After my last Tohoku trip covering Aomori, Akita and Yamagata, I will be doing another road trip covering Miyagi, Iwate and Fukushima this time round. With the trip completion, I would have covered the entire Tohoku Prefecture, and that brings a total completion of 39 out of 47 Prefectures. What an impressive achievement, I must admit! 😊
As always, excitement commences upon entering the departure gate.
Enjoying a sumptuous breakfast at SilverKris Lounge prior to boarding.
Time to depart for the Land of the Rising Sun.
With onions, cucumber and spicy peanut sauce.
Sakizuke (Cold Appetiser) – Poached scallop on onion and celery salad.
Mukouzuke (Cold Seafood Dish) – Seared tuna loin served with mustard cress jelly, wasabi and soya sauce.
Kuchitori (Cold Appetiser) – Prawn and broad bean in dashi jelly garnished with salmon roes and hanaho flower.
Men (Cold Noodle) – Green tea soba noodles garnished with nameko mushroom, spring onion and shredded egg served with seaweed, wasabi and noodle sauce.
Yakimono (Main Dish) – Grilled saikyo miso style sawara mackerel garnished with shredded potato salad and pickle ginger flower.
Aemono (Braised Dish) – Braised red miso flavoured beef short rib garnished with nanohana greens.
Takiawase (Simmer Dish) – Simmered bamboo shoot, butter bur, wakame seaweed and carrot in light dashi broth.
Kounomono (Assorted Pickles)
Gohan (Rice Dish)Bamboo shoot flavoured rice garnished with mitsuba leaves.
Tome-wan (Soup) – Miso soup garnished with asari clam and spring onion.
Mizumono (Dessert) – Roasted soya bean ice cream with black sugar syrup.
Hopping on to the complimentary hotel shuttle bus at Bus Stop 16 from South Exit S2 of Terminal 1.
I will be staying over at Hotel Nikko Narita for the night before leaving Tokyo.
Loved the clean, well laid-out and spacious triple sharing room for the night.
Enjoying our first night dinner at 红虎饺子房 inside Aeon Mall Narita.
Starting the morning with a comfort brekkie at Sukiya.
Proceeded to pick up my rental car from Nippon Rent-A-Car which is right beside the hotel.
Got a Toyota Corolla for my next 9 days road trip. As usual, did all the required checks before driving off.
Headed for our first stop to Oarai Isosaki Shrine located in Oarai, Ibaraki Prefecture.
The main worship hall of the Oarai Isosaki Shrine.
A serene courtyard area featuring traditional architecture, lush trees, and structures adorned with small paper or wooden charms.
You can then visit the Kamiiso Torii Gate right across the Shrine.
Follow the sign and you will get to see the torii gate.
Guess the sunset view will be even more astonishing!
Went for lunch at Hinoji Seafood Restaurant thereafter.
Continuing on with our next stop to Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki’s most famous tourist destination for its instagram-friendly fields of flowers. This vast park is best known for the stunning blue nemophila flowers in spring.
Nemophila, commonly known as “baby blue eyes” or Rurikarakusa in Japan, is a plant that produces five-petaled, sky-blue flowers with white centres. Growing to only 20 cm tall, these “baby blue eyes” create massive blue carpets when planted in large, densely packed fields, famously covering slopes like Miharashi Hill at Japan’s Hitachi Seaside Park.
Mesmerising view of the Sea of Nemophila. What a sea of platinum blue! 实在是太震撼了！
Savouring a quick bite of hotdog bun and grilled chicken skewer with garlic sauce at the park.
I will be staying over at Comfort Inn Hitachinaka for tonight before leaving for Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture.
Loved this triple sharing and spacious room layout of this accommodation too.
Decided on dinner at Yamaboushi Hitachinaka, an off the beaten path restaurant in the neighbourhood.
You will get to experience the cosy, warm and homely setting here and importantly there is only the elderly owner man mending this restaurant. Thus, you will need to wait patiently for your orders to be prepared.
Ending the night with a heavily discounted sashimi bought from York Benimaru Supermarket for supper. 😋😋😋
Kick-start the morning with a sumptuous breakfast at Hama Sushi.
