Tokyo - The Creative Adventurer https://thecreativeadventurer.com A Travel Guide for Exploring the World Wed, 15 May 2024 20:05:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://i0.wp.com/thecreativeadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-NewCreativeAdventurerLogo_250x250_v1.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Tokyo - The Creative Adventurer https://thecreativeadventurer.com 32 32 171399271 Ultimate Guide to Tsukiji Outer Market’s Must-Try Foods [UPDATED 2023] https://thecreativeadventurer.com/guide-to-the-the-tsukiji-outer-market/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=guide-to-the-the-tsukiji-outer-market https://thecreativeadventurer.com/guide-to-the-the-tsukiji-outer-market/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2023 15:59:38 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//guide-to-the-the-tsukiji-outer-market/ The outer market is where you'll find over 400 retails shops, grocers and small restaurants, crowded into only a few narrow alleys around the giant fish market.

The post Ultimate Guide to Tsukiji Outer Market’s Must-Try Foods [UPDATED 2023] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> Since the early 19th century, visitors would come from all over Japan (and the world) to visit the famous Tsukiji Market. Crowds of people walked through aisles upon aisles of freshly caught seafood. Witnessing the buying and selling of seafood before it lands on their dinner plate in restaurants across Tokyo. But in 2018, the Tsukiji Market closed its door as it had outgrown its warehouse in Tsukiji. It moved to a new custom-built building in Koto City and was renamed the Toyosu Fish Market. But despite the wholesale fish market moving out of the neighbourhood, the Outer Market in Tsukiji remains.

This outer market grew up around the Tsukiji Fish Market. It supported the local and tourist populations gathering in this part of Tokyo. The narrow streets and alleys around the market housed some of the best casual restaurants and tiny street food vendors that served fish straight from the market. It also was (and is) where you could find great shopping for kitchen and household goods! Contrary to popular thought, this part of town did not disappear along with the fish market’s move to Koto City. The Tsukiji Outer Market is still a bustling area of Tokyo, even without the fish market nearby. So don’t miss this amazing foodie paradise, and make sure you follow our guide to the best of the Tsukiji Outer Market.

Table Of Contents
  1. What is the Tsukiji Outer Market?
  2. Access
  3. Everything You Need to Eat!
  4. Shopping
  5. Namiyoke Inari Shrine

What is the Tsukiji Outer Market?

The outer market is where you’ll find over 400 shops, grocers and small restaurants, crowded into only a few narrow alleys around what was once the largest fish market in Tokyo. The streets of the outer market explode with colour and excitement. Vendors yell at each other and passers-by 24/7, making the place feel full of life even in the very early hours of the morning.

Access

The Tsukiji Outer Market can be easily reached by foot from either Tsukiji Shijo Station on the Oedo Line or Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Line. Shimbashi Station is the closest option for those using JR trains, with a 20-minute walk to the market.

Everything You Need to Eat!

Fresh Sushi

The outer market is the perfect spot to grab a bit of breakfast. Find a sushi bar with a bunch of old locals eating inside. Those with a line out of the door are always a surefire way to spot a good spot. While they might not have door-to-door access to fresh fish as before, they still bring in the same selection, just from a little further afield.

Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan

Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan is one of the most popular spots in the outer market to find the best sushi and sashimi. It’s made to order, so you know it’s super fresh. It’s definitely on the more expensive side but well worth the price. The seasonal selection by the chef with 10 pieces of sushi and a roll will run you 5100 yen. They also have a Nagomi plate with seven pieces of shish and a roll for 3600. 

Maguro / Tuna 

Tuna is one of the most important fish sold at the fish market. One of the most popular tourist attractions at the new market is the Tuna auction. Early morning risers head to the market at the crack of dawn to witness the bidding wars that break out over the best pieces of fish caught that day. To see what all the fuss is about, you should make a point to seek out some fresh Maguro (tuna) served up on sushi or as sashimi. There are often variety plates that feature different varieties such as bluefin, fatty, medium fatty and regular tuna. A great way to see which is your favourite, so you know what to order next time. These can be expensive as tuna isn’t cheap, so expect to pay upwards of 3000 yen for a multi-piece tray.

Kaisendon

A traditional breakfast dish eaten in Japan is Kaisendon. Kaisendon is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of a bowl of rice (“donburi”) topped with a variety of raw, fresh seafood (“kaizen”) known as sashimi. These can be found throughout the market, and every shop has its own unique take on the dish. You’ll always be served a variety of fish, everything from fatty tuna, shrimp, egg and other fresh daily fish selections. Bowls range from 1500 to 3000 yen.

Grilled Scallops & Fresh Oysters

If you’re a seafood connoisseur and want the best of the best, plenty of shops here will be right up your alley. One of the most popular street foods in the Outer Market is fresh grilled scallops cooked over a charcoal flame. Thanks to the grilling, they have the most delicious flavour, which balances the sweetness of the scallop perfectly. These will run you about 1000 yen.

Another delight of the market is these larger-than-life oysters. They are absolutely oversized but nevertheless delicious. They taste clean and fresh and cost you about 700-800 yen.

Tamagoyaki 

Plenty is more on offer if you’re not in the mood for fresh fish. Tamagoyaki is rolled-up, freshly made Japanese-style omelettes. They are super cheap at only 100 yen and a delicious way to start the day or just as a mid-afternoon snack. An entire slab of tamagoyaki runs about 500 – 800 yen, depending on if there are any additional ingredients. Great to share with friends.

Fresh Fruit

Tsukiji has always had a wide selection of fresh fruit vendors selling some of the best produce in the city. Is there anything more precious than the delicately wrapped fruits of Japan? I think not. Highly recommend, especially when in season, the strawberries. Japan is well known for its perfectly grown strawberries. And while they might seem pricey, they are spectacular. They even sell white strawberries which are super unique and even more delicious. A bowl of fresh strawberries generally costs about 500 yen for a selection.

Uni

One of the most uniquely Japanese delicacies has got to be fresh uni. Uni, or sea urchin, is the edible portion of the inside of spiny sea urchins. The taste is unrivalled. It’s almost buttery, with a sea-like flavour. I love it, and getting it fresh from the market is one of the best places to try it. They serve it on its own in various spots in Tsukiji and on sushi rice if you prefer to try it with a little bit of rice. Uni is a little pricey, a bowl of pure uni will run you about 1500 yen, but a single piece of uni sushi will be much less expensive.

Waygu

Another food item that many people coming to Japan might be looking for is Waygu beef. Wagyu is the classification given to four different Japanese breeds of beef cattle. It is widely known for being the most tender, delicious beef you can eat. In the Tsukiji market, you’ll see lots of stands selling sticks of Wagyu beef. Some shops sell thinner slices of beef you can pick out, and they cook it right before you. Overall, I prefer to have my Waygu in a restaurant. But if this is your only opportunity to try it, you can always pick out a small slice to ensure you try this pedigree cut of beef at least once!

Unagi

Another traditional dish served in the market is Unagi. Unagi is freshly grilled eel, slathered in a thick, sweet and savoury sauce which is carmelized over the fish as it cooks over a hot grill. You can find sticks of Unagi for around 300 yen. If you’ve never had Unagi, this is a great opportunity to try it out!

Ice Cream

If you’re in the mood for desserts, soft-serve ice cream will always be on offer all over the outer market. Dozens of different flavours to choose from spill out along the streets. Vendors are ready to give a sweet treat to anyone walking by, even on colder days.

Daifuku Mochi

Mochi is one of my favourite Japanese sweets. Mochi is made from pounding sweet rice flour into a gummy texture wrapped around different fillings like macha or sweet red bean paste. In the Tsukiji Market, you can find mochi topped with a fresh red or white strawberry that amps the flavour up to 100!

Shopping

Knife Shops

The Tsukiji Outer market is home to many stores selling specialty chef and kitchen utensils. Most of these were opened to be geared toward sushi chefs preparing their fish. But today, they are a little more broad and open to everyone. Inside you’ll find professional-grade knives. Japanese knives are known as some of the best in the world, and if you’re looking for an upgrade to your kitchen collection, this is such a wonderful souvenir to treat yourself to. Something you will use for the rest of your life.

Ceramics

The ceramics in the market were my favourite thing to pursue. They were so inexpensive, but the designs were incredible. The vibrant colours and intricate paintings were handmade, each a little different from the next. I would pick out my favourite patterns from each shop and, at the end of the day, have a little collection of four perfectly mismatched, but that’s what makes it so charming.

Spices & Dried Goods

Tsukiji is also a wonderful place to shop for spices and dried goods. One of the best things to look for is homemade Furikake. Furikake is a dry Japanese condiment made from green and nori seaweed flakes. In addition to the seaweed, there are a variety of additional ingredients added for the various flavours, from sesame seeds, fish flakes, spices and more. Furikake is used to sprinkle on top of rice, veggies, and anything you like. But the ones made fresh from the market are even more special and a great gift to bring home.

Namiyoke Inari Shrine

While in the market, you should definitely make a visit to the small Namiyoke Inari Shrine. This shrine was the guardian of the marketplace and its traders when the old fish market was here. The name means “protection from waves,” which is very suitable for all the fishermen who pass by daily. Although the fisherman has moved, the shrine remains. The courtyard is dotted with various memorial plaques and carvings donated by trade groups in the marketplace. An excellent way to bring happiness and prosperity to the traders.

One of the greatest things to do while walking around the Tsukiji Outer Market is exploring. Get lost, and you’ll always discover something fantastic. The smells from each alleyway changes from street to street. Sweet, sour, fishy, spicy and pungent. A feast for the senses. 

The greatest thing about this place is that after the exodus of the Fish market, the area became a little more local. Sure, it’s still immensely popular with tourists, but it’s equally just a spot for locals to grab something to eat on their way to work. You’ll pass hundreds of people on their way to grab a snack before they get on the train or mothers pushing prams trying to do their morning shopping.

I love watching locals doing their thing, living in their city, and experiencing the environments the way they were supposed to be experienced. Not as guests, as settlers.

The outer market is busy, loud and unmissable. Make sure you carve out time in your next trip to Tokyo to explore and eat all there is on offer!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

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]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/guide-to-the-the-tsukiji-outer-market/feed/ 2 132 Sugamo, A Wonderful Hidden Gem Neighbourhood in Tokyo, the Harajuku for Grannies https://thecreativeadventurer.com/sugamo-a-hidden-gem-neighbourhood-in-tokyo-the-harajuku-for-grannies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sugamo-a-hidden-gem-neighbourhood-in-tokyo-the-harajuku-for-grannies https://thecreativeadventurer.com/sugamo-a-hidden-gem-neighbourhood-in-tokyo-the-harajuku-for-grannies/#respond Tue, 30 Mar 2021 22:02:00 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=23332 When I heard there was a part of Tokyo called the “Harajuku for Grandma’s,” I knew I...

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]]> When I heard there was a part of Tokyo called the “Harajuku for Grandma’s,” I knew I HAD to check it out! Coming to Sugamo, instead of rows of kawaii-looking youths, you’ll find hordes of grannies pulling their uniquely patterned wheeled shopping bags. Instead of pastel walls and the latest food crazes, you’ll find ancient traditional cusine, historic restaurants and fashions long forgotten. One of the reasons this area is such a draw to the older population is that the street has a very nostalgic feel. The shops and atmosphere recall a beyond time, from the Shōwa era. The Shōwa era refers to the reign of Emperor Shōwa from 1926 until 1989. Shops here sell everything from tea, pottery, traditional sweets and pastries, kimonos, kitchen implements as well as pharmacies and medical assistance devices. Everything an Obachan (grandmother) needs to get by!

When to Visit

This area is much quieter than other parts of Tokyo so it’s a wonderful place to visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle. The best days to visit are on the 4th, 14th or 24th of the month. During these days is when you’ll find the street market, which brings a super lively and busy atmosphere to the entire street. Plus there are lots more street food items to discover.

Access

Sugamo Station is the best spot to arrive for our little street tour. Sugamo Station gives access to the Mita and the Yamamoto metro lines. From Tokyo Station, it takes about 20 minutes to arrive in Sugamo on the Yamamoto line. The one-way ticket costs 170 yen.

History

Sugamo’s popularity isn’t a new phenomenon. It has been one of the most underrated and yet favourite spots for hundreds of years. In the Edo period, you would get hundreds of pilgrims on their way to Sugamo to visit the old Edo Rokujizo Shinshoji, a stone temple and great pagoda. This was because Jizo-dori was part of the Nakasendo, the route that connected Kyoto to Edo. Jizo-dori was one of the five significant roads that spread out to important hubs throughout Japan. This route was used by both pilgrims as well as merchants on their way to Kyoto. To accommodate all these pilgrims, shops and restaurants began popping up to serve these new customers on the “highway.”

A colossal bronze statue of the Jizo was placed on the road to mark its importance. Jizo is a Japanese name for a person who has attained enlightenment but postpones Nirvana to help others to attain enlightenment. Today you can see that the bronze statue outside the Shinshoji Temple. This Jizo is one of five that were initially placed at the starting points of the Nakasendo roads as protection. Later in 1891, the famous Togenuki Jizo Kogan-ji temple was moved from Ueno to Sugamo, bringing even more visitors.

Sugamon, Sugamo’s Mascot

Sugamo is so popular the neighbourhood even has its own mascot! His name is Sugamon, which means “duck’s nest.” You can spot Sugamon all over the street, from large-scale models to banners and more. Near the gates to Jizo-dori, you can find a big fluffy ball that visitors are actually encouraged to pat as this is meant to represent Sugamon’s behind. It’s a legend that if you pat his bottom, you will get married! Or if you pat him gently, you will live a long and comfortable life as you grow old. It can’t hurt to try!

Sennari Monaka

Before arriving at the famous pedestrian shopping street, you MUST make your first stop at Sennari Monaka. This shop serves up freshly make dorayaki every morning. Dorayaki is the PERFECT breakfast food. Dorayaki are tiny pancakes sandwiched in between these huge slices of butter and azuki bean paste. The staff working here can be seen behind the glass window in the front and flipping the freshly made pancakes. You can eat your goodies at a small counter inside. To give your pancakes a really unique taste, shake a bit of salt and pepper on top. Sound weird, I know, but it really brings out something special and balances out the sweetness of the bean paste! The butter and azuki pancake costs 210 yen. Although you can get these all the time in konbinis, there is NOTHING that compares to the taste of a freshly made one.

