Hard Rock Life

2009-12-02T20:47:00.001+09:00

I have visited 88 HRC now(I am not PCC member).

HRC and I - My Travel Photos - My Photos

- 1994
(01)HRC Miami
(02)HRC Orlando
- 1996
(03)HRC Chicago
- 1997
(04)HRC Key West
(05)HRC New Orleans
(06)HRC Washington D.C
(07)HRC New York (1st cafe)
- 1998
(08)HRC Niagara Falls, Canada
(09)HRC Niagara Falls, NY
(10)HRC Toronto Skydome
(11)HRC Toronto
(12)HRC Boston (1st cafe)
(13)HRH Las Vegas
(14)HRC Las Vegas
(15)HRC Tijuana
(16)HRC Vancouver
(17)HRC Memphis
(18)HRC Nashville
(19)HRC Dallas
(20)HRC San Antonio
(21)HRC Houston
(22)HRC Atlanta
(23)HRC St. Louis
- 1999
(24)HRC Cleveland
(25)HRC Indianapolis - 2nd visit in 2006
(26)HRC Berlin - 2nd visit in 2005
(27)HRC Paris
(28)HRC Amsterdam
(29)HRC London -- 2nd visit in 2008
(30)HRC Osaka (1st cafe)
(31)HRC Yokohama
(32)HRC Nagoya
(33)HRC Kobe
- 2000
(34)HRC Ankara
(35)HRC Rome
(36)HRC Madrid
(37)HRC Barcelona
(38)HRC Bangkok
(39)HRC Kuala Lumpur
(40)HRC Singapore
(41)HRC Taipei
(42)HRC Kowloon (HRC Hong Kong now) - 2nd visit in 2006
(43)HRC Seoul (1st cafe)
- 2001
(44)HRC Tokyo
(45)HRC Universal Citywalk Osaka
(46)HRC Osaka (2nd Cafe)
(47)HRC Fukuoka
(48)HRC Makati
(49)HRC Shanghai
(50)HRC Beijing - 2nd visit in 2005
- 2002
(51)HRC Pattaya
(52)HRH Pattaya
(53)HRC Uyeno-Eki,Tokyo
(54)HRC La Jolla
(55)HRC San Diego
(56)HRC Newport Beach
(57)HRC Los Angeles
(58)HRC Mexico City
(59)HRC Guadalajara
(60)HRC San Francisco (2nd cafe at Pier 39)
(61)HRC Sacramento
(62)HRC Lake Tahoe
- 2003
(63)HRC Guam
- 2004
(64)HRC Cologne
(65)HRC Munich
(66)HRH Bali
(67)HRC Bali
(68)HRC Jakarta (2nd cafe)
- 2006
(69)HRH Chicago
(70)HRC Louisville
(71)HRC Narita, Tokyo
(72)HRC Hong Kong The Peak - 2nd visit in 2009
- 2007
(73)HRC Bahrain
(74)HRC Dubai
(75)HRC New York(2nd cafe on Broadway)
(76)HRC Philadelphia
(77)HRC Baltimore
(78)HRC Atlantic City
(79)HRC Seoul(2nd cafe in Itaewon) - 2nd visit in 2008
- 2008
(80)HRC Dublin
(81)HRC Edinburgh
(82)HRC Manchester
(83)HRC Cardiff
(84)HRC Saipan
- 2009
(85)HRH Macau
(86)HRC Phuket
(87)HRH Penang
(88)HRC Penang

Hard Rock Cafe Penang

2009-12-01T18:56:00.003+09:00

I visited HRC Penang in Nov 30th of 2009.

HRC Penang was located next to HRH Penang.

The size of this HRC was not huge, and the mood was really classic.
I loved to spend time at night with great music.

There was small Rock Shop inside HRC,
and there was another Rock Shop(bigger one) outside of HRC.

These are pin I bought then.

At this Rock Shop, I enjoyed talking with some staffs.

This is my 88th HRC visit.
-My HRC Penang page
-My Penang photos

Hard Rock Hotel Penang

2009-11-30T18:55:00.004+09:00

I visited HRH Penang in Nov 30th of 2009.

After I had good time at Georgetown(World Heritage),
I moved to Penang's Famous resort area called as Batu Ferringhi.
Hard Rock Hotel has been here since Sep 2009.

In front of HRH, there was Big Guitar sign.

My room was really nice.
I could go to the pool directly from my room.

After I enjoy swimming at the pool, I walked around beach.
The sun set was really beautiful.

The interior of HRH was cool. I enjoyed walking around the area.

At HRH, I got Opening Memoraial Record, and coaster, too.

This is my 87th HRC visit.
-My HRH Penang page
-My Penang photos

Hard Rock Cafe Phuket

2009-11-29T15:55:00.002+09:00

I visited HRC Phuket in Nov 29th of 2009.

I got info from my Thai friend that the Rock Shop of HRC Phuket will be opened in Nov 29th of 2009 when I decided to visit Penang.
Penang is very close to Phuket, so I decided to Phuket, too.
It was in Nov 10th, so I had to change my schedule.
I bought round-trip ticket from Firefly airline, and booked hotel at Patong Beach.

On Nov 29th, I arrived to Phuket by Firefly.
The weather was really nice.
From my hotel, I walked along beautiful beach,
and found Courtyard Phuket(Marriott)at Patong Beach that should have Hard Rock Cafe in it.
I approached the hotel from beach side, and I could not find any sign of HRC.
I went into the hotel, and found the entrance of Rock Shop!!

When I walked into Rock Shop, I found many people inside the restaurant.
A staff told me that the restaurant was also opened today !!!
I didn't expect that at all, so I was really surprised!!!

The interior of HRC Phuket was really cool.
I found Big Guitar Sign along other street.

About pins, these are pins I bought.

After HRC, I had great Thai food, and enjoyed wonderful night life in Phuket.

This is my 86th HRC visit.
-My HRC Phuket page
-My Phuket photos

Hard Rock Store Hong Kong The Peak

2009-07-01T14:06:00.006+09:00

I visited HRC Hong Kong The Peak in July 1st, 2009.
This is my 2nd visit. My 1st visit in 2006

HRC Hong Kong at Kowloon area was closed for relocation now.

But Hong Kong sill have Hard Rock Store at Peak Galleria shopping mall.
This is my 2nd visit for Peak store.

This is just Hard Rock Store, so I have nothing to do here.
I bought some pins, and talked to staff about HRC Hong Kong.
They didn't know about it.
I think they still look for new location.

After that, of course, I really enjoyed one of the most beautiful view.

And you can not miss the Symphony of lights from Kowloon side.

-My Hong Kong The Peak page
-My Hong Kong photos

Hard Rock Hotel Macau

2009-06-30T13:32:00.012+09:00

I visited HRH Macau in June 30th of 2009.

This is my 3rd visit for Macau,
but at this time, Hard Rock Hotel has been in Macau, so I was really excited.
HRH Macau is located inside City of Dreams.
-the website of City of Dreams
At Macau Ferry Terminal, I could use the free shuttle bus for HRH Macau.

After about 20 min ride, I arrived to HRH Macau.
At this area, there were so many gorgeous Casino.
And City of Dreams was also so huge & gorgeous !!

A beautiful mermaid was welcome to all guests.

The entrance of HRH was gorgeous, and all staffs were very friendly with good smile.

At the lobby, I could see some of memorabilia.

And there was Rock Shop at the same floor.

Like other HRH, this store was very huge.

You can see many items like pins, T, shot, zippo, and others.

I was surprised they still had GO set for sale.
I heard that the set was sold out, but they still had it on the counter.

After I bought many pins, I went to the 2nd floor to see Hard Rock Casino.
Inside Casino, of course, they didn't allow me to take photo.
There were so many memorabilia like Kiss axe guitar.
And the space of Casino was really huge.
A staff told me that HRC Macau would be opened around the end of 2009.

After HRH Macau, I enjoyed the night view of Macau.

And of course, I enjoyed Macau's delicious sweet, too.

This is my 85th HRC visit.
-My HRH Macau page
-My Macau photos

HRC Saipan

2008-09-24T23:48:00.013+09:00

I visited HRC Saipan in Sep 24th of 2008.

I was planning to visit HRC Phuket,
but Thailand has some trouble now,
so I decided to go to Saipan at this time.

HRC Saipan was located next to DFS Galleria that was the most famous shopping place for tourists.
I think this is the best location in Saipan.
All toursits spent much time around HRC Saipan.

They had many pins for sale.

While I was in Saipan, I had lunch twice at HRC,
and I had great time with some staffs.
Of course, I could trade some pins with them,

This HRC has local dish that I loved very much.
It is called as Chamorro Burger.
I really like this, and ate this twice while I was in Saipan.

About staying in Saipan, I did what most tourists would do.
I enjoyed beautiful beach, and drove around Saipan.

