Italian Dining at Jusco, Hamamatsu: Happy Valley

After shopping for almost three hours last Saturday, my friend and I naturally got hungry and tired. We were around Jusco, a few minutes away from AEON Irino when we saw this pasta and pizza place named Happy Valley. It looked homey and inviting we didn't have any second thoughts on having our lunch there.

(More on Dining Places, here)

Happy Valley's lunch menu

We were led to a cozy nook. Happy Valley's design resembles a romantic cottage in the middle of the woods. It was a bit dark inside but not gloomy. Soft music plays in the background.

waiting area

Happy Valley's see-through kitchen 

We decided to get one plate of pasta and one whole pizza. Just like most Italian restos in Japan, an order of pizza or pasta includes access to the salad bar and drink bar.

The salad bar is simpler than most Italian places I've been to. There's a limited selection but the food is flavorful so it's still worth the cost. My favorite was the potato salad. There's a certain unique sweetness to it that I enjoyed.

half of the salad bar

the other half of the salad bar

On the other hand, the drink bar was a little disappointing. The orange juice and vegetable fruits juice were too tangy and strong. I just had the most reliable drinks- water and coffee.

the drink bar

After having salad, our seafood pasta was served. It has pieces of octopus on top which we didn't try. The pasta tasted wonderful. The seafood taste is not overpowering. It was mild in a way that I like.

Seafood pasta with Octopus toppings

We also had Pizza Margharita topped with pesto sauce. It was the best part of the meal. Pizza bread had the right softness with the right amount of cheese and just the right thickness (or thinness).

Pizza Margarita

Both pasta and pizza were good for 3 to 4 people. The pasta, pizza, salad and drink all costs 2500 Yen good for two people.

(More on Hamamatsu, here)

So if you're ever around the area and looking for a some delicious Italian food, visit Happy Valley!


How to get by bus: 

1. Take the #20 Bus bound for AEON Shitoro
2. Get off at the first stop just after the bus turned from the street with Mister Donut Building.
    The fare is 200 Yen.
3. Walk towards AEON Irino. It's just before Shoe Plaza and AEON.

Classy and Private Dining: Lorlan Xiang Chu Chinese Restaurant

A group of retired Japanese invited me to lunch last Saturday. I substituted for a friend to handle her class with them. I guess they enjoyed my class (or they were just being polite) that they treated me to this Chinese restaurant-Lorlan Xiang Chu.

Lorlan Xiang Chu Hamamatsu

Lorlan Xiang Chu is secretly tucked behind Yamada Denki Hamamatsu. It's a few minutes few minutes away from the station just past the Board of Education. I hope that the management make their signage bigger and more noticeable. A passerby wouldn't really notice it. 

(More on Places in Japan, here)

The ambiance was what I loved most. It was cozy but not too casual. Tables were separated by walls and doors giving a sense of privacy. It was the perfect place for business meetings or small intimate gatherings.

My Japanese students for the day and me in one of the private dining areas

Menu is better than the average Chinese Restaurant. They have dishes which I don't commonly see in others.  Inconveniently, they don't have an English menu but there are pictures. Price is mid-range but well worth the money.

(For more on Food, click here.)

my lunch set at Lorlan Xiang Chu

The four of us ordered a set lunch worth 1000 Yen. There were four different types of lunch set- squids, pork, mushroom & potatoes, and tofu & chicken. I had the spicy tofu and chicken. It was a bit on the spicy side because of the sauce but it was really flavorful. Each set has soup, rice and salad. It was more than enough to have a filling and delicious Saturday lunch. 

AEON Malls in Hamamatsu

AEON Mall is a popular chain of malls in Japan. It's a convenient place for one-stop shopping although a lot of them are located in inconvenient locations. In Hamamatsu, there are three AEON Malls- AEON Irino, Ichino and Shitoro.

