Chinatown, Nagasaki

We are not really fans of chinatown....but certain experiences led us to venture into chinatown around the world. This one u can't miss because Chinatown Nagasaki is the oldest chinatown in Japan. Nagasaki being the only city/port that was open to the world received many influences from the Dutch, English, Portuguese and Chinese.

During the Chinese New Year festival, this narrow street would be filled with bright colorful lanterns. Shops lined the narrows lanes in Chinatown selling chinese influenced japanese food and imported goods from China. But we were here for one thing.....FOOD...oh well isn't that obvious by now?

Ta-DA!!!!! Champon!!!
the Dish of Nagasaki

We were told over and over again by Chef Ota of Sumika Yakitori this is a must have in Nagasaki. We trusted him wholly, afterall he's from Nagasaki :))))

The dish is made with frying pieces of pork and seafood in lard. Oh yumms...in lard :)))))) before the chicken and pork bone soup is added. And finally noodles and vegetables. This is entirely different from ramen....the broth is sweet and rich with loads of squids, octopus, clams and pork.

The texture of the noodle is really good too!!! my only complain....I need chilis!!!!!

The next dish is called Sara Udon. The inventor of this dish is definitely not Miss Sara. Hahahaha. Another local dish of Nagasaki. It basically consisted of the same ingredients of Champon.

But wait.....there's a surprise underneath it.... crispy crunchy noodles!!!!!
this dish was my favourite :))))))))))))))

The portion was huge for both the Champon and Sara Udon but u gotta eat wat the locals eat here. As usual we were the only locals around. I couldn't even remember the name of this restaurant hahahaha.

Hello Mr. Crab!!! we are gonna eat u!!!
this was worth trying because we wanted to have something else apart from carbs. The thing about chinese food when there's only 2 of u.....it's so difficult to have more variety!! This was velvety eggs scrambled with crab.

This dish looked so simple but my gawd.....so yummy. Best chinese scrambled eggs ever!!! The eggs were so yummy with intense fragrant and I suspected they used lard....:)))))))))

Other eats in Chinatown and native to Nagasaki would be steamed marinated pork cutlet served in really hot soft buns. That's my favourite especially for snacks or even lunch :))))

The famous dish Champon was originated from the famed Shikairou which housed a Champon Museum too..hahahaha. Instead we thought of settling for something less-touristy here at Konzanrou, the best chinese restaurant in Chinatown, Nagasaki :))))

Konzanrou
12-2 Shinchi Machi,
Chinatown, Nagasaki,
Kyushu, Japan.

Kofuku-ji Temple, Nagasaki

Built at the hilly district of Teramachi, Kofuku-ji is Japan's very first Obaku Zen Buddhist temple. During the Ming Dynasty, merchants came to Nagasaki to trade. Soon they built this temple to worship and to pray for the safety of their journey from China - Japan - China.

The ticketing booth was also painted in red to blend in with this temple. The genial old men then handed us some brochures with information in chinese.....then we had to inform no chinese...then he gave us in korean....no we are not korean....before we could elaborate, he gave us brochures in german then spanish....then we gave up.

"ENGLISH kudasai!!!!"

the temple is also known as Nanking Temple and is now the cultural asset of Nagasaki. There are many other chinese temples along this road. But since this is the first one, we had to visit it hehehehehehe.

It looked so chinese!!!! everything was constructed chinese style including the carvings, statues and landscaping!!!! u no longer see any japanese zen garden.

worshipping with bamboos, pomelos and fruits from the lemon family. The weird looking lemon is called Buddha's hand. Very citrusy and less acid compared to normal lemon. I had my first taste of it in Vienna. *read about it here*

the grave yard was at the back of the temple. 
I think the chinese were great explorers and merchants, to have presence everywhere around the world. Think of Zheng He :))))

Prollie he and his fleets were the one who charted the first world map. U think so? It's still a mystery. But one thing for sure, u can find Chinatown anywhere everywhere around planet Earth. And after this serene visit to Kofuku-ji temple, we headed to Chinatown of Nagasaki for the famous Champon. Which oh well, is a must eat whenever u are in the city of Nagasaki.