Trying out the super chewy bread from Family Maru Bakery in Family Mart. The bread texture is really soft, chewy and delicious.
In conclusion, sweet bread is still better than savoury bread in my opinion. Having said that, the breads are still chewily delicious. Try it if you have the opportunity to do so. 😊
This morning, we will be heading out to Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. A long drive of about 223 km.
Made a visit to Zuihoden, the mausoleum of Date Masamune, one of the most powerful feudal lords of the Edo Period (1603-1868).
Zuihoden was designed in the ornate style of the Momoyama Period. It features intricate woodwork and a rich variety of vivid colours.
Proceeded for late lunch at a local restaurant specializes in homemade noodles and wood-ash soup (Mokuhai Soba).
I loved the mee-pok like soba. It’s so springy-ly good.
Checking in to Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai Inchibancho Premier for my next 3 nights.
As always, Daiwa Roynet Hotel chain is one of my favorite go-to accommodation whenever I am in Japan wherever possible. Room size is decently spacious in Japan’s context.
There are a couple of shopping streets right beside the hotel (you can shop to your heart’s content 😊) coupled with great food options that will certainly leave you spoilt for choice.
Tea break at Doutor Café. Always a must without a doubt with more or less the usual suspects. 😅
Beating the crowd at Torikizoku with an early dinner.
This is always so good. A must eat in Japan without fail.
After a satisfying meal, continuing on to Hapina Nakakecho Shopping Arcade as it is the closest covered shopping street to JR Sendai Station.
Spending the rest of the evening doing retail therapy at the malls near the station.
Chilling out at Saint Marc Cafe before calling it a night.
Staring with Round 1 breakfast at Hoshino Coffee.
Followed by Round 2 breakfast at a combined restaurant featuring Matsuya and Matsunoya. Best of both worlds option. 👍
What a fulfilling and satisfying start to a great morning!
Today, we will be doing a day trip to Matsushima Bay, one of the “Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan”. It features over 260 pine-covered islands scattered across calm waters. The best way to see the islands will be to go on a Matsushima Bay Cruise. As I have been on many cruises previously, hence I decided to give it a miss this time round.
In lieu of the rain-check, I will make a visit to Fukuurajima Island instead.
Fukuurajima is a scenic, pine-covered island in Matsushima Bay.
The island is accessible via a 252 metre long red bridge known as the Fukuura Bridge.
View of Fukuura Bridge taken from Matsushima Bay.
Another scenic view of Fukuura Bridge taken from Fukuurajima Island.
There are over 300 species of plants including Japanese red pine, Japanese cedar and Japanese fir along with seasonal flowers.
Having lunch at Matsushima Fish Market, a busy seafood market offering prepared dishes.
Sankeiden was built in 1646 and has been designated as an important national cultural assets.
You can see the statue of Mitsumune dressed in formal nobility costume and mounted on a white horse in the centre of the structure.
You will get to see camellia and maple trees in the compound.
More maple trees even in the garden too. It will be an even greater sight during autumn.
Pampering ourselves with sweet treats at Senshin-an Restaurant.
More street snacks to follow……
Came across Sanuki Udon Hanamaru and there is no prize in guessing what’s going to happen next. 🤭
This is followed by a budget friendly dinner at Saizeriya.
The above meal costs exactly ¥2,000. No where else can you find such a budget friendly place and importantly the food quality is of standard. 👍👍👍
Ending the night with an “atas” fruit party in the comfort of our room.
Waking up to a light rainy morning and the rain is scheduled to persist till late afternoon.
Begin the day at Komeda’s Coffee, another great breakfast place in Japan.
Boneless, juicy chicken eaten with freshly squeezed lemon.
Addictively tasty with a special, spicy curry sauce and freshly deep-fried big crispy cutlet. Oh my, the portion is really humongous!
Being a wet day, have decided on spending time indoor at Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port instead.
You will get to see the usual suspects here at the outlet park.
Proceeded for lunch on Level 2 at Mori no Kitchen.
