A German Cafe ~ In Japan!

Long time, no posts. I'm very sorry to have kept everyone waiting. It's been a busy autumn for me.

Back in early September, upon my return from the west coast of Canada, a friend and I visited a really cool German coffee shop in the midst of nowhere, north of Tokyo, mid-Kanagawa prefectures. I had stumbled across this shop on an afternoon tea blog, where the author had recommended this German-style cafe as a) the afternoon tea set was under $30 and b) the ambiance was very European.

My friend and I took a local bus to access this shop.

Upon arrival, the outside seemed like an old castle, lost in the woods....

Outside / Inside.

Inside, the shop was built of stucco and dark wood pillars, filled top to bottom in antiques. While the dark atmosphere seemed foreboding, the warm tea and sweets made the entire afternoon seem like a page out of Hansel and Gretel. I wondered if after scoffing down the cakes, would a witch emerge from the kitchen to burn my friend and I? 

Top: Metal art inside
Bottom: The tea sets.

My friend and I ordered one tea set each, because her and I resemble the three little piggies when it comes to sweets...(laugh). An assortment of sandwiches, scones and sweets came with pots of tea in fine China. The assortment and taste were very good!

This cafe is a little out of the way, but it's an interesting place to enjoy the antiques and odds-and-sods scattered here and there. If you are in the northern Tokyo, or Kanagawa areas, why not try something different (aka: NOT Starbucks)? 

~ Enjoy tea! 

Information: 

Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT go to the afternoon teas recommended by Tokyo Time Out or other blogs. The reason? They all list the typical hotel afternoon teas (which are extremely expensive). There are many, many other options for those who know how to use the internet, and can read a little Japanese. If you can't read Japanese, try Google Translate -- it's my best friend when I encounter a Chinese character or Japanese phrase I don't know. 

Here is one great example of various afternoon teas for around 1,000 (which is a bargain in Tokyo!!) compiled by a Japanese blog:

Afternoon Teas recommended by MERY.JP

Another favorite foodie site in Japan is HOT PEPPER. Here is their "Afternoon Tea" page. Notice most prices are only $15!!!

HOT PEPPER SITE

Shop info: 

The shop featured in this blog is called "Pappelburg" and they are famous for serving Burg Koffee ~ a German dark roast coffee. Their homepage is HERE.

Access: 

Directions to Pappelburg are HERE. It's in Hachioji. 

1) Go to Hachioji train station. Figure out how to get there from your nearest station by using THIS SITE.

2) From that station, take a #77 bus from the south exit. Ride the bus for about 23 minutes. Get off at the wedding venue (the actual stop translates to "Nature Park Front"). The cafe is directly across the street from the wedding chapel/reception hall. 

A Google Map is HERE.

Cost: 

Bus from Hachioji station: 250 yen ($2.20 USD). The bus does take PASMO (card).

Afternoon tea set: around 2,500 yen ($22 USD). You can share with two people.

When:

Shop is open from 10:00 ~ 24:00

Afternoon tea is served between 15:00 ~ 17:00 only. 

Vancouver BC - Part 4

This is part of a travel series: ONE / TWO / THREE (click to see). 

In this post, we will quickly explore Vancouver's Granville Island.

Walking along Yaletown's water front, my parents and I caught a tiny tug taxi over to Granville Island. For about $3, this water taxi ferries passengers to various docks along the water ways of Vancouver. We just took a one minute jaunt over to the island, famous with tourists due to its expansive food market.

the aqua bus - very cute eh? 

In this market, visitors can find fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, flowers, chocolates, sweets, and homemade items such as jewelry or soap. It's expensive, but a nice place to stroll around. Many tourists buy take out food here, and sit along the wharf to soak in the sea views.

soap, fish eating fish (?) & rainbow roses (yes, they were real!)

I was surprised to notice that even in the month of early September, leaves were beginning to fall. The feeling reminded me of my having to leave soon... 

cutenekko's shadow amid the leaves

The departing day had finally arrived; my parent's flight left at noon, I had to wait another 4 hours before my flight was to take off. I spent my time exploring the various shops in Vancouver airport and playing around with my camera. In a hidden atrium, a large totem pole stood tall. I fiddled a bit to get it in frame...I liked the way it came out. What do you guys think?

