Rengejoin Temple, a Buddhist monastery, which has also served as an inn for pilgrims and other guests for the last 900 years served an elaborate vegetarian meal. Photo by Amy Swartz, July 3, 2010.
Dinner served at Rengejoin Temple, Mt. Koya, Japan
We paid 1000 Y for a round trip ticket to ride the cable car. It had the capacity to seat 6, however, we sat 4 per car since it was not crowded. The ride, although I did not time it, felt like it was about 15 minutes all the way to the top. It did have mid station unloading and loading. (Japan)
Dinner was already set when we entered the dining room. Our slippers were placed at the door. Many of us were barefoot or had socks on for the mats. Each bowl was elegantly arranged. The entire meal was vegetarian. (Japan)
Many Americans think this is food for the Japanese. It is, but these "fish guts" would be used in soup preparation just as they would in America.
Fish parts on sale at the Akashi Fish Market in Japan, July 2010
First make a thin omelet then fill it with flavored rice then cover it with any variety of sauces, add some meat and voila! A cheap and creative meal!
Yes you can get high quality French pastries in Japan. This slice of clafoutis was delicious.
Otis' wife made these amazing chips at Otis' Tex-Mex Vegetarian Restaurant, Hiroshima, Japan . Keep in mind the portion of food in Japanese cuisine...very different from American portions. The restaurant, by the way, does offer chicken and beef.
This Vegtable Curry was prepared in a little art studio/lunchette off of the main street on Mt. Koya, Japan. The lunchette was run by a very nice couple who spoke: American English, French, Italian, Japanese and Chinese. The food was INCREDIBLE! In addition to the curry, the plate came with a cucumber salad, brown rice, pita and some type of root vegtable.
Feeling a little hungry while you're walking around Japan? Never fear, every restaurant has a display of the foods they serve in plastic form just outside of their establishment. The plastic molds are true to size and looks exactly like the food they serve in their restaurant. This can be helpful for those of us who can't read Japanese. If you are looking for sushi, ramen noodles, or even pizza the restaurant will have a plastic version of the food displayed just outside their place.
Japan 2010 - Fancy Soda in a pastry shop
Japan 2010: French Pastry in Kobe
Japan 2010: Bell Tower at Dai Garan, Mt. Koya, Japan
Japan 2010: Himeji Castle rafters
As with most of Japan, the sign for this walk in clinic is too cute!
This store in Nara, Japan displayed elegantly packaged sweets.
This is a bento boxed lunch purchased for consumption on the Bullet train in Japan. It is customary to purchase said bentos for long travel for office lunch, but frowned upon in Japanese society if eaten on a short distance train, or eaten while walking.
Local favorite Okonomoyaki in Hiroshima, Japan is derived from a wartime food designed to make the most of few ingredients. The modern version sold at markets is a lavish feast with wheat batter, cabbage, bean sprouts, an egg, and choice of several toppings including oysters. The pancakes are worked continually to ensure an attractive round shape for the finished product.
Akashi Fish Market merchants invest in the neat, orderly, and visually appealing display of their product. Similar care is visible throughout Japan and especially in the food industry.
When visiting Motoni Elementary school in the Okomoto Area, we were allowed to partake in the school lunch. Many times on visits we look for the best food or the most exotic. I very much enjoyed learning, seeing and eating the food that students in Japan eat in public schools. The food included pre-packaged tofu, milk, rice, fried fish and special soup in dedication of a festival. The food is served in classrooms because there are no cafeterias and students are in charge of getting the food, distributing the food to other students and then cleaning up the room after.
Lunch or dinner options are displayed at a train station in Japan. July 7, 2010 by Amy Swartz
Location, location, location! I didn't expect to see this real estate firm in Japan, but there it is.
I don't know what to say! I am fascinated by the juxtaposition of modern and traditional cultures in Japan. What can be more modern than a store devoted exclusively to the fashion needs of the tween and teen girl crowd?
The charming presentation of items on store shelves makes shopping in Japan a delight for browsers and shoppers alike. This picture was taken in July 2010 at a gift shop at Nunobiki Herb Garden overlooking Kobe, Japan. Photo by Tim Jekel
As we approached the Nojima Earthquake Fault Museum on Awaji Island, Japan. There was one lone windmill sitting a top a hill--well, perhaps there were more, but based on our vantage point, this windmill was the only one visible. Alternative energy sources are clearly on the minds of the Japanese as well as the rest of the world. Posted by Sharen Pula