A huge food court with a wide variety of food options leaving you spoilt for choice as always. 😅
Abuya Jubei which specializes in Oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl).
I have been to Japan umpteenth time but have not tried Ippudo Ramen so now, I will make up for it. 😄
A miso ball made with rich Sendai miso, perfectly paired with garlic chives and bean sprouts.
Pit stop break at Tully’s Coffee.
Moving on next to The Mall Sendai Nagamachi, a big shopping mall with varied stores, restaurant and a supermarket.
Definitely a good way as alternative option for rainy day programme.
After much contemplation, have narrowed down our dinner option to Chibo Okonomiyaki Restaurant.
Another great meal to end the night with for sure.
This morning we will be leaving Sendai for Morioka in Iwate Prefecture.
Having a nice breakfast at Zetteria prior to that.
Pampering ourselves with another round at Doutor Café.
We will be covering a couple of attractions along the way to Morioka.
1st attraction will be Sendai Castle Ruins, a historical landmark in Sendai.
The monument was erected to honor those who died in the Satsuma Rebellion and the Sino-Japanese War.
The Remains of the Ohiroma Large Hall in Sendai Castle’s Honmaru Main Compound.
Large, restored stone walls and the former site of the Date Masamune Palace.
A cliffside location providing a panoramic view of downtown Sendai as seen from the viewpoint.
You can get to enjoy a mesmerising view of Sendai city from here.
Beautiful view of the Sendai Daikannon statue dominating the skyline of Sendai, as seen from a distance. Sendai Daikannon is a massive statue of the Bodhisattva Kannon, standing 100 meters (330 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest statues in the world.
A large Shinto shrine located in the centre of the former main bailey.
Adjourn for a quick lunch break at Chojahara rest stop.
2nd attraction will be to Genbikei Gorge, a place of scenic beauty and natural monument.
Admiring the beauty of nature. Seeing this sight is enough to bring one’s serenity to mind.
The highlight of this Genbikei Gorge is specially for the unique flying dango (cuckoo dumpling) experience.
The dumplings will be offered by the teahouse to tourists on the other side of the valley.
Tourists will be waiting for it at this pavilion.
All is needed will be to put in ¥600 into the swing basket for the purchase of the dumplings. You may put in exact amount or in my case, I clipped my ¥1,000 note and placed into the swing basket.
Once done, you just need to pick up the wooden hammer and knock twice onto the wooden board.
The owner will then pull the basket towards the teahouse.
Once the dumpling is ready, the owner will place it on the basket and swing it back to you.
In my case, I will receive back my change for ¥400 in the basket together with the box of dumpling and 3 cups of green tea.
Now, you may then enjoy the dumplings with the green tea at the comfort of the pavilion.
Next attraction will be Takkoku no Iwaya.
Entrance to Takkoku-no-Iwaya Bishamondo Temple in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture.
Dedicated in the 9th century to the god of warriors, this hall is built directly into a cave-like cliff. It was rebuilt in 1961 after fires destroyed previous structures.
To give thanks to the god of war Bishamon, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro had the Bishamondô built in the style of Kyoto’s Kiyomizudera. He installed 108 statues of Bishamon and called it Iwaya Bishamondô, a place in which to pray for peace.
A traditional wooden structure with a vermilion-painted frame and a dark roof, commonly found within the grounds of Japanese shrines or temples.
A massive Buddha face carved into a cliff face, surviving from the 11th century to protect against disasters.
A small, picturesque temple hall situated on a small island in a pond within the temple complex.
The rare statue of the god Fudô, designated as a prefectural treasure, is carved from a single block of katsura wood and dates from the Heian period.
The Yakushi Buddha inside the Kondô is carved from a holy pine tree from Shinkyôsan, the mountain behind Takkoku no Iwaya.
Final attraction will be Motsuji Temple, a special historical site and a special place of scenic beauty, famous for its Pure Land Garden.
Pure land gardens were a popular garden style during the Heian Period, attempting to recreate the Buddhist concept of the pure land or “Buddhist paradise”. Like all pure land gardens, Motsuji’s garden is centred around a large pond.
