Old Harajuku Station Building & Victoria Sponge Cake

I like a retro look of old Harajuku Station Building. I searched for more information on the internet, and knew it is British half timbering, and the oldest wooden station building in Tokyo, completed in 1924.

But it is scheduled to be demolished in 2020, after Tokyo Olympics, which is still not known whether to be held or postponed, though. When I heard Harajuku Station would be demolished, I felt sad. It has been a symbol of Harajuku for a long time. However, it can't be helped because the building doesn't meet fire resistance...

Old Harajuku Station Building viewed from the platform of Harajuku Station.

Heart-warming is that the present design will be restored, and presented in the original form, at this same place. The new building built here in the future is no more a station building, but it will surely continue as our symbol of Harajuku.

We took a walk toward our lunch place. In such a sunny day of March. Oh, I'm in love with Omotesando cityscape! Stylish shops and streets harmonizing with nature are uplifting!!

We visited FRANZE & EVANS (←my previous post: Charming cityscape and FRANZE & EVANS in Omotesando, Tokyo) again.  We do love this cafe from the UK❤︎

I'm so happy, Victoria Sponge Cake is still alive😍

A tender vanilla cake and a layer of berry jam and cream are making it a British classic. It is named Victoria Sponge Cake because it is the favorite cake of queen Victoria. Bouncy sponge has a rich, buttery flavor... Butter cream is so tempting, too.

I shared a slice of Victoria Sponge Cake with Lady F.  After lunch, it became a perfect tea-time treat.

We caught up with each other. March, just before the new business year is the best time to update how things are going on. I appreciate I have a reliable friend. Likewise, I want to be a person who my friend can trust and respect.

It was a day I felt British culture in Harajuku/Omotesando, one of the cool areas in Tokyo.

You can check more posts about Franze & Evans♪
Rose's recent favorite❤︎ FRANZE & EVANS LONDON in Tokyo, Japan 1
Rose's recent favorite❤︎ FRANZE & EVANS LONDON in Tokyo, Japan 2

Food! Food! Food! KAUPPA HALLI SALUHALL (indoor market hall of Hakaniemi)

At Hakaniemi Market Hall, you can enjoy both of outdoor market hall & indoor market hall.
Today, I show you the indoor market hall. The inside of the building seems to be called HAUPPA HALLI SALUHALL.

Are you ready for viewing how Finnish food is like?  Let's go!

Plenty of pastries in bright sunlight streaming in through the windows.

Seafood on rye bread? And...ummm..a lot of kind of sandwiches.. There are various types of bread.

Eromanga!  Each pastry of this bakery shop is big!

I bought a pale green bread which looks like a pastry with pistachios kneaded into it.

Breathtaking! Eggs, salmon, shrimps! Open-faced sandwiches all look good! This is so Finnish, isn't it??

I sat on the bench, and took a rest. I didn't go to the second floor, but there are several gift shops there. On the first floor, there are fresh food sections, cafes and also variety shops like this.

Is it Border Collie...??

Border Collie seems very popular in Finland..  (- -) ←staring at each postcard written Border Collie.

So, I showed these pictures to Collie in Michigan to say, "Collie! You are popular and loved by Finnish people!".  And, I bought one and sent the postcard to him later from a central post office in Helsinki.

Peaceful Saturday morning. Leaving Hakaniemen Kauppahalli (Hakaniemi Market Hall), I'm going to hang around this area.

I recommend you to visit Hakaniemi Market Hall at least once when you visit Helsinki. Be careful because it is closed on Sunday. I'm sure that simple, but good quality food welcomes you friendlily.

Lovely Korvapuuti (Finnish cinnamon roll) at Hakaniemi Market Hall

So, I took off the tram at Hakaniemi. Which direction each tram is bound for is a little confusing for me, though. Anyway, I could come!

Whoa! There are many food stalls. Splendid idea occurred to me. How about having a breakfast in this square, outside the building. I found a stand selling what I wanted that was making a favorable impression, although every stand was pleasant. I bought one cinnamon roll with a cup of coffee.

Lovely Korvapuuti❤︎  I was really hoping for this Finnish style cinnamon roll.