At Vancouver airport

My 10-day adventure in Canada ended on a sad note -- I had to come back to Japan. Recently, I feel tired living overseas. I have been an expat for almost half of my life; what was once a daily excitement of new discoveries, has become like singing a tedious, lonesome song. You just want it to end. 

I feel my Canadian identity pulling away from Asia. It's difficult to explain to those who have not lived in a foreign country; a part of yourself becomes lost with each move. I have picked up various cultural habits from Thailand, Japan, the U.S and Germany, but where is my whole, Canadian self? People often ask me "Where are you from?" and I struggle to answer this question. Home is where you live, yes, but not quite. Your heart will always belong to the place of greatest security. 

Enjoy life & find your home. 

Information:

Granville Island Public Market

Aqua Bus

Vancouver International Airport  

Victoria + Vancouver BC - Part 3

This is part of a series. Click to see ONE and TWO.

In the late afternoon, after enjoying a walk around Victoria city, we drove a little further out to see a beautiful, hidden beach. I have forgotten the name of this area - it was inside a national park, not far from the city. We found lots of Canadian geese swimming along and many locals just sitting on the sand, enjoying the sunshine.

Photos: A lovely sandbar beach, just outside of Victoria. 


After taking the ferry back to the mainland, my parents and I headed to the university, where I would attend four days of lectures regarding my graduate studies. The institution was located in the midst of farmland, far from much of anything. From 8:30 am to 4 pm, those four days consisted of studying, reading, and listening to talks. Truly blase, so not a photo was taken.

After completing those study sessions, our threesome headed over to Vancouver. After much deliberation, and a discussion with a waitress at a local, countryside diner, we decided to ditch our rental car for the day, and take the Skytrain into the city. The Skytrain is a great way to travel not only in Vancouver, but outside the city as well. It travels mainly above ground, and connects to the airport.

Due to my parents being older, our walking tour would be compacted into three areas: the harbor front, Gastown, and Yaletown.

The harbor area of Downtown Vancouver is the starting point for Alaskan cruises. It's also the former home of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. I had heard the city had kept the torch from those games in this area; I really wanted to see it.

Photos: Cruise port / Cutenekko & the torch! 

Yay! I got to see the torch!! 

From the waterfront, we walked due east, towards Gastown. This is an older, very historic area of Vancouver. It is famous for small shops, and a steam powered clock. We arrived just at noon to hear the "toot-toot" of the steam whistles. It was quite something to see.

Photos: A&W advertisement for a maple-flavored burger(!!) / Gastown shops 
The steam clock / Skytrain map. 

That leaf is hiding people's faces....Privacy is important!

My favorite area was actually Yaletown. It's quite easy to get to ...just follow the money. This is arguably, the most expensive area in Vancouver. There are yachts, ocean front condos, even celebrities! I saw Zoe Saldana (Star Trek/ Guardians of the Galaxy) riding a bike in this area. The boardwalk is very nice and an excellent place to take a stroll. My parents and I did just that....

Photos: Yaletown kayaks / boardwalk / "Here you begin Live like new"

I think this message was for me. 

This walk was just fantastic: to the left, water; to the right, high rise condos. We saw many people living the dream!

Photos: My happy feet in Vancouver! / Onward to the next destination -- Granville Island Market

I pushed my parents to walk a little more and visit a popular market on a small island. I'll show you photos of that, next time. 

Enjoy Canada! ^_^

Information: 

Vancouver is a large city located on the west coast of Canada, in British Columbia. It is famous for smoked salmon, cruises to Alaska and Chinatown. It has been repeatedly named as one of the "best places to live in the world". It is also very, very expensive (housing-wise). 

Vancouver Tourism site

City of Vancouver site

Skytrain information

Cost: 

Hotels in the city are $150+ / Outside the city, we stayed in a Super 8, it cost $100!! For a Super 8!!

