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 Best Traditional Japanese Curry in Tokyo: Top Restaurants, Fast Food Spots, and Unique Finds https://thecreativeadventurer.com/2017-9-7-experimenting-with-japanese-curry/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2017-9-7-experimenting-with-japanese-curry https://thecreativeadventurer.com/2017-9-7-experimenting-with-japanese-curry/#comments Mon, 05 Feb 2024 10:12:45 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//2017-9-7-experimenting-with-japanese-curry/ Before leaving for Japan, I did an immense amount of research on things to see, places to go and, <i>best of all</i>, where to eat! You hear so much about sushi and ramen that you're eyes are trained to search them out when walking around the city. But for me, the most surprising dish that we tried over and over was Japanese style curry! 
 

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]]> Before leaving for Japan, I researched things to see, places to visit, and, best of all, where to eat! With all the talk about sushi and ramen, your eyes are trained to seek them out as you wander the city. But for me, the most surprising dish that we tried repeatedly was Japanese-style curry! You’ll see Japanese curry everywhere in Japan, displayed as bright plastic models lining the windows of countless restaurants. It’s a dark brown, gravy-like sauce frequently depicted topped with cheese, fried meats, and eggs. 

Historical Background

Japanese curry is unlike any other curry we’ve tried before. Despite its British origins, it’s not like Thai, Indian, or even English curries. The British first introduced Japanese curry to the country during the Meiji era (1868–1912). It was easy to prepare since the main ingredients didn’t require refrigeration. However, curry didn’t gain popularity until the late 1960s. Over time, the Japanese customized the dish, changing the ingredients to make it uniquely Japanese.

Japanese curry is more like a European stew. Start by making a roux (cooking flour and butter), then add a meat stock to deepen the flavour. After cooking it for hours, you end up with a thick, dark brown sauce, almost like a meat gravy. This rich elixir is garnished on Japanese rice with your favourite toppings.

Curry’s Rise in Popularity

Curry only gained widespread popularity in the 1920s after it became available nationwide as an “instant” mix. Housewives could cook curry using pre-made dried cubes, rehydrate them at home, and add leftover proteins and veggies. As more households embraced curry, its presence in restaurants increased, eventually becoming a home and restaurant dining staple.

Spices are also crucial in creating authentic Japanese curry. In summer, Japanese people eat hot and spicy food to cool down by sweating. So you’ll see people enjoying hot and spicy curry morning, noon, and night—regardless of the weather.

The Best Place for Curry: Coco Curry Ichibanya

In my opinion, the best place to satisfy your curry cravings is Coco Curry Ichibanya! This restaurant has been one of Japan’s favourite curry chains since 1978. When you enter, a friendly host will seat you at a table. They offer a full menu in English and other languages in larger cities, making it easy to spot to make your first Japanese Curry order.

While you can always select one of their pre-determined curry combos, I like customizing my order. The first step is choosing your curry sauce; you can select from pork, beef, or hashed beef. Next, you choose your rice portion, and if you opt for a small one (200 grams), you’ll save about a dollar on your order. Then, you choose your spice level, ranging from 1 to 10. Even levels 2 to 3 are intense, but different locations vary in their spice application, so it’s always a bit of a gamble. If you love spice, take the risk; stick to level one (or zero) if you prefer something milder. The last option is to customize your toppings. Options include fried cutlets, shrimp, sausages, vegetables, cheese, kimchi, and garlic. Each item is priced clearly next to the ingredient.

I usually ordered pork curry with chicken cutlets, mushrooms, cheese, and garlic bits! Alongside the curry is a dish of pickles, known as tsukemono, which creates harmony in the meal and counteracts the heaviness of the rich ingredients. They’re the ultimate umami package, and the vinegar helps cut the fatty richness of the dish.

