kizyr's Xanga Site

August 18, 2009

Japan (Day 7-8): the most perfect places to eat

(Note: I finally updated this post with the name of the fish (hamo, or pike eel) and the name of the cafe (Housendo) that I couldn’t recall, thanks to L’s help.)

After Kasugai, my next stop was Kyoto, to visit one of my friends since college.

Date: July 3rd
Location: Kyoto
Brought to you by karaoke

I spent most of the day in Kasugai, and in the late afternoon I took the train to Kyoto (less than a thirty-minute trip). There, I met up with L, one of my friends from college who, last year, moved to Kyoto with her husband (I mentioned them in another post last year. I stayed at their apartment (which is really nice) over the next couple of days.

First, I had to find her at the train station (which was a bit difficult; I’m completely unfamiliar with Kyoto and I didn’t have a cellphone).

Second, we went to a restaurant near her place that served hamo (pike eel). It’s a local specialty, it’s usually grilled over charcoal (see photo to left), and it’s absolutely delicious.

Anyway, the night was just getting started. Later that evening, one of L’s friend’s sister was in town from Osaka, so about 5 of us went out for karaoke that evening.

A lot of folks know that, even though I sing terribly, that I love karaoke–Japanese-style, where you’re just with your friends (not American-style where it’s in front of random people at a bar….). So, I was really thrilled. It’s been five years since I got to do this…

In all, here’s what I remember singing:

Mr. Roboto – Styx (when the picture to the left was taken)
A Dios le Pido – Juanes (they had a few Spanish songs there)
Like a Prayer – Madonna (tradition–no female voice button, though)
911 – King Giddra
Grateful Days – Dragon Ash
Hai! Irasshai – NiceguyJin
Single Bed – SharanQ
Kurenai – X-Japan
Ai no Kotodama – Southern All-Stars
Miss You – m-flo & Ryohei & Melody

Above all, Hai! Irasshai and Mr. Roboto were the most fun to sing.

Date: July 4th
Location: Kyoto
Brought to you by Housendo

I kept arbitrarily reminding L that today was July 4th. So periodically I’d just raise my arms and say “Happy Independence!” “Down with the British!” etc.

Today, L took me by Kamogawa Canal, the centuries-old canal through Kyoto near their place. Lovely scenery, and wildlife:

L has a knack for finding the best places to eat, so she already had a few places in mind to stop by. Unfortunately, I had to go and feel sick somewhere on the way over, and we ended up doubling back so I could rest up for a few hours… Fortunately, I felt fine after a little bit (and a little lunch), so we headed out again.

First, we went through Tadasunomori and saw some of the usual beautiful Kyoto scenery, meaning:

Temples (Kawaijinja)

Scenery

More Temples (Miijinja)

Second, we stopped by this amazing place then for afternoon tea: Housendo. I had some warabimochi for dessert (below left), and L had some matcha (below right). It’s a testament to how high-quality this place was that I loved it, despite not being a fan of mochi in general.

Not to mention, this cafe had an incredible atmosphere, ambience, and decor. It was off of the main road, traditional interior, very old decorations (tapestries, fans, etc.), and a garden that we had a perfect view of from where we were sitting: