Monthly Archives: November 2012

{  Gontran Cherrier Tokyo – Bakery  }

Gontran Cherrier Tokyo - Bakery
Gontran Cherrier Tokyo - Bakery
Gontran Cherrier Tokyo - Bakery

GONTRAN CHERRIER TOKYO recently opened (at the end of August) in one of the most convenient locations just one minute from Shibuya station and it’s one of my favorite bakery cafe/restaurants that I’ve been to recently. I loved everything about it – from the style of pastries they served, to the cute french ambiance of the store. I’ve liked everything I’ve tried so far from this place and the ease of access is just unbeatable! The bakery also has seating on the 1F so you can eat your pastry’s/baked goods there as well.

PS: I also dined at the second floor cafe/restaurant so I will post about that next.

Address // 1F, 1-14-11, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-6418-9581
Website // http://gontran-cherrier.jp/

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{  Thanksgiving in Japan  }

Thanksgiving in Japan
Thanksgiving in Japan
Thanksgiving in Japan

We recently gathered together some friends to have an American-style Thanksgiving dinner party here in Japan and we had a lovely get together. We each brought a few things and it worked out quite amazingly. Hope these photos can tell how good the food was ;) To those who celebrate Thanksgiving, hope you had a great one with your friends, family, and loved ones.

xo,
Maki




{  Shoraian — 松籟庵  }

Shoraian 松籟庵
Shoraian 松籟庵
Shoraian 松籟庵
Shoraian 松籟庵

What a treat. Shouraian is located in Arashiyama, Kyoto, where the beautiful bamboo forest and the famous Togetsukyo (渡月橋) “Moon Crossing Bridge” are located.

Shoraian, a restaurant that specializes in Tofu cusine (豆腐懐石) is tucked away in the middle of the mountain and a little bit difficult to find, but it is worth the journey and every penny of the price. Beyond the precise detail of the presentation of Japanese cusine, the location and intimate beauty of the surroundings are unbeatable. The fact that you get to dine right next to the river overlooking the lush and colorful mountain makes this the ultimate Japanese dining experience in Kyoto. We ordered the 3800yen Matsuba lunch course and everything was absolutely delicious… it’s really amazing how much they can do with tofu!

This place is by reservation only so make sure you call in advance to reserve a spot.

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Related Posts on Kyoto:
1) Fall in Kyoto
2) Iyemon Salon
3) Shoraian 松籟庵
…………………………………………………

Address // Sagakemonoocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 075-861-0123
Website // http://www.syouraian.jp/

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{  Iyemon Salon — 伊右衛門サロン  }

Iyemon Salon
Iyemon Salon
Iyemon Salon

The below photos are taken from Iyemon salon’s website.

Iyemon Salon

You might have heard of Iyemon Tea which is a green tea brand that is sold all over Japan, anywhere from vending machines, supermarkets, convenience stores or even as the tea that is served on ANA airplanes :) Anyhow, it happens to be one of our go to green teas of choice so when we randomly passed by “Iyemon Salon” when we were visiting Kyoto, we couldn’t help but go in to see what it was. We immediately loved the ambiance as we walked in. The place is very chic, cool, and has a modern Japanese feel to it.

Anyhow, the food is delicious and they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (8am~midnight) so you can go at anytime of the day :) Naturally, they have a great selection of teas to choose from and if you’re a beer drinker, you must try the matcha beer! It tastes like regular beer but has a hint of matcha flavor to it at the end. Definitely stop by if you’re in the area.

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Related Posts on Kyoto:
1) Fall in Kyoto
2) Iyemon Salon
3) Shoraian 松籟庵
…………………………………………………

Address // 80, Mikura-cho, Nishiiru, Karasuma, Sanjo St., Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 075-222-1500
Website // http://iyemonsalon.jp/

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{  Fall in Kyoto  }

Fall in Kyoto
Fall in Kyoto
Fall in Kyoto

Kyoto is one of my favorite cities in Japan and I love visiting during the Autumn time. Since the foliage season is right around the corner, I decided to put together some of my favorite spots to visit and places to eat on this 3-part special post. Hope it will make you want to visit Kyoto :)

As you might already know, Kyoto is a very popular place to visit amongst both locals and foreigners during the Cherry Blossom season in the Spring and the foliage season in the Fall. However, people here say it’s pure “LUCK” if you get to go during either of these two special times since the peak bloom for the cherry blossoms and the foliage pretty much change every year and only last for about 2~3 weeks each. (Also some places bloom slower/faster so it’s good to check out foliage reports before you go.)

The pictures above are from:
– Komyoji (光明寺) : Famous for their “Momiji-sando”, which is a walking path full of Momiji trees.
– Yoshiminedera (善峯寺) : Hard to get to (located all the way up in the mountains) but it’s one of my favorite spots!
– Kodaiji (高台寺) : Famous for their breathtaking night lit foliage.

Stay tuned for some of my favorite restaurants to dine at when I’m in Kyoto.

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Related Posts on Kyoto:
1) Fall in Kyoto
2) Iyemon Salon
3) Shoraian 松籟庵
…………………………………………………