city of Moriyama, just south of Takashima.
Kyoto. April 4 – April 5.
I’ve been to Kyoto before and saw just about everything known to tourists, but the last time I went I got to the Kiyomizu-dera late and it was already dark. This time I was able to see things more clearly.
– Sites
– Kiyomizu-dera 清水寺. Too many tourists but still a must visit
– Favorite eats
– 伊右衛門サロン Iyemon Salon Kyoto. Very nice interior with traditional Japanese breakfast.
Tokyo. April 6 – April 9.
– Sites
– Yoyogi Park. Beautiful during cherry blossoms season.
– Favorite eats
– 刺身BAR 河岸頭 Sashimi Bar Kashigashira. Kaisen bowl.
– 牛かつもと村渋谷店 Gyukatsu Motomura Shibuya. Raw beef cutlet.
– AFURI (阿夫利). Still one of my favorite bowls of ramen with their signature yuzu.
– たいやきひいらぎ Taiyaki Hiiragi. It’s a must for taiyaki lovers. I visit every year.
– Dominique Ansel Bakery Tokyo. The line is crazy but sane, unlike the one in New York, which is just crazy.
– 豚組 Butagumi. One of (if not) the best Tonkatsu out there. Go early or make reservations.
– まい泉 Maisen. It may be touristy but it’s still among the best tonkatsu out there.
– Codename Mixology. The mixed drinks are something else.
– Tsurutontan. An oldie but goodie. Truffle cream udon was very flavorful.
– Little Nap Coffee Stand. I’ve been to several cafes during my stay in Tokyo, and this has got to be my favorite. It’s in a cute neighborhood by Yoyogi park and unlike all the other coffees I’ve had (sorry others!) theirs are actually strong and smooth.
– 魚がし日本一渋谷センター街. An quick, fresh and affordable standing sushi bar in the middle of Shibuya shopping.
– 東京コケコッコ本舗　阿佐ヶ谷店. Delicious local bar dishes. It’s probably safer to come with someone who knows Japanese.
– Doughnut Plant 新宿ルミネエスト店. When you miss a good-ole American hipster donut.
– きのとや Bakeルミネエスト店. They only do one thing and they do it perfectly: mini cheese tarts.