Nagoya Castle

Over the weekend I got up to a number of shenanigans. One such example is my visit to Nagoya Castle which just so happened to be my very first visit to this city. I was told that it’s the 3rd largest city in Japan and by the crowds encountered, yah, it definitely felt like it.

Actually, the crowds at the castle were quite tame, wait times for anything that we wanted to see were either non-existent or minimal at worst. The crowds that we did encounter is when we left the castle grounds and headed to some of the main shopping and entertainment districts. But for a Saturday, nothing less would be expected.

Anyways, back to the castle. I quite enjoyed my time here although the castle itself is in need of some repairs and thus entry into the castle is forbidden at this time. Actually, there were parts of the castle grounds that we couldn’t visit as well since they were also under construction.

However, I always appreciate the fact that I am standing on soil that has such a strong history and I always love to imagine what life would have been like for those that that lived, worked and/or fought in these areas.

One of the best things was that the fall colours (momiji) was still in abundance as many of the trees hadn’t lost their leaves yet. So, I was really able to enjoy the nice colours with the castle in background.

There were a few random activities taking place around the grounds that included a Ninja show which we didn’t watch, but that’s okay. Ninjas are invisible anyways so it would have been a pretty boring show. n_n

There was also some random dude dressed as a Samurai standing about with an umbrella who somehow attracted a long line of lady fans waiting to meet him, get stuff signed and chat him up. I guess he was no random guy to those people but it was interesting to see how giddy his fans were as soon as they got their turn meet him. I unashamedly stood around for a few minutes watching these people interact with him which was oddly fun.

Naturally, I didn’t take pictures of that cause it didn’t seem like my place to do so. So, here’s more momiji for you.

Chips

You know how sometimes the chips back home have flavours inspired by different dishes in Canada? Well, that sorta thing exists in Japan, too. And with 47 prefectures (sorta) means 47 different flavours to try. I got to try one such flavour today so that leaves 46 flavours to go.

Now I just have to find the rest, and if that means going to each area to get a bag, I'll do it. Don't you worry, it just might take a while and cost a bit of money.

Guess I should bring some back for the work snack table cause we don't eat enough chips at work already. Hah!

The flavour below, is a renowned flavour for the prefecture that I am currently in, Aichi-ken. Miso Katsu (miso pork cutlet) is super popular but I haven't tried the real thing just yet, but I definitely will be in the near future.

There is also a post that I need to get to regarding a miso factory that I visited a little while ago, but I won't say too much on that for now.

Kouen Mae Ramen →

I had a new ramen experience today so go check it out on the Ramen page or by clicking the title above.

enjoi

An Okazaki Train

I really like trains here. And I know I am not the only one cause there is a legit train sub-culture here which includes riding all the various lines and train models throughout the country, taking pictures of them in various settings (urban and rural), and then even collecting and/or building actual working models.

It's pretty cool and if I spent enough time here, I think I could find myself getting into that hobby more. But alas, I am just a passenger on this train and I will appreciate their magnificence from a safe distance, preferably behind the crossing arms.

Takoyaki

The other night for dinner we made Takoyaki (grilled dumplings with octopus inside). It was the first time I had made them myself as I had only ever really eaten them at various festivals.

It was super fun to make as we had lots of different types of ingredients to throw into the mix. That included:

• green onion

• ginger

• shrimp

• sausage

• cheese

• corn

After the bottom half of the dumping cooks, you run a little stick around the sides to rotate it on the grill so it cooks evenly.

Once cooked, you can top your takoyaki with some mayo, BBQ sauce more onions, nori and/or bonito flakes.

They are super delicious and it’s an engaging dinner to have with everyone as each person is actively participating in making their takoyaki and chatting.

Karate

My homestay family mother took me and the two friends I made to a karate lesson on Saturday evening. Her uncle is a Karate sensei and thus, our in to a free introduction to the sport.

I actually got to change into the appropriate attire, however, it was slightly too big but I’m glad I got to change since I didn’t really bring any clothes to change into cause I’m a newb.

When it came to doing all the stretching, I was definitely the weakest into the entire gym. This was quite noticeable when it came to attempting the splits. I have terrible flexibility and by all the laughing from the parents watching their kids, yah, I was merely entertainment for everyone. hah!

After all the various warm up activities, we got into punches, kicks and practice fights. Actually, we weren’t allowed to fight cause we would have destroyed everyone. Scratch that, everyone would have destroyed us. When the kids practiced fighting, they had various protection gear on that we just didn’t have. So, instead, we watched from the sidelines. This was fine by me and the others.

I quite enjoyed the experience of being able to try Karate in Japan. Even though I sucked big time, it’s a great workout and even now, 2 days after, I am still sore. That’s mostly due to my lack of being in shape. sob sob sob

When I get back to Canada, don’t mess with me, or else…

Momiji

Momiji is the word given to the changing colour of the leaves in the fall when they change from their glorious green to the various beautiful colours prior to making their journey to the ground.

The fall season seems to last longer here compared to back home as you get plenty of chances to get out to the countryside and enjoy some hiking. I feel that at home, it cools so quickly and then a giant gust of wind comes along and blows all the leaves off the trees. And then bam, the trees are bare and the impending doom of winter feels even closer.

I had the opportunity today when my homestay family went to a little area outside of the city to enjoy the colours. It wasn't a large area, but it was plenty lovely either way.

If you ever plan on coming to Japan, the fall is an amazing time. It's more moderate in temperature, great for hiking, and if you love being outside of the cities, you are gonna be in for a treat.

Lunch

There is a little cafe about a minute down the road from where the school is where a lot of students go to eat during the 50 minute lunch break.

I went three days in a row mainly because it's cheap, 550 Yen ($6 CAD) for what you see below.

The lunch set typically contains something fried, which in my case has been two different versions of fried shrimp and then a pork. You also get a bowl of rice, miso soup, some veggies (pickled and fresh) and then a little salad.

Today, I just couldn't do it again so me and a friend I made went to the grocery store and grabbed a Bento was was even cheaper.

There are two lessons here, variety is the spice of life and two, buying lunch in Japan is cheap.