This is AEON Mall Hineno. I'll update this with AEON Ichino's and Shitoro's pictures.
photo credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AEON_MALL_Hineno4.JPG

AEON Ichino has the most number of shops. It's also nearer from Hamamatsu Station than the other big one- AEON Shitoro. This is the best AEON Mall (in Hamamatsu) to shop during New Year's Sale for it has a wide selection of goods- shoes, bags, food, cosmetics, etc. If you're also shopping for home furniture and appliances, AEON Ichino has Nittori on the second floor. It has cheaper products than AEON's own home depot. Also, more big shops are located just outside AEON Ichino so you'll have more choices just in case you have not found anything you like at the mal 

How to Get to AEON Ichino from Hamamatsu Station: 

There's a bus from Hamamatsu Station that takes you directly on the doors of AEON Ichino. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes because of the traffic. 

(I forgot the Bus Number, will be updating this once I checked.)

(More on places in Hamamatsu here)

AEON Shitoro is deceptively large. From the outside, it looks like a really big mall but half of it seems to be just parking space. Also, it is quite far from the station, almost an hour bus ride. It has a Gap store which Ichino does not have. 

How to Get to AEON Shitoro from Hamamatsu Station: 

Take the Number 20 bus from terminal Number 6 at the Hamamatsu Station. Some buses stop at AEON Shitoro's doors. Some would just stop at the nearest bus stop then you have to walk for 5 to 7 minutes. 

AEON Irino is the closest to Hamamatsu Station but it is also the smallest with no individual shops. Grocery section on the first floor, department on the second and some other goods on the third. Even if it's small, they have a good selection of ladies's shoes and clothes so it's still worth a visit.  (Not sure for men!) 

How to Get to AEON Irino from Hamamatsu Station: 

Take the Number 20 bus from terminal Number 6 at the Hamamatsu Station. (The same bus going to Shitoro.) Get off at the second bus stop just after Tsutaya and Mister Donut. Follow the AEON sign. It's a 3-minute walk. 

If you would also shop regularly at AEON, get an AEON card where you can discounts. 

Las Chillonas Mexican Restaurant in Hamamatsu: Good Break from the Usual

It's easy to find Italian, Indian, French, Chinese, Korean and Philippine Cuisine in Hamamatsu. The area around the Hamamatsu Station is surrounded by various restos of these kind. A Mexican Restaurant is a different story. In almost a year of my stay here I only got to eat in one Mexican Restaurant- Las Chillonas.

Las Chillonas!

Las Chillonas is a family-owned little restaurant tucked in the quiet street of Motohoma-cho. It's situated on the first floor of a Hispanic family's house. It's safe to assume that the second floor is their living quarters.

The facade and interior of the restaurant are nothing fancy. You can't miss it though with it's orange walls that stands out along the neighborhood. It's reminiscent of cheap restos in Mejico and sidewalk food places. Though there's nothing grand about the place, it's clean and presentable including the toilet. 

interior of Las Chillonas

The menu is in Spanish and in Japanese. Since I have little knowledge of Spanish, I can understand most of the words. I think some food terms are common so it wouldn't be really difficult for English speakers to choose. (Eg: burrito, taco, nachos, etc.) The menu has pictures so you'll get a picture of what you can get anyway. 

My friend and I ordered some nachos for appetizer. The toppings are just okay though I wish they could have added more cheese. The nachos are also a bit stale. It's not as crispy as I would want it to be. Nonetheless, we finished them. 

Some Nacho Lovin'

I had a Chimichanga. It's a mixture of meat and vegetables wrapped in crepe. I had chicken Chimichanga but I think beef would taste better. Mine wasn't as flavorful as I hoped it would be. It's still good though especially with a small drop of hot sauce. The serving was kinda big for me I only finished 2 thirds of it. 

(More on Places in Japan, here.)

Chicken Chimichanga

My friend had tacos. They're delicious. That's it!

It's also great to note that the place has vegetable offerings so even vegetarians can dine at Las Chillonas. 