Another popular sweet treat sold here is Monaka. Monaka is made from two thin, crispy wafers made of mochi and sandwiched between various filling. This monaka is in the shape of a hyōtan (gourd), a symbol of good fortune. A great samurai once tied a gourd onto his flag each time he won a battle, so the gourd became synonymous with victory. These monaka come in all different flavours like red bean, white bean, black sesame and plum. You can buy these individually for 100 yen or a package of 20 for 2,376 yen. Great to bring home for friends!

Motoko Warabimochi

Before the central area, walk down this tiny side street until you see the wooden market stand that sits outside right on the road. This shop sells Warabimochi. Warabimochi is different from the traditional mochi as it is made from warabiko, a starchy plant, instead of glutinous rice. This produces a more malleable and translucent texture. The most popular versions of Warabimochi are covered in kinako (roasted soybean powder). The mochi is served cold and therefore is a popular summertime treat. The brown sugar mochi here is so delicious and my favourite! Super unique flavour not found in many other places. A tray of the mochi costs 540 yen but readily serves a group of people.

Shinshōji Temple

Just across the street from the mochi stand is Shinshōji Temple. Once you walk through the gate, you’ll immediately see the giant Jizo statue beside the stairs to the temple. This is that bronze Jizo we spoke of before that is one of Edo’s six highways guardians. These Jizo were meant to give protection to travellers on the roads. The Jizo sits crossed-legged on a giant lotus leaf. When you see a Buddha sitting on a lotus leaf, this symbolizes the one who overcame pains and became enlightened. This is just as the Lotus flower grows in dirty, muddy waters but blooms into a perfect flower. He holds a large staff and wears an umbrella-shaped hat in his head. In his head and in his left hand, he has a lotus blossom, the symbol of enlightenment.

Raijindo

At the entrance to Old Nakasendo, we find Raijindo. Although there are 35 other stores throughout Tokyo, this is their central location. Raijindo is one of the best places to try senbei. Senbei is simply a rice cracker and one of the most historic Japanese foods, coming to Japan around 538 AD. This shop has been open for 33 years, and their rice crackers are genuinely unique. The owner wanted to create an upscale version of the usually very cheap treat. He made sure to use only the highest quality ingredients, and his crackers were going to be HUGE in size.

One of the best flavours to try here is their multi-dipped crackers. These are dipped a multitude of times into soya sauce and then fire-grilled. Each time the cracker is dipped it builds up a thick layer and creates a deeper umami taste. You can also try their burnt crackers; these are great if you really love that smoky flavour. These crackers cost from 100 yen to 200 yen apiece (the more they are dipped, the more they cost.)

Mizuno

One of the famous treats to get in this area of Tokyo is the Shio Daifuku at Mizuno. Shio means salt, so this dessert literally translates into Salted Daifuku. I adore salty-sweet treats, so I found this pillow-soft mochi filled with sweet bean paste to be perfectly complemented by the salt. The shop opened in 1937, and they certainly have perfected the craft over those years. Drink it along with a cup of green tea for a refreshing combo.

Jizo Soba Ohashiya

Jizo Soba Ohashiya was established in 1918, making it over a hundred years old! Ever since the store’s opening, the shop has been run by the same family, passing from one generation to another. This way, they have ensured the recipes used to create this handmade soba have remained the same over time. They use a very particular blend of three types of bonito flakes to make their iconic dashi stock. The soba is made from high-quality buckwheat and the taste blends utterly perfectly with the dashi sauce.

One of the cutest parts of the shop front is the painting of Sugamon carrying a tall stack of soba noodles. But he has lost his balance and is in the process of dropping them to the ground. You can pose right in front of this image to look like the soba noodles are a moment away from falling on your own head! Another great place for a classic Sugamo photo op.

Sugamo Jizodori Gates

Many gates mark Jizo-dori but the first one you’ll find is a little way down the street. I adore the beautiful designs of these gates with the brightly coloured letters and gorgeous yellow fan on top. Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street is 780 meters long with over 200 stores to peek into on either side. You’ll notice at the street is extremely smooth, without any raised sidewalks. This is to allow any of those in wheelchairs or assistive devices to get around more easily.

Kintaro Sugamo Candy Store

With its frilly pink packages on the side of the street, this delightful candy store simply invites you inside. The Kintaroame candy store has been serving customers here for over 60 years! Inside, they sell traditional sweets in more than 50 different flavours. Everything from blueberry to coffee, soybean and sakura! 

Kintaro is the name of a boy from a famous Japanese fairy tale. Kintaro wrestled with a bear and lived to tell about it. Now his image is embedded in some of the most popular candies in the store, along with the bear too! Making candy with these tiny images on them is a complicated technique to achieve and requires true artistry.

Matsumiya’s Spice

In a small wooden hut on the street, stop in and grab a sachet of shichimi spices at Matsumiya’s Spice stand. Shichi-mi tōgarashi, also known as seven-flavour chilli pepper, is a typical Japanese spice. You can actually see each one of the seven different flavours at this shop as they are mixed together for you. The herbs include; ground red chilli peppers, sanshō (“Japanese peppers”), roasted orange peel, black sesame seeds, white sesame seeds, hemp seeds, ground ginger, nori (seaweed) and poppy seeds. Since the ingredients aren’t pre-mixed, you can request more of any one flavour to customize the mixture to your liking. A small container of the shichimi costs only 300 yen, making a beautiful souvenir or gift.

Koganji Temple

Enshrined inside Koganji Temple is the image of the Togenuki Jizo (Buddha). The name Togenuki Jizo literally means “splinter-removing Buddha.” The name came from an old legend, which states that an old woman swallowed a needle and to protect herself, she then ate an image of the Jizo. Miraculously the needle came out without harming her. Today, you can still buy pieces of paper with the image of the Jizo on it. This picture is said to remove “thorns” from the mind and the body. These “thorns” can refer to anything hurting your body, from anxiety to body aches and even depression. You can even buy a set of five small images at the temple that you can stick on your body in the hopes of curing those ailments—a set of 5 costs 100 yen.

You’ll notice that there are miniature towels for sale at the shrine as well. And walking close to the Buddha, you’ll see lots of older women scrubbing and washing the Buddha. This ritual is called Arai Kannon. This is a means of prayer and the person doing the washing will be praying for relief in areas where they find pain. If you want, buy yourself a towel and scrub any parts of the Buddha where you want a bit of pain pulled out of your body.

Shiawase Dango

Shiawase Dango is a tiny stall beside the temple that sells a simple yet delicious treat. These grilled dango (soft rice balls) are coated in soya sauce and then grilled over a fire. This gives them the most lovely roasted flavour, which tastes so complex despite being so straightforward. They are known as “happiness dango.”

Atelier Sekka

Across from the temple, down a peaceful side street, is the Atelier Sekka. Atelier Sekka Yukika specializes in Kakigori. Kakigori is a wonderful Japanese dessert that consists of shaved ice covered in rich syrups. The shop’s claim to fame is their new syrups they serve up every day and their iconically fluffy shaved ice. If you visit in the Spring, you MUST try their Sakura kakigori, part cherry milk, part strawberry syrup with some freshly made strawberry compote hidden inside.

Somei Cemetery

Taking a slight detour from the main street, head up the road towards the Somei Cemetery. This cemetery is extra special during cherry blossom season when the cemetery becomes awash with pink and white petals. Inside the cemetery, you can spot famous graves that include members of the Mito Tokugawa clan and sculptor Takamura Kôun. Japanese cemeteries are so beautiful, and always filled with tree lined pathways and beautiful flowers. At each grave you might spot some items left behind. These are for the souls of the dead and are usually items they loved in life, like books, beer and even bowls of ramen. This is a gesture to show the dead that the living haven’t forgotten about them.

Konaya

This restaurant is the perfect place to stop if you’re looking for a filling lunch. Konaya specializes in curry udon noodles. The rich beef stock is stewed for two whole days for it to reach its optimal flavour. The noodles are thick and cut by hand. But it is the addition of the curry flavour that really sets this dish apart! The curry udon is 1,130 yen, but you can add fried tempura shrimp and rice cakes if you’re extra hungry. I’m obsessed with Japanese curry and ramen so this felt like a marriage of the two incredible dishes!

Maruji Red Pants Pavilion

Back on Jizo-Dori, walk down a little bit until you see the iconic red awning of the Maruji Red Pants Pavilion. Maruji, or the “Red Pants Pavilion,” is one of the most popular shops on the street. The store is famous for selling their bright red underwear! This store is actually the 4th location in Tokyo. Outside, there is a giant sign in Kanji that reads, “Japan’s best red underwear.” Red is a symbol of vitality and happiness, so it has become very popular with the elderly to ensure they live a long and happy life! Since the shop has become somewhat of an attraction, it began to sell other items like t-shirts, socks and other unique souvenirs that everyone can enjoy. But if you want their classic good luck charm, pick yourself up a pair of red underpants!

Fight Gyoza

Walk along Jizo-dori until you reach a small side street marked on the map. Walking up the road, towards the end, you’ll find the bright orange awning with the name “Fight Gyoza” written in Kanji. This shop sells the fluffiest dumplings you’ve ever had! They aren’t made like traditional dumplings and have a completely different shape. The dumplings are quickly boiled, then deep-fried in hot oil. Creating this hardened exterior with this super fluffy filling. You can get 8 gyoza with rice and miso soup for 760 yen. Be sure to add some of their house pickles onto your place as they pickle really helph cut through the greasyness of the dumplings.⠀

Sugamo Post Office

Although a Post Office might seem pretty ubiquitous, the reason to stop outside this one is to see the adorable mailbox with the Sugamo mascot on top! The little duckie has his arms outstretched, awaiting your mail. An excellent place for a Sugamon photo op!

Sarutahiko Kōshindō

Tucked away, one the corner of the street, are the gates to the Sarutahiko Kōshindō shrine. The current shrine dates back to 1657! The Sarutahiko Kōshindō shrine is very famous for the stone monkeys that guard the temple. One giant monkey sits above three smaller ones in the positions of “see no evil, hear to no evil, speak no evil.” These monkeys are frequently seen wearing red jackets. These red jackets are thought to defend against evil.

Kōshinzuka Station

As you head off to end your day in Sugamo, you should make a stop at Kōshinzuka Station. This romantic, old-fashioned outdoor station feels like it is from a bygone time. This station feels like the culmination of everything that Sugamo is all about. Nostalgia and a look back at the Tokyo of years past.

I hope you loved this tour of Sugamo and found that the street is for much more than just Grannies. It’s a beautiful place to find some excellent nostalgic cusine and the perfect place to get away from the big city’s hustle and bustle.

Happy Travels, Adventurers

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]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/sugamo-a-hidden-gem-neighbourhood-in-tokyo-the-harajuku-for-grannies/feed/ 0 23332 Where to Find the Best Onigiri in Tokyo https://thecreativeadventurer.com/where-to-find-the-best-onigiri-in-tokyo/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=where-to-find-the-best-onigiri-in-tokyo https://thecreativeadventurer.com/where-to-find-the-best-onigiri-in-tokyo/#respond Fri, 26 Mar 2021 12:28:09 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=22902 Onigiri is the epitome of Japanese comfort food. Onigiri is a soft and fresh rice ball filled...

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]]> Onigiri is the epitome of Japanese comfort food. Onigiri is a soft and fresh rice ball filled with various ingredients, shaped into a triangle and wrapped up in a crispy piece of nori (dried seaweed). While you can find Onigiri for sale in Konbinis around Japan, there are fantastic restaurants in Tokyo dedicated to serving up specialty onigiri made to order. Even at these unique and gourmet eateries, you can get a fresh ball of Onigiri for a great price! For anyone looking to eat out in an affordable but delicious way, these restaurants are a great option. Onigiri might not seem like something you’d think of seeking out at a restaurant but trust me, you need to give these great Tokyo Onigiri shops a try!

History

Onigiri has an ancient history in Japan. They were invented during the Heinan period (794-1185) and initially called “tonjiki” which means “food served at a noble’s banquet.” These savoury treats were designed to go along with the royal family as they enjoyed picnics outdoors. The food was a perfect compact meal that would travel easily without getting ruined. The rice balls were formed into a triangular or cylindrical shape and sometimes stuffed with different fillings – just like today. But when they first were invented they had no outer wrappings. The rice itself is lightly salted and mixed with vinegar, sugar and salt to give it a delicious flavour. But the additives also helped keep the fish inside preserved so it could be eaten at a later date.

One of the oldest recorded filling used in onigiri is ume. Ume or umeboshi is pickled plum. It can be a little sour, but the rice’s sweet, salty flavour helps balance that out. In the 16th century, onigiri was used as troop provisions but they found that running around in the field meant the rice often got dirty. So during the 17th century, samurai used dried bamboo to keep their onigiri fresh while on the move. It wasn’t until the 1800s that using dried nori to wrap the rice was popularized.

Onigiri Bongo

Without a doubt, my favourite place to eat onigiri in Tokyo is Onigiri Bongo. The line up here can get to well over an hour, which seems incredible since you can get onigiri pretty much on every street corner konbini. But trust me, this one is special and the line-up is well worth it! Generally, if you see a line-up in Japan, you should always jump in! There is always something fantastic at the end. Come prepared to wait and you won’t be disappointed. Onigiri Bongo has been in business for over 60 years, and during that time, they sure have perfected their craft!

Menu

The wait in line gives you time to study their immense menu! You can choose over 50 different fillings to get stuffed inside. You can even get 2 toppings mixed together for an extra 50 yen to create your own bespoke onigiri. Don’t be afraid to try anything that catches your eye. But my recommendations would be the salted egg yolk, spicy cod roe and mayo (mentaiko), spicy pork kimchi, miso and negitoro.

When you finally get inside, they will ask for your order, and you will be seated around the counter, where you will be served a miso soup while waiting for the onigiri to be made. You get to watch the chefs at work behind the counter creating each piece of custom onigiri. The way they masterfully flip each piece to put it together is mesmerizing, and I loved watching what popular fillings everyone else was ordering. I could only eat two, but I wish I could have eaten the 3-piece set since there was so much more I wanted to try!

