Koyo Chasing in Tohoku Japan (#9) and some last minute shenanigans

Status
Not open for further replies.
I was told the museum could be very busy. So went on a Saturday since it closes at 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
As it turned out, the mainland Chinese were absent (ban by Beijing for some reason, don't ask) and it was really nice and quiet!
PB024560.JPG

Liked the daybed.
Okay probably not called a daybed but you know what I mean...
PB024487.JPG
Spent a good half hour in the souvenir shop afterwards:cool:
 
Another day, another night market.
Shilin Night Market 士林夜市 is probably the most famous? At least 10 times the size of NingXia Night Market that's for sure, and maybe 10 times the peopleo_O It was so packed, often impossible to take pictures!
So just some random shots...
Oyster omelette shop.
DSC_2308 (2).JPG

They were making some kind of pepper buns here, super delicious!
DSC_2336.JPG
It didn't look much though...
DSC_2337.JPG

Small sausage in big sausage, ha ha.
DSC_2332 (2).JPG
 
I wasn't quite sure which area of Taipei I wanted to stay, since I didn't know Taipei...so ended up booking two hotels.
The second one was right next to Jian Tan station, about 5 mins walk to Shilin Night Market.

Tango Inn Jihe
I booked a loft room. Downstairs was the sitting area, I think it can be converted to a double bed as well.
PB024404.JPG

PB024405.JPG

Downstairs bathroom
PB024402.JPG
Bedroom upstairs
PB024406.JPG

Bathroom upstairs
PB024415.JPG
 
Last Day started with Yong Kang beef noodle.

I went before 12 so the line was short.

PB044702.JPG

Braised beef and tendon with noodles in spicy broth. It was really good!
DSC_2341.JPG

Steam pork ribs with rice
DSC_2342.JPG
 
First time Taipei summary:
Since this was a very last minute change of travel plan, I didn't have enough time to do my normal research. And 4 days really was not that long...certainly didn't eat all the food I wanted to eat!
I did fall in love with Taipei though, mixture of Chinese and Japanese influences everywhere. Humidity aside, it was lovely, easy to navigate, inexpensive (apart from hotels), people were friendly yet not so OCD like the Japanese 🤣 (and not rude like the mainlanders o_O)
Next Feb I'll be visiting again I'm hoping to see more night markets (obviously!), and maybe do a day trip to Beitou/Tamsui/Jiufen...
 
Back to Taipei Main Station, there's intown check in just like HK :cool:, very handy.

I didn't know the CI lounge in T1 was quite a different thing compared to the one in T2...again, research missing!
Since my flight departed from T2 I just went. BIG MISTAKE.

Plaza Premium was so packed I couldn't find any seats...no pictures.
The CI lounge was slightly better but not by much - I think all their US/AU departures are from T2. And those flights are all about the same time! My flight was delayed by about 30 mins and that's enough for the whole lounge to clear out.
Just imagine this place full....
PB044748.JPG

F&B were at one end, and I was sitting at the other end, so only had a beef noodle and some fruits.
DSC_2356.JPG

After I got back I saw some pictures of the CI T1 lounge, bummer!

Interestingly all the boarding gates were one level down from the main departure floor level.
So across the lounge you have this, I dunno, relaxation area?
DSC_2358.JPG

I was busy taking pictures of the then empty lounge and quite late to the gate. Most of J passengers were already boarded.
 
Last edited:
Sponsored Post

Struggling to use your Frequent Flyer Points?

Frequent Flyer Concierge takes the hard work out of finding award availability and redeeming your frequent flyer or credit card points for flights.

Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, the Frequent Flyer Concierge team at Frequent Flyer Concierge will help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.

CI57

China Airlines probably has the most gorgeous super diamond seats out there.

Loved the lamp! The warm gloth just makes it very cozy.
PB044749.JPG

IFE control, usb ports, etc. And mirror at the back, handy ;)
PB044751.JPG

This one I'm not sure, too small...
PB044752.JPG

The tray table was my only complaint, hit my knees multiple times when I tried to sleep.
PB044750.JPG
 
Speaking of amenity kit...not sure why but The North Face bag was inside a pouch, which I think it's odd.
Dental kit, eyeshade, earplugs...then there's a morrocanoil hair treatment (??), Laneige sleeping mask and lip mask. Unusual but I liked the masks.

PB044758.JPG

Slippers were very good but I forgot to take a shot.
 
That's it for Japan trip #9 and Taiwan #1.
Tohuku probably is not on everybody's Japan must see list, fair enough. But I think the region has so much to offer, if it's not your first trip, I strongly recommend.
Ginzan, Zao, Nyuto onsen, Oirase stream, Sakura at Hirosaki Castle, Lake Towada, Lake Tazawa, Ouchijuku....just to name a few.

Feb 2020 trip already booked. Different areas in Japan of course ;)
I'll be chasing snow (again!) in Chubu, from Nagano to Matsumoto to Okuhida onsen to Takayama, before finishing in my all time favourite place, Kyoto.
Can't wait.
 
Last edited:
The Frequent Flyer Concierge team takes the hard work out of finding reward seat availability. Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, they'll help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

Status
Not open for further replies.

Enhance your AFF viewing experience!!

From just $6 we'll remove all advertisements so that you can enjoy a cleaner and uninterupted viewing experience.

And you'll be supporting us so that we can continue to provide this valuable resource :)


Sample AFF with no advertisements? More..

Recent Posts

Back
Top