Beautiful sunset !

This was my 84th HRC visit.

-My HRC Saipan Page
-My Photos of Saipan

HRC London in 2008

2008-06-26T21:27:00.001+09:00

I visited HRC London in June 26th of 2008.

It has been about 9 years since I visited HRC London in 1999.
-Click here to read my 1st visit in 1999.
At that time, there was no Hard Rock Store next to HRC.
I forgot that Hard Rock Store was opened in 2003,
so it was good surprise to me.

Anyway, I went to HRC first.
It is true that I visited HRC London in 1999,
but I think I really didn't understand the worth of HRC London itself then.
At that time, I collected only city guitar from each HRC for memory of my travel,
so I just bought city guitar, and didn't see inside of HRC London at all.

At this time, I spent much time at HRC London.
All staffs were friendly, and I saw many tourists inside.

After that, I went to Hard Rock Store.
The interior was cool, and all staffs had great smile.

I could trade pins with the staff there though they looked very busy.
Thanks!

I bought HRC London classic black T, and some pins.

I enjoyed HRC London, and I think I will come here again someday!

-My HRC London page

By the way, of course, I really had great time in London.
The night view of London was really beautiful!!
-My Photos of London

HRC Cardiff

2008-06-25T21:26:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Cardiff in June 25th of 2008.
I went to Cardiff from London by train.

It was really easy to find HRC Cardiff from the station.
HRC was located along the main street of Cardiff downtown.

And they had good entrance on the opposite side of it.

This HRC was very small, so I didn't spend much time then.

They had some of good pins that I liked.

After HRC, I enjoyed Cardiff Castle, and walked around Cardiff.

-My HRC Cardiff page
-My Photos of Cardiff

This was my 83rd HRC visit.

HRC Manchester

2008-06-24T21:25:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Manchester in June 24th of 2008.
I moved to Manchester from Edinburgh by train.
First, I got on Metro, and went to Old Trafford.
I bought some goods of Manchester United at Mega Store.

After that, I got on Metro again,
and visited HRC Manchester.

The interior of HRC Manchester was really cool.
I liked it.

I was surprised that they didn't have Logo pin for sale.
These are what they had on the counter.

-My HRC Manchester page
-My Photos of Manchester

This was my 82nd HRC visit.

HRC Edinburgh

2008-06-23T21:24:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Edinburgh in June 23rd of 2008.

After Dublin, I moved to Edinburgh by plane.
I arrived to my hotel around 6:00PM,
and I went to HRC soon.

HRC Edinburgh looked Classic !!
Not huge cafe, but the mood of cafe was really good.

All staffs looked busy, so I had to wait for them at store.
They had some of nice pins.

After I took enough photos, I left HRC,
and started to do sightseeing.

-My HRC Edinburgh page

Edinburgh was really nice place to walk around !
I really liked this city very much.

-My Photos of Edinburgh

This was my 81th HRC visit.

HRC Dublin

2008-06-22T21:23:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Dublin in June 23rd of 2008.
My plane from London was delayed,
so I arrived to my hotel at Temple Bar at 12:30AM in June 22nd.
HRC Dublin was closed when I found it along the street of Temple Bar.

Next day, I enjoyed some place like St.Patrick Church and The Book of Kells at Trinity College.

After that, I visited HRC Dublin.

They had nice space under the ground, and I like colorful car in front of entrance.

I bought a guitar pin, and left HRC.

-My HRC Dublin page
-My Photos of Dublin

This was my 80th HRC visit.

HRC Seoul (2nd cafe) in 2008

2008-02-13T21:22:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Seoul again in Feb 13th of 2008.

HRC Seoul was not opened when I visited HRC Seoul in Dec of 2007,
-My Seoul visit in 2007
so I decided to visit Seoul again in Feb of 2008.
But the opening date of restaurant was postponed until March
though the store has been officially opened.

At HRC Seoul. I met staff who has been my friend since my last visit.
They were really friendly, and we talked a lot!

My friend let me see the restaurant under the ground that will be opened next month.
I think I was the 1st man except staffs who saw the restaurant.

To tell you the truth, I was really surprised !!
The store on the ground was not big,
so I could not imagine they had this huge space under the ground.
I think this restaurant is bigger than HRC Universal City Walk Osaka.
There are some of private room, and live stage.

The staff told me that their main target for this restaurant is local Korean people.
Korean people like to have party with many friends,
so they plan to open this restaurant from 12 noon until 5 AM.
This mean local people can have party all night.
I think this is new challenge for HRC Seoul,
because US base has been moving to other area.

2 days later, I met staffs again, and enjoyed trading pins with them.

I had great time with great HRC staffs at HRC Seoul.
Thanks!!

HRC Seoul (2nd cafe)

2007-12-11T21:20:00.000+09:00

I visited new HRC Seoul in Dec 11th of 2007.

Since I heard that HRC Seoul would be opened at new location,
I had kept exchanging e-mails with a staff of HRC Seoul.
And I finally got the opening date after I came back from my US trip.
It was in Dec 5th, and I decided to visit South Korea from Dec 10th.
The problem was I was so busy after my US trip(from Nov 22 until 27th),
so I had only 2 days in Seoul.

And then I heard that the opening date of Gift Shop was postponed until 13th,
but the staff promised HRC can officially start to sell pins from Dec 11th.
Of course, I was really worried about it, but no time to change my plan.

-Day 1
I arrived to Seoul around 5PM in Dec 10th.
It took about 90 min from Osaka to Seoul.
The staff of HRC Seoul promised me that she would give phone call to me in Dec 11th,
so only thing I could do was to wait until 11th.

I found HRC Seoul easily when I arrived Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon area.
-Hamilton Hotel
New HRC Seoul is located on the site of Hamilton Hotel.

There are many Embassies in Itaewon, and US base is located in the area, too.
I think HRC Seoul got the best location in South Korea.
I saw many of foreign tourists around the area.

Of course, Gift Shop was under construction.
I saw no items inside HRC.

This is a photo from parking area of Hamilton Hotel.

After that, I enjoyed Seoul's night life.

Famous Lotte Hotel was beautiful with Xmas light.

-Day 2
I got phone call from the staff of HRC Seoul,
and she came to the lobby to pick me up.
She took me to HRC Seoul, and showed inside HRC.
According to her explanation, 1st floor will be used only for reception with some memorabilia,
and Gift Shop will be on 2nd floor.
Like old HRC Seoul had, new HRC Seoul will have huge restaurant under the ground that would be opened in Jan of 2008.

After that, she took me to the office near HRC,
and I finally could meet Grand Opening pin on the table.

I really like traditional design from each country,
so of course, I love this pin very much!! LE 300.

They also had other pins that will come for new HRC Seoul opening.

I was really satisfied that I could buy many of new pins from new location.

They told me that they would release Grand Opening 2008 with different design when they open the restaurant in Jan of 2008.

Going to Seoul is very easy from Japan. Only 90 min by plane,
so I will visit HRC Seoul again when they finally open the restaurant next year.

-My HRC Seoul page
-My Photos from Seoul

HRC Atlantic City

2007-11-25T21:19:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Baltimore in Nov 24 of 2007.
After good time in Baltimore, I got on Greyhound,
and arrived AC around 18:30.
For me who don't enjoy gambling, Atlantic City was place only for HRC.

HRC Atlantic City was easy to find because it was located next to Trump Taj Mahal that was really huge Casino hotel along Boardwalk.

They had many of nice pins, so I bought many pins then.

I enjoyed talking with staffs, and took some photos of inside HRC.
HRC AC was worse than I expected, but I could find some of good pins,
so it means I had good time here. Thanks.
This was my 78th HRC visit.

-Click her for my HRC Atlantic City page

After HRC, I enjoyed shopping.
And then I returned to NYC by Greyhound.

HRC Baltimore

2007-11-24T21:17:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Baltimore in Nov 24th of 2007.
It was long way to Baltimore by Greyhound bus,
but I spent all day of Nov 24th for HRC visit.

HRC Baltimore was located in the area of Inner Harbor that has been the most famous tourist destination of Baltimore.
It was really easy to find HRC.
The building next to HRC had big guitar sign on the top of it,
so I could see it even from highway.

There was not many people inside HRC, so I enjoyed walking inside HRC,
and took some photos.
I also spend much time at the merchandise store, too.

-Baltimore 10th anniversary pin

It was nice to visit HRC Baltimore.
This was my 77th HRC visit.

-Click here for my HRC Baltimore page

By the way, I had to wait for next bus that will bring me to Atlantic City,
so I did some sightseeing until then.
-with Babe Ruth

-Beautiful Inner Harbor

-Click here for all photos of Baltimore

HRC Philadelphia

2007-11-23T21:16:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Philadelphia in Nov 23rd of 2007.
To tell you the truth, Philly brought me to USA at this time.
It is true!!
After I saw Rocky Final, I really wanted to visit Rocky Step in front of Philly museum.