Top Restaurants for Traditional Japanese Curry in Tokyo

Tokyo is a haven for curry lovers, offering a diverse range of restaurants that cater to every palate. From rich, velvety stews to innovative takes on classic flavours, these top restaurants serve some of the best traditional Japanese curries in the city. Whether you’re looking for hearty, comforting dishes or unique gourmet experiences, these spots will satisfy your curry cravings with their signature blends of spices and perfectly cooked toppings.

Craft Curry Brothers $$

Tucked away just north of the famed Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine, Craft Curry Brothers is a cozy and innovative curry restaurant known for its artisanal approach to curry making. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and unique flavour combinations, the restaurant brings a fresh and creative twist to traditional Japanese curry. Their standout dish is the keema curry, which is made from minced beef topped with the most gently soft-boiled egg that melts into curry sauce. The curry is served atop fluffy rice, which makes for the most beautiful layered presentation.

Joto Curry $$

Tucked away in a vibrant corner of Tokyo’s Shibuya district, Joto Curry Shibuya is a popular curry spot known for its hearty, flavorful dishes. This cozy eatery specializes in traditional Japanese-style curry, offering a rich and satisfying dining experience to curry enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The Pork Cutlet Curry is the menu star, featuring thick, crispy tonkatsu (pork cutlet) served over a bed of fluffy rice and generously topped with Joto’s signature curry sauce. The sauce is rich and savoury, boasting a complex blend of spices that provides a mild yet flavorful kick. The pork cutlet is fried to perfection, satisfying the dish’s crunch. The curry sauce is cooked slowly to develop a deep, rich flavour, and the cutlets are freshly fried for each order. The result is a meal that balances richness and spice, satisfying even the most discerning curry lovers.

E-itou Curry $$

E-itou Curry, nestled in Tokyo’s quiet Kitazawa district, is a charming restaurant that elevates Japanese curry to a gourmet level. Known for its sophisticated yet comforting dishes, E-itou Curry combines traditional flavours with innovative techniques to create a memorable dining experience. One of the most interesting things about their menu is that the feature curry specialties from all over Japan, such as their Okinawa Chicken Keema and Sapporo curry and even a Pakistani curry for an international twist on the traditional Japanese curry.

Moyan Curry $$

Moyan Curry has several locations around Tokyo, but my favourite is in Akasaka. The secret to Moyan Curry’s distinctive taste lies in its Original Curry Sauce, simmered for over two weeks to develop a deep, complex flavour. The base sauce is made using a blend of spices and herbs and a generous amount of fruits and vegetables, adding sweetness and balance to the dish. Each curry is finished with its unique spice blend, giving it a bold and distinctive taste. Moyan Curry is famous for its Lunch Buffet, where diners can sample various curry flavours and rice, salad, and side dishes. This buffet offers excellent value for money and allows guests to explore the diverse range of curries the restaurant is known for.

Curry Bondy $$$

Curry Bondy is a renowned curry house celebrated for its thick, velvety sauces and homestyle flavours. Established in 1972, the restaurant has built a dedicated following, drawing curry enthusiasts and locals to its cozy locations across Tokyo. Bondy’s curry is distinguished by its unique fruit and vegetable chutney, which adds to its complexity. Apples, other fruits, and vegetables like onions are stir-fried in plenty of butter, then boiled down with red wine to form a chutney. This chutney is blended with butter and spices, including red pepper, resulting in a sweet and spicy curry. All their curry is served with rice and a side of boiled potatoes and butter, which is their own unique addition.

Kitchen Nankai $

Located in the Jinbocho neighbourhood, Kitchen Nankai is a beloved, retro-style eatery known for its hearty and flavorful curries. With a history dating back to 1949, Kitchen Nankai has built a loyal following for its no-nonsense approach to Japanese comfort food, especially its iconic, darkened curry rice. The Curry Rice with Pork Cutlet is a signature dish at Kitchen Nankai Jinbocho. This classic curry features a generous portion of deep-fried pork cutlet (tonkatsu) placed atop a bed of steaming rice and smothered in Kitchen Nankai’s famous dark curry sauce. The curry itself is rich and savoury, with a mild spiciness that complements the crispy tonkatsu perfectly. The sauce’s deep flavour comes from a well-guarded, time-tested recipe that simmers various spices and vegetables for hours. A side of shredded cabbage adds a refreshing crunch that balances the hearty curry and tonkatsu.

