Konnichiwa! LH F (via FRA FCT & a 911) to Japan for Sakura. Back home via Shanghai.
#47
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,454
@Tifosi , Same here! Was in Japan in Jan but now I'm drooling again in the office! This TR should not be read in public settings.
Heading to Philippines/SE Asia in July but now will try to get there via a stopover in Tokyo
Heading to Philippines/SE Asia in July but now will try to get there via a stopover in Tokyo
#48
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 1,782
Terrific report as always.
We were just in Japan in March and one of our guides said he'd rather not guide during the Sakura as it is too crowded.
After our dinner at Dons de la Nature, the chef/owner helped make sure we got into the proper uber. Such nice assistance.
And yes, I think Japan is super-clean. We barely saw a trash can and people just took their own garbage until they found a trash can. If only people were half that tidy here in USA.
We were just in Japan in March and one of our guides said he'd rather not guide during the Sakura as it is too crowded.
After our dinner at Dons de la Nature, the chef/owner helped make sure we got into the proper uber. Such nice assistance.
And yes, I think Japan is super-clean. We barely saw a trash can and people just took their own garbage until they found a trash can. If only people were half that tidy here in USA.
#49
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,211
Thanks JohnRain .
Hmmm , 10 weeks .. It ' s not even a week for us !! , but thinking of Kyoto in fall / winter along with Amanemu ..
Serious planning will be while jet lagging in PNW or on Alaska cruise in about 3 weeks ..
#50
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,454
Decided to skip Nemu for Kyoto instead when visited Aman Tokyo.
#52
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,211
Nemu , the place for relaxing .. Onsen !!
Remember sited in National park like N'oi but not as remote as there is " development " nearby including a golf course .
Will repeat visits combining with Kyoto like last week ' s trip .
Will attempt to post TR ' soon ' .
#53
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 97
[QUOTE=gaobest;28247911]
I'm also thinking that any Porsche sold will be fully serviced / inspected prior to the resale from the car rental firm. I don't know how cars get resold in Germany but USA car rental firms often have a resale division. In theory the car is sold in really decent condition.
Not quite sure about this - ...if it's a rental, don't be gentle
How did you like the exhaust? It does come with the extra sports exhaust. Costs another 2000+...
Thanks for this nice report!
I'm also thinking that any Porsche sold will be fully serviced / inspected prior to the resale from the car rental firm. I don't know how cars get resold in Germany but USA car rental firms often have a resale division. In theory the car is sold in really decent condition.
How did you like the exhaust? It does come with the extra sports exhaust. Costs another 2000+...
Thanks for this nice report!
#54
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
I can SO understand where you're coming from...
@Tifosi , Same here! Was in Japan in Jan but now I'm drooling again in the office! This TR should not be read in public settings.
Heading to Philippines/SE Asia in July but now will try to get there via a stopover in Tokyo
Heading to Philippines/SE Asia in July but now will try to get there via a stopover in Tokyo
Terrific report as always.
We were just in Japan in March and one of our guides said he'd rather not guide during the Sakura as it is too crowded.
After our dinner at Dons de la Nature, the chef/owner helped make sure we got into the proper uber. Such nice assistance.
And yes, I think Japan is super-clean. We barely saw a trash can and people just took their own garbage until they found a trash can. If only people were half that tidy here in USA.
We were just in Japan in March and one of our guides said he'd rather not guide during the Sakura as it is too crowded.
After our dinner at Dons de la Nature, the chef/owner helped make sure we got into the proper uber. Such nice assistance.
And yes, I think Japan is super-clean. We barely saw a trash can and people just took their own garbage until they found a trash can. If only people were half that tidy here in USA.
Sakura is definitely too crowded but worth it nevertheless IMO.
I used to think that my home country (Switzerland) was clean and civilised, but Japan is on another level. Simply amazing.
I do miss Japan as well already.
Yes , SAtraveller & +1 , waiting patiently for rest of TR
Nemu , the place for relaxing .. Onsen !!
