![[OSAKA EATS] The 5 CM Katsudon Chiyomatsu by Former Sumo Wrestler at Dotonbori Main Store Osaka](http://hazeldiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Katsudon-Chiyomatsu-Osaka-Japan-672x372.jpg)
Katsudon Chiyomatsu is a popular katsudon shop opened by former sekitori ( sumo wrestler). It is known for its special 5cm pork cutlet/ katsu bowl so we decided to give it a try. We reached the store around 7pm and queued for an hour plus before securing our seat. The store has limited space with only 12 seats at the U-shaped counter. Diners get to watch chef on action while waiting for food to be served. Continue reading [OSAKA EATS] The 5 CM Katsudon Chiyomatsu by Former Sumo Wrestler at Dotonbori Main Store Osaka
Category Archives: Japan
![[JAPAN TRAVELS] A Day Trip to Amanohashidate: The Flying Dragon of “Kyoto by the Sea”](http://hazeldiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Amanohashidate-Kyoto-Kyoto-by-the-sea-672x372.jpg)
[JAPAN TRAVELS] A Day Trip to Amanohashidate: The Flying Dragon of “Kyoto by the Sea”
Amanohashidate (天橋立) is one of Japan’s three scenic views. Amanohashidate, the meaning is referred to roughly bridge in heaven and is a 3.6-km-long, pine tree covered sand bar. It spans across Miyazu Bay on the Tango Peninsula, northern Kyoto Prefecture. We decided to take a free and easy day trip to northern Kyoto during our recent trip to Kyoto. If you prefer a tour instead, you can consider this pre-purchase day trip tour here. Continue reading [JAPAN TRAVELS] A Day Trip to Amanohashidate: The Flying Dragon of “Kyoto by the Sea”
![[JAPAN EATS] Soba Takama (蕎麦 たかま) in Osaka | Affordable Michelin-Starred Soba Noodle Restaurant in Japan](http://hazeldiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Soba-Takama-Osaka-Japan-Tenzaru-Soba-672x372.jpg)
[JAPAN EATS] Soba Takama (蕎麦 たかま) in Osaka | Affordable Michelin-Starred Soba Noodle Restaurant in Japan
Soba Takama located within a walking distance from Tenjinbashisuji Rokuchome Station was our first meal upon arrival of Osaka, Japan. It was just a few trains stops away from Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station(where we were staying during our Osaka trip) and we decided to go for this before our next itinerary. The restaurant is tucked away in the side streets, and you can easily miss it. If you are planning to visit them, do look out for the wooden shop with a sliding door. Continue reading [JAPAN EATS] Soba Takama (蕎麦 たかま) in Osaka | Affordable Michelin-Starred Soba Noodle Restaurant in Japan
![[JAPAN EATS] Tamejiro – Soba Restaurant at Tokyo Station | Japan](http://hazeldiary.com/wp-content/uploads/;https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48194979007_f61aeb6948_k.jpg){kind=small}
[JAPAN EATS] Tamejiro – Soba Restaurant at Tokyo Station | Japan
During my Tokyo trip last year, I passed by Tokyo Station almost everyday. Tokyo Station is one of the largest stations in Japan and there are many retail shops and restaurant to explore. It is the hub for the Shinkansen. So be sure to spare some time to explore the station when you are there in Tokyo, Japan. Continue reading [JAPAN EATS] Tamejiro – Soba Restaurant at Tokyo Station | Japan
![[JAPAN EATS] My Din Tai Fung Dining Experience in Tokyo](http://hazeldiary.com/wp-content/uploads/;https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7838/47133090821_b7bf739c15_k.jpg){kind=small}
[JAPAN EATS] My Din Tai Fung Dining Experience in Tokyo
Din Tai Fung is a well-known Taiwanese style restaurant and it is one of the must-visit restaurants when in Taipei, Taiwan. The restaurant specializes in Xiao Long Bao and their pork chop fried rice. We were in Tokyo for a week and decided to have Chinese food for dinner on one of the night. Thus, we decided to visit Din Tai Fung restaurant located at Nihonbashi Branch out of their 17 branches in Japan. Continue reading [JAPAN EATS] My Din Tai Fung Dining Experience in Tokyo