The garden is best enjoyed by walking along the path that leads about 500 metres around the pond’s circumference.
The Main Hall (Hondō) of Motsuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Hiraizumi, Iwate.
Checking into Daiwa Roynet Hotel Morioka for my next 2 night’s abode.
Equally spacious room size as expected of any Daiwa Roynet Hotel chain.
As it started to rain, has decided to go to Aeon Mall Morioka Minami, one of Iwate’s largest shopping mall.
The mall is filled with a wide variety of shops, making it a major mall where you can enjoy shopping and dining all day.
Happens to chance upon Heart Bread Antique inside Aeon Mall and since I am here, why not give it a try.
All I can say is that you have to try it for yourself!
This is quickly followed by dinner at Miyazaki Steakhouse Kirimine Restaurant.
What a beefylicious meal to end the night! 😋😋😋
This morning we will exploring Morioka city on foot.
Powering up the morning at Matsuya.
Crossing over to Doutor Café next for another fix.
Made our first stop at Morioka Castle Ruins Park, known for its well-preserved stone walls and seasonal beauty, including cherry blossoms in spring.
A historic stone memorial. This monument honors the dedication and sacrifice of local firefighters.
This monument is dedicated to commemorating the meritorious service of police officers.
The vibrant red bridge located within the Morioka Castle Ruins Park. This bridge connects the main (honmaru) and second (ninomaru) baileys of the former castle.
Taking a moment to stroll in the Castle Ruins Park and experience the serene tranquility environment.
Look at this beautiful serene pond within a lush green garden setting, featuring a traditional Japanese landscape design.
Managed to catch sight of the Prunus ‘Kanzan’ in full bloom, a popular variety of cherry blossom known for its late blooming and vibrant pink, double-layered petals.
Located right next to Morioka Castle Ruins Park, this is a historic shrine that has been cherished as the guardian shrine of the Nanbu clan since the Edo period.
Ishiwari-zakura, also known as the Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree.
Stopping by Cross Terrace Morioka while en-route to JR Morioka Station.
A low-key shopping mall with about 30 shops plus restaurant and convenience store.
Juicing up at Starbucks Coffee inside JR Morioka Station.
& Caffe Misto
Spending some time to recce at JR Morioka Station thereafter.
Had a late lunch at Sanriku Washu Isono inside the station at B1 level.
Headed on next to Morioka O-dori Arcade in the city centre to do some window shopping too. This arcade somehow reminds me of the shopping street in Aomori but this street is definitely more happening than in Aomori from what I see.
Chanced upon this welcoming pillar to mark my presence in visiting Morioka.
What a rare impromptu find! Kamakura Warabimochi…….👏👏👏
Decided on having dinner at the food court on Level 3 at Aeon Mall Morioka Minami before calling it a night.
Settled for breakfast at Café Gusto before leaving Morioka for Fukushima.
You may get to enjoy free soup and drink bar with each breakfast set ordered.
The distance from Morioka to Fukushima is about 250 km. Another long drive ahead.
Making a pit stop lunch break at Chojahara Service Area.
Saw this interesting display of the Number 1 in popularity “Fukuda Bread” with red bean paste & butter which they now sells it as a sands cookie at the service area sweets store.
Couldn’t take it lying down and just had to pick it up to bring home and try for myself to see how good it is.
It is a solemn Shinto shrine located on Mount Shinobu in Fukushima City, dedicated to honoring over 69,000 war dead from Fukushima Prefecture since the Boshin War. It is known for its serene, elevated location, dignified architecture, and beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
Japanese chozuya (purification fountain), commonly found at the entrance of shrines and temples for visitors to wash their hands and mouths before praying. This specific fountain features a modern touchless sensor system for water flow. The stone basin is carved with the kanji characters for “洗心” (senshin), which translates to “purifying the heart” or “cleansing the mind”.
This monument was erected in memory of the police dogs who died in the line of duty.
A wall board created to commemorate the memories of the beloved cats.
A mesmerising panoramic view of Fukushima City as seen from the 3rd observation deck.
A zoomed-up view of the mountain from afar at the same observation spot.
