Easter weekend in Nagoya

Brother-in-law and family moved to Nagoya on a two year assignment with Toyota in January, so we went for a visit at the end of spring break, over Easter weekend.

We were able to catch the sakura blossoms despite rainy weather shortening the season. There were beautiful trees everywhere - across the street from our relatives' home, in school yards, parks...

We went several places especially to view - the first evening along a section of the Yamazaki River that is lit up at night. It looked a little eerie, but it was a pleasant walk.

The second day we went to the Higashiyama Botanical Gardens and saw lots of Spring flowers among the many types of sakura along the trails. You could easily spend the whole day wandering the trails, but since it was rainy, we stuck to the main route.

 

I was happy to see was a maple tree with glorious red leaves and imagine Fall at this park would be beautiful.

The last day of viewing we went to Nagoya Castle. We took the kids here on our last trip in 2007 through Nagoya (and Kyoto, Kobe then flying out of Kansai). After strolling through the castle and grounds taking lots of photos, and after a break to eat udon outside under canopies to protect against falling blossoms, we went to the Sakae area to shop at GU ("gee-you" a sister store of Uniqlo) and to check out the Apple and Sony stores. 

We celebrated Easter mass at Nunoike Cathedral, but since we went in the evening, we didn't have brunch, instead kept to the family holiday tradition of a hotpot dinner eating at a restaurant in the JR Central Towers above Nagoya Station.

For other meals enjoyed sushi, curry katsu and plenty of noodles (ramen, udon, soba, dan dan) and one American meal out - breakfast at McDonald's after dropping our niece off at school for drama rehearsal. I think sushi was most memorable at Sushiro - a 100 yen/plate kaitenzushi (self serve revolving style sushi bar). We ate 47 plates of nigiri and maki!

It was great to get away for a little vacation!