Japan Day Seven: The End of the Tour

The 7th day in Japan was our last day traveling with a tour group but we still had some business to attend to. We first had breakfast at Marriott's Pergola Coffee Shop.

Breakfast with a View

The buffet spread was not wanting in choices, but I made a conscious effort to control myself:

American

Carbs

Salad

Fruits

The day was spent with work related activities but we did get some free time late in the afternoon. Our hotel Nagoya Marriott Associa is located directly above the Nagoya train station so I just explored the area. The Nagoya train station can get busy during peak hours. 

There was a Takashimaya in the train station...

but I spent most of my time looking for bargains inside this 5 storey building.

We then walked to our dinner destination since it was near the hotel.

Welcome to Kisoji Shabushabu!

The dining experience was intimate because the entire restaurant was reserved for our tour group.

We had...

Appetizers

Appetizers

Sashimi

Fish

Vegetables

and the specialty of the restaurant:

Matsusaka Beef

According to our tour guide, Japanese prefer Matsusaka beef compared to Kobe beef because of Matsusaka's high fat-to-meat ratio (just look at the marbling!). Matsusaka beef also comes with a certificate guaranteeing that the meat is virgin making it extra tender. 

The beef was cooked for only a few seconds 

then we were instructed to dip it in this peanut sauce. The meat indeed was very tender but I wished that we also had it grilled because heaven for me is eating lots of pieces of grilled fatty meat.

Nevertheless, the Matsusaka meal was a beautiful way to finish the 7 day tour and after dinner, it was time to bid our guides, hosts, and tour mates goodbye. It truly was a fun and eventful journey,...

but tomorrow, the real adventure begins!

Japan Day Six: Nagoya Time

We arrived in Kobe at the ungodly hour of 6 a.m. It was still very dark outside.

There was a bus waiting for us at the Kobe Pier since we were scheduled to transfer directly to Nagoya, the last city of the tour. Nagoya is a 3 hour drive from Kobe and our fun-loving tour mates entertained the rest with some song numbers.

Nagoya is the third largest and fourth most populated city in Japan. We arrived at Nagoya earlier than expected so we just explored some spots:

Nagoya Tower

Nagoya Bus Terminal

Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle was built during the Edo period but was almost completely destroyed by the air raids of 1945. During our visit, Nagoya Castle was under construction, 

so we just admired the landmark from afar.

We then had a buffet lunch at Jardan in Nagoya Kanko Hotel.

I'm proud that I was able to control myself with the savory dishes...

but I failed miserably in the dessert department.

After lunch, it was time to check-in at Nagoya Marriot Associa Hotel. We stayed here for two nights. 

The room was spacious and comfortable but what I loved the most was the free wifi. I took advantage of the good connection and spent most of the afternoon in the room.

For the Nagoya leg of the tour, we had some business to attend to and having dinner at Nagoya Tokyu Hotel was part of it.

Gateau of Marinade Salmon and Scallop with Caviar Smoked Duck with Papaya

Consomme of Nagoya-Kochin Chicken and Matsutake Mushroom

Fresh Flatfish and Omar Lobster, Buerre Blanc Sauce of Herb Flavor

Domestic Beef Sirloin Steak, Green Mustard and Gravy Sauce with Seasonal Hot Vegetables

Apple Clafoutis and Ginger Ice Cream with Campari Jerr Fruit Cocktail

Tea

Bread

Sake

It certainly didn't feel like work...