11/6/08: Day 7 in Japan Part II - Back to Tokyo

After my too brief visit at Eiko Fuji, I was on my way to Tokyo via Shinkansen. The train left Tsuruoka, and headed to Tokyo via Niigata. Niigata is famous for rice, and it's easy to see why - miles and miles of rice paddies surrounded by mountains and cool breeze of Japan Sea.

短過ぎた栄光富士の訪問の後はまた新幹線の旅。今回は鶴岡発で、新潟経由で東京へ向かった。永遠と広ばる田圃は山脈に囲まれ、日本海から涼しい風を受け、米育ちに最高な環境とは言うまででも無い。

I checked into a hotel in Meguro area of Tokyo, as I was planning on visiting a certain izakaya famous among saké brewers and fans. But before that, my reunion with former neighbor Namiko-san awaits.

As Namiko-san works for Veuve Clicquot, we were invited to a wine party at Oakwood Premier Tokyo Midtown, a premium newly built long-term builf rental facility. Here I am with Namiko-san and Ludo from Oakwood.

東京では獺祭の桜井さんがお勧めする北尻大橋の居酒屋へ向かう予定があったので、ホテルは目黒区。だが、その前にニューヨークの近所の友達と再会する約束が。

洋子さんは現在シャンパンで有名なVeuve Clicquot社に勤め、その接待でOakwood Premier 東京 Midtownのワイン会に誘われた。これは洋子さんとOakwoodのルドさん。

We had such a good time, that by the time we left Oakwood it was well past 9:00 pm. Unfortunately, we were unable to gain entry to the izakaya as we were late. Thus, we had to find a backup plan, and found Ginza Kan izakaya in the neighborhood.
ワイン会では盛り上がり、会から離れたのは9:00過ぎ。目的の居酒屋へ向かったら、遅すぎてあっさり断れた。その代わりに近所にある銀座Kanレストランに立ち寄ることにした。

Ginza Kan is modern-Japanese in style, and menu is presented in Japanese paper.
銀座Kanはモダンな和が溢れる空間で、メニューも和紙に。

As enjoyable the time spent at Ginza Kan, we were still somewhat disappointed. Best solution was to try some of their sakés.
銀座Kanは楽しかったが、我々は落ち込んでいた。仕方が無いので酒を飲んだ。

The food was delicious. This particular dish is minced chicken skewer. We didn't stay out too long, as I was tired from my trip. Next stop is Osaka.
こちらの飯は美味かった。この一品は鶏のつくね。今晩は旅の疲れのおかげでそれほど遅く飲まなかった。明日は大阪へ。