![[JAPAN TRAVELS] A Day To Echigo Yuzawa | Niigata Prefecture from Tokyo](http://hazeldiary.com/wp-content/uploads/;https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7838/33148800678_3f15182d25_k.jpg){kind=small}
[JAPAN TRAVELS] A Day To Echigo Yuzawa | Niigata Prefecture from Tokyo
I am back with my Japan travelogue post and this is about an impromptu stop at Echigo Yuzawa. Our initial plan is to see the snow monkeys of Jigokudani, Yamanouchi at Nagano but due to the faulty shinkasen train service, we cannot go in the end. So, we just took the shinkasen train towards Niigata to see where to explore. Continue reading [JAPAN TRAVELS] A Day To Echigo Yuzawa | Niigata Prefecture from Tokyo
![[JAPAN TRAVELS] Half-Day Trip To Kawagoe (川越)](http://hazeldiary.com/wp-content/uploads/;https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7868/32719311738_e397693b21_k.jpg){kind=small}
[JAPAN TRAVELS] Half-Day Trip To Kawagoe (川越)
Kawagoe (川越) is a Japanese city northwest of Tokyo. It is approximately 30minutes train ride from Central Tokyo. My Japanese friend recommended us to drop by here for a day trip destination so we headed over after our lunch. Continue reading [JAPAN TRAVELS] Half-Day Trip To Kawagoe (川越)
![[JAPAN EATS] Kakigori At Mamechawan [まめ茶わん] – Recommended Tokyo’s Shaved Ice Dessert](http://hazeldiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Mamechawan-Kakigori-Japan-Houjicha-672x372.jpg)
[JAPAN EATS] Kakigori At Mamechawan [まめ茶わん] – Recommended Tokyo’s Shaved Ice Dessert
Apart from matcha desserts, Tokyo’s kakigori shaved ice desserts are recommended as well. We were looking for dessert place and came across this recommendation from online reviews. Mamechawan is recommended as one of Tokyo’s best kakigori shaved ice desserts. So, we decided to visit the restaurant on one of the days when we are exploring Tokyo. Continue reading [JAPAN EATS] Kakigori At Mamechawan [まめ茶わん] – Recommended Tokyo’s Shaved Ice Dessert
![[JAPAN TRAVELS] 1 Day Trip to Ushiku Daibutsu (牛久大仏) from Tokyo- Once Tallest Buddha Figure in Guinness Book of Records](http://hazeldiary.com/wp-content/uploads/;https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4852/46391605812_615ef87d60_k.jpg){kind=small}
[JAPAN TRAVELS] 1 Day Trip to Ushiku Daibutsu (牛久大仏) from Tokyo- Once Tallest Buddha Figure in Guinness Book of Records
With our 5-DAY JR East Pass Rail, we decided to use 1 day to explore Ushiku Daibutsu (牛久大仏). Ushiku Daibutsu is a statue located in Ushiku, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. It is completed in 1993 and it stands a total of 120metres (390ft) tall, including the 10m (33ft) base and 10m lotus platform. The statue held the record for the tallest statue from 1993-2002. Continue reading [JAPAN TRAVELS] 1 Day Trip to Ushiku Daibutsu (牛久大仏) from Tokyo- Once Tallest Buddha Figure in Guinness Book of Records
![[JAPAN TRAVELS] 1 Day Trip to Tokyo Disneyland](http://hazeldiary.com/wp-content/uploads/;https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7884/45528020005_3838e28f74_k.jpg){kind=small}
[JAPAN TRAVELS] 1 Day Trip to Tokyo Disneyland
I finally visit Tokyo Disneyland during my recent trip to Tokyo, Japan. My last visit was to Hong Kong Disneyland few years ago. I was told that Tokyo Disneyland is the classic of all. I was contemplating whether to go for Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disneysea initially. I ended up choosing Tokyo Disneyland for this trip. Continue reading [JAPAN TRAVELS] 1 Day Trip to Tokyo Disneyland