Beef taco

For drinks, I recommend trying Jamaica or Tamarind drinks. Both are uniquely tasteful and smooth I can't choose which I like better. There are also alcoholic drinks which I haven't tried. They have a small bar with various wines and liquors.  

The staff is courteous on the average. Prices are reasonable. The only downside of this place is their unpredictable opening times. They are not open regularly so check first before coming. 

Their contact number is 053-482-9484. 

How to get there: 

1. You can walk from Zaza City for 20-30 minutes. In this case, you'll be needing a Google Map. 

2. Take the Entestu Line from Hamamatsu Station. Get off at Hachiman Station, the third station from Hamamatsu. It's a five-minute walk from Hachiman Station. 

Las Chillonas
Restaurante Mexico
Address: 430-0942 Shizuoka-ken, Hamamatsu-shi, Naka-ku, Motohama-cho 290-4
Tel: 053-482-9484
Lunch hours: Monday – Friday, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Dinner hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 5:00 pm – 12:00 am

For More Review: http://mmm-fruit.com/2011/05/hola-las-chillonas/#.UZlrYqKmiAg

Happiness in Hamamatsu; The Hamamatsu Festival

The past three days have been crazily busy. It was the Golden Week last week- a week-long holiday in Japan. In Hamamatsu, it was not just a simple holiday. From Friday to Sunday, Hamamatsu has been cloaked with the spirit of revelry because of the Hamamatsu Festival.

The Hamamatsu Festival is a 3-day celebration of... Hamamatsu! In the morning, the festivities were at Nakatajima Sand Dunes. Hundreds of kites battled on the park grounds of Nakatajima from 10 am to 3 pm. While watching the kites, people also tasted the various food, roamed around the grounds and just simply took part of the constant shouting. 

kids marching with their big kite 

side show at Zaza City 

"experiencing" the lamp of these two festival participants

cheering on for the babies! Risho! Risho!

one of the floats during the festival nights

At 3 pm, the people moved their celebration to the station. For several hours, they paraded the streets around Hamamatsu Station with their floats and lamps on hand. 

(More on Hamamatsu here)

For three days, I kept on hearing the same thumping festival sound from morning to night. It wasn't annoying though cause I can also hear how happy the people were. For these usually quiet Japanese, it was a great change to see them so loose and carefree, even just for three days. Their enthusiasm and energy were infectious that one couldn't  help but also rejoice with them. 

(More Celebrations in Japan, here.)

A Disney Parade capped off the three day celebration.(Sadly with so many people, I wasn't able to take pictures of Mickey Mouse and the Disney gang.) Being in the midst of these people was so much fun. It made me feel I belong and that I can celebrate with them even if I am a foreigner. Looking forward to more festivals!

Tourist Spot in Hamamatsu: Hamamatsu Castle Park

Just a few minutes from Hamamatsu Station, the Hamamatsu Castle stands with history amidst lush greenery on its grounds. The Hamamatsu Castle was the seat of different feudal lords in Japan including the famous Ieyasu Tokugawa. It is surrounded by fortreses built to protect whoever is the feudal lord residing in the place.

Presently, the castle itself was converted to a samurai museum showcasing swords and other samurai stuff. Entrance fee is 200 Yen. The museum itself wasn't really impressive but looking at the collection can be a good way to pass the time. The walkway leading to the castle winds upward from the park.

Hamamatsu Castle Park in spring
photo credit: http://wallpapers.brothersoft.com/hamamatsu-castle-japan-102489-1280x800.html

Just outside the castle's walls is the Castle Park. The best time to visit is in spring with all the blooming flowers and cherry blossoms . It's also a popular spot for hanami.

(For more of Hamamatsu, click here.)

The flowing waters in the secluded section of the park provides a short respite from the outside world. However, there were a lot of crows that scared me off on my first visit to the park. (It was almost sunset and I was the only one walking in that area.)