Remember sited in National park like N'oi but not as remote as there is " development " nearby including a golf course .
Will repeat visits combining with Kyoto like last week ' s trip .
Will attempt to post TR ' soon ' .
Nemu , the place for relaxing .. Onsen !!
Remember sited in National park like N'oi but not as remote as there is " development " nearby including a golf course .
Will repeat visits combining with Kyoto like last week ' s trip .
Will attempt to post TR ' soon ' .
[QUOTE=MA330;28283207]
Thanks for your kind comment!
Update: the next installment will be online on Thursday.
Last edited by JohnRain; May 9, 2017 at 1:52 am
#57
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Dubai
Posts: 3,301
Another great adventure at the front of the plane, JohnRain!
Looks like you got to enjoy some seriously tasty Japanese cuisine, both above and on the ground. I hope the St Regis Osaka has plenty of welcome surprises for you too.
Looking forward to the next update.
Looks like you got to enjoy some seriously tasty Japanese cuisine, both above and on the ground. I hope the St Regis Osaka has plenty of welcome surprises for you too.
Looking forward to the next update.
#59
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
Unfortunately I'm already back in Europe but I've bookmarked your restaurant suggestion for my next visit.
I'll give it some thought over the weekend...
There's (much) more Japanese cuisine coming and yes, the St Regis had a nice surprise in store for us as we celebrated Mrs JohnRain's birthday there...
Thanks for your comment jbeans. The St Regis Osaka is a great property indeed, but what was it about the shower that you liked so much?
#60
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
Breakfast at the Horizon Club was always very good, with fresh, high-quality ingredients, attentive service and a calm and cosy atmosphere.
The croissants and breads were made by a Paris-trained baker.
Eggs Royale, one of the culinary highlights of the menu.
The French toast was also very tasty.
Sakura drink.
And here we go for our second day of Sakura, this time at Shinjuku Gyoen Park.
Followed by a stroll through trendy Omotesando with some of the best architecture of the city.
Tough decisions early in the morning.
Bill Clinton's favourite pastry shop.
Random Tokyo impressions.
Quirky Harajuku.
Famous Cat Caf.
There's even a DVD collection in case the cats get bored.
Meow!
Onto the Meiji-Jingu Shrine but it was being renovated. The plan was then to stroll through Yoyogi Park to the Sakura viewing spot but we didn't find it.
Famous Shibuya Crossing.
Matching hairstyles.
Snacking at the Horizon Club.
And dinner at Kyoto Tsuruya at the Peninsula, sister-property of the 3 Michelin star place in Kyoto. Unfortunately it doesn't even deserve one star as the food was nothing special and completely overpriced. The atmosphere on the other hand was rocking as we were the only guests. This one's off the list.
Up Next: A stroll through Midtown, Afternoon Tea at the Aman and dinner at Nobu.
The croissants and breads were made by a Paris-trained baker.
Eggs Royale, one of the culinary highlights of the menu.
The French toast was also very tasty.
Sakura drink.
And here we go for our second day of Sakura, this time at Shinjuku Gyoen Park.
Followed by a stroll through trendy Omotesando with some of the best architecture of the city.
Tough decisions early in the morning.
Bill Clinton's favourite pastry shop.
Random Tokyo impressions.
Quirky Harajuku.
Famous Cat Caf.
There's even a DVD collection in case the cats get bored.
Meow!
Onto the Meiji-Jingu Shrine but it was being renovated. The plan was then to stroll through Yoyogi Park to the Sakura viewing spot but we didn't find it.
Famous Shibuya Crossing.
Matching hairstyles.
Snacking at the Horizon Club.
And dinner at Kyoto Tsuruya at the Peninsula, sister-property of the 3 Michelin star place in Kyoto. Unfortunately it doesn't even deserve one star as the food was nothing special and completely overpriced. The atmosphere on the other hand was rocking as we were the only guests. This one's off the list.
Up Next: A stroll through Midtown, Afternoon Tea at the Aman and dinner at Nobu.
Last edited by JohnRain; May 11, 2017 at 5:13 am