Food prices range from cheap to very expensive, depending on where you eat. We recommend: White Spot -- local diner (chain) found all over BC. WHITE SPOT LINK

Victoria BC - part 2

* This is a series. Part One is HERE. 

My third official day back in my home country proved to be a winner weather-wise; we enjoyed a rare sunny day on the usually rainy west coast. My parents suggested to spend the day outside, walking. We agreed to explore Victoria's harbor front.

Smack in the downtown core of Victoria city is the "harbor walk" -- a 3 kilometer (?) walk which hugs the bay. The starting point is the visitor information center, where there is plenty of parking, and ends at Fisherman's Wharf. Let's explore together!

Views from the start of the harbor walk:
Top L to R: Victoria city sign engraved with an orca whale / Sea planes abound and carry passengers on sightseeing tours + visits to neighboring islands.

Bottom L to R: Harbor view / Water taxis! So cute!! 

The walk was very pleasant and we observed both tourists and locals out, sunning themselves on the docks. The harbor walk takes visitors past many famous buildings -- The Fairmont Empress and the Legislative Assembly building. We were excited to eat, so we hiked to the end of this route, and reached Fisherman's Wharf. 

Photos: Houseboats / Welcome sign / My fish & chips! 

My family scoured the various restaurants here; we finally settled on a famous fish & chips place -- Barb's. The fish was really great; you could even choose from cod or halibut, crispy, spicy or regular. 

We walked around the area more; the wharf has a few art shops, and some tourists were trying to feed raw fish to some friendly seals.(!) Fisherman's Wharf is small, and most only visit to eat. It's highly recommended to stop here for lunch on a fine day. 

Photo: Overview of the wharf

Our fourth day was engulfed in a strong rain/wind storm. We drove, completing a southern loop of Vancouver island, but no photos were taken due to the terrible weather. Sorry. I hope you'll return for photos from the west coast of Canada.

Enjoy fish!

Information: 

• Fisherman's Wharf site is HERE.
• Victoria Visitor's Center HERE
• Victoria Legislative Assembly building - offers free tours! HERE.

Access: 

Victoria is about 1.5 hours by ferry from Tawassen (which is a 30 minute drive outside of Vancouver city) BC, Canada. 

Cost for the ferry: $16 per person / Cars are more!

Victoria BC - Part 1

I had booked a relatively short trip to Canada in late August/ early September to visit the west coast of Canada. My original purpose was to attend four days of lectures at a university in British Columbia (a province in Canada which famously hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics); however, after a discussion with my parents, we decided to make a trip of it and spent several days on Vancouver Island, exploring Victoria, before attending the university on the mainland.

Cutenekko / a passing BC ferry / Canadian flag at the stern

Our family flew into Vancouver rather late; we headed out to catch the ferry to Vancouver Island the following morning. Our ship, The Spirit of British Columbia, departed at 11:00 AM, and would take 1.5 hours to arrive near Victoria. Inside, the ship had WiFi, a cafeteria and cafe, a private space which cost $12 CAD to use, tons of seats and a full, wrap-around deck to explore and enjoy the view.

The ship puttered through narrow inlets, which offered great views of cottages and luxury homes on various small islands. I felt tremendously happy to be back in my home country.

Upon navigating the roads and finding our hotel, we walked up the hill to find this local brew house -- Four Mile - outside Victoria city. Victoria is famously known as the "garden city of Canada" so even this brew house had a very lovely garden out front, greeting visitors. Stained glass and wood beams decorated the interior.

For lunch, I ordered turkey, which is a rare meat in Japan and curry soup; both were extremely delicious. If you are in the area, be sure to go! Visit the Four Mile website HERE. 

Four Mile House - outside and in

Later, I requested to my father to drive along the "scenic marine route". I found this on Trip Advisor; the road hugs the coastline of southern Vancouver Island and offers great views of the ocean. You can pass by old houses, luxury mansions and the University of Victoria. We pulled off at a small park, which gave us view of the bay and Pacific Ocean.

Along the Scenic Marine Route

I will post more photos from Victoria, BC, Canada soon. Be sure to come back and visit.

Enjoy traveling!