Till the next post folks :))))

Nagasaki: Megane Bridge - Spectacles Bridge

and Monkey proudly announced...."we have arrived!!!"
it's usually Me that bring us around sight-seeing. It's not as simple as getting to the destination without being lost. It's about timing, weather and location for photography. So Monkey alwiz needs to work out which direction North South West East, wat time does the Sun rise and set at that particular country that we are visiting. Which time is the best with the less people around and at which direction should we face for some most spectacular pics.

Phewwww....u think it's easy being JS's tourguide? I have yet to come to his culinary requirements yet!!!

Anyhow Monkey has got this perpetually built in GPS in her head since she was young. Can't explain, it's just something that I have. :))))))

What is so spectacular about this stone bridge?
It looks so chinese. Yes Nagasaki has got a lot of chinese influence as it was once the only open port in the whole of Japan. Megane Bridge was built in 1634 and is the OLDEST stone bridge in Japan. Yes the oldest but it looked so new!!!! Currently being designated as important cultural property, it is so well-maintained.

Before Monkey could finish her briefing on this bridge, JS already hopped all the way down to the Nakashima River.

-_-"
never pay attention, alwiz in excitement and in hurry.
I felt like an old teacher trying to control her energetic students.

Monkey: "OIIIII u notti boy!!!! didn't I tell u to listen to me and stop jumping like that!!! U might missed a stone and fall into the river!!!! GRRRRR~~~~~"

Monkey was raising her fist as she yelled at JS

JS looked back nonchalantly and gave me the sign language that he can't hear a thing.
Monkey GRRRRRR~~~~~~ >.<
Yea there was a rapid at the river that drowns out all the other noise.

It's called the Spectacles Bridge for a certain reason right?
Looked exactly like those chinese specs....hahahahaha
U will be able to capture this only if the water is so still......minus all the tourists....hahahaha.

The one with the REAL specs is up there waiting for notti JS with that face. THAT FACE >:(

I'm not a mother but I can damn nag. And JS got another earful for not minding his safety while hopping on those stones. Hey u are in that industry that requires the highest level of HSSE - Health, Safety, Security and Environment.  NAG NAG NAG NAG NAG~~~~~

Glad to be back to blog. It's been a while. :)))

Breakfast at Garden Terrace Resort, Nagasaki

*pic stolen from the web*

We luckily stumbled upon this resort while browsing online for accommodation in Nagasaki. Anyhow there weren't many pictures on its website and description of the properties and hotels were at its minimal. Maybe it's the theme of this resort? Minimalist till there's not many words/information.

Bcoz there's not many other nice place to stay at Nagasaki, we took the risk and booked this property. The location isn't that centralised, located on the other side of the bay. Meaning everytime u needed to do sight-seeing, u have to cross the bay over to the city of Nagasaki. Soon we found this is like only 8 minutes car ride away and Garden Terrance Resort provides free shuttle service. :))) very very convenient.

When our driver pulled over to the high security property with checks and so many checks including names and reservation details....we were already so impressed. Plus we have yet to see the main building!!!! and when we finally did, JS asked me how the hell I got this resort. :P

designed by the famed architect Kengo Kuma, who also designed Suntory's headquarters building and LVMH group HQ in Osaka, we were so intrigued by this name. Soon we were bz googling about Kuma-San.

*again, pic stolen from the web*

this was the main reception building with restaurants, checking-in facilities, and the infinity pool which overlooks the bay of Nagasaki. The Million Dollar view...according to the locals around here. Soon we found out many other established hotels and resorts have set up their properties on this side of the hilly area of Nagasaki.

I will blog about our suite once the pics are ready. OMG we are lagging so way way way behind on our travel postings. sigh!!!!!!

Good morning Mr. JS
pls wake up....u looked like u are still zzzzzZZZZzzzzink-ing away on ur bed...time to shove food down ur throat. Anyhow he has got no problem eating breakfast bcoz he enjoys breakfast so so so much...every single day. Even if it means only a slice of toast and a cuppa of espresso.