It’s now time to check in to Hotel Sankyo Fukushima for my next 2 nights’ stay in Fukushima.
I liked this well-laid out, neatly organized spacious room.
Beautiful view from the hotel room that I am in.
While on the way to explore JR Fukushima Station, I came across Monogel Stand, a small Bakery & Cafe Stand specializes in bagels.
Erected near Fukushima Station to protect the city from fire.
A floral clock located in Fukushima Station East Exit Square, it is often referred to as the “Flower and Fruit City.” The clock face is constructed entirely of flowers, which are seasonally replaced to reflect the city’s brand as a producer of flowers and fruit. The pink sign above the clock reads “Welcome to Fukushima, the town of flowers and fruit.”
Spending time to walk around JR Fukushima Station.
Trying out the new Musk Melon Pan bread at Vie De France inside the station.
Thereafter, drive over to Aeon Mall Fukushima to do my usual rounding and in search for dinner inspiration.
As there is not much option for dinner inside Aeon Mall, so we went over to the nearby Sultan Restaurant which serves authentic Indian and Pakistani cuisine.
It is also highly recommended to try the Takoyaki in 7-Eleven while in Japan. For once, you can have it in small portion here and importantly it is value for money and quality guaranteed too. 👍
Ending the night with yakisoba for supper.
Today, we will be doing a day trip to Aizuwakamatsu. Unfortunately, the weather is not in our favour as it is forecasted to rain for the entire day. Having said that, it will still not dampen our spirits as this is what travelling is all about.
Catching a quick breakfast at Adatara Service Area.
Looking at the various breads staring hard at us, so we decided on having breads this morning.
Good choice is all I have to say! 😋
Arrived at our first stop at Ouchi-juku village. This isolated village boasts thatched-roof houses and natural streets making you feel like taking a journey to the past.
The well-preserved streets of Ouchi-juku led to it being designated as an Important Preservation District for a Group of Traditional Buildings thus making it a great spot to visit, thanks to its unique charm and history.
Enjoying their local delicacies for lunch at Yorozuya Restaurant.
Next stop will be at Tsuruga Castle.
Tsuruga Castle (also known as Aizuwakamatsu Castle)
is famous for being the only Japanese castle tower with red-tiled roofs, which were restored to their original color in 2011.
A local toy from the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture in the shade of a red cow. It is said to have been modeled after an cow that carried a load when Enzoii Temple was built in Yanaizu Town in the 9th century. Legend has it that when an epidemic broke out in the past, the red toy was given to a sick child, who was immediately cured of his illness.
It is characterized by the stone and red Torii gates leading to the shrine.
“Mushabashiri” is the name used to describe the stairs in the rock walls around the castle. “Musha” means samurai and “hashiri” means rushing or running. Here the stairs were built in a V shape and used by the defending samurai to climb up and down from the walls and turrets in case of an attack. They are one of the distinguishing features of the rock walls of Tsurugajo-castle and are a good example of the masonry techniques used at the time.
The Rokabashi Bridge (also known as the “Red Bridge”) is a beautiful, striking red corridor bridge that connects the main enclosure to the Ninomaru (secondary enclosure) and was historically built to be easily cut off or destroyed in the event of an enemy attack.
Snack break at Tsuruga Castle Cafeteria.
Followed by local specialty sweet treats at Tsurugajo Kaikan.
A detailed miniature diorama depicting a historic scene, featuring figures related to the Boshin War in Aizuwakamatsu.
Final attraction for the day will be to Sazaedo Temple.
You can choose to pay ¥250 for the Iimoriyama Slope Conveyor, a moving walkway designed to transport visitors up the steep hill. This is to allow visitors to bypass over 100 stone steps on the way up to the hill.
Here I am, up at the hill after climbing over 100 stone steps.
Sacred Sugi (Japanese cedar) tree adorned with a shimenawa (sacred rope).
Aizu Sazaedo is a 16.5 meter high, 3 storey, hexagon shaped Buddhist temple (with walkway) which was built in 1796.
From the front you enter the building and, moving along the right hand side, climb a helix shaped stairway up.