Lantern Festival ~ In Oyama

Mid-August is a very auspicious time in Japan. During this one-week holiday season, called "Obon", spirits of deceased ancestors are thought to return to the world of the living to visit their relatives. Japanese families mark this return with gifts of food, fireworks and decorated lanterns -- all to either scare away or entice the wandering spirits.

At Mount Oyama, Kanagawa prefecture, during mid-August, the streets of the mountain village are lined with these traditional Obon lanterns. I decided to take a look at this local festival and practice taking photos at night.

Photos:
Pre-dusk lanterns.
Far right - some anime themed lanterns! (Conan, Frozen and one I don't recognize...)

Lanterns were of various sizes. Some were made out of milk cartons; others were created using paper with painted scenes. Fans of Japanese art or artists would truly enjoy these lanterns.

Photos (clockwise from top left):
Yokosou ("welcome") / waterfall / milk cartons / traditional ladies / milk cartons on the stairs / 
Oyama 2015 

Some lanterns were made with printed paper. I came across a row of printed Disney-themed lanterns sitting atop a wall...

Oyama is famous for tofu, due to the crystal clear water here. Many tofu restaurants placed beautiful lanterns outside to entice tourists inside...

I particularly liked this old, bearded man best. He was almost like the guardian of the tofu garden .. thou shall not pass....vegans!!! (laugh)

On the way down from the Oyama cable car junction, I ventured off the main road and came across a green tinted road lined with hundreds of milk carton lanterns. One house in particular, had very intricately carved lanterns.

Some of the lanterns were so amazing, they deserved close up shots...

The photo below shows the juxtaposition between one lantern and a more modern one...

The modern sign says: "tofu dinner from 1,750 JPY / wild boar stew /
some kind of rice dish (sorry, don't know the word in Japanese) / soba /
bowl dish / coffee and other drinks"

This milk carton stood out; on it, was a simple message written by an elementary student in the first grade. It reads: "Everyone, thank you always."

These illuminated lanterns were tucked inside a very hidden spot -- a darkened parking lot! I loved the orange colors and traditional scenes.

Orange is the new black:

At the Oyama station area, the main road was lined on both sides with very large lanterns. They stood at least 180 centimeters tall -- all towered over me. I was surprised to see a silhouette of Micheal Jackson. His image was fitting as Obon is the time when dead spirits are thought to return to Earth. His Japanese fans were wishing he would return for the holiday, I guessed... 

The following photos are my favorite lanterns from the festival. Simplistic scenes of traditional Japanese women in kimono, these delicately painted lanterns were gorgeous. No wonder so many men find Japanese women to be the most beautiful in the world.... 

Lady with a ball:

Lady with a lantern:

Shy lady:

Cold lady:

I really enjoyed this festival. It's the kind of place you can easily access alone; I saw many solo photographers/ bloggers like myself out and about. For those with Japanese ability, you will have many opportunities to chat with local residents, who created and display the lanterns. I spoke with one gentleman who told me in recent years, they only use LED lights to illuminate the lanterns. I also saw numerous university students from the area setting up lanterns created by kindergarten students. It's very much a community event.

I hope you will try to visit this unique summer festival.

Enjoy twilight!

Information: 

Oyama Illuminated Lantern festival. HOMEPAGE. 

When~
August 14 ~ 16, 2015 (held every year around this time)

Where~
Mt. Oyama, Kanagawa, Japan INFO (via att.japan)

How to get there~
From Shinjuku - Odakyu Line to Odawara. Get off at Isehara station. Use the "North Exit". Go to bus stop #4. Get on the Kanachu bus going to Oyama Cable Car station. 

Cost~
Festival is free.
Bus from Isehara station is 300 yen one way ($6 return).

Other info~
Toilets available at two locations: Oyama Cable Car station & Oyama station bus stop.
Free music events on a stage at Oyama station bus stop. 

