We were given the option to get a Japanese set breakfast menu or the regular Japanese/Western buffet breakfast at the Hotel Metropolitan Sendai.
We opted for the Japanese set menu.
From the entire tour group, only six of us chose the Japanese set menu and didn't regret it. We were shown to a private room where we were served elegantly and serenely.
Now came the fun part of the travel day. We were going to ride the shinkansen to Utsunomiya.
Our tour leader, John took us to the train station where we boarded the very comfortable shinkansen (bullet train). This reminded me of the days when I used to take my 1st graders on field trips. I did not envy John his job of making sure he didn't lose any of us.
Even without teru teru bozu, the skies were clear and sunny.
Our Yokohama bus met us at Utsunomiya and drove us to Aeon Mall Sano Shintoshi.
Yes, it's true.
More shopping.
I got the final things I came to buy... sort of.
There's the lingerie bags that loved ones asked for.
I also got some Frixion pens. These are fun to use because they are erasable. Perfect for mom who often asks me for white out.
Lunch was on our own. I finally tried the McDonalds ebi fillet burger. Ebi is shrimp. It was OK. In Japan, when you buy a small drink, it is very small!
We drove on to our Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel.
The underground shopping and dining area was huge and daunting. Like lunch, dinner was at our own expense. Thank goodness, John walked us around the massive maze of department stores, grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, etc. When he pointed out a tonkatsu place that he said was one of his favorites, a bunch of us pealed off the group and had our dinner there. It was terrific and the servers were absolutely wonderful. They were cheerful, kind and very patient.
Despite the fact that you do not tip in Japan, Art insisted and gave our fellow a tip just because he was so wonderful.
Tomorrow would be our day of departure and it was sad to think of saying good bye to John as well as all our tour mates. It's funny how you can become friends in such a short time.
We opted for the Japanese set menu.
From the entire tour group, only six of us chose the Japanese set menu and didn't regret it. We were shown to a private room where we were served elegantly and serenely.
Now came the fun part of the travel day. We were going to ride the shinkansen to Utsunomiya.
Our tour leader, John took us to the train station where we boarded the very comfortable shinkansen (bullet train). This reminded me of the days when I used to take my 1st graders on field trips. I did not envy John his job of making sure he didn't lose any of us.
Even without teru teru bozu, the skies were clear and sunny.
Our Yokohama bus met us at Utsunomiya and drove us to Aeon Mall Sano Shintoshi.
Yes, it's true.
More shopping.
I got the final things I came to buy... sort of.
There's the lingerie bags that loved ones asked for.
I also got some Frixion pens. These are fun to use because they are erasable. Perfect for mom who often asks me for white out.
Lunch was on our own. I finally tried the McDonalds ebi fillet burger. Ebi is shrimp. It was OK. In Japan, when you buy a small drink, it is very small!
We drove on to our Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel.
The underground shopping and dining area was huge and daunting. Like lunch, dinner was at our own expense. Thank goodness, John walked us around the massive maze of department stores, grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, etc. When he pointed out a tonkatsu place that he said was one of his favorites, a bunch of us pealed off the group and had our dinner there. It was terrific and the servers were absolutely wonderful. They were cheerful, kind and very patient.
Despite the fact that you do not tip in Japan, Art insisted and gave our fellow a tip just because he was so wonderful.
Tomorrow would be our day of departure and it was sad to think of saying good bye to John as well as all our tour mates. It's funny how you can become friends in such a short time.
A good tour is definitely the way to travel! This day sounds fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't do a tour, Christine! Happily, our Kay gets along much better with people than I do!
DeleteIt's been a fascinating trip. I enjoy yours!
Lots of shopping. lol What a fun vacation, and it hasn't ended. I would love it if you would tell us what was in the Japanese set menu. Each dish is so beautiful. Each item arouses my curiosity. Thankk you.
ReplyDeleteGosh, Mage... I wish I could tell you. There were usually miso soup, pickled vegetables, seaweed, egg, etc. They were so pretty.
DeleteThank you . Just lovely dishes even if I didn't know what they were.
DeleteWow that really is small.
ReplyDeleteThe golden arches disappointed me for a minute but I guess some tourists want a taste of home. Why travel so many miles for a burger and fries? Glad you tried the Japanese version. John has really been a find. Sorry it is ending but all things must.
ReplyDeleteI so enjoy these trips with you. Good man Art [once again]
ReplyDelete""Fine-weather priest, please let the weather be good tomorrow."
Traditionally, if the weather does turn out well, a libation of holy sake is poured over them, and they are washed away in the river.
I am surprised by how much of your trip is to shopping places. I wonder how you managed to transport it all home. I guess you'll tell us soon.
ReplyDeleteThat bullet train does look like it would be fun to ride. And yes, you did quite a bit of shopping, not to mention eating. I enjoyed every little bit. :-)
ReplyDeleteWell, since shopping was on the agenda again, it's good that you found the items you were looking for. :-) Thanks again, BTW.
ReplyDeleteShrimp burger, eh? I think the SPAM breakfast sandwich in Hawaii sounds better, and I like shrimp. Please tell us about the tiny dark shells in the broth. I don't see any meat, just the shell. Tiny oysters? Linda in land-locked Kansas
ReplyDeleteThey were tiny clams. Tried to eat some but it was too much trouble. I think it was mostly for taste.
ReplyDelete