The Cat Dish

Tag Archives: CatTravels

#CatTravels: Top 30 Moments in Japan

by Catherine Toth on May 1, 2012 in Adventures

It was a whirlwind 15 days in Japan — one that took me from Fukuoka in Kyushu to the bright lights of Tokyo to the temples in Kyoto to the sandy beaches of Chigasaki.

I did a lot — but there’s still so much more to discover.

I guess that means I’ll be heading back to Japan.

But for now, here are my favorite memories of this trip:

1. Fresh strawberries

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Strawberries were in season in Japan, and these sweet treats were sold in grocery stores, in cafes and in street markets like this one in Fukuoka. I couldn't get enough.

Big props to Hawaiian Airlines for sending us to Fukuoka and allowing us to have these awesome memories.

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#CatTravels: Aloha in Chigasaki

by Catherine Toth on April 29, 2012 in Adventures, Videos

One of the reasons I flew to Japan was to go to the Aloha Market in Chigasaki.

It’s a two-day festival that celebrates all things Hawaii — from its hula to its food — and thousands of people flock to Southern Beach every year for it.

After spending two weeks here, I’ll admit, it was nice to eat local food, see Aloha shirts and listen to Hawaiian music.

I was really starting to miss home.

So here’s what the two days at the Aloha Market — and a Japanese food festival across the street — looked like:

Spotted!

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I knew this was going to be interesting as soon as I saw this van, covered in Hawaii-pride stickers. (Some in Engrish.) This van was parked in the lot where the annual Aloha Market was held in Chigasaki. This festival celebrates all things Hawaii.

See my video of the Aloha Market in Chigasaki and scenes from Southern Beach

Follow my adventures in Japan on Twitter @thedailydish

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#CatTravels: Daytripping in Odawara, Hakone

by Catherine Toth on April 28, 2012 in Adventures

One of the things I love about Japan — and no, not the tonkatsu ramen or strange Kit Kat flavors — is how easy and convenient it is to take daytrips to other parts of the country. Just jump on a subway or train and, within less than an hour, you’re somewhere completely different.

If you live in Tokyo, you can walk through temples in Kamakura, surf in Chigasaki, shop in Harajuku or eat a fancy meal in Roppongi — all less than an hour train ride away.

That’s pretty awesome.

So we took a daytrip from Chigasaki — to Odawara and Hakone — just to change it up.

Here’s what those 12 hours looked like:

Daytrips

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One of my favorite things about Japan is the ability to jump on a train and be somewhere refreshingly different in a matter of minutes.

Follow my adventures in Japan on Twitter at @thedailydish.

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#CatTravels: Blog coming!

by Catherine Toth on April 27, 2012 in Adventures

Been having some Internet access issues and haven’t been able to post my blog about Kamakura — my new favorite town.

But check back later. I’ll be at the Aloha Market in Chigasaki, but I’ll take a break from eating Japanese-style loco moco to write and post pics!

Follow my adventures in Japan at @thedailydish.

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#CatTravels: From maid cafes to Roppongi Hills

by Catherine Toth on April 24, 2012 in Adventures

The day started off with buzzing lights and maid cafes in Akihabara; it ended with an elegant (and very expensive) dinner in posh Roppongi Hills.

You couldn’t have asked for two more contrasting experiences.

And yet, that sums up my entire experience in Tokyo. It’s a city of contrasts, of duality, of efficiency and ridiculousness somehow managing to exist in a metro area of 5,240 square miles.

So here’s what this strange day looked like:

Heading to Akihabara

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Some of my friends had never been to Akihabara — but heard stories about Japan's electronics capital. I had been there before — 11 years ago — and was curious to see how the area had changed.

Follow my adventures in Japan on Twitter @thedailydish.

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