Information:
Price: 1 rice ball 260 yen | 2 onigiris of your choice + miso tofu soup and green tea 600 yen | 3 onigiris of your choice + miso tofu soup and green tea 600 yen
Address: 170-0004 | Kaneda Building 1F, 2-26-3 Kitaotsuka, Toshima-Ku, Tokyo | 2 minutes walk from the north exit of JR Otsuka Station
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:30 am – 12:00 am (usually with break midday)

Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku

Despite being open for 60 years, Onigiri Bongo is NOT the oldest onigiri shop in Tokyo. That honour goes to Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku. The onigiri here is so good they were featured in the 2019 Michelin Guide! They start off with the highest quality rice and seaweed with which to wrap the fillings inside. You might expect such a small and prestigious place to have an attitude about it. But the restaurant staff and chefs are extremely friendly and super helpful to foreigners.

Menu

The menu here is very limited, but sometimes the lack of choice can make it easier to settle on an option. And you know that there isn’t a single item which isn’t made to perfection. The traditional menu is beautifully written in Japanese on wooden slats on the wall but they also have a paper menu with English translations. The “Ami” (small salted shrimp pickled in soy sauce) is the perfect mixture of sweet and salty, creating that ultimate umami flavour. One of the most exciting fillings is the Hatogarashi, a red pepper leaf boiled in soy sauce. So many of these recipes are made with traditional and classical ingredients. They don’t rely on food trends to catch people’s attention, the food speaks for itself. Keep in mind this restaurant is cash only, so be sure to have enough money on hand.

Information:
Price: 2 onigiris of your choice + Tofu miso soup & Japanese radish pickles 748 yen | 3 onigiris of your choice + Tofu miso soup & Japanese radish pickles 1012 yen
Address: 3-9-10 Asakusa, Taito-Ku, Tokyo | 10 minutes from Asakusa Station
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:30 am – 5:00 pm

Onigiriya Marutoyo

Onigiriya Marutoyo was once much more popular when the Tsukiji Fish Market was located nearby. But in later years, after the Tsukiji Market was relocated and renamed the Toyosu Fish Market, this shop has become a hidden gem, frequented mostly by locals who know what’s up! Despite the large fish market moving out of the area, the outer market, filled with shops, stores, and more, is still a bustling outdoor shopping area. Onigiriya Marutoyo is a take-out-only shop, but that doesn’t mean they skimp on the quality or the freshness.

Menu

There are many ingredients here you can’t find anywhere else. One of their most famous varieties is “Bakudan,” which means “bomb” in Japanese. But don’t be scared; the bomb is actually just a rice ball stuffed with an entire soft-boiled egg, boiled in soya sauce. Their anago is another popular option which is freshly cooked, salt-water eel, coasted in a rich sweet brown sauce. Their curry marinated rice and roasted pork are also both excellent options! But my favourite has got to be the “asari” or fresh clam onigiri, that is a unique recipe made at this location. Although this store is so tiny, they still have English translations on all their options, so don’t be scared you won’t be able to read the choices. 

Information:
Price: 189 yen – 289 yen (varies by filling)
Address: 4-9-9 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo | 3 mins from Tsukijishijo Station
Hours: Monday – Saturday 5:30 am – 2:00 pm (hours vary significantly as they close pretty much when they run out of ingredients. Despite the listed closing time, I wouldn’t advise arriving after 12:00 pm)

Omusubi Stand Andon

Omusubi Stand Andon is located in historic Asakusa, in a tall and slim 4-storey. Walking inside you’ll notice that the restaurant is located on the first floor but there is also a library on the second floor where you can eat and study at the same time! The shop has a very modern design, compared to the historic restaurants we’ve visited previously.

Menu

The onigiri served here blends traditional ingredients with a few modern surprises to go along with the contemporary atmosphere. Smoked takuan pickles with cream cheese and dried whitebait mixed with sansho pepper are just some of the exciting combinations you can try here. However, they still serve traditional flavours like ume, salmon and miso. My favourite was the spicy miso since I’m a fan of anything extra hot!

Information:
Price: 2 piece onigiri set + miso soup +pickles 650 yen
Address: 3-11-10 Nihonbashi-honcho, Chuo, Tokyo | 3 mins from Kodenmacho Station
Hours: Weekdays 5 pm – 11 pm, Saturday 11am – 10pm, Sunday 11 am – 9pm

I hope you loved this guide to my favourite Onigiri restaurants in Tokyo! Let me know in the comment which one looks the best to you and what onigiri fillings you’re excited to try on your visit to Tokyo!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Where to Find the Best Onigiri in Tokyo first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/where-to-find-the-best-onigiri-in-tokyo/feed/ 0 22902 The 14 Best Scenic Spots to see Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-14-best-scenic-spots-to-see-cherry-blossoms-in-tokyo/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-14-best-scenic-spots-to-see-cherry-blossoms-in-tokyo https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-14-best-scenic-spots-to-see-cherry-blossoms-in-tokyo/#respond Thu, 25 Feb 2021 17:26:46 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=21928 If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in Tokyo during the blooming of the Sakura trees...

The post The 14 Best Scenic Spots to see Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in Tokyo during the blooming of the Sakura trees consider yourself very lucky! Sakura Season is one of the most beautiful times of the year, pretty much anywhere in the world. Sakura, or cherry blossoms, sprout in the springtime. They bloom anywhere from the middle of March to the first few weeks of April.

The fact that there is no hard date for the blooms makes planning your trip in advance very difficult. I’ve known many people who had hopes of seeing the precious petals who missed out by only a few days. Luckily, Tokyo is such a fantastic place that you really don’t feel down for too long. But, if you’ve arrived in time, then there are some absolutely magical places you MUST try to visit. Do all you can to take in all this short-lived season has to offer. Here are my favourite places to see the Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo!

Table Of Contents
  1. Shinjuku Gyoen
  2. Ueno Park
  3. Chidorigafuchi Moat
  4. Yoyogi Park
  5. Inokashira Park
  6. Koganei Park
  7. Asukayama Park
  8. Aoyama Cemetery
  9. Sumida Park
  10. Shiba Park
  11. Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
  12. Rikugien Gardens
  13. Yasukuni Shrine
  14. Meguro River

Shinjuku Gyoen

I have an entire post dedicated to the wonder that is Shinjuku Gyoen. This incredible urban oasis located just 10 minutes from one of Tokyo’s busiest neighbourhoods. It is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Unlike some of the other parks on this list, this park does require an admission fee of 500 yen. But seeing as it isn’t free, this means it will be slightly less crowded than the free parks. The park is also enormous. There are plenty of spots to spread out and have a hanami party. The park is also home to three different varieties of sakura trees. Each species blooms at different times in the spring. This means that if you arrive slightly too early or slightly too late, there might still be a few trees here that are blooming!

Ueno Park

Ueno Park is probably the most famous spot for cherry blossom park in all of Tokyo. Since the 16th century, people have been making a pilgrimage to Ueno to soak in the glory of the sakura. This enormous park is home to 800 cherry trees spread over 53 hectares of green space. This makes it an ideal place to set up your hanami party. But even with all that space, this park gets BUSY! If you want to ensure you get a spot on the grass, arrive as early as possible and avoid the weekends. On the plus side, Ueno Park is free to enter.

The park is famous for having some of the best onsite food stalls to delight your taste buds. A fantastic way to taste popular seasonal treats while sitting under the petals. Shinobazu Pond on the south-west end of the park is home to the iconic swan boats. You can rent one of these boats and peddle along the perimeter of the pond. This area is dotted with trees like a colourful pink ring encircling the water. And honestly, who can resist these adorable little paddle boats?

Chidorigafuchi Moat

Chidorigafuchi Moat is the image you might have in your mind who you picture sakura season in Tokyo. This is because this landscape often graces the cover of many a travel guide. It is such an impressive sight that it has become one of the most outsourced images of Japan.

The moat was initially designed to protect the internal grounds of the Imperial Palace during the Edo period. 1,000 cherry trees surround the canal. The branches seem to lean towards the water as if going to get a drink. The sakura trees along the moat are the earliest to bloom in the spring. And the delicate blossoms only open for only a short time. Catching them while they decorate the water is an exceptional sight to see. This area is so popular that it is even illuminated at night. This ensures people can enjoy the blooms no matter what time of day it is. Especially handy for workers who might not be able to see them during their busy day.

The Chidorigafuchi Moat offers another opportunity for getting out onto the water. You can rent rowboats for 700 yen and get a picture of the “sakura tunnel” from below.

Yoyogi Park

Located in the neighbourhood of Shibuy ais Yoyogi Park. Yoyogi Park is one of the largest parks in the city and home to those almost white-hued cherry blossom trees. This park is famous for the large groups it hosts. It isn’t as romantic as some of the other parks and has a more gregarious, party-type atmosphere. If this is your jam, then head over to the park and make some new friends. If you have a bottle of sake in your hand, this is sure way to win anyone over.

Inokashira Park

It is essential to consider heading a little outside of Tokyo’s city center during cherry blossom season. The further away from the most touristy areas, the better chance you’ll have of having more space to yourself. One of my favourite neighbourhoods in Tokyo is Kichijoji. Inokashira Park is a gorgeous place to visit while you’re there to enjoy the cherry blossoms.

If you found the line for the boats at Chidorigafuchi too long, you can also rent one here. Take one of their colourful rowboats out on the water and paddle along the picturesque pond. From here you have such a beautiful view of the cherry trees. There are over 500 sakura trees spread throughout the large park, so it’s easy to walk around and find someplace a little less crowded than in the city center.

Koganei Park

Further west of Kichijoji is Koganei Park. This park is about an hour outside the city but well worth the journey. Koganei Park is home to Tokyo’s most extensive collection of cherry trees! There are over 1,700 sakura trees and over a dozen different varieties as well! On the first weekend in April, a huge festival is held here. At the festival, you can enjoy traditional street food as well as traditional customary dancing and musical performances.

Asukayama Park

Asukayama Park, located on the northern tip of Tokyo, and is a real hidden gem. The further you get away from the city, the more tourists you escape. Plus this area feels most local and less geared towards just tourists. The park here is notable for the colourful lanterns that hang in the trees, which perfectly match the pale pink sakura blossoms.

The center of the park is one of the most unique playgrounds I had ever seen! There was a train yard with old trains on display and a massive play castle in the center. All surrounded by those iconic blossoms. When you head out of the park, back to the city, see if the monorail is running. This track runs above the park and is one of the rarest opportunities to see the cherry trees from above.

Aoyama Cemetery

While suggesting a cemetery to view beautiful cherry trees might seem like an odd combo to some, I find the mixture of death and beauty to be one of the most potent combinations. Located in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, this cemetery has lovely paved walkways lined in hundreds of sakura trees. Creating this blanket of flowers above your head. There is no picnicking or drinking is allowed here. Instead, let this place be an opportunity for a solemn walk of contemplation. Life is short, just like the bloom of the sakura. Live your life to the fullest while you can. And hope that you will have a resting place as beautiful as this, under the sakura trees, when the end finally comes your way.

Sumida Park

In the heart of Asakusa, you’ll find the riverside Sumida Park. Located just off the banks of the Sumida river. From the park’s western side, you can get a shot of the iconic Tokyo Skytree, with a layer of sakura flowers flanked in front.

Since the area of picnicking here is relatively sparse it’s not the best option for a hanami party. And due to the location and popularity, it can get very crowded! My advice: plan to come here for a short photo opportunity and then head off to another location for a longer stay or picnic.

Shiba Park

South of Tokyo Skytee is his rival, Tokyo Tower. And surrounding the tower, you’ll find Shiba Park. Although it’s only home to around 200 cherry trees, the fact you can get a picture with the brightly blossoms in front of the Tokyo Tower’s neon orange structure is a fantastic photo opportunity. This park is actually really interesting and easy to explore. There are so many little treasures hidden in this small space.

Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens

I am in love with the layout and landscaping of Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens. Like Shinjuku Gyoen, this park also requires an admission fee to enter. But just look what you get to experience for only 300 yen! The gardens were created in 1629, making it one of Tokyo’s oldest parks. One of the best parts of the natural playground is the many ponds dotted throughout. Each one creating a mirrored effect, reflecting the image of the cherry trees down, doubling their blossoms. No picnics are allowed in this park, which is the only real downside. But there are several tea houses in the park which offer macha tea and sweets to enjoy. All while under the watchful eye of the sakura trees.

Rikugien Gardens

While Rikugien Gardens isn’t known for its sheer number of cherry trees, the one they do have is creature unlike any other. The 18th century Rikugien Gardens became home to the “weeping cherry blossom tree.” this famous plant grew to be over 20 meters wide and 15 meters tall! When it blooms, it looks like a waterfall of flowers cascading to the ground. At night it is illuminated, making the effect all the most impressive. The cost to enter the park is 300 yen and you’ll find it is more than worth the price!

Yasukuni Shrine

Tucked away, on the edge of the Chiyoda neighbourhood, is the Yasukuni Shrine. The shrine was founded by Emperor Meiji in June 1869. It commemorated those who died in service of Japan in various wars throughout history. There are over 2,466,532 names listed on the shrine to whom it is dedicated. What is usually a reasonably sombre place but a rush of excitement and chatter flood the space come cherry blossom season.

A grouping of trees outside of the shrine light up the street. Vendors from the neighbourhood come down to feed the revellers. The bright white blossoms against the shrine’s copper roof and dark wood exterior make for the most complimentary combination and something not to be missed.

Meguro River

Last, but certainly not least, is the Meguro River. This is maybe the most popular spot for taking photos of the iconic sakura trees. 800 cherry trees blossom along the edge of the river, a stretch of over 3 kilometres. One of the reasons I put this last is that although this place makes for a great photo, the areas on either side of the river are very narrow. It gets super crowded in the spring. And even though the area’s restaurants capitalize on the influx of people and set up food and drink stands, there really isn’t anywhere to easily enjoy eating anything. I think this place is a pop-in and pop-out type of stop and not one to plan your hanami around.