It took about 90 min from NY by Greyhound bus

I arrived, and went to Market St that is the main street of Philly.
I easily found HRC Philly. Great location!!

This cafe was not huge, and I didn't see many tourists like NYC,
so I really could relax, and enjoyed to see memorabilias, and pins.

A good thins was that they had some of sexy pins that I like.
And I could enjoy trading pins with staff. Thanks!!
This was my 76th HRC visit.

-Click here for my HRC Philly page

But the main event of my Philly visit was not HRC.
I went to Philly Museum, and spent much time there.

-Famous Rocky Step

-Like Rocky from the top of Rocky Step

It is obvious that Philly was the best for me through my US trip of 2007.
I really had great time in Philly. Thanks!

-Click here for all photos of Philly.

HRC New York (2nd cafe)

2007-11-22T21:14:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC NY(2nd cafe) in Nov 22nd, 2007.
It has been almost 10 years since I visited NYC in Dec of 1997.
After the plan of HRH NY was canceled, I once planed to go to other cities like Rome,
but there are some HRC around NY I have never visited, and I wanted to go to Philly after I saw the movie "Rocky Final", so I decided to visit NY again.

At this time, HRC NYC has been on the Broadway!!
I was really surprised when I saw HRC in the center of Times Square.
How did they make it?? I think this location is the best of all cafes.

I saw many tourists inside the merchandise store,
and there was long waiting line for restaurant.
I saw some photos, and bought some pins there,
but I felt like I could not relax there because it was hard even to find the way I walk inside HRC!!

This is my favorite Brooklyn Bridge pin that I got then.

-Click here for my HRC NY page

I have a lot of things to do in NYC, so I left HRC soon,
and had great time in NYC for couple of days.

-Click here for all photos of NYC

HRC Dubai

2007-05-25T21:13:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Dubai in May 25th, 2007.

HRC Dubai was located in the area of Jumeirah Beach that have many of famous hotel around there.
There were many tourists inside HRC when I visited there,
but all staffs were very friendly, and welcomed me.
-Click here for photos of HRC Dubai

Good thing was that they just released some of new pins that were what I liked.
My favorite was their new city guitar & guitar Head series,
because I enjoyed the beautifuly hotel last night, so I had good feeling about it.
-Click here for photos of U.A.E.

I had great day in Dubai, and my favorite was night view of Burj Al Arab from the beach.
That was really beautiful. I will not forget it.

This was my 74th HRC visit.

HRC Bahrain

2007-05-22T21:12:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Bahrain in May 22nd, 2007.

Coming to Bahrain was long trip from Japan, but I really had great day there.
I drove all over Bahrain by rent-a-car, and I really enjoyed the wonderful view.
My favorite was Bahrain Fort(World Heritage).
The Fort was very huge, but I enjoyed walking inside the Fort though the weather was very hot at the daytime.
-Click here for photos of Bahrain.

HRC Bahrain was located in Manama that is the capital of Bahrain.
It was not hard to find it along the street. Easier than I expected.

-Click here for photos of HRC Bahrain.

Unfortunately, they didn't have many of new pins for sale.
I got only some of F1 2007, and some pins that were released in 2006.

Instead of that, I could trade many pins with staffs.
That was great.
All staffs were very friendly to me, and I could have great time with them.
Thanks for all of your great service at HRC Bahrain.

This was my 73rd HRC visit, and one of my favorite visit through my HRC life.

HRC Hong Kong in 2006

2006-12-07T22:43:00.000+09:00

It was Hard Rock Cafe Kowloon when I visited this cafe in 2000.
This cafe became HRC Hong Kong after HRC was closed from central of Hong Kong.

I liked the memorabilia of Dragon guitars near the merchandise store on the 1st floor.

And I of course bought the pins from those memorabilia.

Thanks for HRC Hong Kong.

HRC Hong Kong The Peak

2006-12-06T22:40:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Hong Kong The Peak in Dec 6th, 2006.

There was no Hard Rock Store there when I visited Hong Kong in 2000,
so at this time, I was really excited to visit this store.
But you know this is only the store.
Nothing special at Hard Rock Store.

I bought some pins like The Peak new city guitar.

After HRC, I really enjoyed the beautiful night view of Hong Kong from Peak Tower.

HRC Narita, Tokyo

2006-09-16T22:39:00.001+09:00

HRC Narita was opened today in Sep 15th, 2006.

I attended the GO, and really had great time though it was also hard time.
- my report from Narita GO

HRC Narita was not huge cafe, but the location is very close to Narita airport,
so it will be good for foreign tourists to buy some souvenirs for their family.

I stayed for 7 hours on the waiting line for pins,
and spent 2 hours inside the restaurant to have lunch with some collectors.

I got what I wanted, and had great time with many of my friends. Thanks!

HRC Indianapolis (2nd visit)

2006-07-11T23:03:00.000+09:00

After Louisville, I made short stop in Indy.
Of course, that was only for HRC.
While I had been in Chicago before, I came to this HRC for a couple of time.

At this time, I wanted to take some photos of HRC itself.
and I did.

They had some of good pins that I liked.

After HRC, I had nothing to do in Indy,
so I left indy for Chicago soon.

HRC Louisville

2006-07-10T22:37:00.000+09:00

At the last day of my Chicago trip, I made a day trip for Louisville.
10 hours drive for there(round trip) was not easy,
but I wanted to visit HRC Louisville at this time.

I was really happy when I found HRC at downtown of Louisville.

All staffs were very friendly even though they were busy then.
I bought many pins as well as some items like T shirts and Guitar Pick Charm.

-My HRC Louisville page

A day trip for Louisville from Chicago was really hard,
but I had great time there, and I am happy that I got many of good pins !!

HRH Chicago

2006-07-08T22:36:00.000+09:00

It has been 6 years since I left Chicago.
HRH was opened after I left, and I had really felt sad about it!!
And at this time, I finally could visit HRH !!

But I was very dissapointed about HRH Chicago !!
I had great time at HRH Pattaya & Bali before,
so you now know what I mean, right??
HRH Chicago is just the business hotel,
and there was few thing I was interested in except the merchandise store.

Anyway, I did visit HRH, and now I feel fine about it.

-My HRH Chicago page

HRC Beijing in 2005

2005-08-27T06:36:00.000+09:00

I came back from Beijing yesterday.
It has been 4 years since I visited Beijing in 2001.

The weather was much better than Japan, so I could have great days there.
Walking around Beijing was interesting, and I had some of great food there.

Hard Rock Cafe Beijing

Of couse, I visited HRC Beijing.
Even though they didn't have what I expected, I could buy some pins that looked nice.

Beijing in 2005

The best memory from this short trip was to visit Great Wall again.
Walking at Great Wall was ,of course, hard, but I really enjoyed walking there.
The view from the top of Great Wall was great.

Great Wall

Spring in Berlin 2005

2005-05-21T23:13:00.002+09:00

The event was great, and I could get many pins from many collectors who came from many countries around the world.

Even though I could be there only about 3 hours, I could talk to many collectors, and could see one of my best friend there.
In addition, Famous Rita came to the event from London, so I could get her signature.
Thanks!!

-Photos of Berlin in 2005
-My HRC Berlin page

HRC Jakarta (2nd cafe)

2004-10-13T22:33:00.001+09:00

After those wonderful days in Bali, I visited Jakarta. In the morning, I met a local collector whom I traded with several times before. He brought many pins from Jakarta & other Asian pins. I could get about 15 pins from him. One of my favorite pin from this trade is Makati city guitar with the name of MANILA.

Makati old pin

By the way, I got the most important information from him. That is that HRC Jakarta has been already moved to new location this June. I was so surprised at it, because Official HRC web has not put the info yet. He showed the way to new location with map.

- After he left, I got a taxi for downtown of Jakarta, and visited some places. One of my favorite was MONAS - Monument Nasional.

MONAS
This tower was so huge as well as gorgeous !!

- After that, I got on taxi, and asked to go to HRC Jakarta. A funny thing was that the taxi driver brought me to Sarinah Department store where HRC Jakarta was located at before, so I explained the driver that new HRC had been located next to Grand Hyatt Hotel. New HRC Jakarta is located at shopping mall called as Entertainment X'nter that is next to Grand Hyatt & Plaza Indonesia Mall.

New HRC Jakarta
I really think this location is much better that old one. There were so many people at the mall that had many stores, restaurants, and cinema. HRC was located at 2nd floor.

The entrance of HRC Jakarta

At the merchandise store, I found 12th anniversary pin whose design come from MONAS tower.

Jakarta 12th
I really think they did good job on this pin.

- And then I had a drink & a dessert there, and could trade many pins with some staffs. All staffs were so friendly, and we could enjoy trading many pins.

