Kushiro

· Food, Illustration, Travel

Last and final of this winter trip to Japan… a year after this trip, I am (finally!) finishing it on this blog… it’s about time you might tell me! Was it an unconscious way to keep this trip going somehow? Maybe… but it’s with a bit of nostalgia that I start this last stop: Kushiro, still on the wild island of Hokkaido.

We only stayed one day but right on time to be lucky enough to see the dancing Japanese cranes, symbol of Hokkaido and also meaning longevity.

 

Akan international crane center

As soon as we arrived at the station for Kushiro, we dropped our luggage at the baggage room and took a taxi to Akan International Crane Center. Buses also go there but we were worried to not get on time (sunset is early!) to see the cranes so we took all our chances.

Sometimes we can be lucky: after a 40-min drive, an improvised picnic in the taxi, we were able to see this wonderful dancing show of cranes flying high… 10 minutes later would have been too late… making these photos even more precious.


Then we took the time to visit the museum dedicated to this noble animal, while admiring the origami made in its honor.

One Japanese legend (Senzabaru) says that if we can fold 1000 cranes and assemble them along a string, our wish of happiness, wealth and longevity will be fulfilled. We can also do this detailed job for someone else so he/she can get better or for a birth/wedding… I love this kind of superstition full of humanity.

It brings something even more special to this elegant animal, who is unfortunately also in danger of extinction…

 

Kushiro Washo market

The town of Kushiro itself has nothing really interesting to see (the surrounding are) but the Washo market might be a nice yummy stop if you would like to make your own “Katte-don”. It consists in choosing various pieces of fresh fishes you like with tasty rice.

The total might get a bit pricey considering the large choice and freshness available! But even at 8am, I was able to savor this Katte-don!

My “katte-don” for breakfast

 

This market is also the good occasion to admire local products (yogurts and cheeses made with milk from Hokkaido) in addition to the seafood.

A few fruits can also be found. Still too much plastic packagings (not only here but everywhere in Japan) but the obsession of cleanness remains in the country of rising sun for better… or worse.

And it’s finally the end of this winter trip with a flight back to Tokyo, a few days spent there (including Valentines’Day once again at Tokyo DisneySea!) and the way back to France, the head full of a new vision of Japan, more natural, confidential and authentic.

I hope you enjoyed this winter tour together and that it gave you a lot of ideas if you are considering traveling to Japan in winter. It will be most probably one of the most beautiful trip I’ve done… I feel like I love this country even more each time: is it possible to fall in love more and more year after year? It seems like yes… (English translation by Quiterie)

 

(To read the entire 2018 Japan winter trip review click here)

Mid season

· Fashion

The weather of the past few days has been quite confusing, and I’ve found it hard to choose my outfit: always the same mid-season issue (we have to admit, it’s a bit early).

Having a smaller wardrobe is actually also convenient as I can keep the 4 seasons clothes ready-to-wear, which is perfect to mix mid-season clothes without looking up too far in my apartment (or my cellar). So here is un example of outfit that I was able to wear the past few days (before the rain).

The idea is to mix a warm piece of cloth with a lighter one and we are all good. Once again, you’ll be able to find a few elements you’ve already seen in my wardrobe:

  • This Zara blazer : nothing to say quality wise… with this peacoat it’s the only two pieces of gold from this temple of Fast Fashion that I kept from my big clothes sorting.
  • This Close jumper : likewise, the quality has remained the same after a lot of laundry (wool program obviously) and I am sorry the website MSR closed down (even though I think the brand Close is available at Monoprix)
  • These Topshop mom jeans : durability and quality since 2014 (it has this laid back touch and can match with everything)
  • This Sézane bag : not on sale anymore but I still love the vintage style and it’s super convenient. From my experience from Sézane, I can assure that the quality of the bags is great (at least the ones I have!). I am more hesitant about the shoes that always end up being not that confortable on my feet.