I’ve outline all the locations from this list in the map below so feel free to add these spots to your Springtime Tokyo travel plans. I really hope the blooms manage to coincide with your trip as catching them even for a moment is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The 14 Best Scenic Spots to see Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-14-best-scenic-spots-to-see-cherry-blossoms-in-tokyo/feed/ 0 21928 Discover the City Around Shibuya Crossing; How To Explore the Busiest Place In Tokyo! https://thecreativeadventurer.com/people-watching-at-shibuya-crossing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=people-watching-at-shibuya-crossing https://thecreativeadventurer.com/people-watching-at-shibuya-crossing/#respond Tue, 23 Feb 2021 16:40:34 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//people-watching-at-shibuya-crossing/ Shibuya crossing might be one of the most iconic images of Tokyo. From the onset, one might think it's just a simple intersection, but upon waiting for the red light, things become all the more clear. Traffic stops from all directions, turning the street into a pedestrian, all-way crossing. Suddenly a surge of people starts flowing from each direction, like fish swimming upstream and down. They call this the "scramble". Shoppers, students, couples, tourists and commuters all rush in all directions.

The post Discover the City Around Shibuya Crossing; How To Explore the Busiest Place In Tokyo! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> Shibuya Crossing might be one of the most iconic images of Tokyo. From the onset, one might think it’s just a simple intersection, but upon waiting for the red light, things become all the more apparent. Traffic stops from all directions, turning the street into a pedestrian, all-way crossing. Suddenly, a surge of people starts flowing from each direction, like a fish swimming up and downstream. They call this the “Shibuya Scramble.” Shoppers, students, couples, tourists and commuters all rush in all directions.

The crossing is rumoured to be the busiest intersection in the world. Hundreds sometimes thousands of people come to this crossing to make their way across the city. Tokyo is the most populous city in the world and this scene makes that enormity come to life in front of you. But there is so much more to Shibuya than just the crossing. So come with us now on a guide of all the best things to see and do while you’re visiting Shibuya, the busiest crossing in the world!

Table Of Contents
  1. History
  2. Access
  3. Shibuya Crossing in Film
  4. Where to Observe the Shibuya Crossing
  5. Starbucks Shibuya
  6. Shibuya Mark City Crossing
  7. L'Occitane Cafe
  8. Magnet Park
  9. Hachiko Statue and Mural
  10. Shibuya 109
  11. Shibuya Gyoza
  12. Can*do
  13. Tokyu Hands
  14. Basement Food Hall
  15. Center Gai
  16. Nonbei Yokocho
  17. Koen Dori
  18. Rainbow Karaoke

History

Shibuya Crossing has been a busy intersection for over 100 years. With Shibuya Station’s construction in 1885, an influx of people began to commute into the city via this station. Back then, there was only a train line that ran into the station, but now Shibuya station serves more than eight different metro lines. In 2019, the Shibuya Scramble Square, a mixed-use skyscraper, was completed. Becoming the tallest building in Shibuya and was named after the famous scramble.

Access

Shibuya crossing is very easy to find. Just head over to Shibuya station and walk out via the Hachiko exit.

Shibuya Crossing in Film

The crossing has become an essential location in pop culture. It has been featured in movies like “Lost in Translation,” “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,” and “Resident Evil: Afterlife and Retribution.”

Facing the crossing are three giant television screens. These flash all day long and these screens are some of the highest-priced billboards in Tokyo. Due to the fact that simply so many people come through here daily to lay their eyes on the screens. If you’re interested in seeing what is popular in the world of advertising in Japan, this is a great place to come. 

Where to Observe the Shibuya Crossing

Starbucks Shibuya

One of the best free views of Shibuya Crossing is at the Starbucks Shibuya Tsutaya right on the corner. This location had an elevated level with floor-to-ceiling windows and a viewing counter to sit at. This is people-watching at its best. In recent years the secret has got out, and you sometimes have to queue for over 2 hours to get a seat at the window. But luckily, you’re still in a Starbucks, so grab a fancy drink to enjoy while you wait. Even if you don’t buy a drink, you can still come up here and enjoy the view.

Shibuya Mark City Crossing

Located between JR Shibuya Station and the complex building named Shibuya Mark City is a long, glass-covered crosswalk. This crosswalk is situated slightly above street level but provides an almost entirely unobstructed view of the crossing. Avoid coming here for photos during rush hour since the passageway is used for pedestrians getting on and off the underground. But during off-peak hours this crosswalk is pretty peaceful and a great place to plant yourself.

L’Occitane Cafe

If you’re looking for a location more above street level to get a better look at the crossing, then head over to L’Occitane Cafe. While it might seem weird to dine inside a cosmetic shop, this elegant store has a beautiful cafe on the second floor. Here you can drink tea and cocktails flavoured with the same herbs and fruit they use in their products. The restaurant is located along a large window facing out onto the crossing. From here, you can watch the scramble from the comfort of this adorable cafe.

Magnet Park

To get a bird’s eye view of the crossing, you’ll need to head over to Magnet Park. Magnet Park is located on the top floor of the Magnet by Shibuya 109 building. This location does require an admission fee. It costs 300 yen to access the roof and is open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Although it’s not free, 300 yen is pretty minimal, and the view of not just the scramble but also the entirety of Tokyo itself is stunning! Well worth the 300 yen.

TIP: Don’t visit at rush hour

Many people think the only time to really get the best photos of this crossing is during rush hour. But this time of day only means you’ll be crushed by the crowds of people who cross here. For commuters, this isn’t a show but a legitimate means of getting to and from work. Try to avoid getting in their way. No matter what time of day you come here it’s always busy so you’ll always get a great picture.

For me, one of the best times of day to come to the crossing is at night. When the sun set, the glowing neon lights surrounding the square create such a more powerful image. People are dressed up for a night on the town, and music blares from nearby Izakayas. The atmosphere is unmatched.

So you’re here, now what? I’ve seen some people schedule an hour at Shibuya Crossing and truthfully that’s just not necessary. Seeing the crossing is so fun and iconic but there is plenty more to do around Shibuya.

Below is my guide on what to do around Shibuya Crossing once you’ve gotten that perfect picture!

Hachiko Statue and Mural

An adorable statue of a dog sits right outside Shibuya Station. This statue is dedicated to a real-life dog named Hachiko. Hachiko would come and sit outside the station every day, waiting for his owner when they would return from work. Even after his master passed away Hachiko would come and wait. Akita dogs (native to Japan) are known for their steadfast love and dedication but none more so than Hachiko. The statue has gained a considerable cult following over the years. Today, tourists line up to get a picture with the famed copper dog.

But in my opinion, the brightly coloured mural, also dedicated to Akika dogs is much more exciting. This is located just opposite the statue. The entire piece is more from large tiles and ceramics and features these dogs playing across the tile rainbow. This wall makes for a fantastic photo backdrop. While the Hachiko statue is iconic, the crowds make it less than comfortable while this mural is much more of a hidden gem.

Shibuya 109

Shibuya 109 is the central fixture above the scramble. It is a large multi-level department store whose lights glow brightly, inviting you in. Shibuya 109 is often referred to as the “center of youth“. It is thought to be the epicentre of trendy fashion. When it was built in 1979, the mall aimed to target career women. It was originally designed to appeal to middle-aged women who knew that their fashion sense was and wasn’t just looking for the next big trend. Over the years the clientele got younger and younger. Shibuya 109 became one of the best places to highlight new Japanese brands and designers.

But warned, Shibuya 109 is not for the faint-hearted. The music is blaring from the minute you walk in the doors. The lights and lack of windows make it impossible to tell what the time is. This is a trick used in casinos in Vegas. The employees shout “irrashaimase” (meaning welcome) at any passers-by and enthusiastically beckon you to come inside.

Unlike department stores in North America which are just one big store selling different brands, Shibuya 109 is more like a mall with hundreds of different individual stores. Since this is such prime real estate, only successful brands survive. So you know these the best of the best of Tokyo designers. The owners of the mall make a point to bring in young entrepreneurs and upstart companies. Small brands, which go on to become famous worldwide, often got their start in this very place.

Punyus

Unless you have a similar body size to most Japanese women, you might find it hard to find clothes in your size. If you’re thin and petite, you’ll be in heaven. But for those of us who are tall or curvy, there are not many options. Luckily there is PUNYUS! Punyus is one of the coolest Japanese brands. Their clothes are bright and cheery and they are super inclusive sizing as the brand was started by a plus-size designer. Each item costs around 5,000 yen ($50 US) but they are such unique pieces that you’ll really feel like you’ve bought a piece of Japanese fashion. Something that you could never get at home!

Shibuya Gyoza

Genki Sushi is a name you’ll often hear when looking for food in Shibuya. But I found it to be a little samey and slightly disappointing. The line is usually really long, and I think it’s over-hyped. Instead, walk down the street a little bit to find Shibuya Gyoza. This restaurant specializes in that crispy, thin-skinned gyoza that is super addictive. Six pieces will only cost you 290 yen, so it’s easy to keep ordering more and more.

Can*do

While the Daiso across the street gets much more attention, Can*do is one of my favourite 100 yen shops. Daiso is HUGE. Although I love it, you really need a substantial amount of time to do it justice. Whereas Can*do on the other hand is much smaller and therefore only has the very best stuff! I found that pretty much anything on your list of things to bring home from Japan you’ll find here! Great for souvenirs as well as everyday items and some cool inventions you’ll only find in Japan!

Tokyu Hands

Tokyu Hands is another vast department store, but it features handicrafts, stationary, houseware and more. When I went to Shibuya 109, my husband was very bored since it caters almost exclusively to women. But here at Tokyo Hands, there is something for everyone! Plus, this place is great to see those weird and wonderful Japanese gadgets to bring home and entertain your friends.

Basement Food Hall

Before leaving Tokyu Hands, be sure you make a trip to the basement. Down here you’ll find the entire floor is dedicated to a variety of food stalls. This is one of the largest food halls in the city. You can find everything from tonkatsu, sushi, grilled chicken, tofu products, pickles, deli salads, and all kinds of bento boxes. There is also international cuisine like Indian curries, Vietnamese pho, Chinese dumplings and dozens of Chinese-style main dishes. Honestly, anything you’re craving, you’ll find down here! And at prices so low you can afford to try a few different items!

Center Gai

Center Gai is one of the most popular areas for young people to come at night to party. There are dozens of clubs and restaurants to keep people entertained at all hours of the day. To me, Center Gai is most iconic for those tall, neon signages that hang off the sides of buildings. These are essentially advertisements for all the exciting things found along the street. The streets are always bustling with lively people. Even if you’re not a drinker or partier, the atmosphere along this street is something everyone should experience.

Nonbei Yokocho

Nonbei Yokocho or “Drunkard’s Alley” is located a short 10 minute walk away from the Shibuya crossing. While Golden Gai in Shinjuku has suffered from the over-popularization of its cute miniatures bars, this little alley has the same charm without the swell of people. Although let’s see how long that lasts. Chairs spill out onto the street, and the bars almost seem to be built one on top of the other. Each of them is decorated with brightly coloured signs and paper lanterns to attract in clientele.

Koen Dori

Up from Shibuya Gyoza, you’ll find Koen Dori. Koen Dori means “park street.” The reason for the street’s name is the large, lush trees planted on either side of the road, making the densely urban area seem a little more luxurious. The street is lined with upscale department stores and expensive fashion boutiques. 

Rainbow Karaoke

To finish your tour of Shibuya, head over to my very favourite karaoke place: Rainbow Karaoke. Walking into this place, you might be thinking, “oh wow, this place looks so fancy. I bet it will be super expensive…” But we found that it is really only slightly more expensive than karaoke locations. And none of these are even half as lovely as Rainbow Karaoke and didn’t have the number of amenities offered.

Each of the karaoke suites are designed to look like a fictionalized New York City. They all have their own unique touches and decorations. If you opt for the all-you-can-drink menu, there are so many options! The soda bar is massive and there is even a soft-serve ice cream included in your admission price. This really puts it over the top into amazingness! You can order extra food in your room if you are extra hungry. The song selection is amazing and all the tech inside the room is top-notch!

I hope you enjoyed this tour of Shibuya Crossing and the surrounding area. Come for the Crossing but stay for all the other wonderful things Shibuya has to offer! Let me know in the comment what your favourite part of Shibuya is or your fave place to watch the crossing.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

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]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/people-watching-at-shibuya-crossing/feed/ 0 107 Discover Tokyo’s Beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen: A Relaxing Urban Oasis https://thecreativeadventurer.com/discover-tokyos-beautiful-shinjuku-gyoen-a-relaxing-urban-oasis/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=discover-tokyos-beautiful-shinjuku-gyoen-a-relaxing-urban-oasis https://thecreativeadventurer.com/discover-tokyos-beautiful-shinjuku-gyoen-a-relaxing-urban-oasis/#respond Mon, 22 Feb 2021 17:49:12 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=21779 If you feel like taking a break from the hustle and bustle, big lights and neon...

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]]> If you feel like taking a break from the hustle and bustle, big lights and neon signs, then head down to the Shinjuku Gyoen. This enormous urban oasis is located only 10 minutes away from Shinjuku station. Since it was initially built as an Imperial Garden, the landscaping is far superior to any public park I’ve ever been to. During Cherry Blossom season, this is one of the most popular spots to sit and enjoy thousands of those pretty pink petals as they fall like snowflakes all around you.

When we were visiting Tokyo during Cherry Blossom season, we had heard that this park was one of the best places to come to enjoy the last of the season. The sakura had bloomed early this year, and we were hoping we might be in luck to find some trees with a few petals still clinging to the buds when we arrived. Lucky for us the park is home to a variety of different sakura trees which are known to bloom throughout the spring.

Table Of Contents
  1. Access
  2. Hours and Admission
  3. Accessibility
  4. History
  5. Design of the Gardens
  6. French Formal Gardens
  7. English Landscape Garden
  8. Variety of Sakura Trees
  9. Shinjuku Gyoen Throughout the Seasons
  10. Greenhouse
  11. Where to Eat?
  12. Rakuu-tei

Access

The garden has three separate entrances around the park to make it easy to enter from various parts of the city. The largest gate (Shinjuku Gate) is located 10-minutes from the Shinjuku JR station or five minutes from Shinjukugyoenmae Station. The Okido Gate, is located farther east on the north side five minutes from Shinjukugyoenmae Station. There is one last gate (Sendagaya Gate) located on the south side. This gate is accessible from the nearby JR Sendagaya Station.

