Sunday, February 22, 2009

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

I visited the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple on a recent Narita layover. It apparently receives many visitors throughout the year. There was generous crowd when I went, but it wasn't obtrusive. I imagine there are lots more folks during the summer months.

The Naritasan Temple is easy to get to. Click on the map below to enlarge it.

I went on a sunny day in late late February, so the surrounding scenery was still a bit gray and wintery. I imagine the view are much better if you can manage to visit in the summertime.

The entire park is very well maintained. It's fun to walk through, and you'll find shrines of varying size and scope throughout the park.

I saw the first 20 minutes of the Buddhist prayer service. They want you to take off you shoes. I didn't understand any of it, so after marvelling at the scenery in the great hall, I quietly left. They don't allow pictures of the main hall.

The only tough part is forcing yourself to get up and do it, since you're body will be wanting to snooze.



Me in front of the recently constructed Somon Gate (or Grand Gate). You'll marvel at the craftmanship and on such a large scale. There is a public restroom on the opposite end of this square.




Nioman Gate




The Three Storied Pagoda near the Main Hall




I'm not an expert on Buddhism, but these shrines and plaques that look like grave markers are in fact prayer stones.




The Great Pagoda of Peace towards the rear of the park.




I took the Green Street on the way back and enjoyed seeing how busy it was. Up until now, I'd only seen the street at night on the way to the Jet Lag Club.

NRT Airport Sushi

I've heard about the airport sushi place from a number of Narita veterans. It's located between gates 32 and 33 on the north side of the concourse. I'm not a sushi connoisseur, but this sushi is the best I've ever had.

There are many different plates you can get. The most common is the mixed plate, that has a good variety of sushi staples plus a spring roll. I've only gotten the mixed plate, as I like the variety, but I've seen other crews get just tuna (sashemi), and a vegetarian plate. Here's a pic,

Sadly, I took it after it was jostled around a bit on the walk to the cockpit, so the sushi does not look as pristine as it was when I first picked it up.
The mixed plate was 1000 (about $10) at the crew rate, which is apparently a good deal for sushi. If they are busy, it can take a while for them to prepare your plate, so you can have ops call ahead for you with your order. That'll save a few minutes.
They only give you two small packets of soy sauce, so if you want some more, just ask before you walk to the airplane. The wasabi mustard sauce packs quite a kick, so unless you want your nosehairs burned off with the reverse wasabi inferno, use sparingly at first.
Enjoy!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

NRT Noodle Shop Ramen Bayashi

I finally went to the famous Ramen Bayashi Noodle Shop. Apparently, it is at a new location, not too far from the old one. The atmosphere is fun and friendly. Lot's of crew members come here for their noodle fix. It was delicious! I had the hot and spicy with pork for ¥1050(the meat added ¥200). The big beer was ¥650.

Out of the train station, go right over the bridge. Take a right at the T onto 'Green' Street (Omotesando) and the restaurant will be on the right down about 100 feet or so. (see the satellite map below)















Hot and Steamy!







You get 5 slices of pork, 3 already have disappeared...











Sat view...




Menu...



View during the daytime...