Narita: Best Thai Restaurant at Narita Airport

Jai Thai
www.jaithai.co.jp
Central Building 5F of the New Section, Terminal 1
Narita Airport, Narita City, 282-8601
Tel: 0476-32-9191

If you have time at the airport and find yourself wanting some Thai food, then mosey on up to the food court on the 'new section' (in the vicinity of the observation deck).  Go to the Jai Thai restaurant and get the crew special Chicken Pad Thai for 1000¥ (about $10).  Generous portion with just enough hotness.  You'll have it in about 5 minutes.



Getting there is kinda tricky, but it's one level above the security level.  Just fade right after you enter the terminal, go up an escalator, and E & E your way towards the food court/observation deck.

There's a Lawsons convenience store nearby as well, if you want something else last minute.  Enjoy!

Tokyo: Pepper Lunch

UPDATE!! Pepper Lunch was closed last time I was in Tokyo. I dont' know why, as the sign was all in Japanese. The next time I'm back, I'll check on it again and report back. I'll keep the post up until I find out for sure.... Tim

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I stumbled upon Pepper Lunch while looking for some late night food. If you've got a hankerin' for some sizzling steak at reasonable prices, then this place is for you!

For about 1000¥, you get a 300g slice of meat sizzling on a hot iron skillet that you cook to taste. You'll also get a side of corn and a place of rice. There is a dollop of garlic butter which can be set into the skillet to add flavor. There is also a garlic soy sauce to pour into the skillet to add even more zip.

For a good steak at a great price in Japan, it can't be beat!

The vending machine to take your order:


A poster showing the selections:

NRT-Tokyo: Hibiya Park

Hibiya Park is a short 15-20 minute walk from the ANA Intercontinental Hotel and is on the way if you are headed to the Imperial Palace and the East Gardens.

It's definitely a worthwhile destination, especially on a nice day or when there are performers. The day I went was sunny, but a tad chilly and windy. Although it was a winter day and lacking summer greenery, there was still some areas that had flowers and colorful plantings. There was a band playing a variety of music - including a Japanese rendition of 'My Way' - my dad woulda love that. They also had a guy playing the Japanese version of a pan-flute - and that was cool sounding and culturally enriching.

It's easy to get there: Take a right out of the Intercontinental Hotel on Akasuka. Turn right at the next major multi-lane road intersection onto Sabatori Dori. This road curves, then jinks a bit right then goes straight. Right after that jink, turn left on the next major intersection, Rt 301. The park is a couple of blocks down and on the right.


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The small entrance fountain at the Western corner of the park.


The 'First Gardens' in the Northeast Section of the park.



Nice Pelican fountain pond adorned with colorful flowers.

NRT: Imperial Palace East Gardens

Imperial Palace East Gardens

Now that the Narita bunkie trip is a 4 day, that might give y'all some time and incentive to get out and about the neighborhood of the hotel. In a short 35 minute walk's time, you'll find yourself in the grand park and fortress are of the Imperial Palace. I had read online that the East Gardens are free. Even though that did not include a newspaper, I decided to give it a shot. A tour of the Imperial Palace requires an internet reservation, so I figured I'd try to snag that one on my next Tokyo layover.

It's really easy to get there. Out of the ANA Intercontinental, hang a right. Turn right on Route 405 (Sotobori Dori) and after a few block, turn left on Route 301 (Uchibori Dori). This will take you past another cool little park called Hibaya Park, which is worth a walk through if you have the time. Optionally, you could just stay on the street the Hotel is on until you get to a moat.

If you are a jogger, you won't be alone jogging around the palace outer grounds. It's a very popular jogging location for the natives. (see this article)

Along the way (or return) stop by the Nijubashi Bridge, with the picturesque view of the Palace in the background.



The East Gardens park is free, but it has some odd hours. From Nov - Feb, it closes at 4pm (5pm Apr - Aug, 4:30pm all other months). The bicycle-riding guards will not let you stay a second longer. It's also closed on Mondays and Fridays. (see this Japan Guide article)

On the day of my trip, the sky was overcast, so the colorful fall foliage lost some of it photogenic lustre, but it was still a pretty sight.

