End of Cherry Blossom Season...

Because of cold weather, the condition of cheery blossom this year was better than usual.

People could enjoy viewing them longer days.  The first week of April was the best time to see cheery blossom when SMEIYOSHINO sakura was at full bloom.  

I thought the cherry blossom season has ended, but I found this last weekend.

The YAE sakura!  

This is YAE SAKURA.

I guess this gonna be the last viewing of sakura this year.

Free Internet Access In Tokyo

If you need a quick internet access in Tokyo, Tully's offers it for 30 minutes free.

It depends on a store, but usually this small card is provided around the drink pick-up area.

The free 30 minutes internet access service called "Wifine" is valid once each day.  You may need a quick user registry to begin with.
(Service is provided from November 30 2009 to February 28 2010.)


Tully's Japan
Wifine (http://wifine.jp/internet/#shoplist)

Kanda Myoujin (Kanda Shrine)

Kanda Myoujin is one of the famous shrine which benefits success and prosperity.

It is located near Ochanomizu and Akihabara.  Though Ochanomizu station is a bit closer to the shrine.
→　Access (in English)


It is known that Tokugawa paid high respect to the shrine.  Ieyasu Tokugawa received a KACHI-MAMORI (charm) from Kanda Myoujin before the battle of Sekigahara, and he won.


We can buy one here.  Also, there are over 60 different charms that fit your needs.  (They even have a IT charm!)

This is KACHI-MAMORI.

A charm for IT security.

I've never seen this kind before.

Maybe because of the location of Kanda Myoujin (near Akihabara)?

　

Before praying a wish, wash your hands and mouth at Temizuya.  (LEFT)

[Kanda Myoujin]
2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 101-0021
(Access)

Big Hit McDonald's Texas Burger

McDonald's Japan introduced "Texas Burger" as a part of "Big America" promotion on January 15.

Texas Burger

420 yen  (640 kcal)

It made a big debut!
It has been reported that 4,130,000 Texas Burgers were sold in the first four days.  McDonald's Japan increased double the number of Texas burgers, and set the number of sales in each outlet.  (Around 250 Texas burgers for each store?  The numbers are vary in each store.)

It's a bit smaller than I thought, but tasty and succulent!

Texas Burger is seasoned with double source, Spicy BBQ source and whole-grain mustard relish, on the quarter pound beef.  It is garnsihed with fried onion, cheese and bacon.


Since Texas Burger was sold unexpectedly well, McDonald's Japan had to set quantity adjustment to control the promotion period.  The Texas Burger will continue to be sold until January 31.

French galettes cafe

Galettoria is a french country style cafe that offers crepes and galettes.  It was opened in November 2007.

Galettoria uses organic ingredients, fresh vegetables and fruits.

Salty butter caramel

700 yen

French style crepe is so yummy!!
They uses a famous brand flour "Haruyutaka" from Hokkaido.  It is said one of the best.




Menu

Course  2,000 yen
a choice from two galettes (ham, egg and cheese/today's special)
a choice from five crepes (butter&sugar/butter&sugar with lemon/salty butter caramel/cinnamon/chocolate)
a choice of coffee, apple earl gray tea, or cider

Galettes
Ham & cheese buckwheat galette               850 yen
Egg & cheese buckwheat galette                 850 yen
Ham, egg and cheese buckwheat galette      900 yen
Raw ham & Gruyere cheese salad style       1300 yen
Seasonal galette                             from 1300 yen

Crepes
Butter & sugar                     600 yen
Butter & sugar with lemon      650 yen
Salty butter caramel             700 yen
Japanese honey                   700 yen
Maple syrup                         700 yen
Vanilla beans milk jam           850 yen
Chocolate                            700 yen
plain                                  550 yen
Seasonal                           from 850 yen


Coffee                 (Hot 400 yen/ Ice 450 yen)
Organic coffee       (Hot 450 yen / Ice 500 yen)
Cider                   600 yen
Organic beer          700 yen



[Galettoria]
1-26-1 Shotoh Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 150-0046

Hours: 11:30 - 21:00 (Last order at 20:15)
Phone: 03-3467-7057
Closed on Tuesday

Long seller sweet pastry

Everyone's favorite sweet pastry, Mini Snack Gold by Yamazaki Baking Company is one of megahit pastries in Japan.  (It says "Super long-selling product" in its label.)

The whorl-like danish with sugar icing is a trade mark of this pastry.  Also, the size is a big enough to satisfy men's appetite.

Mini Snack Gold

105 yen (598 kcal)

Mini Snack Gold was introduced in 1970.  And average 320 million packages are sold every year!

Good-looking tofu bread!?

Otokomae Tofuten that is well known its unique naming and stylish tofu products and PASCO are collaborated!

Otokomae-Tofuten's cream bread

126 yen/open price (296 kcal)

Otokomae Tofuten's rich tofu was used in dough and cream.

This product is offered limited time; between November 1, 2009 and February 28, 2010.

Happy New Year 2010

Happy New Year!

Best wishes for everyone!

I found this interesting McDonald Japan ad.  The text says "Ahaann."  We say this when asking someone to open his or her mouth.

Buy one large fries, and you have chance to get one of the 100 yen menu; hamburger, shaka-shaka chicken, small size of coca-cola.  This promotion starts from New Year day until supply is last.