A Dogapult Trip Part 6: Mountains and Curry!

"Dogapult" (dogapult) 10/24/2016 at 13:00 • Filed to: Dogapult Trip

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Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo. Will I ever get tired of showing you pictures of Tokyo?

Yes, actually, a change of scenery was in order. On the night of day 7 though, we had to check out this curry place we were told about.

Not only was it delicious, but legend has it that if you’re into going fast in Tokyo, you probably come here.

Day 8, August 15th:
We got up early and checked ourselves out of the Airbnb, packing up all our luggage for a trip to the mountains. After spending a whole bunch at Comiket, I needed a second suitcase!

On our way out of Tokyo, we pondered, “Is there anything actually AT Tokyo station?” So we decided to find out.

Turns out the center of Tokyo itself is a business area. Tall buildings and people conducting important business. Not much of a tourist spot, but a lot quieter than say, New York City on a busy Monday morning.

There was this interesting building which, at first glance, had a very different first couple of floors.

However, the city didn’t call for us as much, so we went off in search of more interesting things, and ended up at the Toyko Imperial Palace.

A gorgeous place.

Mostly shrouded in some very strange greenery.

These trees reminded me of Dr. Seuss.

Only in Japan could an elderly policeman on a bicycle keep things orderly.
Actually, speaking of, I noticed a lot of the police force and people involved in organization, (such as the people giving notices through megaphones at some train stations) were quite elderly. That wouldn’t work as well in America.

The Century, the grounds. A VIP’s arrival has never looked so classy. (except for the random tourists)

I guess they just decided on this bus that only one side needed to be forwards?

Tokyo station itself is fantastic to look at. We had to get back and catch our train, though.
To the mountains of Hakone!
No pictures of the main train, but the last part of the journey was on this tiny train going uphill. Tons of switchbacks, and beautiful scenery.

I promise I wasn’t actually driving the train. but sitting right at the front made for really nice shots.

Found this Gen 1 Alto Works near the train station. Looks strange without the graphics.
We got to our hotel around 3pm. It was everything we thought it’d be.

it was very quiet, very scenic.

This “Fire Hydrant” sign had been there a while.

Futons, Tatami mats, very “authentic.”

Maurizio, with his actual camera, takes much better photos than I do. His photos have been scattered throughout these posts, and I’m sure you guys can tell.

Really was a small town.

Had a little creek running through it.

We found an Italian restaurant and I wanted to see what Japan’s take on Italian food was. Maurizio was unimpressed, but agreed to pose for the photo anyway. We attempted to go in around 6:30PM, but it was crowded, and we were told it was full. The next day, we went back at exactly 5:30 when it opened, and it was almost empty...and we were told it was full.

So of all things, we went and had authentic Chinese gyoza instead!

Maurizio got some great photos of the area that night.

The next couple days were spent exploring.

Found this Ferrari truck while walking around. no idea what was going on there.

Mitsuoka makes some very interesting cars.

Nearby we found this gorgeous Delta Integrale.

How many different bolt patterns can you fit on one wheel? doesn’t this affect the structural integrity of the wheel?

“Don’t talk tome or my son ever again.”

All the services a tiny town in the Japanese mountains needs.

A sausage shop in Japan with a Jag parked out front, selling “Europian” sausages.

And a nice Elan!

Found what appeared to be an R31 GTS-R and this cool DR30!

I almost got run over by this bus because there was no sidewalk.

Saw this cool Landcruiser...

and later, walking around, found where the owner lived! His wife was outside, and I asked if I could take pictures of the truck, and she went (in Japanese) “Honey, these guys want to see your Landcruiser!” and the owner came out to show off his pride and joy.

Think he has enough A-pillar gauges?

Land CRAZY.

I realize I’m not that big, but this truck was TALL.

There was a locked gate blocking entrance, but I think Oppo can figure out what was hiding there.

We found a shrine! but it was closed.

It was time for us to move on, though.
Next stop, Okazaki!

for the full Dogapult Trip, go to oppositelock.kinja.com/tag/dogapult-trip

KnowsAboutCars > Dogapult 10/24/2016 at 13:25

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I think the mystery wagon might be a 90's Buick Roadmaster.

Now, excuse me I need to catch up on your trip posts

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Dogapult 10/24/2016 at 13:54

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Only eastern Shinjuku is relatively popular. The western business/hotel area is sorta dead.

Several other areas like Shibuya and Ueno are more interesting and diverse.

I’ve found it interesting that Tokyo doesn’t really have a single “downtown,” makes it more of an adventure to explore.

ZoopZoopLoops > Dogapult 10/24/2016 at 14:27

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The curry place looks tasty.

I went to a place called Bondy’s Curry. It is hilariously tucked away behind a bookstore on the 2nd floor of a random building. You have to walk through the bookstore to get there. The dish was so simple, but it some incredibly delicious curry.

Dogapult > KnowsAboutCars 10/25/2016 at 00:27

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You think right. and also, by all means! Always happy to have more people see them.

Dogapult > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 10/25/2016 at 00:28

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I was thinking of the “Tokyo station” stop on the Yamanote line to be “downtown Tokyo.”

Dogapult > ZoopZoopLoops 10/25/2016 at 00:33

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The curry place was tasty. and yeah, lots of Japanese restaurants are just holes in the wall with decent prices and great food.

Flavien Vidal > Dogapult 10/25/2016 at 18:54

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Yes, finally man! :)

Almost skipped this one as I didn’t see it on time. That Elan is really beautiful, but my love would go for the Delta Integrale haha

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Dogapult 11/07/2016 at 19:21

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Awesome - very cool to be going along with you on your trip - so many interesting cars! :D

I would die if I just randomly found an Integrale sitting around! 0_o Love that Alto Works! Very nice in that surprising aftermarket dark blue!

Dogapult > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 11/07/2016 at 19:27

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Going with me after the fact, but only because I didn’t have hours every night and a computer to easily compile stuff while on the trip. hahaha. The dark blue looks good, but I think it needs the decals to really set it off.