Loup de Mer $$

Loup de Mer Curry is a stylish yet unassuming restaurant specializing in omelet rice curry. Omelet Rice Curry, also known as Omurice Curry, is a hearty combination featuring a fluffy omelet wrapped around seasoned fried rice placed atop rich Japanese curry sauce. The curry here is more European-style in flavour, but the addition of the Omurice makes it a must-try for any tourist visiting! The curry, despite its European style, is Japanese in terms of spiciness, but luckily, the creaminess of the eggs helps to balance out any overly spicy flavours. Don’t miss this spot when you’re in town; it’s worth the wait if there’s a line out the door!

Mokubaza $$

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo’s Shibuya neighbourhood, Mokubaza is a cozy and stylish curry spot that combines inventive flair with traditional flavours. The Cheese Keema Curry is a culinary masterpiece and Mokubaza’s signature dish. Served on a round, hot plate, the curry features a rich and flavorful keema curry base—a spiced ground meat mixture topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. The cheese creates a gooey, decadent crown that perfectly complements the bold, spiced keema. A carefully placed raw egg yolk at the center adds a layer of salty richness to the dish. 

Whether you’re a curry connoisseur or simply looking to explore Japan’s rich culinary landscape, Tokyo offers a diverse and flavorful range of traditional Japanese curries to suit every palate. From the rich, velvety sauces of iconic restaurants like Curry Bondy to the creative twists at places like Loup de Mer and the comforting, customizable plates at Coco Ichibanya, there’s no shortage of spots to satisfy your curry cravings. With this guide to the best traditional Japanese curry in Tokyo, you’re sure to discover new favourites and unique flavour combinations that will leave you coming back for more. So grab your spoon, dive into a steaming plate of curry, and embark on a mouthwatering journey through Tokyo’s vibrant curry scene!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

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]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/2017-9-7-experimenting-with-japanese-curry/feed/ 1 101 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.

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]]> 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 The Best Guide to Exploring the Amazing Hydrangeas of Kamakura https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-guide-to-exploring-the-amazing-hydrangeas-of-kamakura/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-best-guide-to-exploring-the-amazing-hydrangeas-of-kamakura https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-guide-to-exploring-the-amazing-hydrangeas-of-kamakura/#respond Mon, 15 Mar 2021 17:35:52 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=22791 The rainy season in Kamakura brings with it the most beautiful spray of bright blue and...

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]]> The rainy season in Kamakura brings with it the most beautiful spray of bright blue and purple hydrangeas! As the rain mixes with summer’s hot temperatures and humidity, it creates the ideal conditions for this flower to grow. Ajisai, as they are called in Japan, is grown all over the country. But Kamakura is the most popular place to see such a wide variety and concentration of them. Although a rainy day can seem like it could ruin your vacation, Japanese people think the opposite. It’s said that seeing the flowers in the rain is actually the best time to view them. So instead of letting the rain get you down, make your way to Kamakura and soak in the beauty of their hydrangeas.

Table Of Contents
  1. Dress for Success
  2. Hydrangeas Symbolism in Japan
  3. When to go See Them
  4. How To Ge to Kamakura
  5. Engakuji temple 
  6. Tokeiji Temple
  7. Meigetsu-in Temple 
  8. Hase Temple 
  9. Joju-in Temple Stairs
  10. Gokurakuji Station 
  11. Gokurakuji Temple
  12. Komachi Chaya
  13. Sakura no Yumemiya
  14. Imoyoshi Yakata

Dress for Success

The key to a great day out in the rain is the proper attire! If you know there might be rain on your trip, bring a light but high-quality raincoat with you. A coat that folds up quickly is great as it can be tucked away in your backpack once the rain passes. I always bring a large plastic bag with me to put any wet clothes inside once I take them off.

