North Shore

This past Friday, I hopped on a Japanese-only North Shore tour for a photoshoot at work. The tour was smaller than I thought and consisted of nine people (including myself, Masa the tour operator, and my co-worker Yunmi.) It was apparently off-season since summer break doesn't start until JULY for the Japanese (I feel so lucky!) Everyone was kind but treated me like an alien because I could speak Japanese (haha!) I had to explain to everyone that I was born and raised in Hawaii. Wherever I go, I always have to explain that I am an American. I guess it's not obvious. Perhaps I need to tan.


This guy went on the North Shore tour with his family. Most old people have serious faces, but he was always smiling. When we ate lunch at Fumi's Kahuku Shrimp Truck, I saw him share his food with his wife. He is very sweet. <3 I want to have that kind of relationship when I'm that old, haha. Although he couldn't speak a word of English, he still spoke to me (in Japanese only) and I was impressed because most people are shy and don't even try to speak to someone not from Japan. He told me that he was from Matsumoto (松本市) in Nagano Prefecture (長野県). At the end of the trip, I was a little sad with the thought that I probably won't see him again. I was touched by his kindness.


I tried Matsumoto Shave Ice for the first time.

And I call myself a local?
I know, I know.

There's always that crazy long line. I hate long lines. But I waited this time...and discovered why it's so popular! It's cheap, the ice doesn't melt too fast, and the small is like a large for me! I ordered the sour li hing mui, green tea, and lemonade with azuki red beans. I didn't care too much for the green tea and lemonade, but the sour li hing mui was amazing!

Does anyone have any recommendations for what flavors to try next time? ^^

The trip was interesting but very exhausting. After eight hours of NIHONGO, I really just wanted to find someone who could speak English.