Contraband....shhhh Don't tell anyone

It was good!!!

Ginza Shopping..., for myself

Our last full day in Japan is always in Ginza. It is the day when we shop until we drop..., a lot of money. Ginza is the most wonderful shopping experience known to man. Anything money can buy can be found in Ginza.




Ginza is where this group of friends buys some omiyage for friends. Admittedly, we buy more omiyage for our selves. If you do not already know, Ginza is heaven to foodies around the world. This is where we stock up on confections and food items for personal consumption.



Our first stop is the Akebono shop in Ginza. Founded in March of Showa 23 or 1948, this shop started as a small confection shop in Ginza. It is located in the famous Ginza 4 chome intersection. The shop makes wonderful senbei, arare and confections. We were able to find daifuku and ichigo daifuku (a favorite amongst locals).

What I buy at Akebono is the kuri (chestnut) monaka (confection with bean paste between two wafers). Many people say that they can get kuri monaka at the Akebono shop at the Airport. Well, that does not cut it for me. The Akebono in Ginza sells the Monaka with one whole kuri. Not the bits and pieces filling sold at their other shops. (People from Hawaii know the difference between the $10 box and $2 box of chocolate covered macadamia nuts, same theory)

The Kuri is firm and complemented with the white or koshi an filling. The kuri itself is mildly flavored to enhanced its natural sweetness. The sensation of biting into the crispy wafer into the soft sweet center to get to the firm kuri is something that must be tried. Heaven.

In case you did not receive this as omiyage from me, don't feel bad. Nobody else received this from me. It is strictly for personal consumption by me and my family.

http://www.ginza-akebono.co.jp/




A picture of my mom and I in Ginza.

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....

Day 7: Shopping

Our final day of our trip is our shopping day. We went to Ginza to buy omiyage and things for ourselves.

In Ginza, it is amazing what you are able to find. If you are willing to spend money, you can get almost anything. Jewelry and luxury watches are available at many specialty shops. High end dining of all varieties.

The Department store basements are always a marvel. With food vendors selling everything from Prosciutto by the slice and by the whole ($20K+) to candy. Deli sections sell bentos to okazu such as tonkatsu or salads. Many of the vendors also give free samples. My friends wer stunned that whole pieces of siu mai were given out rather than the oligatory pieces that you may get here.