Horizontal winding...crystal sugar...cardamon... These are the differences from American style cinnamon roll.

How fun it is! I am happy to be able to taste my first Korvapuuti in such a bustling place like this. I was sitting alone, but feeling as if I were joining local people who were doing their own thing.

The cinnamon roll was cute and a gentle taste. Gentle...like a friendly smile of Finnish people.
And I often think, I wish I could have this roll in Japan!

Peace to all, Rose

Woo-hoo! I finally got the day ticket! It's a travel pass in Helsinki♪

I couldn't find a R-kioski that sells a day ticket I was seeking last night. The IC card type is sold at a R-kioski or a travel agency, and the paper type card is sold in a vending machine. My priority was buying the former because it gets effective right after you make it touch the card reader and the green lamp lights up. On the other side, the latter's usable time is counted from the purchasing time.

I remember there was a vending machine on the platform. Now my plan was getting on the tram immediately after I got a paper type day ticket.

A fresh morning on Saturday. I was heading to Helsingin rautatieasema (Helsinki central station).

STOCKMANN. The large shopping mall in the heart of Helsinki with eight stories above ground and two below. Check it out! I will definitely come here later.

Rautatientori (station square).  This is the starting point of my journey in Helsinki.

I chose English for the explanation of how to use the machine, and could buy my day ticket somehow❤︎ I am glad😂  So, this is the paper type. I got a day ticket for 3 days for myself, and it started right now.

With a day ticket, you can travel on trams, the Metro, buses, commuter trains and Suomenlinna ferry. It allows you to travel in the Helsinki region for 1-7 days.

Ateneumin taidemuseo. The largest museum in Finland. I'm glad to see Japanese kanji 美 in Finland. It's impressive.

There comes a tram! I will find another tram which goes to Hakaniemen Kauppahalli (market hall) as soon as possible. I'd love to have a breakfast there. My cinnamon roll, I'll be there soon😍

Alright, let's go!

I am still proud of Japan.

I've read some news Japanese people are accused of spreading coronavirus here and there, around the world. Still, I feel Japan has a great history and art. Of course Japan has good sides and bad sides.

A building built over a railroad station is decked out with cherry blossoms.

I was impressed by followong videos. Making use of the present bitter experience, I hope Japan will resume peacefulness and attract numerous visitors from all over the world more than ever.

Tokyo Tokyo - Unstoppable Journey - Full version

Tokyo Tokyo - Old meets New - Exciting version

Tokyo Tokyo - Old meets New - Unique version

Tradition meets new. Graft new customs onto old traditions.    -   Revive, Japan!

I am praying for world peace,

Rose

Mother Nature of Michigan in March, 2020【photographed by Collie】

The truth is still the truth, even if no one believes it.

A lie is still a lie, even if everyone believes it.

Don't be impressed by money, followers, degrees and titles.

Be impressed by kindness, integrity, humility and generosity.

Oh no! Kanniston Leipomo is closed on Saturday!!!

My guide book said Kanninston Leipomo is open on Saturday. So I was going to have a coffee & cinnamon roll for breakfast there.

I left Hotel St.George and started walking towards Kanninston Leipomo, which information fascinated me with a Finnish cinnamon roll. What is it like? 😍 I get excited just thinking about it.

It's a clear and very pleasant morning♪

 The road runs alongside Vanha Kirkkopuisto(Old Church Park). What a wonderful location Hotel St.George is built in! There is such a place for relaxation and refreshment just across the street.

Again, I took a photo of the blossoming tree. Maybe I haven't seen this plant in Japan.

Then, I crossed the street...   Here it is!   Oh???

Kanniston Leipomo is closed!!!!! 😱  Oh my!!! 💦

Oh, that's too bad~~~~~.  I thought Kanniston Leipomo in Annankatu is open on Saturday.
All right, I'll come back here again during my stay in Helsinki. I will stick to this plan.

I'm taking off.  Let's enjoy walking in the park instead. When you travel, the unexpected is sure to happen.

Changing the plan is one of the real pleasures.

Old church Park in the morning was really peaceful and beautiful.

In my mind, there is another place where I can enjoy Finnish cinnamon roll.   Plan B!