Tokyo, Japan
A fantastic city with endless opportunities, wonderful people, and so much culture. Visiting some of everything, it was like a dream finally arriving.
The hotel we were staying at was in Okachimachi. Arriving there, the receptionist bowed and welcomed us to Japan, then handed us a bag for him and her; we were led up to our room. The room was a typical Japanese standard with a small entrance where we could leave our shoes to get into our slippers and two kimonos lying on the bed, as I imagined. The bed consisted of a futon lying on the floor. After resting a bit, we went out to see the area.
Okachimachi
Okachimachi used to be a black market just after World War 2, so you still had the feel of hidden shops underneath the train tracks and an overwhelming number of cozy restaurants. Here we enjoyed seeing all kinds of fish, whole Boito blocks, and plains in different types of wood. We went for our first ramen and Katsudon (pork cutlet with egg and rice). It was delicious; even the rice was the best I’ve ever had. Later, we had to get our first sushi. We went for running sushi; again, it was no surprise that it was so tasty and fresh. There was a small screen where you ordered and then made and sent to your table by the running band. Here I was, being used to running sushi being premade… not the last time we went for that.
The Next day was spent in Yodobashi, an eight-story tall market with everything in electronics and a huge food court. We spent the whole day looking at various machines, from funny little pencil sharpeners to music throughout the ‘50s to ’22. It was amazing that they even still sold cassette players and cd players. Finally, they also sold toys and the latest in all sorts of things. To end the day, we had Tonkotsu ramen with black garlic oil. I was speechless, with its thickness and deep umami notes perfectly balanced.
Not a Normal Day
The central station is visit-worthy too! Having an underground shopping center and a ramen street. Here we spent some time in their anime stores and Ghibli store. For Ramen, we had Miso and Shoyu Ramen, they were both very flavorful and thick, but my favorite must be the Tonkotsu. Afterward, we went to the castle park to see the magnificent walls surrounding it. Every 20 meters, you also find a vending machine ready to amuse and delight you with all sorts of beverages. After we visit Japan, I’m sure we have gone through over sixty different kinds.
The evening was spent first going to a Miaw-Miaw café, one of their many theme cafes with maidens waiting on you. It was so amusing seeing how they were all in character. Even when we got our menus, she said a magical phrase that turned us into cats so we could read their cat language. At the end of the service, some had bought a show from the girls, so they performed with singing and dancing numbers on a small stage. It was so much fun! And they were pretty good. Even when we were leaving, they all waved goodbye.
Museum Day
Time for art. Japan is so different in its style and fashion. Going to an art museum was a big point on my list. So, we found a museum called Team Lab Planets.
On the way to the museum, we went by the old fish market. Luckily (mainly being moved), it still vibrated with life and small shops with fish, ceramics, and small food stalls. We tried an egg box. Seeing it being made was so fancy, but I’m not a big fan of sweet, scrambled eggs. Fun to try, however. It was a museum where you were interacting with the art. Being led into an entrée, we were given instructions. Here they told us that we had to go barefoot and if you were wearing a skirt or long jeans you could borrow shorts, so you didn’t get your clothes wet. Every single room where it’s an adventure with glass structures, sounds, sense structures, and water rooms. I have never had so much fun in a museum! I later find out they have museums and other places in the world! I can’t wait to go to Hamburg, where they also have an exhibition! The day ended at a Sake Bar called Kurand Market; we had many different flavors. I had no idea there were so many. I’ve gotten a new liking, for sake.
Last day we went to some of their old markets and the old part of Tokyo. Here we tried a tea Ceremony with cups being hundreds of years old. The host carefully showed us how to hold it properly while showing respect to our host. The last place was a small street called Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho, a street you could walk through that is not too big a person. Last but not least, an Onsen was needed with sore feet and a tired body from lots of walking. We let our bodies soak in their grand bathhouse tubs.
Next, we are off to Kyoto. See you in the old districts of Gion or snuggling with a Shiba dog.
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