Try~
Oyama tofu - 5 dishes = 2,500 yen ($25 per person)

Buy~
Spinning tops (handmade Japanese toy - famous in Oyama)

Jingu-Gaien Fireworks Festival ~ in Shinjuku ~

Last night, a fellow co-worker invited me to her apartment smack next door to Shinjuku station. From her 7th floor balcony, we could enjoy the time-honored, Japanese tradition of summer fireworks. This festival, the Jingu-Gaien Fireworks Festival, happens every year, around early to mid August from 19:30 ~ 20:30.

It was my first attempt at photographing fireworks. I selected my best shots for the evening....

Nikon P600 w/long zoom - Fireworks show setting:

 Fireworks in Japan are very different from those in Canada. In my home country, usually organizers send up one firework at a time. In Japan, there are "themes" or "groups" of fireworks every 5 ~ 10 minutes. So, you will see a series or group of fireworks at once. It's quite impressive!

Photos: Firework waterfall / Pink cross

Fireworks are sponsored (usually) by local and big businesses. Some community residents will also donate loose change to fireworks festivals in the area. In my local town in Japan, while shopping at the supermarket for example, the cashier will have a firework shell (ball - shaped) with a coin slot cut into it. It's for donations to the local fireworks festival. Cool Japan eh? ^_^

Photos: White / Multi-color / Pink / Green

To get the photos, I set my camera on the balcony railing, propped up with a towel, set the auto-focus, shot, re-focued, and shot again and again. It was hard to get the timing down, but near the end of the show, I found my rhythm. My best two shots are below. What do you think? ^_^

Best shots of the night: 

I am very thankful to my friend, who invited me to her home to watch these marvelous fireworks. There are many, many fireworks festivals all across Japan in the summer -- even in the smallest towns. Summer in Japan is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, meet people and eat local foods. Please try to visit a fireworks festival while in the country.

Enjoy fireworks!

Information: 

Jingu-Gaien Fireworks Festival. Website. 

Location:
Shinjuku, Tokyo.

When:
Every year in August. Usually during the second week. 

Great info on YELP. (in English!!) 

Royal Park Hotel Afternoon Tea

Yokohama is perhaps my favorite city in all Japan. It has the harbor front, ships of all sizes, lots of scenic views, shops galore, Chintatown, and a vibrant, international community. It's also (currently) the most expensive city in Japan -- more than Tokyo -- due to high taxes. Despite the money factor, a friend and I splurged on an afternoon tea set smack in the center of the historic district of Yokohama.

We had a reservation for the Royal Ascot Bar, at the Royal Park Hotel. Between the hours of 14:00 to 16:00, the bar serves up an English tea set, mainly for women. 

Photos:
Scanning the menu / pots of tea, a cup of lemongrass tea / my friend and a pooped out Cutenekko

My friend and I shared one set, ordering two pots of tea. I chose lemongrass for the refreshing flavor; my friend selected vintage Darjeeling. We switched our pots halfway through to enjoy the different tastes. 

The service here was very fast; upon ordering, our tea arrived within 5 minutes. The tea set came immediately after. 

Photos:
Full afternoon tea set 
top: sweets (French macaroons, raspberry cream, Gâteau au chocolat, mango mousse, green tea cakes)  
middle: scones (plain + tomato & basil) 
bottom: sandwiches (cucumber, salmon, ham & cheese)

My friend and I were impressed with the selection of sweets; the scones however, were quite small and the sandwiches were tiny. The price for the set was 2,700 JPY ($27) so we felt the overall experience was alright. 

While chatting, I noticed my friend had a really beautiful ring on. She took it off and explained she had made it herself; I loved it very much. My friend said, "Why don't you keep it?" Wow!!!! Thank you!!!

In Yokohama, until next week, there is a dance festival featuring Pikachu -- the most famous Pokemon character. We saw several Pikachu characters dressed as sailors or police officers, walking around the harbor front. Staff were handing out Pikachu paper hats to children passing by. I took a photo of a giant Pikachu stuck to the side of a building...

While living in Bangkok, I enjoyed various afternoon teas in the city. I haven't done it much in Japan, so I'd like to bring back this once-a-month tradition. 

Enjoy tea! 

Information:

Royal Park Hotel Yokohama. Website. 