The ceiling is covered in senjafuda, which are traditional votive stickers placed by visitors to mark their pilgrimage.
After crossing the Taiko Bridge (Taiko-bashi) at the top, you descend, moving along the left side and exit through the rear. It is famous for being the only wooden structure in the world with a double-helix spiral staircase interior. The unique design allowed worshippers to ascend and descend without crossing paths.
It is now time to hit back to Fukushima City after a fruitful day trip.
Stopping by Shin Chinese Kitchen for dinner before returning to the hotel.
Ending the night with a mochi dessert treat bought earlier while at Ouchi-juku.
This morning, I will be leaving Fukushima for Tokyo. With this, it will officially mark an end to my Tohoku driving trip.
Before going to Tokyo directly, I will be making a detour to Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi first for the Great Wisteria Festival 2026 as it is now in season for the wisteria flower.
Stopping by McDonald’s for a quick brekkie before hitting out to the expressway.
Finally, I am able to catch hold of the wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park. It is the largest wisteria garden in Japan with over 350 wisteria trees in a park of 94,000 m².
With its history of transplantation, revived vitality, and mystical qualities has come to be revered as a sacred tree, cherished by as a symbol of longevity and good health.
During the season of ‘Wisteria Story – Great Wisteria Festival’, the park have more than 350 blossoming wisteria such as the 150 year old great wisteria which is a Tochigi Prefecture designated natural treasure, the large wisteria trellis.
You will also be able to view the other colourful flowers in the park too.
Enjoying a light luncheon at the park’s Cafeteria Maronie.
Check-in to Akabane Holic Hotel thereafter. This is my first time staying in this hotel as the usual Daiwa Roynet Hotel Akabane that I always stay with is way too expensive due to the golden week period.
This will be my abode for the next 3 nights in Tokyo. Room size looks small, however the layout is very practical such that there is still sufficient space to maneuver around without knocking over. As the Chinese saying goes…..麻雀虽小但五脏俱全。👍
Proceeded to return car at Nippon Rent-A-Car at Akabane Station outlet immediately after check-in.
Getting my fix at Tendon Tenya without fail.
Picking up value for money sashimi and skewered fish cake from Fuji Garden supermarket just before dinner.
Taking a late dinner at Torikizoku before ending the night.
Tonight’s supper will be strawberries. 😋😋😋
Having a good brekkie at Nakau, it’s definitely one of those morning joint that I loved too.
After a hearty meal, we headed over to visit the the highest Starbucks in Japan, the Starbucks Reserve Cafe Tokyo Skytree Town on the 30F Store, located 150 metres above the ground.
You will be able to catch hold of some great sights should you decide to walk from JR Asakusa Station instead of taking a train.
The distinctive blue, Komagata Bridge crossing the Sumida River which connects the Asakusa district (Taito Ward) with the Higashi-komagata district (Sumida Ward).
This statue depicts him looking towards the sea, symbolizing his vision for a modernized Japan.
You can even have the chance to “pick up” the Tokyo Sky Tower along the way as well. 😅
A nice view of the Tokyo Sky Tower from afar.
Here I am at the Tokyo Skytree Town after a good 15 minutes stroll.
There is a vibrant Japanese festival event happening here too, celebrating Children’s Day in early May, as indicated by the large koinobori (carp streamers) hanging overhead.
Finally, I am here at Starbucks Reserve.
Indeed, you can have a panoramic view of the city with the Tokyo Sky Tower right in front of you.
Next, made a trip to Ueno’s Ameyayokocho for some possible retail therapy. 😅
Chanced upon Tokyo Sundubu at Ueno no Mori Sakura Terrace and thus decided to try it.
It’s so good. Glad that we were here.
Followed by dessert at Crepe Espresso which is directly adjacent to Tokyo Sundubu.
I have been to Ueno a couple of times but did not manage to visit Ueno Park. This time round, I decided to spend some time exploring the park ground.
You will find Kiyomizu Kannon-do, the oldest temple tucked away inside Ueno Park.
It is one of the remnants of the once glorious Kan’ei-ji temple.