Trade with staffs

By the way, visiting HRC Jakarta meant that my Asian HRC visit was completed now! It was a long way to reach this point, so I really feel great.

Inside HRC Jakarta

HRC Bali

2004-10-12T22:27:00.002+09:00

About Hard Rock Cafe Bali, it was great!!

I always saw the long waiting line to go inside HRC every night. There were many pins I liked. My favorite pins are Earthday 2004.

Bali Earthday 2004
HRC Bali pins

- Talking about the life in Bali, I really enjoyed Indonesian foods everyday.
Of course, there were famous fast-food chain like McDonald's & KFC, but I chose to eat Indonesian food everyday. In fact, most of their foods were so good. I liked Indonesian spicy fried rice(Nasi Goreng), Indonesian Fried noodle(Mie Goreng) and Sate with coconut sauce.

Indonesian Food

- And I also enjoyed the water attraction called as Water Bomb Park near Kuta area. This is like "Wet 'n' Wild" in Orlando, Florida. I could enjoy many sliders, and relax at the pool side. Of course, I could also enjoyed the shopping. I got many T. I really had great holidays here, and of course, I really want to go to Bali again.

Don't forget to check some photos of Bali

HRH Bali

2004-10-11T22:22:00.001+09:00

I stayed Bali for 3 days, and of course! at Hard Rock Hotel Bali.

The location of this HRH was one of the best !!
HRH is located Just in front of Kuta beach, so I didn't miss the beautiful sunset,

Kuta Beach
and we can walk to Kuta Square(Wild shopping area!). In addition, it was very close to the airport. And of course, staying at HRH was great. I could relax at the cool room, and relax at the huge pool with the view of HRC Bali.
Don't forget to check the photos.Hard Rock Hotel Bali,

About pins from HRH Mega Store, they had some nice pins.
HRH Bali pins.

HRC Munich

2004-05-21T22:21:00.000+09:00

After Cologne, I got on German ICE, and visited Munich. There were so many tourists along the main street. I enjoyed German dishes with beer at famous plaza.

Photos of Munich

At next day, I made a day trip to the suburb of Munich. The target was to see Neuschwanstein Castle. The castle was very beautiful in the mountain. I enjoyed the gorgeous interior inside the castle.

Neuschwanstein Castle

HRC Munich was located near famous beer restaurant called as HOFBRAUHAUS. I bought some pins, and enjoyed talking with a staff.

HRC Munich

HRC Cologne

2004-05-20T22:19:00.003+09:00

In 2004, after I enjoyed Paris for 5 days, I got on Thalys for Cologne.
When I arrived to Cologne station, I was so surprised that I could see the famous Cathedral from the inside of station !! It was like the Cathedral was looking at me from outside.

The Cathedral was so huge, and I could feel the power of it. I went to the top of it, and enjoyed the view of Cologne.

Photos of Cologne

Cologne was not a big city, but there were so many interesting things that could attract me.

Of course, I visited HRC Cologne.

HRC Cologne

I had dinner at HRC Cologne. The cool interior of this cafe was one of the best in my Hard Rock life. I enjoyed the mood of HRC Cologne, and had great meal.

Fortunately, they just release 1st anniversary that used the famous cathedral on it.
I love this pin !!

HRC Guam

2003-07-16T14:57:00.000+09:00

In 2003, I just visited 1 HRC. This was the only trip I did in 2003.
I had been so busy !!

Anyway, I got enough miles to get free ticket, so I decided to go to Guam for vacation.
I stayed there for a week, and it was long enough to enjoy Guam.
Everyday, I enjoyed swimming in the beautiful sea, and went to some of shopping mall to have meal.
While I was in Guam, I saw 5 movies there, I was really happy that I could see some of new movie before they came to Japan later.

Photos of Guam

Of course, I visited HRC Guam every night. This HRC was located along the famous street, so nobody would miss to find this cafe.

My page of HRC Guam

Around HRCs, there were not only many stores but many restaurants. At the HRC, I could trade many of Japanese pins with many staffs who were so friendly. I had a good holiday in Guam.

Kimono in front of HRC guam

HRC Lake Tahoe

2002-04-12T14:56:00.000+09:00

After long drive in the mountain area, I finally arrived to Lake Tahoe that had been one of the famous resort area.
I found the sign of HRC at the building that had Casino & Hotel inside.

It was late night(around 0;00AM), so I checked in the motel near HRC, and walked into the building.

I hardly saw people inside because it was out of holiday season here, and then I found HRC Lake Tahoe.

My page of HRC Lake Tahoe

This cafe looked very unique with Lodge style that I really liked. I was so tired after doing long drive through mountain, so I returned to the motel, and took enough rest for next day. At next day, I could see the beautiful view of Lake Tahoe. I could refresh my mind, and went back to SFC.

-Photos of Lake Tahoe

HRC Sacramento

2002-04-11T14:54:00.000+09:00

After SFC, I visited Sacramento only for HRC.

My page ofHRC Sacramento

I had to leave here for Lake Tahoe soon, so I just bought some pins, and took photos. I hardly saw people in downtown of Sacramento at that time, but I was surprised that there were so many people inside HRC. I felt the popularity of HRC there.

HRC San Francisco (2nd cafe at Pier 39)

2002-04-10T14:53:00.001+09:00

On the way back from Mexico, I arrived to San Francisco. Before this, I visited SFC twice, but I had never visited the former HRC San Francisco.

I rent a car at SFC airport, and went to Pier 39. I finally visited HRC San Francisco that had been reopen at the Pier 39.

My pafe ofHRC San Francisco

This location was one of the best in my Hard Rock Life. HRC was just located at the entrance gate of famous tourist area "Pier 39", so there were so many tourists inside this cafe.
Instead of that good location, this HRC itself was one of the worst in my Hard Rock Life. I just didn't like the interior as well as the appearance. I got some pins, and ate fish&chips at other restaurant.
And then I left there for next HRC.

HRC Guadalajara

2002-04-09T14:51:00.001+09:00

After I had great time in Morelia where was the city of the world heritage, I got on the bus for Guadalajara.

Guadalajara was very huge like Mexico City. I stayed at a hotel in downtown, and enjoyed sightseeing, and shopping.

Photos of Guadalajara

HRC Guadalajara was located inside the shopping mall.

HRC Guadalajara

I had to go there by taxi. Even though they had some of good pins, I saw nothing special here, so I just had some drinks, and then enjoyed shopping in the mall.

After Guadalajara, I went to Guanajuato that was also the city of the world heritage. Guanajuato was the best of cities where I had visited in Mexico. The view from the famous hill was just unbelievable !!

Photos of Guanajuato

HRC Mexico City

2002-04-08T14:47:00.002+09:00

In 2002, I made another trip in Oct. I planed to visit 5 HRCs of Mexico & USA. I arrived to Mexico City. Mexico City was so huge !!

Photos of Mexico City

There were so many people wherever I went, and the mood of the city was really wild. I enjoyed shopping as well as sightseeing.

While I was there, I made one day trip to Pyramid that was located in suburb of the city.

Teotihuacan
The pyramid was one of the biggest thing people made. It was hard to go to the top, but the view from there was unbelievable.

Of course, I visited HRC Mexico.

HRC Mexico City

A staff of HRC Mexico was my friend whom I had done many trades with.
At HRC Mexico, I met him, and had dinner together, He gave me Camel pins that was only given to HRC staffs before.

And then we talked about many things, and had good time with great music.

About pins, it was one of the best in my Hard Rock Life.
There were so many pins I liked !!

HRC Los Angeles

2002-04-07T14:44:00.001+09:00

After HRC Newport Beach, I went to huge shopping mall in the suburb of LA. I enjoyed movies as well as shopping. Unfortunately, it was at 10:00 PM after the movie. I was surprised, and confused what I was going to do then.

There were 2 more HRCs around LA. I had 2 choices then. Going to HRC LA or HRC Hollywood. I selected HRC Los Angeles. HRC Los Angeles is one of the historical HRC like HRC London. I always wanted to visit the first HRC in USA.

My page of HRC Los Angeles

I drove my car, and arrived HRC LA before the cafe was closed. I took some photos inside, and bought some pins as I always do. In USA, the history of HRC was born here. I had good day, and stayed at a motel in Hollywood area, and then I left USA for Japan early morning.

HRC Newport Beach

2002-04-06T14:37:00.002+09:00

After I visited HRC San Diego, I went to HRC Newport Beach.

On the way to HRC Newport, I lost my way around there, and wasted time.
Finally, I found the huge sign of HRC, and took some photos inside, and bought some pins for my friends. I really had no time to take a rest here, and left here for LA.

HRC Newport Beach

HRC San Diego

2002-04-05T14:35:00.001+09:00

After HRC La Jolla, I check in the motel near San Diego, and then went to downtown of San Diego.
It was on Saturday, so there were so many people. It took about 30 minuteds to park my car !

