When Rowan and Tomoko had asked was there something we particularly wanted to do I suggested it would be nice to have a meal that involved tabletop cooking. Japanese food is really delicious and we always look forward to some traditional Japanese cuisine when we visit.
Table set for Yakiniku Meal
They had booked a traditional tabletop BBQ lunch or Yakiniku in a nearby restaurant. These meals are always so much fun. Delicious cuts of thin meat that just melts in the mouth, fish and vegetables cooked over hot coals set into the middle of the table.
Yakiniku Meat Selection
Salads, cold vegetables, and pickles accompany the meat and fish., with a tasty rice side dish with a raw egg mixed in.
This was a great way to catch up on the latest news as we each went about dropping our food onto the wire mesh with our chopsticks, turning it and devouring each morsel, washed down with a glass of cool Japanese beer.
This was a great way to catch up on the latest news as we each went about dropping our food onto the wire mesh with our chopsticks, turning it and devouring each morsel, washed down with a glass of cool Japanese beer.
A Rice Dish MIxed at the Table
After lunch it was a quick walk to the station to take the train into Tokyo. Our destination was Hama-rikyu Gardens ( full name Hama-Rikyu Onshi-teien ) at Chuo, by the mouth of the Sumida River.
Hama-rikyu Gardens in Central Tokyo
Hama-rikyu Gardens in central Tokyo were originally the home of the Shogun Tokugawa family during the Edo period, until in the 17th century it became a garden and palace. It was turned into a public garden in 1946. Surrounded by modern high rise buildings with Tokyo Tower in the distance these beautiful gardens are a real oasis in the city.
A Wander Around Hama-rikyu Gardens
Hama-rikyu Gardens are surrounded by a moat that is filled with seawater from Tokyo Bay, and a small lake Shiori-no-ike, is the centerpiece.
Trimming the Pine Trees
We wandered through the paths, watching workmen up wooden ladders trimming the pine trees into shapes, admiring the plantings of mature trees which will be glorious in autumn while the plum and cherry trees had a few remaining blossoms still in bloom. We were interested in the old duck hunting blinds, a relic from the days when the grounds were used for duck hunting.
Hama-rikyu Gardens Surrounded by Highrise Buildings
A wander over the arched bridge and we arrived at the teahouse set on a small island in the lake. We managed to nab the last outside table and seats after leaving our shoes in lockers by the door and slipping on the slippers provided. Those who were inside sat on tatami mats.
Teahouse in Hama-rikyu Gardens
Here we enjoyed a refreshing bowl of 'matcha,' green tea made from powdered tealeaves. The powder is placed into the water and then whisked with a small wooden whisk until it is a frothy bright green, slightly thick mixture. Tomoko showed us how we should hold the bowl with one hand cupped behind, the other cupped underneath with your thumb balancing the side of the bowl. Before drinking you turn the bowl twice so the front is turned away from you. Drink in 3 or 4 sips then wipe where you drank from with your thumb and index finger…… as tradition dictates.
How to Hold the Bowl for "Matcha" Tea
"Matcha" Green Tea with Nato Cakes
The accompanying Japanese Nato cakes were a work of art. Shaped like leaves or flowers, delicately shaded in colours of green, mauves and pinks it was almost a shame to eat them. But we did !
View across Lake Shiori-no-ike to the Teahouse
Home via The Supermarket
Tired from our travels and with quite a lot of train changes to make.....we headed home. En route we went to the supermarket which was packed with delicious fresh fruit and veges, amazing looking cuts of meat and fish, beautifully presented packages with leaves and even chrysanthemums for cooking, and all kinds of fascinating food we never see at home. Everything is so beautifully displayed. It was worth a browse for the artistic presentation.
Fish Beautifully Displayed at the Supermarket
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