Hours and Admission

To enter this park, you do need to pay an admission fee. This means the park is much less crowded. Admission costs 500 yen. The gardens are open from 7:00 am if you come in from the Shinjuku Gate. The other two gates only allow access starting at 9:00 am. The park closes at 4:30 pm, with the last admission at 4:00 pm. The park is closed on Mondays for maintenance. During cherry blossom season and chrysanthemum festivals, the gardens remain open 7 days a week due to the overwhelming popularity.

Accessibility

If you require accessible access, exit through Shinjuku Station or Shinjukusanchome Station. These stations do not require walking up to any stairs or escalators. From there, head over to the Shinjuku Gate. Once you pass through the admission gate, you will be provided with a map in the language of your choice. The map is wonderfully clear in identifying wheelchair-friendly areas. Great effort was taken in ensuring the part is friendly for those with disabilities. There are various washrooms in the park which are accessible. The map also points out pathways which are easier to traverse in a wheelchair or any areas of difficult terrains (such as gravel or steeper slopes).

History

Initially, the park wasn’t owned by the city; it was private property. The shōgun bequeathed the land to Lord Naitō, who built a grand garden onto his palace in 1772. Over the years, the gardens passed hands, down from a private residence to an agriculture centre to a public botanical garden in 1879. The garden’s original layout was destroyed during the air raids of WWII. After the war, much effort was taken to restore and rebuilt the park back to its original design.

Design of the Gardens

The Shinjuku Gyoen garden is spread over 58.3 hectares! The gardens were designed in three distinct styles: French formal, English landscape and Japanese traditional. The Japanese Garden is decorated with a series of large reflecting ponds. Connecting the different areas of the garden across the pond are various large stones, gravel pathways and an iconic Japanese bridge.

You’ll find a large structure called the Kyu-Goryotei or the “old palace” in the center of the Japanese garden. This building is, oddly enough, designed in Chinese-style. This is because it was donated by the Japanese residents of Taiwan for the imperial wedding celebrations. Today, it a favourite place for photographs as you look out at the beautiful pond on the other side.

Take a closer look at the pond and see if you can spot some of the carp which are stocked in the water. Carp symbolizes the Japanese fighting spirit due to their hardy nature. You can also see if you can see any of the many turtles, sunbathing on the rocks around the pond.

French Formal Gardens

The Formal French Gardens are dominated by perfect beds of roses surrounded by the Avenue of Sycamore trees. Sycamore trees are native to central, eastern and southern Europe, having been introduced by the Romans. There are eight hundred feet of roses with varieties all originating outside of Japan.

English Landscape Garden

The English Landscape Garden features this large open lawn surrounded by cherry blossom trees. This area is a favourite for children to run freely and play on the manicured grass.

There are over 20,000 trees to be found inside the park. You can spot tall Himalayan cedars, tulip trees, cypresses, as well as a stock of 1,700 tropical pants inside the greenhouse. Of the 20,000 trees found here, 1,500 of which are Japanese cherry blossom trees.

Variety of Sakura Trees

What makes this park a little different is that there are different varieties of cherry blossom trees. Some areas only have one kind which means there is only one opportunity to see the flowers. Having different species means the trees bloom at different times of the year. This ensures that people can enjoy the season in the park for a more extended period.

Weeping Cherry Tree

The Weeping Cherry tree is the first to bloom in early March. By far, these trees are the most dramatic. Their flowers delicately covering the long tendrils, reaching towards the the ground. 

Somei Cherry Trees

Then there are the Tokyo Cherry or Somei trees. These are most commonly found in Tokyo prefecture and start blooming in early April. This is the most popular species you’ll find all over the city. The variety has only five petals and is pale pink in colour. From afar these flowers almost appear to be white.

Kanzan Cherry Trees

The final kind of tree found in the park is the Kanzan Cherry trees. These are the last to bloom in late April. These are my favourite variety. They are known for their “double blossom.” There are as many as 50 petals on each of these flowers. They are a deep pink colour and have the most fantastic contrast against the bright blue sky. 

Shinjuku Gyoen Throughout the Seasons

Springtime

Springtime is the most popular time to visit the park as this is when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Since the park is so large though even at the busiest times, you never feel too overwhelmed. Bring your picnic blankets and relax here under the precious petals.

Summer

In the summertime, the garden blooms with hydrangeas, one of the most popular seasonal flowers. Also in the summertime, you can wander around the French garden which is covered in an efflorescence of blooming roses!

Fall

Outside of Sakura season, the most popular time to visit is during the park is during the chrysanthemum festival. This festival has been running since 1929 and is a very popular event for the locals. The festival usually runs for two weeks beginning in November, but it depends on the flowers’ blossoming time.

In the Autumn, all the trees change colour and create a magical sunset-toned wave across the sky. The most beautiful of which is the maple trees which have been planted here, which turn a deep autumnal red. The contrast of the red against the rest of the green tree is truly stunning.

Winter

Even in the wintertime, there are plenty of flowers to see. The camellia and the white narcissus are blooming in December and January. And in February, you’ll find the Japanese apricot and witch hazel trees abloom.

Greenhouse

Right beside the Ookido Gate, you’ll find the large greenhouse. This greenhouse is home to many different tropical plants which bloom all year round. So even if there isn’t anything budding outside, you can always find something to look at in here. The interior feels like a jungle, with wild plants growing up to the ceiling and their leaves hanging down around you. The greenhouse is divided into different regional plants, so you can travel around the world in this one little building.

Where to Eat?

While there are some lovely restaurants in the surrounding area, the best thing to do inside the park brings a picnic! During cherry blossom season, this is called having a “hanami party” or sakura watching party. But it doesn’t need to be springtime to have a picnic. Just head down to your local konbini to pick up a variety of foods, ready to eat, and layout on a blanket to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. Remember, there is no drinking or bringing in alcohol into this park.

Rakuu-tei

If you haven’t brought any food with you, there are a few different rest houses and cafes dotted throughout the park. These are not always open, so be sure to check with the gate attendant to see which ones are serving customers. The Rakuu-tei (tea house) is a great place to have a cup of traditional macha inside a traditional tea room. This building is located beside the old plum trees in the Japanese garden. Here you can take a moment of relaxation as you enjoy a spot of tea with a seasonal Japanese sweets. The drink set will cost 700 yen, which is steep, but it’s all about the experience. If you’ve never had a tea set inside a garden-side tea room before this is your chance!

Shinjuku Gyoen is the perfect place to escape to if you feel like the crowded and busy nature of the city is getting to you. Shinjuku is one of the most populated parts of the city and the fact this peaceful oasis is hidden in the middle of it is fantastic. Be sure to pay this place a visit to find a moment of zen in your busy travel schedule.

Happy Travels, Adventurers

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]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/discover-tokyos-beautiful-shinjuku-gyoen-a-relaxing-urban-oasis/feed/ 0 21779 Uncover the Magic of Japan’s Cherry Blossoms: A Hanami Guide to the Best Ways to Enjoy Sakura Season https://thecreativeadventurer.com/cherry-blossom-hanami-guide-how-to-best-enjoy-sakura-season-in-japan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cherry-blossom-hanami-guide-how-to-best-enjoy-sakura-season-in-japan https://thecreativeadventurer.com/cherry-blossom-hanami-guide-how-to-best-enjoy-sakura-season-in-japan/#respond Sun, 21 Feb 2021 18:33:54 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=21738 As Japan’s sakura trees begin to bloom, the petals are not the only thing that is...

The post Uncover the Magic of Japan’s Cherry Blossoms: A Hanami Guide to the Best Ways to Enjoy Sakura Season first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> As Japan’s sakura trees begin to bloom, the petals are not the only thing that is seen on the ground of parks around Japan. Spread across the green spaces are hundreds and thousands of residents and tourists alike who come to eat, drink and be merry under the cherry blossoms. This is called having a hanami party! Hanami parties have been part of the sakura celebrations for hundreds of years. Even if you are a visitor to the city, having your own hanami is a great way to take in the sights and relax a bit, something all travellers need to remind themselves to do. 

When we arrived in Japan in the hope of seeing the cherry blossoms, the first morning, we awoke and saw that it was 3 am. My heart was fluttering in anticipation of seeing the blooms. I had read they had sprouted much earlier than expected and was worried I missed them altogether. As soon as the sun rose, I sprinted out of bed, and we headed outside to see the city in the daylight (as we had arrived when it was already dark). I was thrilled to spot a small blooming tree in the corner park beside our hotel with those iconic pink petals. By seeing a few of these trees I knew the chances of seeing more in the park was pretty high!

We headed over to the nearest Daiso to stock up on picnicking essentials and then to the konbini for some food. When we arrived at the park, we collapsed on the ground from jetlag, but what a place to recover! I cannot recommend having a hanami party more, whether it’s just you with a few friends, with your partner or even only by yourself. It’s a beautiful way to introduce yourself to the natural beauty of Japan.

Table Of Contents
  1. What is Hanami?
  2. Where to Have your Hanami?
  3. What do your Need for a Hanami?
  4. What to Eat at your Hanami?
  5. Tips to Having the Best Hanami
  6. Arrive Early!
  7. Plan for Bathroom Breaks
  8. Pick Up After Yourself
  9. Dress for Success
  10. Respect the Trees
  11. Bring some Music
  12. Don't Forget to Charge

What is Hanami?

The word “hanami” is made from the word “hana,” which means flower, and “mi,” which means to watch or view. So literally, it translates to ‘flower watching’ parties.

Where to Have your Hanami?

There are so many wonderful spots around Japan to have a hanami. Most tourists will find themselves in Tokyo as it is the most popular tourist destination. Check out my post all about the best cities across Japan to see the cherry blossoms if you are looking for other spots to visit.

There are dozens of parks around Tokyo to have a hanami, but in my opinion, the very best one is Shinjuku Gyoen. This park is enormous! Sakura season is one of the busiest times to come to Japan, for both tourists and Japanese travellers, so often the parks get PACKED! Yoyogi Park and Ueno Park are probably the most popular, but with popularity comes HUGE crowds.

While Shinjuku Gyoen is still a favourite place to be, the park’s sheer size means there is plenty of room to spread out. So it never feels too crowded. The park does require an admission fee which costs 200 yen. But since you pay to get inside, this automatically cuts down on the number of visitors. And the trees here are spectacular. Shinjuku Gyoen was initially the Naitō family’s residence in the Edo period. They created this fantastic natural landscaping which included a variety of Japanese cherry blossom trees.

What do your Need for a Hanami?

One of the critical elements of the hanami is your picnic blanket. Most people coming to Japan won’t have brought this along with them. And I wouldn’t advise you do it even if you know you’ll be having a hanami. Blankets take up a lot of room in your suitcase, and when you arrive in Japan, there are tons of stores where you can get a picnic blanket for cheap. Head over to your local Daiso or 100 Yen shop to get a large picnic blanket. But even more popular than blankets are blue tarps which people use to place on the ground. The reason tarps are so perfect is if the ground is a bit wet they will still keep you dry!

What to Eat at your Hanami?

The other thing you NEED to have a great hanami is food and drink! There is no need for a kitchen to pack your picnic. Just head over to your local grocery store or konbini and stock up on various food items. Here is my list of the best things to bring to your picnic!

Sakura Flavoured Foods

I would highly recommend grabbing as many sakura-flavoured things as possible to complement the surroundings. There are dozens of different items to choose from so just pick what catches your fancy. Even if you don’t know what it is. Eating new and surprising foods is what travelling is all about!

Bento

Bento boxes are another item to pick up as they are like an entire meal, all pre-packed for you. Perfect for a picnic! Sometimes they even have a special sakura bento. These contain pink rice balls flavoured with sakura petals.

Drinks

Grab yourself both some warm and cold drinks to enjoy—the warmer drinks, like a canned coffee, are great to wake up and warm up with. But the cold beverages as there to enjoy as the sun rises and you want to cool down. Konbinis have literally hundreds of different drinks to choose from so I would advise grabbing a few things you’ve never seen before. That makes the hanami all the more enjoyable as you enjoy tasting these new items.

Onigiri

Another item perfect for your picnic are onigiri. Onigiri are rice balls which contain fillings like salmon, tuna mayo and even pickled sakura. These are easy to pack and don’t require any utensils to eat!

Karaage

I would highly recommend bringing some karaage with you. Karaage or Japanese fried chicken is one of the most delicious items you can find in a konbini. It also can be quickly eaten without any utensils and is nice and warm for cold mornings.

Oden

If you think it might be super chilly out when you arrive at the park, I will load up on oden at the konbini. Oden is a dashi soup stock that you can add your own ingredients into. Everything from radishes, soft boiled eggs, fried tofu and fish cakes. These come with lids (although don’t turn them upside down), so you should be able to transport them to the park with ease.

Dango

If you come to a cherry blossom party, be sure to grab a few sticks of dango from the konbini. Dango are tiny dumplings made from rice flour and are coloured green, white and pink, representing the colours of the cherry blossom trees.

Fruit

If you stop in at a grocery store before arriving, make sure to head over to the fruit section. While fruit in Japan isn’t cheap, it is some of the most delicious in the world! If the bloom of the sakura coincides with the strawberry season, be sure to pick up a box of strawberries to enjoy under the canopy of the cherry blossoms.

Sake

Sake is one of the traditional hanami drinks. There is even a word for the act of drinking sake under the cherry blossoms: hanami-zake. Sake can be found in konbinis and grocery stores as well as select vending machines. There are a few parks where drinking is prohibited, so be sure to check that in advance.

Tips to Having the Best Hanami

Arrive Early!

Even the most extensive parks can get really crowded. Usually, you’ll be able to find at least somewhere to squeeze in, but if you want a prime location, arrive early! I honestly think the mornings are the best time to view the cherry blossoms. There is something about how the morning dew makes them shine as the sun rises that is so beautiful and special. Arriving on a weekday rather than a weekend is also a way to avoid larger crowds.