HRC San Diego

I had dinner at HRC San Diego, and enjoyed the mood of HRC.
I was very tired after round trip to Death Valley. I can not believe that there were so many HRCs around one state!!

HRC La Jolla

2002-04-04T14:32:00.001+09:00

In 2002, I visited USA again for 5 days. I planed to visit HRC around LA though my main target was Death Valley .

After I went to Death Valley by car, I returned to California, and then I visited HRC La Jolla.

HRC La Jolla

HRC La Jolla was located along nice street where many stores & restaurants attracted people. I took some photos inside, and bought some pins there. After that I left there for next HRC(in San Diego).

HRC Uyeno-Eki, Tokyo

2002-04-03T14:29:00.001+09:00

In March of 2003, another HRC was opened in Tokyo that has already had HRC Tokyo in Roppongi of Tokyo. At this time, HRC was opened inside the mall of Uyeno Station.

HRC Uyeno page

At the GO day, I had business in Yokohama, so I could not attend the GO ceremony, so I visited the cafe at the night. There were still some kinds of GO pins on the counter(They released 4 kinds of GO !!).

I really think this HRC is located in the best place of all HRCs, because HRC is just in front of the main entrance of Uyeno station, Even though this cafe is the smallest HRC in my Hard Rock Life, I really like this HRC, because I can visit this cafe easily when I had business in Tokyo area. The location is more important for me than the size.

The city of Uyeno is famous for Uyeno Zoo that has Panda Bear, so HRC Uyeno recently release pins with Panda every month.

HRH Pattaya

2002-04-02T14:25:00.003+09:00

After I enjoyed HRC Pattaya like this, I stayed for a night at Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya that was located next to HRC.

HRH Pattaya page

This was my first stay at HRH even though I visited HRH Las Vegas before. Hard Rock Hotel was so gorgeous, and the location was great. The interior of the room was also cool, and I enjoyed walking inside HRH, too.

There were Mega Store inside HRH, and I was surprised that they still had GO pin on the counter. I had good time at this HRH.

HRC Pattaya

2002-04-01T14:20:00.002+09:00

In 2002, I went to Thailand again, because HRC & HRH was opened in 2001. Before going to Pattaya, I visited 2 of world heritage around Far East. They were Angkor of Cambodia & Sukhothai of Thailand. I really had great days there even though the schedule of my plan sounded crazy.

After that, I stayed in Bangkok for a day, and had great day with my friend who always helped me to get great pins from Thai location.

Next day, I got on the bus for Pattaya. Pattaya was famous for resort. HRC Pattaya was just in front of the beautiful beach.

HRC Pattaya

I stayed at HRH, and had dinner at HRC Pattaya. Some staffs of HRC was so friendly, and we did exchange our pins.

Photos of Pattaya

HRC Beijing

2001-12-16T23:51:00.006+09:00

After Shanghai, I visited the capital of China. Beijing had something special that lead me to China. I had been really interested in the Great Wall since I was a child, so I was so excited that I could finally visit the famous Great Wall.

Beijing was so huge, so I needed to get on taxi wherever I went. There were so many historical places in Beijing, so I was so busy everyday.

Of course, I made a day trio for Great Wall by bus. I was so impressed when I saw the Great Wall in front of me. I had enough time there, and enjoyed walking on the wall.

Photo of Great Wall

At night, I enjoyed Chinese Opera at the theater. As some of you know, Asian HRC did the series pins in 2001 from this show. I enjoyed this historical show.

About HRC Beijing, the location was one of the worst in my Hard Rock Life. HRC was so far from tourist area, and I hardly saw the people inside the HRC. I had lunch at HRC, and bought some pins like X'mas 2001 that looked very cute.

HRC Beijing page

As a result, I really enjoyed Beijing, but I was disappointed in this cafe.

-Check the report from next visit in 2005

HRC Shanghai

2001-12-15T23:49:00.002+09:00

China was always the country where I wanted to go, but I needed tourist visa if I wanted to go to China, so I didn't have chance to go there until in the end of 2001. I had enough time to get the visa before my holidays, so I got tourist visa, and left Japan for China.

At first, I visited Shanghai. Shanghai was so huge ! There were so many tall buildings around the city, and I always saw the big traffic jam. I could see the energy of China in Shanghai. I visited many places, and had good days there.

Photos of Shanghai in 2001

I also enjoyed the famous entertainment in Shanghai call as Shanghai Acrobatic Theater. This great show was the best thing I saw in Shanghai.

The former HRC Shanghai was located next to the building of Acrobatic Theater. I had dinner there, and enjoyed their live.

HRC Shanghai page

HRC Makati

2001-10-15T23:46:00.001+09:00

After I enjoyed some of Japanese HRCs in 2001, I visited Philippine. I had never heard from any collectors that they visited HRC Makai, so I decided to visit the cafe .

I really had no info about Makati. Only I know about Philippine was Manilla. Philippine was actually good country to visit. There were many of historical buildings & Church including some of world heritage that was built when Philippine was under Spain.

Photos of Philippine

I stayed at the hotel in the area of Makati that was known as the modern area of Philippine. There were many shopping mall, and restaurant. HRC Makati was there inside a shopping mall.

HRC Makati page

After I got some pins, I talked with the manager of HRC Makati, and then I could exchange many pins with almost all staffs of the HRC. It was my birthday, so the GM asked me to take photos with all staffs on the center stage. I was very shamed, but it became one of the best memory of my Hard Rock Life. Thanks, HRC Makati !!

HRC Fukuoka

2001-09-17T23:45:00.000+09:00

I had business in Fukuoka for a week, so I was so happy that I could finally visit HRC Fukuoka which was the final piece to complete Japanese HRC visit of mine.

I visited this cafe at night after work. This cafe was located just in front of the huge stadium, so it was so easy to find.

I bought some pins, and had dinner there. For any of you who like to visit all of Japanese HRC, Fukuoka would be the hardest one to visit if you come to Japan, because this cafe is located far from other cafes in Japan. But it was actually worth to visit for HRC fans!
HRC Fukuoka page

HRC Osaka (2nd cafe)

2001-09-15T23:42:00.002+09:00

Believe it or not, another HRC came to Osaka in Sep 2001 after HRC Universal Osaka was opened in March 2001. Of course, I was so happy about the cafe that was very close to my home(about 30 min by train).

New HRC Osaka was opened in the center of Honmachi business area after a bank was closed. Of course, I didn't miss the chance to attend GO at this time. In fact, this was my 1st GO, so I was so excited.

At the day of GO, I went to HRC around 8 AM, but then I was surprised that there were many collectors on the line. I saw some collectors from Tokyo area, and Nagoya area. And then we could talk until the opening time(11 AM?). They had some ceremony for the opening, and then we had to wait to buy GO pins !!

New HRC Osaka had new interior that is very different from other HRCs, and in addition, there is DJ booth inside the cafe as well as special bar called as the bank bar. I had lunch with some collectors, and enjoyed my first GO day. Since then, this cafe has been my home HRC, and we have held monthly pin meeting here.

New HRC Osaka page

HRC Universal Citywalk Osaka

2001-05-04T20:10:00.001+09:00

Since we lost HRC Osaka, we had been waiting for this good news. HRC Universal Citywalk Osaka was opened in March 22,2001 just in front of Universal Studio Japan.

At the opening day, I had to work, so I visited this cafe at the night after work. I remember I was so surprised at the size of the mega store as well as the size of the restaurant.

Since then, I have visited this cafe many times, and have attended their official pin meeting every year.

My HRC Universal Citywalk Osaka page

HRC Tokyo

2001-05-01T20:09:00.000+09:00

In 2001, I could finally visit HRC Tokyo that was the 1st cafe in Japan. I had business in Tokyo, so I was excited I could go to this historical cafe after the work.

My HRC Tokyo page

HRC Tokyo has been located in Roppongi that has been famous for night life in Japan. This cafe was not huge cafe, but the mood of it had something special. I really felt the history !

Since then, I have visited HRC Tokyo many times. I always enjoy HRC Tokyo that could be the kind of memorabilia among HRC fans.

One of my best memory at HRC Tokyo was their official Pin Meeting that was held in 2004. I went to Tokyo by bullet train, and had great time with many of Japanese collectors(about 100 collectors). It is always fun to talk to people who have same hobby, right ?

HRC Seoul (1st cafe)

2000-12-12T20:04:00.001+09:00

This was my last trip in 2000(5 times in 2000). South Korea is very close to Japan, but this was my first trip for Seoul. Seoul was a big city with 2 faces. There were traditional side & modern side, and they were mixed in some area. Some area of Seoul was so exciting with many stores & people.

What I enjoyed the most was their food like Korean barbecue.

In addition, they have some of historical places including some of world heritage that was really worth to visit. While I was in Seoul, it was snowing, and unfortunately, I was cold then. So I really had hard time to walk around those historical places, but I enjoyed those places.