Afternoon Tea (reservations required) is served between 14:00 and 16:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays ONLY. Site HERE. 

Cost:
2,700 JPY ($27) per person
Additional pots of tea, or cups of coffee are available, but are expensive ($9 - 10 each). 

Location: 
Next to Landmark Tower. Sakuragicho Station JR line. Train map. From the station, walk about 5 minutes. Wheelchair accessible (via elevator and moving walkways). 

Millionaire's Row Tour in Miami

Last December, after finishing up a one week cruise, I had an additional day before flying back to Japan. My travel friend met up with a local friend in Miami; I decided to explore the city on my own.

In the early evening, I joined a boat tour to see the famous "millionaire's row"-- a series of islands housing many large mansions.

The tour boat departed from Bayside Marketplace -- a great area to walk around, enjoy free events, eat, or shop.

Photo: Bayside marina with a view of the Hard Rock Cafe in the distance

While waiting onboard the ship, I enjoyed a free salsa dance show dockside. See the video below:

Once the boat left, we cruised slowly through the harbor, getting great views of the city skyline and working dock fixings.

(clockwise from top left)
Miami skyline/ one of many cruise ships in port/  Disney ship "Wonder"/ a kid paddle boarding/ iron birds (cranes):

A guide on our ship talked us through the various homes on millionaire's row. The nickname "Millionaire's Row" was given to a cluster of small islands off the coast of Miami city. The islands are centrally located -- adjacent to the Miami cruise port terminal, so it's possible to see some of the huge homes from your cruise ship. The islands are called: Star, Hibiscus, and Palm.

Many of the home were owned by NBA stars (Shaquille O'Neal), TV & movie stars (Sylvester Stallone, Don Johnson), or musicians (Juilio Iglesias, Madonna). Most on the tour were surprised to learn Elizabeth Taylor's lovely pink home, when she passed away, was left to her housekeeper!

(clockwise from top left)
Elizabeth Taylor's former home / the most expensive home in millionaire's row / two white mansions used in music videos and our boat.

As the sun set, I tried out the color filters on my Nikon P600. The lights from the various buildings and bridges allowed for some unique shots. Enjoy!

Scenes of the Miami skyline, boats and bridges:

Miami was okay; it reminded me a lot of Monte Carlo -- if you are rich, you'll fit in nicely there. If you're a poor student like me, you'll just want to hurry up and get out of there! I have always felt really uncomfortable around wealthy people, perhaps because I associate those with a lot of money as not being authentic. There is something tangible about people who make monthly budgets, or who earn less than $1,800 a month (me) and still manage to find the means to travel. I admire those who work hard, budget harder and play the hardest.

Happy frugal travels!

Information:

Miami boat tour, provided by Island Queen Cruising. Website and tours HERE.

Cost
$24 USD

Duration
About 3 hours

Tour departs Bayside Marketplace. 
Allow time before the cruise to shop or view events here! While I waited to join my cruise, I enjoyed a free salsa dance show, next to the port. ^_^

Yatoyama National Park in Zama

About two weeks ago, I wanted to get out despite the rainy weather and enjoy some fresh air. While browsing through Google Maps©, I noticed a large park several stops away by train. I decided to head there for the afternoon.

Yatoyama Park is a national park located approximately 15 minutes walk from Zama station, on the Odakyu line. The park is free and most famous for bird-watching. You will likely find many older Japanese men with long telephoto lenses, seeking out various winged species. In addition to the bird-watching platforms, there are also rice fields, ponds, small rivers and numerous hiking trails.

Photos:
Park entrance, ducks, maps and an explanation sheet on how rice is grown & harvested.

The park was established in 1982 and covers a wide area. Completing all the trails will take approximately 2 ~ 3 hours. The numerous trails are especially popular with joggers, so bring your running shoes! 

Food and drink is welcome and there are some limited spots to sit. I packed a picnic lunch and chose to sit near the frog pond, where I enjoyed reading from my Kindle©. While reading, I noticed a guest slither over -- a small lizard. 

Photos:

Barrier-free trail, large pond, a gazebo, my small lizard companion.

