Jindaiji

Jindaiji is a laid back suburb of Tokyo.
We we were there on March 3, 2009 to visit the annual Daruma Ichi (Daruma Market).
To get to Jindaiji, we took the Keio line to Chofu Station. From there, we rode the bus.

The Daruma Ichi is a big event in Tokyo. In fact it is one the top three Daruma Markets in the Kanto area.

Consequently, there was a long line to ride the bus. We stood in line. We were just one bus load away from the front at 10:30 AM. 15 minutes later, the line doubled. We noticed that other than children, we seem to be the youngest people in line to catch the bus. The people in line were mostly senior citizens.

Well, we boarded the bus thinking that this was a special bus going to Jidaiji Temple. What would give us that idea? The bus company worker with the megaphone announcng the arrival and departure of the bus going to Jindaiji. Little did we know that this was a local bus. It is not good to stand by the exit on a local bus. We learned that the hard way as we were pushed and prodded by the seniors to get off their stop. Seniors are not a laid back group in Japan.






A group picture in front of a soba restaurant.



Our reward was to dine on the famous Jindaiji Soba. Here is a picture of us in front of an establishment with a water wheel.




Nameko Sansai Soba. Really delicious. The noodles are a little coarse and the noodles are cut a little thicker. The texture is just right to bring out the flavors of the rich broth.

Lion Beer Hall

After a day in Snow Country, we headed to ..., Bavaria.

Well almost Bavaria. The Lion Beer Hall is one of our favorite watering holes.

There are many Lion Beer Halls in Tokyo.

This one located in Ginza 7-chome is the most stately. Built in 1934, it is the first beer hall in Japan. The interior of the Beer Hall is designed as if it were truly a German Beer Hall. You cannot help but notice the fountains that flank the bar. And the amazing mosaic tiles that line the walls of the establishment.

You are seated on wooden chairs and served on wooden tables. This adds to the ambiance.

Most importantly, they serve large steins of Yebisu Black....

Ponshukan

Ponshukan has a wonderful concept. Self service tastings of Niigata sake from vending machines. You buy tokens at the counter for 100 yen each. Each token gets you one taster.




Rae is an expert in using the sake vending machines. She demonstrates how it is done in this picture.

Rae is going to try Tenchijin. Local sake in honor of the 2009 Taiga Drama of the same name.






Here are two more machines of our favorite sake. I will get around to translating one of these days. These pix were taken pretty early in the tasting. If only I could remember what I drank....

The concept of the sake tasting vending machine may never make it to the US. It is just open for abuse....,by people like us.

Ponshu-kan..., An Oasis in the Snow

Yes, there is an oasis in Snow Country.

We got out of the snow and into the warm Echigo Yuzawa Station. Alas after a day of walking in the snow, we have earned the right to warm us up. We headed for a corner of the Echigo Yuzawa Station through the many gift shops selling local delicacies.

We found it...

Enter through the noren.



This is Ponshukan. It is a shop specializing in Jizake or local sake from Niigata.




Once there you can learn about the different types of sake brewed in Niigata.
We were surprised at the variety. As I am about to have my first taste, I am dazed at the choices available. Everything from Daiginjo down.

They even have a sake named Tenchijin, in honor of the current NHK Taiga Drama. Echigo Yuzawa is part of the country ruled by the Uesugi Clan featured in Tenchijin.