Photos of Seoul
About HRC Seoul, I think it is one of the worst location in my Hard Rock Life even though the cafe itself was great with friendly staffs, I had to walk for a long time to visit HRC from the closest station at night. I don't know why HRC Seoul has been located in such a strange place. I could buy Halloween 2000, and enjoyed talking with a staff at the bar. Hopefully, I can go to Seoul again when I am healthy.

My HRC Seoul page

HRC Kowloon

2000-11-01T19:56:00.000+09:00

In 2000, I did a short trip again. At this time, I visited Hong Kong where had been very famous for people who love shopping. I was really surprised that Hong Kong was so huge, and there were many area in Hong Kong. I stayed at the area of Kowloon, so I could walk to HRC every night.

My HRC Kowloon page

HRC Kowloon was after reopen. I went there every night, and enjoyed their music with good foods. I really think this cafe was located in the best place.

About Hong Kong, it was great!! Hong Kong has everything for tourists. There are many stores for shopping, some of historical temples, and one of the most beautiful view from Victoria Peak. I went to the Peak 3 times, and enjoyed the view from there.

Photos of Hong Kong in 2000

I also made a day trip to Macao where I could go by ship easily. Macao was a small island, so a day was enough for me who was not interested in Gambling.

Macao

There were 2 kinds of HRC(Hong Kong Central & Kowloon) in Hong Kong before. Unfortunately, there was only HRC Kowloon when I visited there, and now HRC Kowloon changed the name to HRC Hong Kong, and another HRC(only merchandise) has been opened at the Victoria Peak. Confused??

- 2nd Visit in 2006

HRC Taipei

2000-10-01T19:54:00.000+09:00

I continued traveling around Far East in 2000. At this time, I did a short trip for Taiwan that was very close to Japan. I felt like it was the domestic trip. But the mood was very different. Taipei was huge, and I really had good days there.

Photos of Taiwan

In addition, I changed my plan, and decided to traveled around Taiwan by bus, I visited some cities of Taiwan like Taichung & Tainan. There were so many historical places in each city, and of course, I could also enjoy their local foods.

About HRC, I was lucky that I could visit HRC after reopen.

My HRC Taipei page

After the entrance, there was a long passage to the restaurant, and they put many of great memorabilia on the wall. One of my favorite memorabilia was a guitar from Eric Crapton. This one was so cool.

They had some of good pins like Halloween set 2000. I had lunch here, and talked with some staffs about pins.

Unfortunately. HRC Taipei was closed in 2002.

HRC Singapore

2000-04-03T19:53:00.001+09:00

I came back to Singapore after having good days in Kuala Lumpur. A funny thin is that I hardly took photos in Singapore. I just took some photos of HRC, and that's all. The reason is that I didn't find anything that I wanted to take photo. It didn't mean that I didn't enjoy Singapore. I enjoyed shopping at some of huge shopping mall, and saw some movies there. I enjoyed myself in Singapore.

My HRC Singapore page
About HRC, I could get some pins that I liked. Some staff of the merchandise were so friendly, and I enjoyed talking with them.

Now I am thinking why I didn't take photo of Marlion that is the symbol of Singapore. I loved that.

HRC Kuala Lumpur

2000-04-02T19:49:00.002+09:00

After Bangkok, the plane took me for Singapore, and then I got on the night bus for Kuala Lumpur from the bus terminal of Singapore. The bus came over the border, and took me to Kuala Lumpur next day. Only thing I know about KL was that there was a huge tower call as Twin Tower that I saw the movie"Entrapment". In fact, the tower really looked cool.

After I enjoyed shopping around there, I visited HRC Kuala Lumpur.

My HRC Kuala Lumpur page
Even though they didn't have many pins for sale, I was satisfied with what they had then.

Kuala Lumpur was bigger than I imagined, and walking around the downtown was so interesting. There were many store outside, and I could enjoyed their local foods everyday.

Photos of Kuala Lumpur

HRC Bangkok

2000-04-01T19:47:00.001+09:00

1st visit
In April 2000, I went to Thailand that was my first trip for Far East. Everything around me attracted me. I enjoyed the difference from those countries where I had visited before Thai. My main target in Thai were some of world heritage & to enjoy Muy Thai(Kickboxing).

I also visited Ayutaya heritage that was located in the suburb of Bangkok. That was a great short trip.

About HRC Bangkok, it was located in the area where many shopping stores & restaurant were located. I could get many pins, and took many photos of HRC then.

My HRC Bangkok page

Unfortunately, their staff at the merchandise store was one of the worst in my Hard Rock Life. But I understand there are many kinds of people on our earth.

Photos of Bangkok

2nd visit
In 2003, another HRC was opened in Thai. That was HRC Pattaya, so I decided to visit Thailand again. Before going to Bangkok, I visited two great heritage that were Angkor Wat and Sukhotai.

And then I stayed in Bangkok for 2 days. I met a local collector whom I have traded for a long time. We had lunch at HRC Bangkok, and we did some sightseeing together. I had great time again in Bangkok.

HRC Barcelona

2000-02-04T21:19:00.001+09:00

After Madrid, I visited Toledo & Segovia. Those cities were also great.
Photo of Spain

And then I went to Barcelona by the night bus. My main target in Spain was the Sagrada Familia.

This church was so good, and I felt the power from this. I was so impressed, and sat down on the chair near the church for about 30 min. I was so happy that I could see that.

And then I enjoyed walking around Barcelona that was the heaven for people like me who loved art.

Of course, I enjoyed HRC Barcelona.
My HRC Barcelona page
I did exchange my pins with many staffs again, and enjoyed the mood of the Spanish cafe. I hope I could come back to Spain near the future.

-Next visit : in 2006

HRC Madrid

2000-02-03T21:15:00.003+09:00

In 2000, after Rome, I visited Paris again for a day, and then I got to the night express train for Madrid. I was so excited to visit Spain where I had never visited.

Madrid was a huge city, and I visited many places like Prado museum, and I enjoyed the concert at night.

Photos of Spain

Of course, I enjoyed HRC Madrid, too.

My HRC Madrid page

I brought some pins from Japan, and showed those to a staff at the bar. And then most staffs came to me, and we exchanged a lot of pins ! I had great time with them. Gracias, amigos! I visited HRC next day, and fortunately, their 5th anniversary was just released then.

- Next visit : in 2006

HRC Rome

2000-02-02T21:01:00.001+09:00

After Turkey, I arrived to Rome by plane. Like Paris & London, I was so busy to see many of famous place around Rome. The transportation in Rome was not good, but I really had great days.

Photos of Italy

The memory of HRC Rome became special for my Hard Rock Life. Before leaving Japan, I sent e-mail to the local collector, and we had deal to exchange our pins at HRC Rome then. It was my 1st trade by face to face. There were 3 collectors including UK collector. We showed our pins, and exchanged many pins then. One of them had Pin Bag then, and I was so interested in the bag because I didn't know I could buy Pin Bag from HRC official web. Trading with the local collectors was so interesting, and we could talk about many thing, Thanks!

My HRC Rome page

HRC Ankara

2000-02-01T20:57:00.002+09:00

About my travel around Europe in 1999, I regret that I missed some cities I wanted to visit, so next year(in 2000) I had been traveling around Europe again for about 2 months. After I had great time in Athens, I got on the bus for Istanbul ! It took about 22 hours to get to Istanbul by the bus, so I was so tired !! One of the worst memory in my life !!

Photos of Turkey

Instead of the worst memory, Istanbul was great !
Istanbul has two face that are European side & Asian side. I stayed there for a week, and really had great days.

And then I got the night bus for Cappadocia where was my main target in Turkey. Cappadocia has been one of the most famous destination, and in fact, I was really excited that I could see the unbelievable view around the area !! Fortunately, it was snowing then, so the view became much better even though it was too cold outside.

After Cappadocia, of course, I didn't miss the chance to visit HRC Ankara. I got on the bus for Ankara on the way back to Istanbul. Ankara is the capital of Turkey even though there was not many places to see for tourists. I really had hard time to find HRC Ankara, because most people didn't understand English around the bus terminal. Somehow, I got on the local bus for ? . I was so impressed when I finally found the HRC from the window of the bus.

At the merchandise on the 2nd floor, I could buy many pins like Halloween & some of local pins, and then I had lunch there, and talked with a staff.

I could take a rest, and enjoyed the mood of HRC Ankara. After HRC, I got on the night train for Istanbul. I had one of the best memory in Ankara as well as one of the hardest memory.

My HRC Ankara page

HRC Kobe

1999-07-11T20:53:00.001+09:00

HRC Kobe was not far from my home. It took about 90 min by train, so I visited this cafe twice a month. There were many of shopping mall & cinema, so HRC Kobe was actually located in the best place then.