The park boasts a barrier-free trail, which circles the outer rim of the park boundary. It's perfect for mothers with baby strollers, or those in wheelchairs. While there is no English signage, there are lots of sign posts in Japanese pointing the way to the various trails inside. 

Photos:

More trails, trail sign, charcoal house & explanation sheet

Trails are a mix of flat, to both up and down. There is also a narrow trail through some thick woods; it's the perfect respite on a hot day! At the top of one trail, I found a small house, which is used to make charcoal. A sign nearby explained the process in Japanese. 

School children from the area come here to plant rice, study about plants and vegetation, as well as learn how to make charcoal. For adults, it's a great place to walk about enjoying the greenery, to relax or jog along the numerous trails. 

For those living and working in Tokyo, this park is a nice day trip out of the city. 

Enjoy hiking! 

Information:

Yatoyama Park is located in Zama, Kanagawa. 

Website HERE.

Access: 

Odakyu train from Shinjuku to Odawara. Get off at Zama. Take the West Gate. Walk north along the tracks until you reach the park (approximately 15 mins.)

Google MAP

Entrance Fee: 

Free! 

Tips:

Bring bug spray. 

Best for runners. 

If bird watching is your thing, bring binoculars. There are several bird watching platforms available.

For kids: several large fields for playing soccer, ball games, or kite flying. 

Outside food & drink permitted.

Pick up fresh bread or snacks at the bread shop or at Odakyu OX, both near the station's West Gate.

ANA Maintenance Hangar Tour

Back in early April of this year, I was able to (finally!) join my friend in touring the ANA maintenance hanger attached to Haneda airport, in Tokyo. This tour requires a reservation; however, due to its popularity, most have to book three months in advance. Because my friend and I do not work on Tuesdays, we were able to fill in for a sudden cancellation.

We arrived early to receive our ID pass; soon after, we moved to a large presentation room, where we were treated to a talk about ANA's history, their various airplanes, how airplanes fly (in particular, the engine & wing shape), as well as two short quizzes regarding the content of the presentation. This seminar was in Japanese only; however, it was quite easy to follow. At the end of the presentation, we were invited to lift a new carbon fiber wing component seen on the 787 Dreamliner, and compare that with the older type. The older one was much heavier!!

Lifting carbon fiber wings/ Gundam / Cutenekko/ 

Inisde the presentation room:

Following the Power Point presentation, we were escorted out and given hard hats. Guided by a new tour leader, we entered the cold maintenance hangar, first, from above, and then proceeded to floor level. We were lucky as on this day, two things were in our favor: first, the hangar doors were open (rare, according to the guide) and two planes were in the hangar (also, very rare). 

The space inside was immense; perhaps much larger than several American football fields. I enjoyed taking lots of photos here and captured several maintenance workers atop an engine.

Hangar (center + left view)/ 786 plane / workers

tail/ our tour group / Hangar (right)

At ground level, it was incredible to view each aircraft up close. We were able to walk around and under the planes, as well as view the massive engines up close. All the while, our leader explained the various features of the plane, its statistics, etc. By tour's end, we were told to enjoy the landing strip of Haneda airport from the hangar doors. It was quite spectacular; even more so, as the guide knew every plane (including the company & from which destination) as they roared home.   

Full plane / Cutenekko & friend in front of the 786

aircraft engine / a plane coming home:

This tour was absolutely free and a great way to spend a rainy day. For those who are interested, or have some time before departing from Haneda airport, why not make a reservation to join this tour? 

Happy flying! 

Information: 

ANA Maintenance Hangar Tour info HERE. (Japanese only) 

Currently, the next possible date open for a tour is November 26, 2015. (VIEW) --> You should book at least four months in advance to guarantee a spot! 

Reservations REQUIRED.

Four tours are available: 

1st／10:00～11:30

2nd／13:00～14:30

3rd／14:00～15:30

4th／15:00～16:30

Cost

Free! Young children especially welcome.

Tip

For English speakers, try contacting an ANA agent (via the website HERE). He/She may be able to make a reservation for you on the website. 

Note

The tour is in Japanese only. There are no English translators available.