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.

Yokohama Ramen Museum: A Review

I went to the Yokohama Ramen Museum just because I was in Yokohama. I also got curious what kind of museum would devote itself to ramen. I am in Japan where people just adore ramen so I know I shouldn't be surprised but I am surprised, nonetheless.

Paying an entrance fee worth 300 Yen, I entered the museum's dark building. It isn't like the tiled and marbled museum I was expecting. It was like a enlarged diorama designed with colorful hanging lanterns and narrow alleys leading to traditional ramen houses. It attempts to capture the old Japan at night. There was even a street performer in the middle of the museum. 

Interior of Yokohama Ramen Museum

street performer at Yokohama Ramen Museum

It was an interesting place for the first few minutes but it was too small for a prolonged stay. Also, with all the ramen houses in the museum, I felt I was in a ramen bazaar. The actual place were a ramen history was displayed was small and unnoticeable. If I weren't looking carefully, I would have missed it. There was also nothing much to see or do. Unless you would like to eat ramen, the museum is not really worth visiting again.

The Yokohama Ramen Musuem

 I think the place would be better if the museum would systematically and attractively display ramens from different regions of Japan. They could also showcase an open kitchen to show how ramen is made. Lastly, the ramens sold inside the museum should be at least cheaper. 

I don't really highly recommend this place but if you're near the area, it won't hurt to drop by and look. 

For more information on the Yokohama Ramen Museum, click here

  

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