Plan for Bathroom Breaks

While many of these parks do have bathrooms close to the nearest train station, the washrooms’ line can be as long as an HOUR! So head over to the toilet well before you are desperate to go. Or see if there is a department store close by where you can find a bathroom. Even if it’s a little longer walk to get to the department store, you might find you’ll save a ton of time not waiting in line.

Pick Up After Yourself

When you leave, be sure to take all your garbage with you and place it in the right trash or recycling bins. Japan takes their garbage collection very seriously. It is extremely rude and almost insulting to just leave your trash behind. There are often limited garbage cans in Japan. Usually, around hanami time, they set up some extra bins along the park’s edges for people to leave their trash. I always carry an empty plastic bag with me if I need to take my garbage with me until I find a bin. An excellent tip for everyday travels in Japan.

Dress for Success

If it’s going to be a SUPER cold day, but you don’t want to miss out on viewing the flowers, head over to the drugstore and pick up some hand warmers. These are always on display, sometimes outside the store. They come in multipacks for a really reasonable price. Simply open the pack to ignite the warmer. They work so well and really can make it feel nice and cozy on a cold day.

Even if it’s your own blanket or tarp, it is proper etiquette to take your shoes off before you get on the tarp. It’s just like when you enter a Japanese house, it is considered rude to keep your shoes on. For this reason, if you know, the day will be cold; double up on socks!

If you’ve followed my advice and arrived early in the morning, you might find it’s still a bit cool outside, so dressing in layers is key! Something you can throw off as the day warms up is the perfect attire for a hanami party.

Respect the Trees

Although you’d think this doesn’t need to be said, please be sure to respect the trees. Many cherry blossom trees are ancient, and some can be very delicate. Although climbing one might get you a great shot, you risk breaking one of the branches or damaging the tree. Admiring the beauty of the tree can be done very well from the ground and should stay that way.

Bring some Music

If you really want to take your hanami party to the next level, bring along a Bluetooth speaker. You can play music to enjoy as you sit under the peaceful swaying trees, staring up at the blossoms above. Keep the noise at a respectable level. If you love music but didn’t bring one along, simply walk around the park and sit yourself down beside the group with the best music! A great way to make new friends.

Don’t Forget to Charge

Don’t forget to bring along your power bank to charge your phone. Most likely you’ll want to stay in the park for a long time, and it’s always when your cellphone dies that you find the best spot for a picture!

Hopefully this guide helps you plan the perfect hanami party! This is honestly one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the beauty of Japan during this preciously short season. Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to a hanami party before and what your favourite part about it was!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post Uncover the Magic of Japan’s Cherry Blossoms: A Hanami Guide to the Best Ways to Enjoy Sakura Season first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/cherry-blossom-hanami-guide-how-to-best-enjoy-sakura-season-in-japan/feed/ 0 21738 The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Bento Boxes and Ekiben https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-japanese-bento-boxes-and-ekiben/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-ultimate-guide-to-japanese-bento-boxes-and-ekiben https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-japanese-bento-boxes-and-ekiben/#respond Tue, 09 Feb 2021 15:07:01 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=21029 For as long as I can remember, I have loved pretty little packages of food. I...

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]]> For as long as I can remember, I have loved pretty little packages of food. I think all of us have a strange nostalgia for those “Lunchables,” which were such a prized possession in middle school. If you didn’t grow up with them, Lunchables were a small plastic boxes with little sections inside which perfectly fit the different elements of the “meal”. I was definitely one of those kids that hated when the different items on the plate would touch each other, so this was the ideal meal for me. Well, little did I know that years later I would find a fancy grown-up versions of this in Japan. And they were called Bento Boxes or Ekibens. I fell in love from the moment I saw them. Little curated boxes of deliciousness. Filled with treasures so perfectly shaped they look like works of art!

What are Bento Boxes or Ekiben?

“Bento” translates into the English word for “boxed-lunch.” These meals were designed to be eaten on the go. The invention of the bento box dates back to the Kamakura period (1185 to 1333). Back then, they were pretty simple and made mostly to carry rice.

It wasn’t until the late 16th century that the boxes evolved into a more luxurious design during the Edo period. Beautiful lacquered wooden boxes were made to display bite-sized food within. These fancy bento boxes were called the ‘Makunouchi.’ This translates into “between acts” as the lacquered boxes were designed to be sold inside Kabuki theatres and eaten during the intermission.

Different boxed meals were designed to appeal to various social classes. The ones with more expensive, specialty ingredients were sold to the upper classes, where the lower classes ate bentos with simpler ingredients. There were even specialty boxes designed to highlight seasonal fruits and vegetables during different times of the year.

Ekiben comes from the words “eki,” which means railway station. These bento boxes were designed exclusively for travellers on the railway. Sometimes people needed to travel long distances into big cities for work, so this was an excellent solution for people who needed to eat their dinner on the train. But who didn’t have time to prepare a healthy meal themselves.

Today there are rarely “dining cars” on Japanese trains as people will more often than not opt to bring these boxed meals onto the train instead. If you missed out on buying one in the station by chance, they are usually for sale inside the train as well.

Elements of an Ekiben

There are hundreds of different varieties of ekibens. But in general, the make-up of an ekiben should include a carb, a protein, a veggie and a fruit or dessert. Each one of these elements is separated into a different part of the container. 

Another advantage to the Ekiben is that they sometimes feature ingredients from local prefectures. Even if you’re just stopping off at a station and then continuing on to a different final destination, you can hop off the train and grab an ekiben featuring a local delicacy.

While many simpler versions of the ekiben costs around $10, various gourmet boxes can cost almost $30! That might seem like a lot considering the kind of meal you can buy in Japan for $30, but I think the novelty of them is so special and worth the money. Ekiben’s are a quintessentially Japanese experience that you MUST have on your next Shinkansen journey.

Where to Buy Ekiben’s?

Japanese Convenience Store

One of the easiest and cheapest places to buy an Ekiben or bento box is at a Japanese convenience store. If you’ve read my post all about Japanese convenience stores, you’ll know they are one of the best places to eat in Japan (sounds weird, but it’s really true). The bento boxes available in the stores change throughout the day, some are more geared towards breakfast others more filling for dinner. My favourite Japanese convenience stores to look out for are 7-Eleven, Lawson and Family Mart. If you happen to be shopping inside a large supermarket, you’ll also be able to find these ekiben’s there.

Train Stations

But the best place to buy traditional Ekiben’s is inside the train station. Any station with long-distance trains is going to sell a myriad of different ekibens. Stations like Tokyo Station are so large that you’ll find dozens and dozens of shops selling nothing but ekibens. I remember my first time in Tokyo station, I was overwhelmed with all the different options in front of me. To help others in my situation, I went ahead and made a list of the best Ekiben’s you can buy inside Tokyo Station! And to make it even more straightforward, there really is one place to find it all! And that’s Ekibenya Matsuri.

Ekibenya Matsuri

Without a doubt, the most popular place to pick up your ekiben is Ekiben Matsuri. It’s located inside the station, past the ticketing gates, so you will need a ticket or entry card to get access to the shop. There are over 200 different ekiben sold at Ekibenya Matsuri! One of the best things about this shop is that the ekiben sold here are not just from Tokyo, but from all over Japan! Some exclusive ekiben you usually could only find in smaller cities across the country are shipped in here daily, so you can literally have a taste of the entire country in one spot.

Below are my favourite 11 ekibens you can find at Tokyo Ekiben Matsuri!

Tokyo Bento

The Tokyo Bento from Ekibenya Matsuri is a platter of the best of the best ingredients from Tokoyo. The main features are the tamagoyaki (rolled omelette) and a beautiful slice of salmon with a tiny soy sauce bottle to squeeze on top. There is a side of rice with pickled plums and a pile of fresh steamed vegetables. And for dessert you get a freshly made macha mochi!

Cost: 1,650 yen

Gyuniku Domannaka 

While a pre-cook and cold box of beef might be unpalatable to some, this is honestly of the best packages. We got one to try, and though we were apprehensive at first, once we tasted it, we were amazed at how delicious and moist the meat was. The Gyuniku Domannaka is from Yonezawa and is made with a secret marinated sauce, making it taste just impeccable!

Cost: 1,250 yen

Daruma Bento

The Daruma Ekiben from Gunma Prefecture is another one of those gimmicky boxes which are impossible to pass up. The bright red container is shaped into the form of a Daruma Doll. Darumas are good luck dolls in Japan, and the slit in the mouth of the box can be used after the meal is done to help store your coins. The food inside the package is pretty healthy. As Gunma prefecture is located up in the mountains this meal has no fish and highlights the rich food found at altitude. The bento features shiitake mushrooms, burdock root, bamboo shoots, and root vegetables.

Cost: 1,080 yen

Hipparidako Meshi

This Ekiben’s name translates to “octopus in high demand,” and that is pretty much what you’ll find inside. From Hyogo Prefecture near the Kobe Harborland and waterfront, this beautifully crafted clay pot features a myriad of fresh seafood. Inside you’ll find braised octopus, along with shiitake mushroom, bamboo, conger eel, shredded egg, vegetable and vinegar rice. It’s almost as if someone was fishing off the mainland and this is a selection of the catch of the day!

Cost: 1,080 yen


Oshizushi

One of the oldest bento recipes you can find here is from 1913! It is a very simple box featuring thinly sliced horse mackerel atop pressed sushi rice covered in vinegar sauce. This is called “oshizushi” style and is one of the oldest styles of sushi making. The dish comes from Ofuna Station near Kamakura.

Cost: 1,280 yen

Shinkansen Bento

If you’re travelling with children or are a child at heart, then you really MUST buy the Shinkansen Bento. The bullet train-shaped container is something you can keep as a souvenir or even use for future homemade bentos. Inside you’ll find food best suited for a simple palette (aka for the kids). You’ll find fried chicken, shrimp, pork sausages, meat dumplings, potatoes and, of course, rice!

Cost: 1,300 yen

Three Flavour Beef Bento

If you love beef, then you must try the Three Flavour Beef Bento. Inside this box are three types of flavours: “Beef Soboro Sansho Flavor”, “Spicy Beef”, and “Beef Miso Pickled Grill”. Plus, you get a soft boiled egg on the side along with some delicious rice.  The beef comes from Nipponbashi, near Osaka. Some of this meat is flavoured with Sansho which is a specialty of this region. Sansho berries have a strong, peppery, citrus flavour that has been compared to lemon, yuzu and grapefruit!

Cost: 1,200 yen

Seasonal Box

If you ever see a seasonal box, I would implore you to give it a try! It’s such a unique way to taste the literal flavours of the season in Japan. We visited during the Fall so our tasting box included Autumnal flavours such as chestnuts, shiitake mushrooms, mackerel, trout, smoked duck, and sweet potatoes. It was absolutely delicious and looked like a miniature painting!

Cost: varies by the seasonal items

Tuna & Salmon Roe

If you want a taste of the sea, you need to try the tuna and salmon roe bento. This is one of the brightest meals on offer with that hot pink of the tuna and flaming orange of the salmon roe. The entire meal is placed atop shredded omelet and vinegared rice. You also get some pickled ginger and wasabi on the side to cut the fat of the tuna. Everyone is always so surprised at how fresh and tasty this fish is considering its from a box!

Cost: 1,300 yen

Vegetable Bento

I really wanted to add a Vegan/Vegetarian item on here to make sure that all those travellers know that there is indeed something for you too! The Vegetable Bento is a colourful mixture of steamed and pickled vegetables paired with two rice types and even a vegan omelette!

Cost: 900 yen

Pork Cutlet Bento

An item that is often overlooked is the Pork Cutlet Bento. Pork cutlets are one of the things that Japan just does right. Somehow they always manage to capture the juiciness of the pork while the outside is crisped to perfection! The cutlet is served alongside white rice with potato salad and some pickled radishes.

Cost: 1,080 yen

I hope this list helps narrow down your choices when you get to the train station. But if you have the time, go inside and see for yourself all the hundreds of different curated boxes they have inside. There is always something new and exciting to try! Let me know in the comments if you have ever tried an Ekiben before or what your favourite box from this list is!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

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]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-japanese-bento-boxes-and-ekiben/feed/ 0 21029 The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Akihabara Tokyo, What to Do and Eat https://thecreativeadventurer.com/your-essential-guide-to-exploring-the-otaku-neighborhood-of-akihabara-tokyo/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=your-essential-guide-to-exploring-the-otaku-neighborhood-of-akihabara-tokyo https://thecreativeadventurer.com/your-essential-guide-to-exploring-the-otaku-neighborhood-of-akihabara-tokyo/#respond Sun, 19 Jan 2020 23:56:01 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//?p=1377 Akihabara has always been our favourite neighbourhood to stay in when travelling to Tokyo. We’ve tried out...

The post The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Akihabara Tokyo, What to Do and Eat first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> Akihabara has always been our favourite neighbourhood to stay in when travelling to Tokyo. We’ve tried out different areas over the years, and our hearts will always be drawn back to Akihabara. After a long day of walking around Tokyo, every night, we would dump our stuff and head out into the neon streets to find something delicious to eat. Then we were off to play games, explore endless floors of shopping malls, which always seemed open at all hours of the night. Finally, we would end the night singing along to Karaoke and dancing on the streets with the salarymen on their way home from the bars. Akihabara is never lacking for excitement, good food and entertainment. But unlike areas like Shinjuku, it still has that neighbourhood feel and doesn’t overwhelm you. 

Otaku Akihabara

Akihabara is often referred to as being the ‘Otaku‘ centre of Tokyo. Otaku refers to a young person who is obsessed with computers or particular aspects of pop culture to the detriment of their social skills. Its kinda like our word “geek” or “nerd.” But just as in our North American vocabulary, these terms are no longer as harmful as they once were. Nerds now run the world! Fantasy comics and movies are now not just for nerds but Hollywood Blockbusters! Initially, Akihabara was known for being a technology hub, it was called electric town. It got this name in WWII when this area was the place where people could find old radio and electronic parts sold illegally under the train lines. It was the only way people could get them since almost everything was given over to the war effort.

Today, you can still find these shops, although they no longer need to hide underground. From old wires to new robotics Akihabara grew into a centre where the geeks of the city would congregate. And today it is this new centre of pop culture. All of these aspects of the neighbourhood make it one of the liveliest areas in Tokyo. If you’ve never been here before hopefully, this guide allows you to explore everything Akihabara has to offer!