More like it's Monkey having problem shoving food down her throat early in the morning. I just noticed JS and I were in similar dress code. I can't remembered who copied whom but I like to think that he copied me. Bahahahahaha.


a typical Japanese breakfast is really humongous but when I enquired most of them said they don't eat like this everyday. Just coffee and toast. *macam JS saje...*

Let see wat we have here...there's grilled fish, loads of mentaiko which was so so so yummy, a speciality of Kyushu. Eggs, rice, some pickled vegetables, beef stews, silky soft fragrant toufu with good quality soy and spring onions, clam soup and fish sticks. Also nato which I don't really eat.

They were so so so delicious. and I was having problem consuming everything!!!!

Looks like I don't need lunch after this. Which was so true. Enuff to get us going and moving and walking around Nagasaki until dinner's time.


Our conversation revolved around this single stalk of vege with flowers. It looked edible something like Nanohana which is pretty yummy with light soy and bonito flakes on top.

From where we were, the camera could zoom down to the huge Mitsubishi Shipyard. Really a busy port.


From the main building, we just needed to walk down to these rows of Ocean Suites. There's only 6 rooms here at the Ocean Suite.

JS: "Why so clever and booked Ocean Suite?"
Monkey: "Coz the main building was fully booked."

Not bcoz I wanna rip his pocket. Bahahahaha. If I wanted to, I would have booked the Tower Suite. HAHAHAHAHA which we can even throw a party in the suite.

Do wait for more posting on this property which I'll highly recommend to any travellers who's visiting Nagasaki :))))

For more information visit:
http://www.gt-nagasaki.jp/?lang=en

Mount Inasa, Nagasaki

Yaaaaayyy!!! we are goin up to the highest peak of Nagasaki - Mount Inasa
It's not a very high mountain, with an elevation of only 1,093 feet *333 metres*. It is just slightly lower than Victoria's Peak of Hong Kong *1,818 feet*

We walked from the other side of the river, crossed the highway and came to this side of Nagasaki....JS my only tourist with me being the blind tourist guide just followed along accordingly to the map to the Cable Car station.

JS: "Hey we are staying at this side of the city right? across the river by the slope of the mountain??"

Yes Mr. JS, sharp eyes and coordination there, he has this built in GPS in his head. How I love love love the resort we stayed in Nagasaki. I promised myself to write and post about our vacation accommodation in the future :))))


As usual, once inside the cable car, JS booked the best-est spot inside the glass car for his photography. Oh well it didn't matter anyway coz he will be moving about inside the cable car. This was quite a good size of cable car not too small...there weren't much movement...

I recalled JS even moved about inside a tiny car of a Ferris Wheel to my horror back in Paris. Monkey was already crying and wailing at him to stop moving about inside the tiny 4 seater open air car!!!! He was bz snapping pic anyhow then. The tiny car was swaying ferociously and I didn't enjoyed my ferris wheel ride back then T_T *cry*

The Horror face once we were in...as usual my legs turned jelly and I had to sit down at the handicapped/pregnant passengers seat

-_-"
JS LOOOOVVESSSSS to capture picture of me in fear.

Soon we inched our way slowly up the mountain with a view of inns and ryokans below us. There's also larger hotels situated on this side of Nagasaki. It is from this side that you get to see the other side - the main city of Nagasaki.


Then we climbed higher....and higher...and HIGHER



GAH!!!!!!

Later, Monkey was forced to stand by the lookout window.....oso forced to smile by JS but it doesn't make much difference anyway coz I was wearing a mask :P

Finally we have arrived at the peak of Mount Inasa, locally known as Inasayama. There's a Glass Dome building at the top for a 360 degrees lookout of the entire Nagasaki. On a clear day, you could see as far as till Mount Unzen, another volcanic mountain retreat with plenty of natural hot springs.

You can't really erase the fear off Monkey's face. She looked like she just cried :P pfffftttttttttt

and we watched a beautiful sunset here facing the open sea. It was so peaceful and beautiful :)))

Not to mention it was very very cold too!!!! We waited until the sun has fully set....city lights began blinking on the other side of Nagasaki, lighting up the entire city...

It was a rather foggy day, so the night pics didn't turn out too well. This spot has been famously named as "Million Dollars Night View of Japan." Later we went back to our hotel room to enjoy a similar view :)))

For more information:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4412.html