Tanabata Matsuri

There's a reason why I find summertime the most favorable out of all the seasons.

Besides the warm weather that I love, summer brings nights of sparkles and magical sensations to life.

A Japanese tradition called the Tanabata Matsuri, meaning "Star Festival," is one of those magical summer moments. On the seventh day of July, a wish is written on a piece of embellished paper and then tied to a tree. 

The meaning of this tradition derives from an old Japanese fable. 

I was happy to take part in this tradition since I was holding many wishes in my back pocket.
They were all just waiting to be swept away from me and into the starry sky.
Luckily, Little Tokyo provided the chance for locals like me to partake in the wishing.

Now what's a festival without food?!?!

Festival foods are usually my first motivation for going out….I won't lie. 

The yakisoba looks goood.

I couldn't help but buy those imagawayaki. It was so fluffy, sweet, warm, and freshly cooked.

Okonomiyaki is one of my favortie Japanese street food.

Besides the street food, I am still on my quest to find the best ramen shop in LA.

MEN-OH was next up on my list (convenient because it is in Little Tokyo.)

chicken karage & Tokushima bowl (pork bowl)

Tokushima Ramen (tonkotsu)

spicy tonkotsu ramen

The verdict:

This place is currently on the top of my list!!! The tonkotsu broth was very rich in flavor, and the noodles had great texture.

The pork bowl was disappointing on the other hand.
Yet, the chicken karage was definitely the BEST I'VE HAD!!!!

Last on the agenda was watching the Little Tokyo Nisei Parade.

The Best Eats in Nagoya

Before leaving Nagoya, I had a few stops that I had to make to satisfy my trip.

First off, I had to go to Baskin Robbins to get my favorite "Popping Shower" flavor. 

This flavor rocks because its white chocolate ice cream with creme de menthe flavor swirled in with popping rocks candy. 

Only available in Japan!!! 

I was sad that they didn't have my other favorite being the Milk Tea ice cream with apple pie crumbs. 

 My last dinner in Nagoya had to be at my favorite ramen place called "Fuji Ichiban" 藤一番 
also called Kame-chan.  Ramen shop link

I am not a big fan of ramen, but this place has the BEST ramen ever.

I ordered the Maramen(マーラー麺) 四川麻辣麺（汁なし） 

It is a little different from the traditional ramen, but thats why it is so special.
Sichuanzanshou (Chinese pepper) and the original rayu (Chinese spicy oil) made it tastefully hot. And more, Chimazyan which has strong sesame flavor and black vineger’s rich taste mixed with noodles!

You can't get flavor like this anywhere else in the world!

To top it off, there is no doubt that I had to get some wings at the 

World Famous Yama-chan!

These chicken wings are to die for.

They are actually Nagoya's meibutsu. 

I literally wait every trip to Nagoya to eat these suckers.

I actually didn't eat them there but took them on the air plane back to LA with me!!! 

Yes because I love them THAT much <3