(31MAR23) In less than 2 months, I can’t believe that I’m back in Asia! Moreso, I am thrilled to spend this year’s Lent in Japan with my family❤️ I know a week’s never enough to tour another continent but I pushed through with this for personal reasons (and I’d save that story for another time, maybe?Haha!) and also to attend my cousin’s wedding. Nevertheless, it’s great to continue my “Japan Tales”—the post-pandemic era. 💓
Of all the countries that I went, it’s Japan that I have visited frequently and it’s a country that I wouldn’t really get tired of going back. It has a very safe community no matter which city you head on despite the language barrier. And apart from being a tech-world and a fashion district, Japan is known for its gastronomical cuisine.
I made a lot of Japan contents over the years already so as answered from my previous Instagram stories, here’s a random entry about my trip in Tokyo which will focus more on the food that I ate there! 😅 I have to say that Japanese food is a necessity for Asians like me and an interesting palate for other walks of life. 😉
THE LONG-HAUL FLIGHT
This is my first time to return in Asia in which I didn’t go to the Philippines 🥲 It was so tempting to go but my hometown is always saved the best for last ❤️ Expectedly, my flight was expensive since I travelled on a holiday and I went Premium Economy thru FinnAir. Hence, I had a stopover to Finland—-my 12th EU country! 🇫🇮
One thing that I can boast with this flight was that it wasn’t a full house that time so I had more legroom than the regular. The service was good as they will pamper you with a bounty of drinks (especially their popular blueberry juice. it’s a MUST-TRY) and snacks. I know these types of seats can be pricey but think about the comfort you’ll get during an 18hr-flight. 🙂
I personally like to have a swig of alcohol during long-haul flights so I can sleep well. While, food as usual in Scandinavia serves some tasty fish and I enjoyed this salmon with mash, berries and spinach 👌🏻
It’s somehow surreal that I reached my 2nd Scandinavian country even for just a layover. It’s unbelievable for me to still see snow during Spring and the airport had that Christmas vibe! I hope to see Helsinki on the outside soon 💙
HOTEL
We stayed at Shinjuku Prince Hotel which is one of the accommodations that is located at the city center. If I were to compare it with our previous hotel in Shinjuku (Keio Plaza Hotel), I’d say that Prince Hotel’s a lot nearer to shops, restos, and arcades. However, the rooms are small and breakfast was not that good. We spent most of our breakfasts in nearby cafes or at McDonalds’ which is across this hotel.
THE FOODIE ITINERARY
For someone who has been staying in Europe mostly, Japanese cuisine is one type that I often crave. I know there are many authentic Japanese spots here in London but nothing beats the umami taste in Asia! So I really tried to eat as much as I can here---one of which would mean that EVERY DAY IS RAMEN DAY.
Who goes to Japan without queueing at the ever-popular, Ichiran?! Literally, it’s the first stop on my list.
address: Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−17−10 地下 1 階 CR.B&Vビル
There are many branches of it around Tokyo and they all come up with spiral queues. Though, the waiting line’s worth it! The service was quick and the tonkotsu ramen never disappoints. You can also buy an Ichiran cooking pack here but follow the instructions carefully otherwise, it won’t get the same taste as it is served in the restaurant 😜 There are different ways to cook instant Japanese ramen compared to other Asian noodles (will discuss this further in a while).
The clever part with Japanese restos are their self-service ordering machines. It has language translations so it is also friendly to use.
Ramen is like a fast food or street food in this country and I love it. Here is another street ramen house that we tried around Shinjuku called Hakata Tenjin.
address: 3 Chome-22-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City | img credits: TripAdvisor
It was very authentic and cheap with a price of JPY500; You can even ask for unlimited soup and the toppings are free to add from the table! There was never a Japan trip that we did not dined-in here. 😄
And of course, a variety of instant ramen are available in konbini (convenient stores) and Don Quijote. I do hoard a lot of it especially the original Nissin cup noodles and Fukuoka ramen. But like I said earlier, there are various ways to cook it like cooking the noodles and the broth separately, placing the toppings to a boil with the noodles, etc. Hence, read the instructions carefully!
Besides noodles, Tokyo is filled with cafes serving those cute delectable pastries. My go-to café has been Dotour throughout my stay here—I just love their mille crepes!
There are also pop-up themed ones like maid cafes which are commonly found in Akihabara. I haven’t tried it yet as I was keener for the arcade whenever I go to Japan’s electric town. Likewise, Akihabara is the haven for anime and crane games.
The rebranded Sega buildings are now called Gigo. Only in Japan has a game building with 5 levels of arcade. Yet, consider this a good (and fun) way to spend your JPY100 coins 😜
I make it to a point to at least get 1 prize in every Japan trip I go but happily, I got 3!
But back to food-hopping---Ideally, Japanese set meals are served in a form of bento.
The full course bento comes with miso soup, appetizer (salad), the main meal, and a dessert (fresh fruit or mochi); They are unlimited except for the main meal. I usually order a tempura bento and this one I had was really delicious!
Another restaurant that we went with this kind of ambiance was near Fuji-san prefecture called Koushu Houtou Kosaku.
address: 1638-1 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301
Its long queue absolutely speaks on how good the food was! It’s even relaxing to eat in their zen-type ambiance.
We ordered their traditional sukiyaki and tempura. One pot is already good for 2-4 persons.
Talk about Mt Fuji a little bit, it’s my first time to be on its 4th station and it’s very breezy! Nevertheless, it’s lovely to see Fuji-san with a cherry blossom background.
And for the shopaholics out there, don’t forget to swing by Gotemba Outlet Stores which is within this town. Check out VIATOR for a Mt Fuji + Gotemba Shopping outlet tour!
Moving on, one of the fast-food joints that I like to dine-in here is Yoshinoya. Their beef gyudon is absolutely the best!
Other fast-food that y’all would consider trying are Coco Ichibanya’s rice curry and the original Sizzling Beef Pepper Steak.
address: 1 Chome-18-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021
Additionally, don’t miss out having yakitori nights at Chicken Fighter. Asians love their skewered meat so much and pair it with a glass of alcohol/soda. The only downside with this restaurant was that their service is often busy at night and they don't have an English menu; They even had a confusion of our orders with another customer.
And finally, let me share my cousin’s wedding dinner at the NB Club, Ginza. It’s pretty much, one of the posh bars that I have ever been with live Jazz music. No wonder, that it's a French Bistro
address:〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 8 Chome−5−6 中島商事ビル B2F
Despite that their small portion meals won’t really make you full, it’s a plus factor that they serve it elegantly and the main course is delicious and the cherry blossom dessert!
Congrats to the newlyweds (and their baby!) I enjoyed that night with my Japanese cousins whom I haven't really seen since the pandemic.
So that’s about it! I would definitely add more to my foodie list as I return to this country someday and hopefully, I get to tour its other cities.
Stay tuned for my Tuscany blog entry!