There were also two erected monuments of Tokugawa on the park's grounds.

An art museum is also on its grounds but for the three times that I visited, it was always close.

A great reason to visit Hamamatsu Castle Park is its proximity from the station. It's about a 10-15 minute. There are also signs leading to the park. It's hard to get lost.

(More tourist spots in Japan, here)

This is a must-see in Hamamatsu in springtime.

Unexpected Delicious Find: Cannery Row in Sanaru

A month ago, I got on the wrong bus from AEON Mall to Hamamatsu Station. When the surroundings became unfamiliar, I sensibly got off the nearest bus stop. It was a blessing in disguise for I was rewarded by a beautiful sunset over Lake Sanaru. Then just across the road is an Italian dining food chain, the Cannery Row. I promised myself I'll dine in that place if only for the relaxing sight on Lake Sanaru.

Fast forward to a month, my friends and I went to Lake Sanaru to dine in Cannery Row. After taking some pictures of Lake Sanaru, we went to Cannery Row. The short pathwalk leading to the restaurant's door feels homey and welcoming with its cottage door and flowers on the side. 

photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/Cannery.Row.Nissin?sk=wall&filter=2

Upon opening the door, our senses were wafted with delicious aroma. The salad bar just on the right side of the door was an inviting sight. It has a wide variety of food- veggies, meat, shrimps and soup. I especially recommend the pesto potato salad. The dessert corner made my mouth water with its yummy-looking cakes and jellies. I took fancy on their sakura jelly and ate 4 cups of it (hehe!) along with a assorted cakes. (I felt so greedy!) 

Desserts!

photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/Cannery.Row.Nissin/photos_stream

The Salad Bar
photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/Cannery.Row.Nissin/photos_stream

The restaurant's interior reminded me of summer with its yellow walls and colorful hanging plates. There was an upbeat music playing softly on the background which adds liveliness to the place. My Cuban friend felt like dancing because of the music and the colorful surroundings. 

(More on places in Hamamatsu, here)

We ordered a set meal- two types of pasta (with each pasta good for 3 people), plus unlimited access to the salad bar, dessert bar and drink bar. All these for only 5, 763 Yen for three people. The food was great. (I don't know how to really breakdown how delicious the food was.) 

The only downside of the place is the unavailability of a menu in English. We actually didn't know the type of pasta we ate because we can't understand the menu. We just let the girl who got our order decide for us. Just the same, the food she served us was one of the best Italian spaghetti I tasted in Japan. I had one of the best dinners here I'm afraid I wouldn't stop raving about it. The great view on Lake Sanaru followed by great food at Cannery Row in the company of great people, I had a great Saturday! 

For related articles on Cannery Row: 

https://www.facebook.com/Cannery.Row.Nissin

http://fuji-city.blogspot.jp/2010/08/cannery-row-italian-restaurant.html

Tourist Spot in Hamamatsu: Nakatajima Sand Dunes

Tracts of sloping sands overlooking the Pacific Ocean and a perfect view of sunrises make Nakatajima Sand Dunes worth a visit. 

There are only two places where I have seen tracts of sand- one in Ilocos, Philippines and the other one in Hamamatsu, Japan. Comparing the two sand dunes I can say without bias that the one in the Philippines is much better. It's wider, sand is whiter, slope more interesting and there are more activities. Nakatajima pales into comparison. However, I would still say that Nakatajima is still worth seeing.

Here are the reasons: 

1. It's near Hamamatsu Station. 

Nakatajima is accessible. I think that alone makes it a good sightseeing place. For someone like me who doesn't have a car, I really like it when I can go go to a place by bus or train. For less than 20 minutes from the main station, I can already enjoy a good view of the ocean and just feel one with nature. 

How to Get There:

Take the Number 4 Bus from the Bus Terminal at Hamamatsu Station.

Bus 4 is on Terminal or Pole 6. Alight at Nakatajima Sakyu and you're there!