I plan on taking the Imperial Palace tour next time. If someone has done that already, post a response here with your insights.

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The public square outside of the Nijubashi Bridge is huge and is home to many well manicured trees.

East Gardens Entrance Gate


Cluck liked the open spaces

NRT-Tokyo: Tsukiji Fish Market

On my last Narita layover, I walked down to the Tsukiji fish market. I had heard so much about it, and that it was on many 'must see in Tokyo' lists. The fish market opening is actually perfectly timed for a US visitor. It opens at around 3 am which is 3 pm for an East Coast US visitor. Face it, you'll really have to work hard to not be awake at this hour on our short layovers.

The Tuna auction, which I missed, starts at 5:20am. I heard that it was quite a sight, and I might try to catch it next time. Please post if you can add any info regarding the auction.

I decided to walk there which at 1.8 miles only took about 35 minutes at a leisurely pace. You could take the Ginza line, but it still involves a lot of walking and won't save you too much time.

It's easy to get there, but the lack of English street signs makes it a bit tougher. If you can, print out a map before you go. An iPhone may be a handy too. To walk there from the Intercontinental, I took the following route shown on the map below:


As big as this place is, you'd think that you'll have a huge sign saying "TSUKIJI FISH MARKET", but as far as I could tell, there wasn't any such sign. You'll have to go through one warehouse area that held produce items before getting to the heart of the fish market. So it kinda feels like you might be in the wrong spot, but fear not. Watch out for the turret trucks!

Once inside, just walk around and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells. The workers there won't pay much attention to you since they are very busy, but they are still friendly, and didn't mind having their picture after being asked.

Enjoy your tour!

Here are some of the shots I took:

Colorful Prawns

Octapus

Me

Fish Table

Warehouse

Turret trucks

Tuna

More Tuna

Carving up the tuna

Roe (fish eggs)

Crabs

Conch

NRT: Cluck Murdered!!

NARITA, JAPAN AP - A terrible tragedy occurred in Narita Japan on Sunday, June 13th. World famous actor and rubber chicken inpersonator 'Cluck' was brutally murdered at The Cage in Narita Japan. Cluck was initially reported missing, but a first sweep of the ultra classy karaoke bar revealed nothing. However, sadly his body was recovered moments later, savagely hacked into pieces. His head was never recovered, perhaps now a trophy for his murderer.

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A preliminary investigation attempting to find the perpetrator did not turn up any leads. However, in what was sadly to be Cluck's last photo, an unknown person posed with cluck and a bubbly Brit chick. This person, due to the look of disdain and jealousy in his face, is now considered a suspect. He is wanted for questioning but authorities have not been able to identify him.

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An attempt by fans to repair the famed latex icon failed, and he was promptly thereafter hoisted in tribute on a bottle of his favorite beer, Yebisu.

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A valiant worker at the cage offered her medical services in a last ditch effort to piece together Cluck, but that too was unsuccessful. It was decided that traveling as a 'FrankenCluck' would stain Cluck's revered worldwide image. He was laid to rest the next day. A cremation was planned, but after the first Narita Hilton Hotel fire alarm evacuation due toxic burning rubber fumes, that ceremony was promptly cancelled.

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Here are the rest of the shots from that fateful night.
As usual, the evening started off at the Jet Lag Club. The popcorn was exceptionally good today!


We had dinner at Ramen Bayashi. The soup again was awesome! Sal had the Ginger pork. Beth had fried rice. Excellent tastes all around!


And then it was off to The Cage for a wild night of Karoake. Little did we realize the somber tragedy that was to befall later that evening.
Opening Toasts

Doing it 'My Way'

A Lufthansa liebschen

Cluck's best James Dean

Cluck whispering the lyrics






Hey!

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.

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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.

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Nioman Gate

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The Three Storied Pagoda near the Main Hall

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

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

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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.