Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo and some bites here and there

[coolkid101]

nice camera - great shot of the flowers - what do you use

 

[KitKat]

Ueno Park







Was really crowded
Lots of Hanami parties going on



Pics of Kiyomizu Kannondo

 

[KitKat]

view from Kiyomizu Kannondo on the hill




View of Bentendo


Getting way too crowded for us, noting that my parents are not able to move that quickly, time for us to leave to be safe...

Ueno Park for cherry blossoms - is too crowded, maybe best to come early in the morning and not late afternoon when we were there

Some info on Ueno Park
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3019.html
http://www.japanvisitor.com/japan-city-guides/ueno-tokyo

 

[KitKat]

nice camera - great shot of the flowers - what do you use

Thanks. Am using a Canon 650D with a 24-105mm f4 L

 

[Mattg]

Thanks for your trip report KitKat. I'm getting super hungry after reading this, might just look for a good Japanese restaurant for lunch!

Also, I love your PCR idea!

 

[KitKat]

Got back to the hotel for a quick bite


nothing exciting in the lounge, only Australian sparkling

Room service tonight for a rest

Good sleep again - asked for a firm pillow and was given a small tempur pillow, worked a treat, did not have the back aches I usually get while travelling and sleeping on feather down pillows

Simple breakfast this morning in the Terrace - always busy, suggest going early to avoid the rush from 9 onwards



Off to Shinjuku Gyoen this morning before lunch at Mandarin Oriental - Tapas Molecular Bar

Warning: more cherry blossoms on the way

 

[KitKat]

Few stops north from Ebisu - to Shinjuku, then short walk to Shinjuku Gyoen


not too busy this morning on the Yamanote Line


Oops, looks like its going to be crowded here as well!
Well luckily was not once inside, lots to see and enjoy. The hold up was due to checking for alcohol as this was an alcohol free park (cf Ueno), so much more family oriented and pleasant

 

[KitKat]

Busy but not as bad as Ueno (perhaps no alcohol and you have to pay a small fee to get in here)

 

[KitKat]

early buds here

 

[KitKat]

Contrasting colours





Final pics of Shinjuku Gyoen

In summary, much more enjoyable than Ueno Park - less crowded, felt safe, family atmosphere

Time to leave the park for our lunch.. got a little lost as we came out at another entrance but managed to get on a train and find our way to the Mandarin Oriental on time

 

[KitKat]

Tapas Molecular Bar

A small separate 8 seat section of the coffee lounge
Arrived here right on time and was shown to our seats


Found these in front of us


The expanding towel with a twist (mint scented water used to rehydrate the towel) - so made a refreshing welcome

Offered drinks... see the list please.. oh-oh Blanc de blanc.. ok then I'll have the wine pairing


What is that in the toolbox?

Your tools for your meal today

So where is the menu? (somewhere in the tool box they say..)

 

[KitKat]

Didn't take long for us to find the menu..


other side of measuring tape

First things first I need something to quench my thirst


guess this will do
PCR 7.5 yummm

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

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Contrasting colours

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Final pics of Shinjuku Gyoen

In summary, much more enjoyable than Ueno Park - less crowded, felt safe, family atmosphere

Time to leave the park for our lunch.. got a little lost as we came out at another entrance but managed to get on a train and find our way to the Mandarin Oriental on time

Wow now I get why the cherry blossoms really draw the crowds to Japan.

Loving the TR Kit Kat !

Your TR is Really inspiring me to look at a trip to Japan to coincide with Cherry Blossom season 2016.

Japan is such an addictive destination.... Repeat visits to the land of the rising sun always bring something new.

 

[KitKat]

Tapas Molecular Bar

first snack



can't go wrong starting with caviar



Foam over caviar to be dunked in liquid nitrogen


Caviar Macaron

 

[KitKat]

Macaron meets hammer, then gets eaten

Yummm PCR 8.5

 

[KitKat]

second snack



Potato shaped into a mushroom - Ok only..
PCR 5

 

[KitKat]

Appetiser - Cigar



Cigars smoking away..


Iberico Pork with sesame ash - quite interesting
PCR 7

 

[love_the_life]

Such interesting dishes - the caviar macaroon looks fabulous. Waiting with lolling tongue!

 

[PLANT]

PCR 5 could be a CORK or a Knob.....sure it was mushroom?

 

[Kangol]

Excellent TR!
Looking to try a Michelin starred place for lunch in Tokyo on a weekday (the only time I have) - unfortunate that Tapas Molecular Bar only has lunch available on a weekend and Ryugin is only open for dinner.

Did a search and this place, Esaki, seems to get good feedback but only open for lunch on Sat.
three stars Japanese Restaurant "Esaki" in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo | MICHELIN GUIDE digital

Are you going to any fine/"nicer" dining spots for lunch?