My HRC Kobe page

HRC Kobe had done the official pin meeting in 2002 & 2003. I attended the event in 2003, and it was the first pin meeting I attended.
At the meeting, I could meet many of Japanese collectors, and had great time with them.

Unfortunately, the popularity of the area went down later, so HRC Kobe was closed in the end of 2003.
Thanks, HRC Kobe !

HRC Nagoya

1999-07-10T20:45:00.003+09:00

HRC Nagoya has been called as Castle of Rock even though Nagoya Castle is not close to this cafe.

I love this cafe, so I have visited this cafe a lot of times since I came back to Japan in 1999. From my home, it took about 3 hours by Express train, but there were many collectors in Nagoya, and I love to talk to them at HRC Nagoya,

My HRC Nagoya page

HRC Yokohama

1999-07-09T20:41:00.000+09:00

I visited HRC Yokohama in 1999 for the first time.
Since then, I have visited this cafe many times.
HRC Yokohama has been located inside of huge shopping mall with many of good restaurant, so I hardly have meal at HRC.

My HRC Yokohama page

HRC Osaka (1st cafe)

1999-07-08T20:39:00.000+09:00

I started to collect HRC pins when I was a student in Chicago, so I have never been to HRC Osaka even though I knew there was HRC near my home in Japan.

My HRC Osaka page

In 1999, I was so excited to come back to my country after studying for 3 years & half. HRC Osaka was very close to my home-town, It took about 30 min by train. HRC Osaka was called as the stadium of Rock even though the stadium was closed then. I remember I bought many pins then, and had continued to visit HRC Osaka every week. Unfortunately, HRC Osaka was closed in the end of 2000. I miss this cafe.

HRC London

1999-07-06T20:34:00.002+09:00

Finally, Kimono came to Hard Rock Cafe London in 1999 before going back to Japan. As all of you know, HRC was born here in 1971, so I had waited to come here for a long time since I started to visit HRC.

My HRC London page
There were many people to go inside of HRC. I now regret that I hardly took photo of HRC London. I got some pins like city guitar & black taxi pin. Hopefully, I can visit London near the future.

About the city of London, it was also great. I was so busy to visit a lot of famous places around London. I am sure I will come back to London soon.

Photos of London

HRC Amsterdam

1999-07-05T23:22:00.000+09:00

After a wonderful week in Paris, I visited Brussels, and then I arrived to Amsterdam. I enjoyed some Museums, and visited Anne Frank's building.

Photos of Amsterdam

It was a little bit hard for me to find HRC there. I got a tulip guitar that I really like. I think this is one of the best city guitar I ever seen.

My HRC Amsterdam page

HRC Paris

1999-07-04T23:19:00.001+09:00

1st visit
My 1st visit for Paris was in 1999 while I had been at my friend's home in Poland. After I traveled Praha, Wien, Venice by train, I arrived to Paris. Paris is one of the most famous city in the world. There were so many placed I have to visit. Fortunately, I could stay at my friend's room near Eiffel Tower for a week, so I really had a great week.

Of course, I visited HRC Paris then, but I really didn't want to spend time there, because I had many places I wanted to visit around Paris. I got a city guitar, and I left there. I didn't even see the inside of HRC Paris.

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2nd Visit
In 2004, I visited Paris for my Honeymoon. Paris was the best places for romantic trip ! I stayed for 5 days there, and had good days with my wife. We had a small Wedding ceremony at the church there. Sounds romantic, doesn't it??

Of course, I visited HRC Paris again, and at this time, I did see the inside of HRC, and took many photos. About pins, there was nothing I wanted to buy, so I just bought a key chain.

My HRC Paris page
Photos of Paris

HRC Berlin

1999-07-03T23:08:00.003+09:00

After I finished my study in USA, I visited Poland before going back to Japan, because one of my former classmate asked me to come to her home. I was so excited to go to Europe for my first time, and really had good time at my friend's home in Poznan. I stayed there for 2 months. While I was there, of course, I didn't miss the chance to travel around Europe.

About Berlin, it took only 3 hours by train from Poznan, so I visited Berlin three times then. Berlin was a huge city, and there were so many famous places I could enjoy.

Photos of Berlin in 1999

Hard Rock Cafe Berlin was a bit hard to find.
Fortunately, they just released their 7th anniversary pin.

My HRC Berlin page

In addition, I could trade pins for the first time. Before leaving USA, I sent a e-mail to a German collector who　was Marie-Luise Pross, and we had deal to exchange our pins through a staff of HRC Berlin, because the collector had no time to come then. Since then, she has been one of my best friend !

-My next visit in 2005

HRC Indianapolis

1999-07-02T23:53:00.003+09:00

Indianapolis was not far from Chicago where I had studied at college, so I did visit Indy to see the Indy Speedway before HRC was opened.

In 1999, I went to Indy after Cleveland. At this time, the purpose of the visit was only for HRC. I could find HRC easily in downtown, and bought some pins. Indianapolis was not a big city, but they have famous speedway that has been used for Indy 500 Final. That is why HRC has been there in Indy.

My HRC Indianapolis page
-Go to my next visit in 2006

HRC Cleveland

1999-07-01T23:51:00.001+09:00

In 1999, I made a short trip by car after I graduated from my college in Chicago. At that time, I did visit 3 HRCs(Cleveland, Indy, and St. Louis). I did a long drive from Chicago to Cleveland through the night, and I finally arrived to Cleveland in the early morning. It was very easy to find HRC because there was a huge sign along the road.

HRC was located inside the big mall. I bought some pins like Martini pin, and then I could take a rest, and enjoyed shopping.

After HRC, I visited the museum in the suburb of Cleveland to see the painting of Monet. I was so happy that I could see the famous painting of Monet that showed Monet's wife on it.

My HRC Cleveland page

HRC St.Louis

1998-04-16T23:46:00.002+09:00

I love St.Louis. While I was a student in Chicago, my first trip from Chicago was St.Louis. It was before HRC was opened. I went there by train, so I arrived at the station near the Union Station mall.

2 years later, I visited St.Louis again for HRC. HRC St.Louis was located inside Union Station Mall where I visited 2 years ago. It was after GO, so fortunately I could buy GO & Calendar pin by myself!! I was so excited when I found many of great pins on the counter. It was one of the best memories from my Hard Rock Life !!

My HRC St.Louis page
Photos of St.Louis

HRC Atlanta

1998-04-15T23:44:00.000+09:00

I visited Atlanta twice in 1998. The mood of Atlanta was very different from other US cities. I enjoyed walking around the downtown, and I also went to the famous mountain.

About HRC Atlanta, it was easy to find it, and they had a good flying-V guitar.

My HRC Atlanta page

Unfortunately, a Huge snow storm of 1998 attached me on the way back to Chicago from Atlanta. It was in Dec 31st of 1998. I remember I had hard time to drive a long way in the snow storm.

Photos of Atlanta

HRC Houston

1998-04-14T23:35:00.002+09:00

Before going to Houston, I visited Johnson Space Center. I enjoyed their tram tour even though it was so cold outside.

And then I visited HRC Houston(Old location). I bought a city guitar as always, and then went to the mall in downtown. There was big skate rink inside the mall, and the mood was great.

My HRC Houston page

HRC San Antonio

1998-04-13T23:30:00.004+09:00

After Dallas, I went to El Paso, and enjoyed sightseeing around there like Ciudad JuarezCiudad Juarez, Whitesands N.P, and Carlsbad N.P.

And then I was in San Antonio after a long drive. Like you could guess, of course!!I was so tired because I drove all the way alone, so I stayed at Motel for a night, and took deep sleep. Next day, I was OK, and did some sightseeing like Alamo.

HRC San Antonio was located in great place along the River Walk, and I liked their city guitar.

My HRC San Antonio page

HRC Dallas

1998-04-12T23:21:00.003+09:00

After having good time at Hot Spring, I arrived to Dallas that was snowing then. Dallas was a big city, and there were some places I could enjoy sightseeing.
One of the best was the 6th Floor where they had many things about JFK.

After that, I visited the place where JFK was killed.

By the way, Hard Rock Cafe Dallas was also good. I think this cafe is one of the most gorgeous HRC in my Hard Rock Life. Great one!

-My HRC Dallas page
-Photos of Dallas

HRC Nashville

1998-04-11T23:29:00.000+09:00

After Memphis, I visited Nashville. I was surprised that Hard Rock Cafe was located in such a small city like Nashville. Hard Rock Cafe Nashville had nothing special for my memory, so I got a city guitar, and went to other restaurant to have the famous Pork barbecue.

I visited this cafe in the end of 1998 again on the way back from Atlanta.

My HRC Nashville page

HRC Memphis

1998-04-10T23:13:00.002+09:00

In Winter of 1998, I decided to make another HRC run from Chicago. 1st destination was Memphis. I arrived there late night(around 2 AM), so I had to wait at Gas stand until the morning, and then I visited to HRC Memphis after I did some sightseeing along the famous bourbon street.