See the famous view from the stage of the Kiyomizu Kannon-do. The circular tree framing the view is known as the Tsuki no Matsu or “Moon Pine”.
There is even a zoo at the park for zoo lovers to visit.
Had another round of food at Tokyo Base inside JR Ueno Station.
Ending the night with a late dinner at Hoshino Coffee.
Time flies as always when we are having fun. Before we know it, we are already into our second last day of our trip. Since time is running out, we decided to encore back 2 of our favourite breakfast meal this morning.
Starting with Matsuya…..😋
and quickly followed by Sukiya…..😋
The grilled mackerel is so good that we have to order 2 portions to have our cravings fixed.
Today, we will be doing something interesting. We will be visiting the JRA Racing Museum. JRA Racing Museum was established with the purpose of providing accurate knowledge and understanding of horse racing from the cultural aspects, in order to contribute to the healthy development of horse racing.
There is the 150-inch projection monitor to show various movies about horses and equine culture.
The exhibits in this hall introduce the horse racing culture and equine culture. Three full-scale horse models (thoroughbred, draft horse and Japanese native pony) are displayed for understanding the differences between each species.
The Museum has the Hall of Fame, which exhibits inducted horses and horsemen, the Gallery and the Special Exhibition Room for various exhibitions.
There are 3 permanent exhibition rooms that you can visit as well.
The actual starting gate is exhibited, which is produced based on JSS30 type gate.
Here, astride a life-size model of a jockey and you can also get to experience the thrill of opening the gates for the race.
The horse riding simulator is styled after a racing horse, complete with a saddle, reins, and racing colors (number 5).
Managed to catch sight of the horse being washed and cleaned in a wash bay by a handler in a stable likely preparing it for a post-exercise.
There is also a nice rose garden near the main entrance of the Tokyo Racecourse which you can visit too.
There are plenty of benches to sit on so that you can admire and enjoy the roses.
A commemorative statue in the rose garden depicting a jockey in traditional racing silks with the surrounding area featuring stone plaques detailing horse racing history.
A bronze statue of Vodka, a famous Japanese racehorse and a legendary mare who won the 2007 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby), the first filly to do so in 64 years.
“Golden Horse” (Akhal-Teke), serving as a symbol representing the relationship between Fuchu City and Turkmenistan. The Akhal-Teke is a famous breed known for its metallic sheen coat, often described as “golden”.
After an enjoyable time spent at Tokyo Racecourse, now moving on next to Harajuku in search of Age.3, selling deep-fried sandwich.
I had Age.3 when I was in Hong Kong last year and since I am in Japan, I felt the need to try it here.
OMG! Look at how crowded Takeshita Street is. This is no fun. 😂
Chanced upon a huge Mom’s Touch outlet in Takeshita Street. This is by far the largest joint I ever see.
One for the road dinner at Osaka Ohsho.
Finally, it’s homecoming day for us.
One for the road breakfast at MOS Burger.
Round 2 at Little Mermaid.
Last but not least, Doutor Café.
Thereafter, we make our way leisurely via train to Haneda Airport for our flight home.
What an impressive Godzilla monument awaiting for you at the departure lounge.
Tango no Sekku (Children’s Day), a special seasonal display featuring traditional samurai armor (kabuto) and doll figures, which are displayed to pray for the healthy growth of children.
Relaxing and watching planes taking off while at the apron.
Chilling out at ANA Lounge prior to boarding.
Loved the feeling of homecoming…..
Thanks to a great weather, I managed to capture a beautifully magnificent view of Mount Fuji from onboard the plane. 🙏
With onion, cucumber and spicy peanut sauce.
Seared smoked scallop on vegetables tian garnished with salmon roes and mixed salad.
Warm vinegared rice topped with an assortment of fresh seafood, served with wasabi, soy sauce, and pickled ginger.
Assortment of cheeses featuring Kobayashi Ranch blue cheese, French Camembert and Comté, served with fig and walnut paste and crackers.
Layered almond sponge cake with green tea flavoured chocolate.
Overall, another good trip for sure. Hope you enjoy your read this far.