Tokyo | 東京 Part 2

An extended holiday to Japan continues...

I have been to Yokohama several times before, but a newly opened museum deserved a visit: the Cup Noodles museum. There is some English explanation, but it's very limited. Basically, this museum is for Japanese fans of Nissin Cup Noodle. Still, the exhibits are uniquely designed and that alone is worth the visit.

When you enter, you'll first see a huge hall filled with cup noodles. I was impressed with the variety!

Wall of Ramen:

I found some Thai flavored noodles...

There were many hidden/cute designs around the museum...

A large wall mural explaining the history of Momofuku Ando, the "father of instant ramen", had many unique and fun pencil sketches! I really enjoyed this display.

Go Go chickens! (His first invention was "chicken ramen")

The discovery of "cup noodles":

I found another display which showed Cup Noodles around the world. This part was really interesting for me; I didn't know that the Nissin Food company created flavors specific to some countries.

Different countries...different cups:

Thai Cup Noodles. (The cup's writing says: "Cup Nuudole") 本当！

I found that Canadians don't eat a lot of Cup Noodles... Too bad. (the larger cups are for the U.S and Mexico)

The next time I travel, I will be sure to look for uniquely flavored ramen found only in that country. ^_^

***Special Bonus!***

The Art/ Creative Director of this museum was Kashiwa Sato. He has also created ads for UniQlo, Rakuten, SMAP, 7-11, and more. After seeing this museum, I have become a fan. ^_^ His website is HERE.

Cup Noodles Museum is located in Yokohama. Access: 8 minutes walk from Minatomirai station. Entrance fee: ¥500/ adults, all children (up to high school age) free. Open 10.00~18.00

Tokyo | 東京 Part 1

An extended tour of Japan begins...

I am always free during the day time, so I like going out and exploring. This morning, I decided to visit a place I missed during my last visit: Tokyo Anime Center.

It's located in Akihabara, in the UDX building. See the floor guide (click for details):

No photos are allowed inside, so I could only take two. One of the entrance...

...and the other of a famous red-haired character from my area of Canada:

It's funny, we spell it: "Anne of Green GABLES". Oh well. ^_^

After this, I had spoken with a guy from Tokyo while in Nagoya. He said there was a Gundam cafe in Tokyo, so I went to see. It's right in front of the station:

Inside, they were having a "Gundam Seed" fair, so music and videos from that series were played on the big screen:

More Gundam:

I ordered a tea, which burned my tongue. Be warned: If you order hot drinks here, "hot" means "like lava". My tongue hurt for the rest of the day.

Tea:

Compared with Char's (Gundam) bar in Nagoya, Tokyo's Gundam Cafe didn't really impress me. But, if you are a Gundam fan, there is a Gundam goods shop in the cafe. It's free to look.

Tokyo Anime Center is located in the UDX building, 4F. Open: 11.00 ~ 19.00. Free admission. Station: JR Akihabara or Tokyo Metro (Hibiya Line) to Akihabara. Site & map HERE.

Gundam Cafe is located in Akihabara. Same directions as above. Prices from ¥200 + ($2/ 90 baht+) Homepage & map are HERE.

***Special Bonus***

Today is Remembrance Day in Canada. We remember those who died in the war by wearing a red poppy on our clothes and attending wreath laying ceremonies in parks. You often see or hear the phrase: "Lest we forget." (image provided by remembrancedaycanada.com)

***Special Fact***

Today's date is 11/11/11. In Thailand, a series of similar numbers is considered to be very lucky. Wedding ceremonies or lottery ticket buying are popular activities on these days.

Nagoya | 名古屋 #6

My final night in the city wraps up....

After getting back from the museum, my friend said she needed help finding a Halloween costume.

After shopping, she suggested going out for some burgers. It was so warm on this night, even at the end of October, we sat outside. ^_^ My elephant was thirsty, so I fed him a beer...

Elephants love Corona...this is a little known fact. (laugh)

...my friend loves Corona too.

The next morning, I got an email from Japanese friends living in Bangkok: "The flood situation is not good in Thailand. Try to extend your stay in Japan." What?! I am a very laid back, flexible person these days, so I changed my plan and stayed. I moved to Tokyo too, since I have other friends there. My shinkansen ride at noon was filled with the delicious aroma of みそカツ！(pork cutlet with miso sause)

Outside:

Inside:

Please visit again tomorrow to see my Tokyo adventures...^_^ I stayed there for 9 days. Woo!

Miso cutlet is very famous in Nagoya. This shop, Yabuton, specializes in making pork cutlets. This lunch box can be found at the Kiosk shop in Nagoya Station. Price: ¥900 ($9/300 baht)

Trip Advisor reviews & map of Yabuton are HERE.