(For Places to See Near Hamamatsu Station, click here)

2. It has a clear and perfect view of sunrise and sunset. 

Since Nakatajima is part of the Pacific Ocean shoreline, it gives a very good view of the sunrise. I went here llast January 1 to witness the first sunrise of the year. There were a lot of people even with the bone-chilling and blood-freezing wind. And I can't blame them, the view was just breathtaking. 

first sunrise at Nakatajima
photo credit: http://www.inhamamatsu.com/recommend/cat/Hatsumode-hatsuhinode.php

(See more on the First Sunrise of the Year here.)

3. The sand changes color depending on the time of the day. 

I've been to Nakatajima three times in different times of the day. Sunset is a a good time to see the sands change colors yellowish to orange to pink to purple then black. It's like the sands mirror the colors of the sky. 

Purple sands at Nakatajima
photo credit: http://www.japanguides.net/shizuoka/outskirts-of-hamamatsu-area.html

4. It got a good view of the ocean. 

I'm a water-lover so just a sight of the crashing waves of the ocean gets me excited. Practically speaking, there's really nothing to see except waters, waves and some rocks. Swimming is not allowed. Even walking on the waters is prohibited. But there's just something about the ocean that soothes and relaxes me. It just allows me to reflect. It provides a respite from life's stresses. 

Nakatajima Sand Dunes with the Pacific shoreline
photo credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nakatajima_Sand_Dunes_6.jpg

(For another water tourist spot in Hamamatsu, Lake Hamana, click here)

5. It's across a park and a museum. 

Aside from sightseeing, there's nothing to do on Nakatajima Sand Dunes. I only know that annual kite festivals are held there. Aside from that and the New Year's first sunrise, Nakatajima is just a quiet tract of land for the most part of the year. Good thing is just across the sand dunes, a museum can be visited. There's also a park for picnics and simple relaxation. 

Festival Pavillion across Nakatajima Sakyu
photo credit: http://www.japanguides.net/shizuoka/outskirts-of-hamamatsu-area.html

Nakatajima Sand Dunes with its view of the sunset and sunrise, sunset and the ocean offers me a brief getaway from the mudane things of daily life. 

Tourist Spot in Hamamatsu: Salt-Water of Lake Hamana

A torii in the middle of its waters, a large water area, a cycle track around it and numerous onsens around it. These and more are some of the things that characterize the tenth largest lake- Lake Hamana.

I have been to Lake Hamana for four times already- two in summer, fall and winter. I always look forward to the sunset at the lake hoping that I would witness the sunset captured in travel brochures such as the one below. So far, I haven't seen one like that but I enjoy the view nonetheless.

sunset at Lake Hamana
photo credit: http://www.inhamamatsu.com/recommend/cat/the-torii-and-the-sunset.php

On two occasions, I have rented a bike and cycled around the track- from Bentenjima to Kanzanji Onsen. It took me 3 hours back and forth. Bicycles can be rented in various sites for 500 Yen from 8 am to 4 pm. I always rented mine at Bentenjima.

The bicycle track offers various views of the lake. I passed by a camping site, a fishing site, a small jetski port, a long (and tiring) bridge, a small park, a windsurfing area. I also passed by the Flower Park just a few minutes passed the bridge. On both times, my final destination is the Kanzanji Beach just opposite of the onsen sites. The big ferris wheel at Hamanako PalPal (an amusement park) can also be seen on the track.
These sights make cycling a great experience.

bicycle track at Lake Hamana
photo credit: http://www.japanguides.net/shizuoka/inasa-town-inasa-cho-in-oku-lake-hamana-area-of-hamamatsu.html

wind surfing at Lake Hamana
photo credit: http://www.hamamatsu-daisuki.net/lan/en/enjoy/sightseeing.html

jet skiing at Lake Hamana
photo credit: http://jetskidoctor.blogspot.jp/2010/07/visited-hamamatsu-city-and-lake-hamana.html

Kanzanji Sun Beach
photo credit: http://www.japanguides.net/shizuoka/hamamatsu-seasonal-activities-fruit-picking-clam-digging-swimming-fishing-auto-race.html

(See more places in Japan here)

It Kanzanji, there' a temple up in the mountains. I haven't climbed it yet cause I was too tired to go trekking after cycling for that long. There's also a ropeway overlooking a part of the lake. There's a small cruise vessel  where people can have lunch or dinner while traversing the lake. I haven't tried it too yet but it looks wonderful.