Of course, I had lunch at Elvis restaurant. After that, I went to my main target in Memphis that was Graceland ! There were some places that I could feel Elvis's footmarks. I loved Memphis!

My HRC Memphis page
Photos of Memphis

HRC Vancouver

1998-04-09T23:05:00.003+09:00

Vancouver was a very nice city with the view of beautiful mountains. I really enjoyed this city even though I was so tired after long drive(Chicago-Las Vegas-San Diego-LA-SFC-Seattle).

At this city, I decided to relax, and enjoyed Sushi at Chinatown, I-max movies, and sightseeing. About HRC, they had a good city guitar. I hardly have meal at HRC, because I prefer local food to HRC's meal !

My HRC Vancouver page

HRC Tijuana

1998-04-08T22:00:00.000+09:00

-1st visit

I made a short trip to Tijuana to see some part of Mexico. Tijuana was very wild city for me who knew only USA & Canada at that time. I didn't know HRC Tijuana existed. At a store, I found a fake HRC T-shirts, and asked the man where this HRC was located, and I met HRC Tijuana. I was very happy that I could find the cafe by accident. Unfortunately, there was only a pin on the counter.

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-2nd visit in 2002

In 2002, after traveling HRCs around California, I crossed border again for HRC Tijuana. At this time, I was so happy that I could get many pins like 10th anniversary pin.

My HRC Tijuana page

Photos of Tijuana

HRC Las Vegas

1998-04-07T21:53:00.001+09:00

Like HRH Las Vegas, I visited this Cafe twice(1998 & 2002). Las Vegas was one of coolest city, so I can not spend much time only for HRC. Hopefully, I want to stay at HRH Las Vegas someday.

My HRC Las Vegas page
Photos of Las Vegas

Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas

1998-04-06T21:57:00.000+09:00

1st visit
In 1998, I did the longest drive in my life, and I visited Las Vegas after having good time at Grand Canyon N.P.

Hard Rock Hotel was so gorgeous, and I enjoyed the city of Las Vegas!!

2nd visit
In 2002, I made a short drive from LA to Las Vegas, and I visited HRH again.
At this time, I bought many pins, and took many photos of HRH.

My HRH Las Vegas page

HRC Boston (1st cafe)

1998-04-05T21:41:00.001+09:00

After a long-long drive from Quebec, I was so tired when I arrived to Boston at night.
In addition, there were a lot of one-way road in the downtown of Boston, and it really made me so crazy !!

About HRC, there was nothing special, and I didn't even take a photo of it. I got a city guitar as always, and did sightseeing around the city.

My HRC Boston page

HRC Toronto

1998-04-04T00:22:00.001+09:00

After I enjoyed the view from the top of CN tower, I met another HRC by accident. I was so surprised, because I didn't know there was another HRC in Toronto.

In fact, Toronto was a big city, but I didn't expect Toronto had 2 cafe in same area. No special memory from this cafe, but I was lucky enough to meet this cafe.

My HRC Toronto page

HRC Toronto Skydome

1998-04-03T00:18:00.002+09:00

After short drive from Niagara, I arrived to Toronto that was a big city more than I expected before. Because of the famous tower call as CN Tower, I could find Skydome easily as well as Hard Rock Cafe Skydome.

The location was one of the best through my HR life.
I bought a city guitar then.

My HRC Toronto Skydome page

HRC Niagara Falls, NY

1998-04-02T00:15:00.002+09:00

There was another Hard Rock Cafe in the side of USA, but this cafe was one of the worst one in my Hard Rock Life. There was only one pin on the counter.

My HRC Niagara Falls,NY page
I collected only city guitar at that time, so I was so dissapointed with that.

Instead of that, I really enjoyed the attraction of US side. I loved this very much!!

HRC Niagara Falls, Canada

1998-04-01T00:09:00.000+09:00

In 1998, after a long drive from Chicago, I arrived to Niagara Falls at night.
I heard a big noise from Niagara Falls even though I didn't see the famous Fall yet. Nigara Falls is one of the best attraction in the northern America, and I was so excited then!

Hard Rock Cafe was located near the Falls, so I could find it easily.

But the famous Falls was my main target, so I just bought a city guitar pin that showed the image of Niagara Falls very well.

And then I enjoyed some attractions around the area in the side of Canada.

My HRC Niagara Falls,Canada page

HRC New York (1st Cafe)

1997-12-24T00:02:00.004+09:00

I visited New York for the first time in 1995, but I didn't know HRC was in NY then. In 1997, I came to New York again by train after having good time in Washington DC. Hard Rock Cafe New York was not good location, and I had to walk by checking a map of downtown.I remember that I met good looking pin there, and bought it.

At that time, I had collected city guitar, but I was dissapointed that they didn't have city guitar on the counter then.

-My HRC New York page
-My photos of NYC

HRC Washington DC

1997-12-23T23:58:00.001+09:00

I was so busy in Washington DC, because there were so many places like museums to see. After I visited FBI building, of course, I went to Hard Rock Cafe.

but I have no memory about this cafe right now. Really !! I don't know why?
I just remember that I was so happy to meet good guitar pin there.

My HRC Washington DC page

HRC New Orleans

1997-08-03T23:51:00.003+09:00

I love New Orleans, so I visited there three times. I just love their food, Music, and mood around there.

New Orleans was very different from other cities in USA, and had so many interesting things to enjoy. But about Hard Rock Cafe, I don't remember any of good memories. I just got city guitar then.

That is only thing I remember from the cafe! I don't mean HRC New Orleans was not good. What I am saying is that New Orleans itself was so good, so I didn't spend much time for HRC.

My HRC New Orleans page
Photos of New Orleans

HRC Key West

1997-07-03T23:48:00.000+09:00

My first visit for Key West was in 1994, but at that time, I really didn't know Hard Rock Cafe at all.

3 years later, I visited Key West again, and I was a pin collector then, so of course, I visited HRC before going for sightseeing. Unfortunately, I have no photos about this cafe, but I remember that the styly of HRC was really good with resort image.

When I think of Key West, 7 miles bridge comes to my mind at first. That famous 7 miles bridge was actually great to drive even though I was so tired to drive for round trip between Miami and Key West alone.

-My HRC Key West page
-Photos of Key West

HRC Chicago

1996-08-03T23:32:00.002+09:00

I lived Chicago from 1996 until 1999, so I called Chicago as my 2nd home-town. Even though I had many problems to live under the different culuture, I have only good memories right now. And there is Hard Rock Cafe Chicago.

After I had good memories from HRC Miami & Orlando, of course, I enjoyed HRC Chicago when I came to Chicago for my study. Even though I went to Micheal Jordan restaurant more than HRC, I had a lot of good memories at the HRC. I started to collect HRC pins while I was there, and of course, I got many pins from there.
My HRC Chicago page
I hope I could go to Chicago again near the future.

-My photos of Chicago

-My HRC Chicago visit in 2006

HRC Orlando

1994-07-02T20:58:00.004+09:00

I love Orlando. There are many attractions that can attract me in Orlando. Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studio Florida, and others around the area. That is why I went to Orlando 3 times in my life.

Kimono at Disney World in 1997

I met Hard Rock Cafe Orlando in 1994 after having good days in Miami. At the day, I went to Universal Studio Florida, and really had good time there. I suddenly found the sign that showed the way to Hard Rock Cafe Orlando. I was surprised that I met HRC again, because I really didn't know there were many HRC around the US, and around the world. I had a good memory at HRC Miami, so I decided to have lunch at HRC Orlando. There was a long waiting line because of lunch time. I remember that I ate rib that was so good !! I think I bought a city guitar then.

Visit my HRC Orlando page

HRC Miami

1994-07-01T20:55:00.001+09:00

1st visit in 1994
It was Florida where I traveled abroad for the first time in my life. In 1994, After I enjoyed Tampa & Key West, I arrived to Miami. After I enjoyed Miami downtown, , I found Hard Rock Cafe by accident inside the mall, and I decided to have lunch there.

That was the first time to get into Hard Rock Cafe because I have never been to Hard Rock Cafe in Japan. I am not sure what I ordered, and what I saw then. I just remember that HRC was gorgeous, and could enjoy cool music with huge meal !! I think I didn't even check the merchandise then. That mean that I got nothing from there at that time.

2nd visit in 1998
4 years later, I was traveling around Florida again. At this time, I was traveling by car. After a long drive from key West, I arrived to Miami. I parked my car at the parking of the mall, and enjoyed Hard Rock Cafe Miami again. A big difference was that I was a pin collector then. So I checked the merchandise before having the meal. There are not many places to see in Miami Downtown, but Hard Rock Cafe is out there, so it is the worth to go there. After that, I stayed at a Motel on the beach side, and had great days there.
Visit my HRC Miami page