Table Of Contents
  1. Where to Stay?
  2. Where to Eat?
  3. What to do?
  4. Interesting Vending Machines

Where to Stay?

Glansit Akihabara Capsule Hotel

Capsule Hotels are one of the most unique forms of accommodation in Japan. Capsule hotels are not just a super cool thing to experience; they are also a great way to save some money! Perfect for solo travellers. The Capsules are divided into male and female floors, where you’ll get a single capsule all to yourself to sleep inside. The Glansit Capsules in Akihabara are incredibly modern, clean and even have an onsen attached to the shower area, the perfect way to unwind after a long flight or long day walking around the city.

The capsule here are made of a large, rectangular cube, which is more spacious than you’d imagine. Each capsule comes with its own personal light, tv, bedding, place to plug in all your devices and even air conditioning and a fan. It feels like sleeping in a spaceship. Outside your capsule, you can use all the amenities of a hotel.

Washington Hotel

If you’re looking for a great hotel, just steps away from all the action than the Washington Hotel is the place for you. This hotel is still within most travellers’ budgets but provides everything you need in the perfect location. The hotel is right across the street from the train station, which makes it super easy to get anywhere in the city in minutes. The rooms are spacious in terms of Japanese standards, but be sure not to book the “economy double bed” if you’re a couple since the bed is little more than a large single and you might be a little squished.

Hotel Mystays Ochanomizu

Hotel Mystays Ochanomizu is located just a few minutes away from the central JR rail station, on the opposite side of the rivers from Akihabara. While this means you’re not RIGHT in the centre of the action, this actually might be a plus for some travellers. Being across the river means this hotel feels like it is more a part of the less touristy, neighbourhood part of Akihabara.

The streets are quiet, but only a five minutes walk down the road you’re in the centre of the bustling neon skyscrapers which are iconically Akihabara. While the hotel bills itself as a conference centre/business hotel, I still found it to be perfect for tourists. The price was great, the amenities were excellent, and since a lot of the people staying there were businessmen, it was a super quiet hotel. Ideal for relaxing at the end of a long night. Book a twin room for two people, its the same price as the standard but gives you two beds and more space inside the room.

Where to Eat?

Kikanbo

Kikanbo is my ABSOLUTE favourite restaurant in the entire city. I know this seems odd, and arguably it holds a sentimental part in my heart. Still, even without that, this ramen restaurant is fantastic! Kikanbo is known for its red pepper spicy ramen. When you walk up to the restaurant, you’re greeted with several demon spiked masks on the outside of the building, but don’t let that scare you off. You have complete control over the spice level, so even if you don’t like hot food, the rich miso broth and gorgeous toppings are enough to make for a spectacular meal.

Kikanbo also uses three different noodles in their ramen to give you a variety of textures as you eat, which makes it super unique compared to other ramen restaurants. There is always a line out the door, but it moves quickly. The staff are so friendly and if you don’t know how to order, they’re always more than happy to help you out, even without being able to share a common language!

Toraji

Toraji is a “yakiniku” style restaurant located at the top of the Remm tower in Akihabara. Yakiniku translates into “grilled meat,” as the cooking of the meal is given over to the customer! It’s a tradition that started in Korea and was adopted by the Japanese as well. There is something so enjoyable about being able to cook food at your table, to your tastes, without having to shop for any ingredients and know that everything is still prepared for you.

This restaurant still preserves some of the Korean aspects of the meal, as it serves kimchi and cold noodles along with the various meats and steamed vegetables. Now I know what you might be thinking, “Korean food? In Tokyo?” and yes, this might sound odd. But Korean food is super popular in Tokyo for a reason. You choose a particular set menu, and then the meat and veggies are all brought out to you, as an all-you-can-eat service. Whenever a dish is finished, just ask for another, and it will be brought you fresh from the kitchen. Perfect for hungry eaters.

Gansozushi

While conveyor belt sushi restaurants have started popping up in other locations around the world, they got their start here in Japan. If you’ve never visited one before, then Gansozushi is the best place to start! Conveyor belt sushi restaurants are all over Tokyo, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. While the fish might not be as high quality as in some upscale restaurants, it’s still far and away better than anything we get in North America. Once you get inside, you’ll be seated around an actual moving conveyor belt with dishes containing various types of sushi.

This restaurant is especially great since it’s so small, the chef is right behind the counter. And you can watch him making the sushi throughout the meal. Each of the plates on which the sushi is placed is a different colour and/or pattern. The plates denote the cost of the sushi, often displayed on small signage inside the restaurant. Just grab what you want and keep the empty plates at your table. These plates are used to calculate your bill at the end of the meal. The sushi is cheap and delicious, and often you’ll be more enticed into trying something new once you see it right there in front of you.

Kanda Yabusoba

Across the river is one of my favourite restaurants, Kanda Yabusoba. This place serves up Soba noodles in a variety of different fashions. I LOVE cold soba noodles, and this restaurant has been making them since 1880! “Soba,” or buckwheat noodles, is a traditional Japanese food dating back to the Edo period. These noodles were a favourite dish of the then Emperor of Japan. Soba noodles are eaten dipped in a tasty broth and enjoyed alongside crispy deep-fried shrimp and vegetable tempura. The other reason I love this place is for the decor. It feels like a traditional tea house, with all wood panels and a peaceful zen garden welcoming you as you come in the front doors.

Blue Bottle Coffee Kanda Cafe

Another popular spot on the riverside is Blue Bottle Coffee. The Japanese have gotten obsessed with coffee, but more than that, they have an obsession with ensuring it is brewed to perfection. This place offers pour-over coffees, which are superb! The beans are roasted to varying degrees based on their unique profile. This cool little cafe offers seats along the riverside, which is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy a morning brew before heading into the clamour of downtown Akihabara.

Mister Donut Akihabara

I realize recommending Mister Donut is like recommending Dunkin’ Donuts to people visiting America or Tim Hortons to those in Canada. But you know what? I think I would do that too. They’re a simple, classic for a reason. Mister Donut is a chain cafe which sells, just that, donuts. But Japanese donuts are unlike the textures and flavour of those in North American, and you need to give them a try! They always have seasonal flavours or different designs to celebrate various events happening in Japan. So there always something new to try every time you visit!

Honey Toast Cafe Akihabara

If donuts aren’t for you, but you have a sweet tooth, then you just have to check out Honey toast Café! Honey toast starts with a thick piece of bread cut almost to the size of a brick! The bread is as fluffy as can be, similar to the texture of Wonder Bread we have in North America. The toast is then smothered in toppings like whipped cream, ice cream, honey and fresh fruits. It’s as decadent as it gets! The plastic models of these desserts sit in window displays outside inviting customers to come inside and let me tell you they’re pretty hard to resist.

Honey toast is often eaten by young teens on their first dates, and often, you’ll find groups of kids heading to Akihabara just to eat honey toast and blush in front of their crushes. Eating a slice of honey toast with your true love feels like you’re just two kids again.

Gyukatsu Ichi Ni San

One of the absolute best places to eat in Akihabara is Gyukatsu Ichi Ni San. Prepare to wait in line or get there early to ensure you get a spot in this bite-sized restaurant. Gyukatsu is a Japanese meal that consists of breaded, deep-fried beef cutlets. At this restaurant, you are given slices of the meat, which has been deep-fried, but the interior is still raw. You are then sat in front of a tiny little pan where you can grill the meat to your desired level of cooking. Staff are super kind and ready to help you with the coking if you are new to the process. They have an English menu, so they are more than welcoming to tourists. Dishes come with a bowl of rice, soup, sauces, and a mountain of veggies!

Taiyaki

Taiyaki is a Japanese street food that is on almost every traveller’s list of things to eat in Japan. It’s a fish-shaped cake, which is filled with your choice of sweet centre before being cooked into the shape of a fish. Typical fillings include red bean paste, custard, chocolate, cheese, or sweet potato. Magikarp Taiyaki is similar to most other stands except for the fact they sell their Taiyaki in the shape of iconic Pokemon character ‘Magikarp.‘ Which I think fits being in Otaku Akihabara.

Fruits de Saison

For a sweet treat, head over to Fruits de Saison. This cafe specializes in fruit parfaits, which are iconic in Japan. Using only the best Japanese fruit of the season they create a sculptural looking dessert with mounds of sweet fruit. And their homemade whipped cream is the perfect topper. But the very best thing to try here is the fruit and cream croissants. Fruit cream sandwiches are a trendy convenience store food in Japan, but stuffed inside a fresh, buttery pastry just takes the dessert to another level!

What to do?

Walk along Chuo Dori

A walk down the main street Chuo Dori is one of the best ways to not only get your bearings upon landing in Japan but also a vibrant way to explore Akihabara. Everywhere you look, especially at night, you’ll find the most amazingly designed signage, neon lights, blaring music and excited people ready to hit the town. Chuo Dori is where you’ll be able to get some fantastic, iconic photographs of Tokyo so its a photographer’s dream.

Arcades

The Japanese pioneer video gaming and with Japan being the centre for its development came to the prevalence of arcades. Here kids and adults alike could play the newest coin-operated games like Street Fighter and Pacman. Today, the games you’ll find in the arcades are a little more sophisticated. And most of them can only be found in arcades as they are designed for that space, and not the home console system. These games are everything from racing games, dancing competitions to VR headsets, which jet you off into space!

But our favourite thing to play at the arcades were the crane games. Not the UFO catchers, those don’t involve any skill. But the arm crane games actually are winnable. The sheer drama of playing and/or watching others win is a suspenseful good time. And everyone loves to cheer for other players too as we’re all in this together. Plus, they always have such strange items to win, like a stuffed bear with a bloody arm or all kinds of scandalously clad anime figurines.

Taito and Sega Arcades

Every arcade brand is similar and yet totally different at the same time. They each have their own look and feel, which makes them stand apart, and you quickly will find which one is your favourite. We prefer the Taito arcades for their selection of cranes games prizes. Still, others love the SEGA arcade as they have a larger range of modern arcade games on the upper floors.

Purikura

In the basement of these arcades, you’ll find dozens of Purikura photo cubicles, each one from a different company offering a unique experience. Purikura machines are where you can get those classic Japanese printed photos where you can add text, stickers and give your face the “anime” treatment. The Purikura experience costs 500 yen ($5 US). Unlike photo booths you find in North America, where you step in and just take your picture, these use a green screen.

The camera moves around, so you get a bunch of different options from portrait mode to full body and even sometimes animated GIFs. Once you finish your photo shoot, you’ll be directed into another booth where you’ll get to decorate, alter, add filters and text to all the photos you took. Afterwards, your photos will be arranged into a collage (often picked by you) and printed out at the same station where you initially put your coins inside. It was great fun trying out different poses and spending as much time as we were allowed decorating the photos into something absolutely ridiculous.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLcZqNyAmWM/

Super Potato

If you’re interested in retro gaming, then a visit to Super Potato is in order. This little arcade, hidden upstairs inside a commercial tower on a side street of Akihabara, has some of the most nostalgic arcade games anywhere in the city. While SEGA and Taito might have all the newest in video game technology, Super Potato is still serving up pong, Super Mario and the original Street Fighter. The first floor of the store also has retro games for sale if you’re looking for something to complete your collection. But I prefer to head upstairs and play the day away on the gaming consoles, which didn’t require a Ph.D. to understand how to play.

Don Quijote

A fantastic late-night activity – for those of us not too interested in drinking the night away – is shopping at Don Quijote. The one in Akihabara is open 24 hours a day, and with over six floors of goods, there is always something new to discover. My favourite part of the store was the cosmetics section. Japanese and Korean cosmetics are some of the best in the world, and Don Quixote carries hundreds of products I’d never even seen before. I especially loved finding the anime character-themed cosmetics. They also had some featuring Sailor Moon, who was always my favourite cartoon character growing up. Don Quixote truly has something for everyone and even things no one would want but are hilarious to look at (e.g. animal-shaped male undergarments.) Honestly, even if you don’t buy anything here, you’ll have hours of fun just looking at all the oddities for sale.

Akihabara Gachapon Hall

Gachapon refers to the little vending machine which dispenses capsule toys. The word ‘Gachapon‘ is onomatopoeia for the sound the crank makes when you use the machine. These devices each contain different sets of toys, and you never know which item from the set you’re going to receive. It’s totally random. Most sets include some rare items which become sought-after collector treasures. The toys set change pretty often, so there’s always something new to buy. We found little plastic cats were sitting on rice cookers, tiny replicas of vintage buckets, Pokemon shaped cookies and lots of Japanese characters often themed the various holidays.

These make for small, cheap souvenirs to bring home for friends and family as they are wonderfully weird and always unexpected. The Akihabara Gachapon Hall is the place where you can find hundreds of these machines all in one place. Although spotting them all over the city is a fun little activity, if you’re looking for something in particular, then this is the place you should check out!

KaraokeKan

The best way to end a night out in Akihabara is to go to a karaoke room. You can come into a karaoke room at any time of the day with any size of the group (or even just solo)! Once inside, you select what kind of room you’d like, how long you want to sing for, and even what kind of karaoke system you wish to use. We had no idea what the difference was, but the staff is there day and night to help you out. And in Akihabara where there are lots of tourists, they know how to help you out even if they don’t speak very much English.

Karaoke Additions

Most karaoke places will require you to buy one beverage in addition to the price of the Karaoke. You can even buy an all-you-can drink option. If you’re going to be there a while, chose that option! In common areas, there are drink machines that serve coffee, soda, juice and sometimes even soft-serve ice cream! Once you have your assigned a room, head on over. Most rooms have coat hooks, phone chargers, mirrors, and some even have musical instruments like tambourines and cowbells!

I was pretty shy about singing at first, but my husband wasn’t shy at all and belted his favourite songs out. It got me in the mood for singing, and soon enough, we had ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘New Order‘ blasting down the halls. Honestly, it was the best night out ever! KaraokeKan in Akihabara is an excellent option as it has a pretty wide variety of English songs. They even rent costumes to perform in for a very unique night out!

Akiba Cultures Zone

Akiba Cultures Zone is a one-stop-shop for anime and otaku goods. There are over seven different levels to this one super mall dedicated to Japan’s anime subculture. Spread out on each level are grouping of different themed stores that specialize in a particular thing from sweets, to figurines, cosplay costumes, wigs and accessories. There is even a theatre on the top floor with performances daily.

