Miyagi Trip 2017 - Day 1

As there is no direct flight from HK to Miyagi, we decided to transit in Osaka. Taking the Cathay midnight flight, we were surprised to see the flight was all full, but on deeper thought it should be expected because it was also the beginning of the long weekend of National Day.

Pretty sleeping for the whole way, we touched down in Kansai airport (KIX) early, and with virtually an empty terminal we were able to quickly retrieved our luggage and went to the airport bus-stop, and catch the 7am shuttle to Osaka Airport (ITM). The fare is 1950 yen for adult. 

The ride was quite comfortable, with after slightly more than an hour we arrived at Itami. Our connecting flight is with J-Air, the commuter airline under Japan Airlines. Fortunately because JL is also part of Oneworld, I was able to use my Marco Polo member status to use the fast-lane and get lounge access too. 

Still early and with about three hours before flight departure, we went to one of the restaurants Sorazen for breakfast. I had the French Toast Set while my wife had Japanese set. The French toast is quite nice, freshly prepared so would take a while to be served. With maple syrup and whipping cream, it certainly is rich and indulgent. The sweetness is quite balanced with the savory bacon and sausage. There is also a fresh vegetable salad on the side, with a cup of coffee along, the set costs 1180 yen, fairly reasonable in my opinion.

Finishing breakfast and since there is not much to see or buy in the airport, we decided to go to the lounge to relax. Again thanks to my Marco Polo status I could go in with my wife. Honestly I was quite tired already and so had slept for a while in the lounge. Eventually the time came and we went to the gate to board our flight.

After about an hour in the air we arrived at the first stop of my Miyagi trip - Sendai. The weather was beautiful with a cool breeze and plenty of sunshine, and just exiting the baggage claim area was the rental car company counters. The staff of Toyota Rent A Car was already expecting us and greeted us warmly when we approached her. In no time she called the shuttle and took us to the rental office.

The office was basically empty when we arrived, and so we can quickly processed the registration and we were lucky to get a nearly brand new Camry this time (with the mileage less than 3000 km). The car is comfortable, quiet and easy to navigate. After driving for about 30 minutes, we reached our hotel on the night, The Westin Sendai. 

The hotel has a modern, luxurious and chic setting, with the reception located on the 26th floor. Probably because we came at the peak hour for check-in, there were quite a few people so it took a bit of time before our turn. 

The room we booked is of the type 'Premier Room', which is located in the corner of the floor with full-height windows of panoramic city views. It has a relaxing palette of walnut furnishings with a dark satin. 

The two double beds are very comfortable, and there is also a sofa chair with ottoman for one to relax and enjoy the view. In addition, there is a round working table as well for business travelers. 

The bathroom again has floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing plenty of natural light to come in, with the marble floor, rainforest shower, and a free-standing bathtub. One can also open the blinds to admire the city view during soaking in the bath. A really great experience.

Then we headed out to the Ichibancho, which is a shopping area near the hotel, about 10 minutes walk. It is a covered walkway so you don't need to worry about the weather. The place is busy but not overly so, and it is a leisure walk and shop time for both locals and tourists.

Because we didn't have lunch we went for a quick bite in a cafe called Kamakura. The signature of the cafe is freshly baked bread. We both ordered a pasta however since we were hungry, and the taste is quite nice in fact.

We went to the Fujisaki department store, looking for some good sake, which is part of my ritual whenever I visit a Japanese prefecture I would try to buy the best local sake. Happy to see that the wine section of the department store actually have one of the largest selection of sake, and particularly featuring local ones. I went crazy and quickly bought five bottles to bring back home to enjoy. One mission accomplished!

We also went to other parts of the department store, and bought some dried shrimps and a bunch of grapes, which are very reasonably priced (compared to HK). The grapes are large in size, perfect in each of them, and very juicy and sweet.

Continuing our shopping we also were searching for the restaurant we were going for dinner. Coming to Sendai of course we need to try their most famous food - grilled beef tongue. Aji Tasuke is recognized as the birthplace of this delicious specialty in Sendai, with more than 74 years now in history. It is a small place and we were seated at the counter looking how the beef tongue is prepared.

The beef tongue is seasoned with salt, pepper and then allowing to marinate overnight before grilling on charcoal fire. Looking at the second generation owner (already an elderly gentleman) checking the fire, adding charcoal, and then grilling the beef tongue may seem easy, but it truly demonstrated the skills he had perfected over the years.

I ordered the four pieces set, which come with four pieces of juicy, tender and beautifully grilled beef tongue, some pickled vegetable, ox tail soup and barley rice. The soup is also very good, with the broth clear and not having a drop of oil, elegant in the taste with the leek bringing additional fragrance to it. The rice is also good with the barley providing more bite to the texture.

With my wife ordering the 3 pieces grilled beef tongue and a glass of beer, the bill was 3900 yen which is very decent in price. A place I highly recommend if you happen to be in Sendai.

Walking back to the hotel we stopped at the yakitori restaurant Kushidori to have a few skewers. We visited the same restaurant in Sapporo a few times before. Honestly this one in Sendai is not as good with the skewers only so-so.

Back in the hotel the beautiful night view of the city greeted us from our room. Good night Sendai!