Mazemen at Menya Akatsuki in Komagome
Aesoba (あえそば), with all the free Jiro-style toppings (garlic, vegetables, karame, abura) and additional cheese. There is also a raw egg beneath the fat.
Hike to Mount Mitsutoge, Mount Kachi Kachi & Lake Kawaguchi
A couple of weeks ago, I went on a hike to Mount Mitsutoge (三つ峠山), in the Fuji 5 Lakes area.
Azalea Festival at the Rikugien Garden
There was an azalea festival held recently at the Rikugien Garden. I went there the first day so the flowers were not in full bloom yet.
Kanmangafuchi Abyss path in Nikko
After Mount Toyama, I headed towards Kanmangafuchi Abyss (憾満ヶ淵), a short riverside trail in a gorge not far from the World Heritage sites. It is also known for its 70 Jizo stone statues.
Hike to Mount Toyama in Nikko
Mount Toyama (外山) is a mountain in Nikko. It is only a short walk (~1.5km) from the World Heritage sites, with great view on Nikko and Mount Nyoho at the summit. Here is a map of the trail.
World Heritage Shrines and Temples of Nikko
A few weeks ago, I returned to Nikko to visit the shrines and temples of central Nikko, which are on UNESCO’s list of Word Heritage Sites.
Tokyo Walk: Kameido / Sarue Onshi Park / Yokojukkengawa Water Park / Kiba Park
After visiting Kameido Shrine, I went on a walk along the Yokojukken Canal until I reached Kiba Park.
Azalea Festival at Shiofune Kannon-ji Temple in Ome
While I was in the Ome area, I went to see the azalea festival at Shiofune Kannon-ji Temple (塩船観音寺). The temple is surrounded by a huge azalea garden with a giant statue of Kannon watching over it.