sanshikisaido

Earlier this morning I went to Sanshikisaido. I love this street.

This year the leaves changed quickly, our mornings have been in the 40s(F)...brr while warming up by lunchtime, which is perfect for the leaves to change colors.

Click on this photo to see a short video that I shot.

It is supposed to rain tomorrow, so I hope to get out later this week on more walks to see more fall foliage.

sanshikisaido

The weather was clear, no clouds, just blue sky on Saturday.

Satoshi and I went to check out Sanshikisaido.

The colors were a bit muted, probably from all the ups and downs with the temps.

But it was still nice to get out and about.

meh

Saturday, after Satoshi's German class, we went back to Sakamoto to check out their fall foliage. The forecast was "migoro" meaning the peak of viewing.

Unfortunately with the warm days and sparse cool nights, the leaves have not changed much, in fact, most have just dried up and fallen. We even waited for dusk to see the light-up at Hiyoshi Shrine, but that was a bust also.

No trees that had reddish leaves to be lit up...

We did enjoy some yomogi mochi at Sankuro though.

Sunday, we headed over to Sanshikisaido to see their fall colors. It was pretty but a bit muted.

So we headed to see the fall colors on the trail to the Minoo Falls...major disappointment.

Barely any trees have changed and like in Sakamoto, most leaves have just dried up and fallen.

We cheered ourselves up by sharing a Minoh beer and a sausage that was filled with bits of yuzu.

The weather dude has been saying that Autumn will be longer...Satoshi is happy with this as it prolongs him suffering with the cold weather, me I'm ready for flurries.

Have a nice week!

fall foliage

One day the leaves were almost turning and then the next they were at their peak.

Autumn is pretty short and quick this year. The days to check out the leaves are kinda numbered.

Luckily, on Wednesday, Satoshi had the day off.

We headed to Kyuanji to check out the leaves.

There were fewer trees that had changed colors, but at least we were able to see some.

Yesterday, I met up with Fiona to check out Sanshikisaido.

The leaves actually looked like they were curling...still they were pretty spectacular.

At the moment, this photo is my fave.

It's Friday here, it is also "Ii Fufu" day...hug the one you love and have a nice weekend!

foodie couple of days

I went to Kobe the other day to check out a cafe...Greens Coffee Roasters.

The owner was a 2-time champ in the Siphon coffee division for a Barista competition.

I heard they would be closing at the end of the month, so I wanted to check them out.

The address that they have listed did not match where they actually were...either that or Google maps is wrong...anyway..

It took me awhile to figure out where they were.

Luckily as I was about to give up, I found them.

Though it was a little early for lunch, I was hungry from all the walking around.

I ordered an egg, avocado & cheese panini...450 yen (about US$4.50), this came with some chips and a nice salad.

And since I was actually there to try their coffee, I ordered a cappuccino 450 yen (about US$4.50).

The atmosphere of the cafe was cozy though a bit noisy as it is located right under the railroad tracks.

I love their food and coffee. The combination of avocado, egg & cheese was perfect...nice and creamy.

And the cappuccino was nice too...strong. And when it cooled, it tasted kind of sweet.

I'm glad I got to check them out before they closed, though I hope they change their mind and stay open.

Greens Coffee Roasters
3-167 Motomachi-Kokadori
Chuo, Kobe
Phone: 078.332.3115

On another day, I went to Suita to check out Sanshikisaido.

I looked through my archives and it had been 3 years since I went there.

The color of the trees were beautiful...light red, orange, yellows & greens.

Even on a weekday, there were lots of people enjoying the colors.

After walking up and down the street a couple of times, I had lunch near the Hankyu Kitasenri station at the Sasebo Burger Cafe.

I had their special cheeseburger...480 yen (about US$4.80) and their oni-pote set...430 yen (about US$4.30).

You should know that oni-pote is short for onion ring and potato (fries). I wonder if Japan is the only country that serves onion rings with fries?? I think it is cool because sometimes you just want a little of both to go along with your meal.

Anyway, the set also came with a drink and I had a Pepsi.

In the past, I tried their BLT but was disappointed because even if they boast being an American burger shop, they don't have American (crispy) bacon.

Their special cheeseburger has lots of pepper, lots of oozy cheese and a special mayo sauce.

Kind of messy but really hit the spot. I also liked the fact that they had old skool music and wi-fi too.

It was a nice couple of days. A little nippy but at least the sun was out.

Sasebo Burger Cafe
4-119 Furuedai, Dios Kitasenri #5Bldg, 1F
Suita, Osaka
Phone: 06.6834.9200

foodie kind of weekend

Saturday, I met Satoshi and his friend for dinner. Since the time we were meeting at was quite late, I stopped in to have a little snack to tide me over until dinner.

This dessert from Afternoon Tea, was perfect. Not too sweet. A two layer terrine made with half chestnut paste and half sesame paste, topped with a scoop of chestnut ice cream. 3 cinnamon rusks, a peeled chestnut and a dollop of cassis puree. With some warm Earl Grey tea, it hit the spot.

While waiting for Satoshi at the station, I noticed this huge line. It was for Beard Papa. (I think I mentioned whenever you see a line it is usually for a good thing?) The aroma of these cream puffs will definitely make you want one or a whole box. I've tried the ones in Hawaii but they don't seem to match up to the ones here. I think these people were standing in line for the new flavor, roasted sweet potato custard.

Yesterday, we visited some areas known for their fall foliage. We've visited these places last year and the year before. It is always a new experience. The first place was Katsuoji. This temple is located above the Minoo koen (Minoo park). They are doing major renovations and the foliage was so-so.

The second spot was Sanshikisaido. This is actually along a busy street, but the trees always look like they are on "fire". Last year, when we visited, it was raining. This year, we were lucky to have some sun.

Lunch was at a little shop called Shimizuan. I had their zaru soba (cold buckwheat noodles served on a bamboo tray). It came with these huge musubi and also a raw quail egg.

I gave the egg to Satoshi since he was having sukiyaki (thin slices of beef, veggies and tofu simmered in a shallow iron pot, the cooked food is dipped in raw egg before eating.)

We have a holiday coming up this Friday, hopefully the weather will be cooperative and we'll be able to check out Kyoto.

Have a great week.