After cycling, the onsens around Bentenjima and Kanzanji offer great relief from muscle pains and tired bodies. In Bentenjima, I would recommend the onsen at The Ocean (worth 1000 Yen). This is because it offers a view of the lake while hotbathing. In Kanzanji, any of the onsens there are great, I think.

The last time I went in Lake Hamana was on December 31 to witness the last sunset of the year. The wind was bone-chilling my boyfriend and I had to go back and forth in a kombini (convenience store) to keep warm. But the view was worth it and I think I won't get tired of looking at the Lake Hamana's sunset hoping I'll witness the sun set in the middle of the torii.

How to Get to Bentenjima from Hamamatsu:  

1. Take the Tokaido Line at Hamamatsu Station. 
    Take the one going to Toyohashi. 

2. Get off at Bentenjima Station. This the third station from Hamamatsu. 

3. Cross the street from the station and you'll find Bentenjima Beach. 

Hamamatsu City Center: Things to See

Hamamatsu is a medium-sized city in Shizuoka Prefecture. It is located just between Kyoto and Tokyo and near Nagoya and Osaka. It is the home of big Japanese companies namely Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawai. Because of this Hamamatsu is quite progressive but still bordered with natural beauty of lakes, oceans and mountains. 

Vibrant is the first word that came to mind when I stepped in Hamamatsu City. As soon as I got out of the the station, I was bombarded with varied colors and sounds. Hamamatsu is home to a lot of South East Asians, Brazilians, Caucasians and Jamaicans. In the station itself, I have met people from these races which is comforting. At least I know that there are a lot of gaijins like me in this place. 

The Hamamatsu Station also houses May One locally called as Machi. It is large shopping mall offering variety of goods. The Tourist Information Center is directly in front of the Bullet Train Entrance next to the JR Travel and Tours. 

Connected to May One is the upscale Entetsu Mall which offers high-end clothing brands and high-end restaurants. They have an open ground where various activities are held almost weekly. So far, I have seen a Carnival Concert, a ramp modelling show, a choral concert for elders, bazaars of various types, a skateboarding exhibition, a rock concert, etc. The best thing about all these was I saw them all for free. 

Just outside the station is a podium where weekly concerts are held. At night, people use this area to hang out. I usually see high school students sipping their soda on Friday nights beside salarymen and women smoking or simply talking. 

Just below the station and the podium is a Plaza leading to various directions- bus terminal, Act Tower, Asahi place. Even if it's underground, remarkable sculptures can be seen. Almost every Saturday night, I see several groups of old people drinking beers in this area. They just look carefree and young with darkness surrounding them. 

On the left side of the station, across the street is a sprawling and imposing structure called the Act Tower. This is the city's symbol which is shaped like a harmonica. Honestly, I don't see it that way. This is in tribute of the city's musical and artistic inclinations. Act Tower expands several blocks. It houses a viewing deck where the top of Mt. Fuji and the city can be seen. It also houses a hotel, a concert hall, a museum, several shops and offices. Maybe you can just imagine how spacious it is. 

To the South of the Station is a carillon. I'm not sure how often it plays but I usually hear it at 5 pm just before I walk home. It plays an easy sweet music everytime I hear it. 

Hotels, international restaurants and shops surround the area. I always look forward to taking a walk in this area on Saturdays. The sights and sounds along with throngs of people with various colors never fail to entertain and comfort me.