While you might not want to pack a large pair of rubber boots, an excellent option is all-weather leather ankle boots. Add a bit of anti-rain spray and this will go along way to keeping your feet dry. If I’m expecting a lot of rain, I always pack an extra pair of socks. Just throw them in your backpack to change into throughout the day. They take up almost no room and can be a game-changer. Avoid wearing jeans on a rainy day as once they get wet, they take FOREVER to dry! Avoid cotton and synthetic fabrics as well. The best thing to wear, especially in warmer weather, is a dress with nylon stockings or light leggings. Since these aren’t too porous, they won’t retain the water and dry quickly once the weather clears up.

If you’re hesitant to bring an umbrella, as it takes up weight and room in your suitcase, fear not! On rainy days, almost everywhere you go in Japan, like train stations and convenience stores, will have umbrellas for sale. And best of all, they only cost about $5. They are surprisingly high quality and even look super cute! I love the clear plastic dome and a wide opening for good rain coverage.

Hydrangeas Symbolism in Japan

Hydrangeas are not only a beautiful flower but also a highly symbolic one. Since the flower has a large head and long stalk, the blooms appear to bow down as if they were crying when covered in rainfall. The pale pink varieties are thought to resemble the shape of a beating heart. So for these reasons, they have always been associated with heartfelt emotion. Legend has it that the Japanese emperor gave the hydrangea flower to the family of the girl he loved. He had been paying too much attention to work and not enough to her. He wanted to show his remorse to his future in-laws for his neglect. So he sent them a basket of flowers to show how sorry he was and express his gratitude for their understanding.

The variety of hydrangea that you’ll find in Japan was created by famous botanist Tomitaro Makino. He was known as the “Father of Japanese Botany.” He named this variety the “princess hydrangea” because of its large, beautiful clusters of star-like petals. As the flower blooms, the colours of the petals get deeper and deeper. When they first open, they are a pale, baby blue colour. As their seasons extend, the colour gradually turns into a deep indigo hue. One of the best times to view the flowers is at dawn and dusk. At this time the light of the rising or setting sun kisses the petals and makes them appear even more vibrant. For these reasons, they are also labeleld as ‘Shitihenge‘ flowers which means “various changes“.

When to go See Them

Hydrangeas bloom in Kamakura from mid-June to early July. Rain or shine, the hydrangea season in Kamakura is hectic! Local Japanese people come from prefectures all over the country to see the flower – they definitely aren’t a hidden secret. The best times to avoid at all costs are the weekend and holidays when you’ll see the largest influx of people. Aim for an early start to your day and arrive mid-week and you’ll be rewarded with the best shot of having an excellent opportunity to see the flowers without too many crowds.

Remember, if there’s a large group gathered blocking your view, just wait till the group passes. You might find you suddenly have the spot all to yourself (if even for just a minute.) As in all things, patience is critical, as well as understanding that everyone else is just as excited as you to see the blooms, and we all just need to share the space.

How To Ge to Kamakura

Kamakura is a comfortable hour-long train ride from Tokyo, making it one of the easiest day-trips to do. If you leave from the central hub of Tokyo Station you can get right on the Yokosuka Line. This line arrives directly at our first stop, Kita-Kamakura Station. No need to change any lines. Virtually, from anywhere else in Tokyo you can still arrive quickly in Kamakura with generally just one change of trains.

Engakuji temple 

Head to Kita-Kamakura Station to make your way to Engakuji temple. This temple complex is the best place to start your day. The hydrangeas here aren’t as dense as the other spots, so it’s one of the less crowded places on the tour. The Engakuji temple is one of the most important Zen Buddhist temple complexes in Japan. Its historical importance is one of the foundations of Kamakura but the beauty of the gardens and buildings that make up the temple complex is what will draw you in like under a spell.

