Sensoh-ji Temple Gate Keepers !

by Kazu

Temple Sensou-ji is very popular place to visit even for the citizens of Hokkaido. The huge Nioh Guardian Figures in the gatekeepers' house seemed to be alluring many tourists taking memorial photos n front of the gate.  

As you may know, one of  the Nioh Guardian Figures opens its mouth and the other closes it. So many tourists from overseas were strolling around in the premises of the temple. The vendors beside the approach road to the temple were closed in the evening but the bright red and white colors on the wall were so beautiful. 

It may require hectic amount of money to maintain and refurbish the building but as Sensou-ji is so popular to donate, ample treatment can be available for the temple, I think.                                                                                                               
 

Sensoh-ji Temple and Hokkaido !

by Kazu

Senso Temple was also lit up in the darkness. The contrast of red, white and the dakrness of the sky was so striking even for us on that day. The vendors along "the Nakamise Street" were closed in the evening but some cherry trees were also lit up and the blossoms were blooming. 

The five-story tower on the premises of the temple was also lit up subtly. They all seemed to have been refurbished. An amazing play land "Hana Yashiki"is next to this temple.  

The cherry blossoms were full-flourished on the premises of Senso-ji Temple. The colors of deep and pale pink cherry blossoms were vividly glazing against the backdrop of the dark sky reflecting the town light in Tokyo.  

 

Hokkaido and Tokyo !

by Kazu

I was wondering how "The Sky Tree" in Tokyo looked like from the satellite in the stratosphere as well as the troposphere over the Big City. As each bridge over Sumida River were also lit up and they were arranged to be seen from the ground, we were not sure how the same objects were looked like from the sky..     

Only the bright shining lines and dot could be seen from the sky. I was not sure how much it costed to light up various kinds of artificial construction on the ground.  

The Worship for the deceased in WWⅡ!

by Kazu

We were so struck by the Steak Frites in "Maison Marunouchi" ,  The Four Seasons Hotel Marunouchi Tokyo with the contrast of bright lights from the windows of the skyscrapers. The dairy cow Ribeye steak from Hokkaido seemed to have been treated, flavored, grilled so nicely.   

We really appreciated the way of cooking and respect extended to the meat matured and produced in Hokkaido. The cow had been raised for milk, not for Wagyu Beef but the red meat was so preferable for us who had savored so much Canadian, in particular Albertan beef in Canada.   

Above is the menu of our dinner on that day. Thanks to the chef's selection that added so much premium to the dairy cow beef from Hokkaido. The Tokyo Sky Tree was playing the roll as the landmark as well as the twist for the landscape of the big city.

 

Steak Frites in the Four Seasons Hotel !

by Kazu

After "the Amuse",  steamed mussels followed. It was named "Moules Marinieres".  It was a pity that the mussels were not from Hokkaido but the quality of the them were what I had craved for. It was so delicious. 

The chef showed his high degrees of skill with the top-quality beefsteak.The sauces were peppercorn sauce,Hollandaise and Cafe de Paris Butter. I thought Hokkaido also needed this level of art culinary delights.

To be surprised, the steak was Hokkaido DairyCow Ribeye Steak! We were so pleased to see the top-quality Hokkaido beef was artistically cooked and it made other guests so happy too. 

 

Culinary Delights in Japan !

by Kazu

We met so enthusiastic Hokkaido supporters in Tokyo and had Taiwanese cuisine because Taiwan was and is one of the strong supporters for Hokkaido island and the citizens. The chef's signature dishes were amazing and grabbed our stomachs and hearts.

The traditional boiled pork showed us the melting skin of the pork like amber or whiskey with the layers of meat. Watching the art of culinary delights stimulate our appetite so much.

After having nice Taiwanese lunch in Nihonbashi Area, we headed to the other downtown of Tokyo and enjoy shopping and watching beautiful garden. After walking so long, we entered so nice French restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel near Tokyo Station.

 

Departure !

by Kazu

Early in the morning of our departure day for Tokyo, it was very fine without any cloud. So-called "Magic Hour" came with the beautiful twilight on the east side of Sapporo City. The orange and white lights at the northern end of Hokkaido University's premises were still giving nice twist to the scenery. 

The atrium of the New Chitose International Airport was decorated so nicely with the citizen pride sign  "Hokkaido Love!" on the backside of elevator case. 

The name of the sponsors such as dairy foods producing company "Yukijirushi Meg Milk" and other businesses headquartered in Hokkaido were shown on the elevator case and other walls.