Mandarake

If you didn’t find what you were looking for at Akiba Cultures Zone, then head over to Mandarake. Mandarake also has a slightly different selection of goods with more items for collectors of trains, Godzilla, manga and Hello Kitty rather than just pure anime. Once more, this place is more than a store, its eight different floors of collectible merchandise feels like a museum! If you’re looking for something a little more accessible, I would come here over Akiba Cultures Zone, which can feel a bit too specialized. Here you’ll find things from popular culture as well as Japanese anime. But they both really inform travellers into what Otaku culture is all about.

Yodobashi Camera

If technology is your thing, then you have to make a trip over to Yodobashi Camera Akihabara. Exploring the ground level of Yodobashi is like a trip to CES (the Consumer Technology Association convention held every year in Las Vegas). You can see all the newest in gadgetry which Japan has to offer its consumers. You’ll find everything from cameras to robotic toilets and even weird things like specialized drawers for roasting fish. Under the almost blinding white lights inside the store, you’ll find the oddest things which makes for one of the most enjoyable experiences!

CHABARA

Chabara is a grocery store, but its also so much more than that. They sell a variety of artisanal & traditional Japanese foods both to bring home with you as a souvenir or to enjoy back at your hotel. If you’re looking to sample the best Japanse food or perhaps don’t really know what foods you need to try, then this is the place to come! They even have gourmet instant-ramen noodle section, which has been carefully curated to feature only the very best of instant at-home noodles. Their sake selection is also stellar as it features varieties from all over Japan. They also have several kinds which you can try in-store in case you’ve never experienced true Japanese sake. Sake is a great gift to take home, and they will carefully wrap it to ensure it makes it back safe and sound. Something beautiful to remember your trip by!

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【地元応援！メイドイン上越】 #ちゃばら に立ち寄ったら 地元新潟上越市の美味しいものたちが勢ぞろい。 テンションが上がり この日いた #苺の花ことば さんという苺農家さんと立ち話させてもらいました。 栽培方法にこだわっていて 子どもに安心して食べさせられる苺作りをしているそう。 そういうのとっても大好物なわたし！ なのでついついインスタ投稿。 この日並んでいた #苺の飲む酢 は苺を贅沢に使用した甘酸っぱいソース。 使い道たくさんありそうです。 来年は苺狩りに伺おう♫ #メイドイン上越 の品はとても美味しいものばかり。 見かけたら是非お試しください。 #chabara #madeinjoetsu #joetsu #秋葉原 #上越 #上越市 #美味しいもの #地元好き #まるかじりメギス が好き #苺 #いちご

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Akihabara Radio Center

If you’re an electronics tinkerer, then head to Akihabara Radio Center. Akihabara Radio Center still sells cheap electronics parts for absolutely everything. Need a weird battery for something you bought 35 years ago, chances are you’ll find it here. There are entire shops dedicated to screws or wire. Some places only sell types of metal. While these things might not be for everyone, it’s kinda cool to explore the weird hallways and see the kind of shops which put Akihabara on the map back in WWII.

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Giełda RTV, Akihabara

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Interesting Vending Machines

Vending machines are pretty much everywhere you look in Japan. They’re on every street corner, down every alley and on every floor anywhere you go. And while most vending machines sell simply food and drinks, some sell genuinely bizarre items. And there is no better place to explore the variety of vending machines than in Akihabara. The specific corner where you’ll find these machines is marked on the map. Here you’ll find a plethora of vending machines that only have unique items inside. No sodas to be found here. These range from dead rhinoceros beetles, scented candles, wind chimes and even mystery boxes with stories written on the outside. Don’t be fooled by these though, aside from the strange stories, the actual prizes inside the blank box aren’t worth the price you’ll pay. Still, getting a chance to pursue the selection is undoubtedly something you’ll only find in Akihabara.

For anyone visiting Tokyo for the first time, my suggestion is always to stay and see Akihabara first. It feels like the perfect introduction to the city as it has it all! Let me what your favourite neighbourhood in Tokyo is or what you love about Akihabara!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Akihabara Tokyo, What to Do and Eat first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/your-essential-guide-to-exploring-the-otaku-neighborhood-of-akihabara-tokyo/feed/ 0 1377 13 Awesome Things to do in the Ueno Park, the Best Park in Tokyo https://thecreativeadventurer.com/13-awesome-things-to-do-in-the-ueno-park-the-best-park-in-tokyo/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=13-awesome-things-to-do-in-the-ueno-park-the-best-park-in-tokyo https://thecreativeadventurer.com/13-awesome-things-to-do-in-the-ueno-park-the-best-park-in-tokyo/#comments Fri, 02 Aug 2019 20:31:00 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//13-awesome-things-to-do-in-the-ueno-park-the-best-park-in-tokyo/ When visiting Tokyo for the first time, one sleepy, jetlag heavy morning, we stubbed around the area we were staying and ended up on the west side of Ueno Park. Not knowing much about it, we wandered around aimlessly, discovering time after time the most peaceful, serene and beautiful little visual scenes which felt iconically Japanese. We loved it from the instant we stepped foot onto the lotus leaf-covered boardwalk which leads into the park. Ever since, when we return to Tokyo, we make a point to spend an entire half-day here exploring everything this place has to offer. Below are my favourite 13 things to do on your first trip to Ueno Park!

The post 13 Awesome Things to do in the Ueno Park, the Best Park in Tokyo first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> When visiting Tokyo for the first time, one sleepy, jetlag heavy morning, we stubbed around the area we were staying and ended up on the west side of Ueno Park. Not knowing much about it, we wandered around aimlessly, discovering time after time the most peaceful, serene and beautiful little visual scenes which felt iconically Japanese. We loved it from the instant we stepped foot onto the lotus leaf-covered boardwalk which leads into the park. Ever since, when we return to Tokyo, we make a point to spend an entire half-day here exploring everything this place has to offer. Below are my favourite 13 things to do on your first trip to Ueno Park!

Table Of Contents
  1. Access
  2. #1. Take a Walk on the Boardwalk
  3. #2. Light some Spirit Cleansing Incense in the Benten-do
  4. #3. Read Your Fortune
  5. 4. Sample Street Food
  6. #5. Ride in a Duck Boats
  7. #6. Admire the Kiyomizu Kannon Temple
  8. #7. Walk Through the Torii Gates
  9. #8. Have a Hanami
  10. #9. Find the Ueno Daibutsu
  11. #10. Take a Step Back in Time at the Tokyo National Museum
  12. #11. Write Your Wishes on an Ema
  13. #12. Find the Golden Gates of Toshogu Shrine
  14. #13. Ameya Yokocho

Access

Ueno Park covers a large area and is surrounded by several stations. Most people who visit the park simply take the JR line to Ueno Station.

#1. Take a Walk on the Boardwalk

As you pass through the main gates of Ueno Park, you come upon a sea of green lotus leaves, absolutely glowing against that blue sky. This is Shinobazu Pond. The pond is situated in the south part of Ueno Park and is divided into three different areas. The Lotus Pond, the Boat Pond and the Cormorant Pond. There are several boardwalks across the Lotus pond which seemed to disappear into the green masses as they trailed off.

#2. Light some Spirit Cleansing Incense in the Benten-do

Beside the pond, stands a moderately tall temple with a bright teal roof and octagonal shell painted brilliant red. This is a Benten-dō. A Benten-dō is an octagonal temple dedicated to Benten, the goddess of good fortune, wealth, music and knowledge.  Temples are the places of worship for Japanese Buddhists and often store and display sacred Buddhist objects. The roofs of these temples are almost always the most impressive part of the building. The intricate patterns of tiles create a rich texture, and intricate sculptures line the eaves, a contrast to the simple wooden structure below. In front of the temple, you’ll find a large incense burner where locals will come to cleanse themselves before entering. Incense has been used in Buddism since the 6th century in Japan and is often used as a means of purifying yourself before entering the temple for meditation. The smell permeated this en

#3. Read Your Fortune

Found inside more shrines are cabinets containing ‘O-mikujis’. O-mikujis means ” the sacred lot” and are random fortunes written on pieces of paper housed in beautiful wooden drawers near the shrine. There are various ways of receiving these fortunes, but often they received by shaking a metal container with different sticks inside until one stick comes out a small hole at the top. You can then match the Kanji characters carved on the stick to the wooden drawers along the wall where your corresponding fortune will be found. Your fortune will always be characterized by a type of blessing. These blessings range from; great blessings, small blessings, half blessings, ending blessings and even, god forbid, curses. In additional to blessings, your fortune will also contain a reference to an aspect of your life. These can be such topics as; travel, lost articles, romantic relationships, disputes and business dealings.

4. Sample Street Food

Food stalls pop up all over the parks and around the temples. Even during the offseason, there is almost always something delicious to be found here! Most of the food stalls are selling traditional Japanese street food. If you’ve just arrived in Japan, this is such a great opportunity to dive right into to trying all different kinds of Japanese treats. Don’t be scared of these, Japanese street food is very safe to eat!

#5. Ride in a Duck Boats

Around the back of the Benten-dō is the Boat Pond. This body of water is home to the brightly coloured duck boats and other small paddle boats available for rent. The cost to rent a swan boat is 700 yen for 30 minutes. Peddling around the pond, especially during cherry blossom season is a wonderful experience!

#6. Admire the Kiyomizu Kannon Temple

Make your way towards steep steps and climb up to the Kiyomizu Kannon Temple. From the top of the stairs, you have the most fantastic view of the Bentendo below and the beautiful trees surrounding it. The first Kiyomizu Kannondo temple was built in 1631. Although fire and weather have destroyed the original temple, the one standing atop the hill now is a perfect replica of the same one people have worshipped at for ages past. Standing in the courtyard and on the deck, you feel as though time has stopped. Nothing surrounds you but trees and the outside world, full of technology, stress and troubles, seems so far away.

The Kiyomizu Kannondo temple is home to a relic of Kosodate Kannon, the goddess of conception, and is particularly popular among women hoping to have children. You see many ladies come up these steps with their husbands, cheerfully smiling, hoping the goddess will bless them with their heart’s desire. Other women approach the temple with a more

#7. Walk Through the Torii Gates

Walk back down to the stairs from the temple and stroll along the main walkway. Head towards the Ana Inari shrine where you’ll find a stunning collection of ‘torii’ gates.  A ‘torii’ gate is commonly found at the entrance of a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the mortal realm to the sacred realm. The brilliant vermillion colour you often see these gates painted with is used as the colour acts to block out magical powers and evil spirits. 

As we sauntered down the rows of bright vermillion gates, we saw various, curious stone foxes with red scarves on either side of the shrine. These are called ‘Kitsune’ or fox spirit. These Kitsune are believed to possess superior intelligence, long life, and magical powers and are also there to protect the shrines. Foxes in North America are often thought of as devious scoundrels, but in Japan, they are revered with the highest regard.

#8. Have a Hanami

Along the main road that winds throughout the park are rows upon rows of cherry blossom trees. There are over 1000 trees in the park, and in April they attract ‘hanami parties’ where locals come to celebrate and enjoy the incredible views. Even if you are visiting outside of cherry blossom season, I think these trees, no matter what time of years, are still the perfect place to park yourself under and enjoy a conbini picnic!

#9. Find the Ueno Daibutsu

One of the most interesting edifices in the park is the temple dedicated to the Ueno Daibutsu. The Ueno Daibutsu was a giant bronze Buddha statue that stood from 1631 – 1923. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in the Great Tokyo Earthquake of 1923. The remains were if you can believe it, melted down to make bullets in WWII and today all that remains is the great Buddha’s face. People come from all over to see it. Outside the temple, the emas are all painted with the Ueno Daibutsu’s face.

#10. Take a Step Back in Time at the Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum is the oldest and largest museum in Japan. It’s spread out across over 5 different buildings located inside the park. There are over 110,000 items on display which help newcomers to Japan learn all about its rich history! Admission is only 620 yen, which is less than $6 making it an amazingly cheap way to travel back in time!

#11. Write Your Wishes on an Ema

Outside almost every temple in Japan, you’ll see hundreds of small, wooden plaques hanging on a large board. Each one is painted on one side, and the other is left for the user to write upon it. These are called ‘Emas‘. Emas are prayers or wishes left for the gods to receive. Often ema will bear pictures which may reflect the wish or the god they are trying to reach out to. The word ’ema’ means “picture horse”. This is because long ago, people would donate their horses to shrines to win favour with the gods.

As time went on, this tradition was transferred to wooden plaques with horses painted on them. These days, you donate money to the shrine to receive your chosen ema. People will often use their ema wish for luck on an exam or for a happy marriage or even just to pray for a child. Depending on your type of wish, you can search out a shrine or temple which specializes in your kind of wish.

#12. Find the Golden Gates of Toshogu Shrine

If you’re interested in seeing some Edo style architecture, head over to the Toshogu Shrine. This gorgeous shrine has survived earthquakes, wars and the worst of them all, urbanization! The shrine was dedicated to the Tokugawa Shoguns (commander in chief in feudal Japan) and is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Unlike some more modest shrines, this shrine is full of ostentatious ornamentation! Everywhere you look there appears to be gold leaf, shining in the sunlight. Over 50 copper lanterns greet you as you enter. Be sure to study the gorgeous wood carving painted in stunning rainbow colours which decorate the entire exterior of the shrine.

#13. Ameya Yokocho

To end your day, head over to Ameya-Yokochō. Ameya-Yokochō is a marketplace home to over one hundred and eighty-one shops occupying about 164,227 square feet outside of Ueno station. The market consists of two streets, which run parallel to the train line. The first street is mainly street vendors selling local produce and fresh food while the other streets have mostly permanent shops which sell everyday goods and slightly more upscale merchandise. The name Ameya-Yokochō comes from the word “ameya” which in Japanese means “candy store”. After WWII, sugar was hard to obtain, but in this area of Japan, there were many candy stores still selling the precious sweets. Even today, you can still find a few stores selling Japanese candy. It’s a great place to find sweet and savoury items or just browse some awesome shops where you can find great souvenirs at low, low prices!

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