 

My winter investment

And the “newbies” for my feet, these Mary janes from Carel I had an eye on since I saw my dear Alexa Chung wearing them in every situation. I thought that if she wears them all the time, it means that they must be confortable: indeed the size of the heel, the patent leather and this Italian manufacture were already quite promising.

So I jump on the opportunity of this discounted price during the sales. A nice pair of red shoes, with a pretty red, with heels AND confortable, we can’t find that easily… and I don’t regret this investment.

I was able to walk a whole afternoon without any problem but I will keep you updated to know if they really worth the investment. As for now, I am convinced by their softness and design.

I hope you will enjoy this kind of article, in which I tell you in details about the clothes I have and pieces in which I am considering to invest. Always keeping in mind that my wardrobe must remain small, durable and optimal. It takes time to only have on hand quality pieces but I like the idea of being on the good path. (English translation by Quiterie)

My Outfit

Blazer Zara (already seen here and here)
Jumper Close (already seen here)
Mom jeans Topshop (already seen here and here)
Shoes “Kina” Carel
Bag Sézane (already seen here and here)

Necklace Minetta Jewellery
Earrings Young Frankk (already seen here)
Bracelet Tiffany & Co
Watch Cluse

« Volume russe » Eyelashes extensions Les cils de Marie (already seen here)

(Some links are affiliate links)

Kawamoto

· Food, Illustration

It’s been a long time since I shared with you a nice spot to eat Japanese in the capital! Indeed, I am quite picky and the quest is long but I am happy that I found this one as it’s really worth to try.

It’s not easy to always find constant quality food but this one I went back 4 times (yes, I admit!) to be 100% sure… with a ratio quality vs. price very convincing: what could be better?

 

A piece of Japan near Bastille

A found this little spot with only a few tables in the middle of de la Roquette street. So I would advise you to book in advance. I myself tried a few times to get inside unannounced but with no luck.

The owners are a couple of Japanese: one of them was Chef at the Parisian address Kinugawa (I already told you about it here) but also in another gastronomic restaurant called Tankuma in Kyoto… already pretty promising, isn’t it?

 

Lunch menu

Starters and melting eggplant with miso sauce

 

Let’s start by the most important: what’s on the plate! If you would like to pay a rather fair price, you’d better come for lunch time even though night time portions are bigger (but obviously more expensive – starting from 45€). Otherwise, you can also choose dishes A La Carte (about 20€ for main dishes).

The lunch menu (20€) includes 2 starters, one main meal, one soup and one dessert, which seems to me quite reasonable and rare fo Japanese cuisine in Paris.

So here is a quick glance at the yummy menu. As starter, an assortment including edamame, various veggies, mini makis and THE starter you have to try: melting eggplants Kyoto style, with miso sauce on top.

 

Melting eggplant with grilled Kyoto miso sauce

 

It’s simply delicious: just read at the name gives you an idea of the taste. The soft eggplant mixed with the melting part of the miso sauce slightly grilled…

Sushi assortment

 

For the main meal, you can try a traditional plate of sushi or a grilled or slowly cooked meal (salmon, sea bream, chicken, entrecote) with teriyaki sauce. Everything is prepared carefully: sushis are made in the traditional way (small ball of rice entirely covered with fish). The rice vinegar is pretty good.

Sea bram with Teriyaki sauce

 

Besides, I’ve never been disappointed with grilled food: no matter if it was meat or fish, it’s always well prepared and good.

As dessert, we do simple with cuts of fruits but I think they also have matcha cakes or other sweets. This being said, it’s quite nice to finish with a fresh touch!

 

To sum up

This address is really a must try. No expectation from the outside but can be a canteen for lunch and more cosy at night for people nostalgic about Japan, with good and sophisticated dishes.

You only have to choose base on your mood (and wallet!) but anyway you will be able to enjoy a qualitative and authentic Japanese experience. (English translation by Quiterie)

 

KAWAMOTO
43 Rue de la Roquette
75011 Paris

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