Hours: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm | Admission fee: 300 yen

The hydrangea blooms pop-up in small clusters throughout the temple. Along the pathways and around the large Sanmon gate. Be sure to find the tea house located on the grounds. During the hydrangea season, you can enjoy a cup of matcha with a side of sweet candy shaped into the iconic blossoms.

Tokeiji Temple

Just across from Kita-Kamakura station and south down the road a few minutes, you’ll find yourself at Tokeiji Temple. Tokeiji Temple was founded as a nunnery for women who wanted to escape abusive marriages but could not initiate a divorce. Their flower garden was always one of the greatest in Kamakura, and still to this day, it’s a great place to come to see the hydrangeas. 

Hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm | Admission Fee: 100 yen

Meigetsu-in Temple 

Continue walking south and cross over the river when you come to Meigetsuin Street. Named for the most famous temple to see during the flower season. The road will be pretty busy as this narrow street, usually only for a few locals, is suddenly overcome with tourists. As you approach the mouth of the temple, you’ll see why…

Hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm (last admission at 4:30 pm) | Admission fee: 500 yen

Meigetsu-in Temple is also known as the “Ajisai-dera Temple“, which means “Hydrangea Temple“. Every year, baby blue hydrangeas bloom in the gardens which cover the grounds of the temple. One of the best views of the flowers is right as you come in. The sprays of blooms lean in on either side of the staircase. Almost greeting you with their bowed heads. Meigetsu-in was founded in 1160 as a Rinzai Zen temple and Buddist school. The temple complex provides a stunning array of views at the iconic Kamakura landscape. The views features a look at the valley with its low hills and bright green foliage spread across the background of the great mountains.

Hojo Tokiyori

Meigetsu-in Temple is famously known for housing the tomb of Hojo Tokiyori, a former supreme ruler of Japan. Tokiyori made his home in Kamakura and wanted to be commemorated here. The building that houses his tomb is one of the most beautiful, with a charming thatched roof and stunning historical founders hall. The key feature of this room is the iconic circle window. The circle window is meant to resemble the moon as the name Meigetsu literally means “bright moon.” It is called the “Window of Enlightenment” and looks out at an inner zen garden where people can find peace in meditation.

As another nod to the moon, you might notice a series of rabbit statues throughout the temple. Rabbits have long been associated with the moon in Japanese folklore. Legend has it that when the man on the moon came down to earth, the rabbit was willing to sacrifice himself to feed the starving man. Shocked by the rabbit’s generosity, the man took the rabbit back to the moon with him. You can still see the outline of a rabbit pounding mochi on the full moon when you look up today. In addition to rabbit statues, there is also rabbit in cages that you’ll find as you explore. And you might even spot a rabbit hopping around the flowers as well.

Hase Temple 

Hase Temple or Hase-dera is known for its hilltop temple built into the mountains of Kamakura. But during the rainy season, what brings so many people to the temple are the 2,500 hydrangeas that cover the temple’s grounds. Over 40 different hydrangeas varieties bloom in the temple and cover the scenic Prospect Path, which looks over the seaside. The rising swell of flowers that cover the hills of the temple look like something out of a painting!

Hours: 8:00 am 5:00 pm | Admission fee: 400 yen

Joju-in Temple Stairs

Walking down from Hase temple, make a stop at Joju-in Temple. This small temple is located at the top of long set of stairs, carved into the edge of the hillside looking out over the beach. The stone staircase is flanked by 262 hydrangeas that create this mesmerizing photo. One of the best parts of this stop is that you don’t even need to go into the temple to get the beautiful view! So it’s a free activitiy.

Gokurakuji Station 

Gokurakuji Station is a charming little train station where you can see a smattering of hydrangea flowers located on either side of the train track. The flowers grow so large they lean onto the track, almost getting in the way of the train. Gokurakuji is located on the historic Enoden Train line famous for its retro and colourful train cars.

