Chiba road trip - Uminohotaru & Tokyo German Village

New year road trip to Chiba with friends.

We started our journey in Kanagawa and took the Aqualine to Uminohotaru.

As it was New Year, there were many people travelling around. Hence, the parking area was pretty busy.

We stopped by to enjoy the scenery and for a quick toilet break.

Lol, there were so many interesting installations around the deck area that we got several pretty funny pictures.

After that, we went to the Mitsui Outlet Mall for lunch and some shopping.

After that, we went to the Tokyo German Village. 

Website: https://www.t-doitsumura.co.jp/

As the sun was setting in the background, there were some show performers performing at the stage near the entrance.

As you walk around, you will come across this Dinosaur Land.

The sunset that day was extremely beautiful.

As we were trying to decide to have dinner there or not, the illuminations started.

There got some nice ones located the the restaurant.

These 2 here have very Chinese like influences.

The main attraction is this huge illumination area.

Look how much area it covers!

The magic pearl?

Even though Xmas was over, they still kept the Xmas tree.

They have a rainbow tunnel there too.

This place really nice, especially if you have kids. If you come in the day, there are many activities for kids. And at night, you can enjoy some bbq there before enjoying the illuminations

 

New year- 2021!

New year's lunch at Gyukatsu Kyotokatsugyu (牛カツ京都勝牛).

We were the first customer there when it first opened.

The menu might have changed from what is listed on this webpage but their gyugatsu is a must try.

Website: https://gyukatsu-kyotokatsugyu.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/L_standard.pdf

They even have some instructions on the table on how to enjoy the gyugatsu.

When I was there, they have this set here with beef, prawn and oyster.

J had this beef only set.

We got this nice seat in the corner.

After lunch, we went to a cafe for desserts! <3 heehee...

On our way home, we stopped by McD to collect the fukubukuro that we had ordered online.

This fukubukuro is based on a lucky draw and J was lucky enough to win. We decided to try it this year as we were interested to see what it contains.

Ours came with a book of vouchers, a french fry clock, a plastic mug, a small pouch and a recycling bag. While we enjoyed using the vouchers, I don't think we will buy them again as the other extra gifts eventually because extra wasted items at home, as we do not need them in the first place.

 

End of 2020 Enoshima trip

Before the end of 2020, we went on a road trip to Enoshima.

We stopped by this place called Watatsumi for lunch. 

I ordered the sashimi don which came with instructions on how to enjoy the seafood.

J had the steak rice.

The road trip gang.

After that, we took a nice long walk to the island.

With the naked eye, you could see Fujisan, but in this picture, it has blended with the sky.

While there were still many people there, it was not as busy as it used to be pre-pandemic.

We walked all the way up for some nice views.

While tiring, it was always nice to walk around.

After Enoshima, we went to meet up with LZ at Costco. This sunset pic here was taken from the rooftop of Costco.

 

Fancl Ginza Square (ファンケル 銀座スクエア)

I went out for lunch with YH after a long time.

We booked lunch at Fancl Ginza Square at 創作料理 FANCL 令和本膳.

The place was wide and spacious. I really like how far apart the tables were. Also, the tables are wide, so we got to sit comfortable.

We had the 2,000 JPY lunch.

The lunch came with juice, miso soup, this platter of 9 dishes and a small dessert.

While the volume was a bit small for me, the taste was great! I enjoyed everything that was served to us.

After that, we hung around the Fancl building and did some skin and health checks with their systems there.

After that we went to our favourite house for some Chinese tea and cake.

We always enjoy tea at this little cafe that is hidden away inside a building in Ginza. The seats were wide, the tea served were nice and the tidbits were yummy.