Gokurakuji Temple

Although Gokurakuji Temple might be small, it has an impressive set of hydrangeas out front. These bright and elegant flowers look especially beautiful against the temple’s rustic backdrop.

Hours: 9:00 to 4:30 pm | Admission: Free

Komachi Chaya

Once you are done touring the temple, it’s time to get something to eat. And there is no better place to eat the best street food than Komachi street. Just as Sakura’s seem to be a Japanese obsession, Kamakura residents love their hydrangeas. At Komachi Chaya, they serve up a hydrangea black tea infused with the petals. You can also get an ombre coloured kakigori inspired by the hues of the hydrangea. Traditionally a kakigori is either plain or covered in toppings. But this one is served with a tray of various fruit compotes on the side to pour on top as you like it! Adding the fruit as you eat it also means it doesn’t immediately melt the ice right away. The perfect treat to enjoy on a hot and humid day.

Sakura no Yumemiya

My favourite stop for a treat in Kamakura is Sakura no Yumemiya. This shop sells a variety of fantastic dango. Dango is Japanese dumplings made from rice flour. They are very similar to mochi, but the rice flour balls are smaller, the size of a marble, and steamed to make them super bouncy instead of chewy. While dango usually comes in just one of two flavours, this shop has dozens and dozens of toppings that jazz it up. The best one to get during this season is the hydrangea-inspired dango. It is covered in a green and purple topping meant to resemble the hydrangeas steams and flowers. The toppings are made from white bean paste. The green part is flavoured with matcha, while the purple is flavoured with taro (sweet potato). 

Imoyoshi Yakata

Imoyoshi Yakata is a trendy and colourful soft serve ice cream shop. Other than the smiling faces of the people inside, the thing that really draws you into the shop is the fantastic flavours offered up here. But what you need to buy during hydrangea season is the “Ajisai” ice cream. This version is a mix of Uji green tea and purple sweet potato, once more coloured to look like the iconic flower.

If you find yourself anywhere near Kamakura during the rainy season you really need to make an effort to see the hydrangeas for yourself! The season isn’t as short-lived as the Sakuras, so you have a little bit more time to plan your trip around seeing them. They are definitely a popular attraction but well worth the train ride out to see them. Plus, Kamakura is one of my favourite day trips from Tokyo and such a lovely little seaside town to wander and explore.

The post The Best Guide to Exploring the Amazing Hydrangeas of Kamakura first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-guide-to-exploring-the-amazing-hydrangeas-of-kamakura/feed/ 0 22791 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...

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]]> 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...

The post Discover Tokyo’s Beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen: A Relaxing Urban Oasis first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> 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 The Ultimate Foodie Guide to Konbini, Japanese Amazing Convenience Stores https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-ultimate-foodie-guide-to-japanese-convenience-stores-and-konbinis/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-ultimate-foodie-guide-to-japanese-convenience-stores-and-konbinis https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-ultimate-foodie-guide-to-japanese-convenience-stores-and-konbinis/#respond Wed, 10 Feb 2021 15:54:17 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=21178 Any North American has those memories of long road trips with the family, stopping in at...

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]]> Any North American has those memories of long road trips with the family, stopping in at a convenience store on the side of the road and eating some sad-looking sandwiches or stale bags of chips. But if we were kids in Japan, our experience would have been MUCH different. Convenience stores in Japan are a wonder. They are a mecca of some of the best food for low prices I’ve found anywhere in the world. Before various trips to Japan, people would always ask me, “isn’t Japan expensive?” And while there are some aspects of travelling in Japan which are costly, food is definitely something you can do on the cheap.

One of the ways to do so is to eat at convenience stores or konbins as they are nicknamed in Japan. While this might sound unappetizing, you need to TRUST ME and find out for yourself how delicious convenience stores in Japan really are.

Where to Go?

If you’ve never been to a Japanese convenience store before you want to look out for one of these three names either: FamilyMart, 7-Eleven and Lawson. There are many other smaller chains but these are reliably the best options to find the most outstanding food options!

Since these are such large national chains most have comprehensive English labelling on a lot of their products. So even if you can’t read the package, you can check the white printed sticker label. These have listed the English ingredients so you can better understand what’s inside.

Get the Checklist!

Download my Japan Konbini Checklist to help find all my favourite items. It’s a fun way to make a challenge out of your adventures.

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner (or even just snack time) there is always the perfect thing to enjoy! So dine on!

Breakfast

Coffee

Fresh Brew

While I do love going to the local coffee shop for your morning brew, you’d be amazed to find how incredible Japanese convenience store coffee is! Usually, right near the front of the store or beside the counter, you’ll find these large, self-serve coffee bars. You can get everything from a black coffee to a steamed latte at a FRACTION of the cost of those fancy cafes. They even have pre-packed cups of ice for your iced coffee if that’s your favourite way to enjoy your morning brew. I was addicted to these when we came in the summer. The coffee was shockingly smooth and not in the least bit bitter so it can perfectly be enjoyed over ice.

Coffee in a Can

One of the popular things which Japanese people seem to love is coffee in a can. Canned coffee was invented in the 60s and a quick and convenient way to start your day. It was invented by Ueshima Coffee Co and started off mainly being served from vending machines all over the country (which is still a popular way to find it today). The coffee became so beloved that you can find it pretty much anywhere these days not just in vending machines. Konbinis have entire fridges and shelves dedicated just to the canned coffee. They come both hot and cold in as many flavours and blends as you can imagine. Canned coffee is definitely not my favourite of the konbini options but a must-try at least once if you’re visiting Japan.

Konbini Luxury Cafes

In select Lawson stores, you’ll also find a new feature called Machi café. This is Lawson’s own version of the McCafe. These shops sell exclusive, premium brews but at the same low prices you’re used to. They are still self-serve (as most Japanese people prefer the direct nature of self-serve), but the quality and variety are slightly more complex. They are also served in some of the most beautifully designed cups, which rotate throughout the season. You can get regular coffee, but they also have unique specialties like roasted green tea lattes, coffee jelly, jasmine lattes and more!

Cost: 100 – 220 yen depending on the kind and size of the drink.

Tea

If coffee isn’t your thing, then fear not, the konbini still has plenty to offer you. If you’re a tea drinker, you’ve stepped into paradise. Lining the store’s shelves and fridges are dozens upon dozens of teas in easy to carry to-go bottles. They have cold tea in the fridge section, but there is also a hot counter for the brewed teas in bottles. Japan seems to sweeten their tea quite a bit, so if you’re looking for one without too much sugar, be sure to check the labels and sugar content. While green tea is doubtlessly the most popular flavour you can also find milk teas and unique flavours like barley and jasmine.

Cost: 100-180 yen

Yogurt Drinks

If caffeine is your sworn enemy, you have GOT to try one of the many yogurt or smoothie drinks they have instore. These mini cups are beautifully packaged and just sweet enough to feel like a treat but not too sweet to feel like you can’t indulge in some pastries later. Some of these even come with tapioca balls in the bottle, which feels like a breakfast bubble tea.

Cost: 110-180 yen

Mochifuwa Pancake

While Japan doesn’t have a staple breakfast food, a fantastic pastry item I discovered while pouring through the shelves are Mochifuwa Pancakes. These are pre-filled with syrup and butter and gush out once you take a bite. You get two pancakes per package, and they are insanely moist! They are such a great breakfast item to grab to eat as you go or to throw in your bag for a brunch-time snack. You can also try the famous dorayaki pancake, which is the same pastry but filled with red bean paste instead of syrup.

Cost: 100 yen for two pancakes

Egg Salad Sandwich

Ok, now, don’t get me wrong, recommending an egg salad sandwich from a convenience store anywhere else in the world might seem like a death wish. But Egg Salad Sandwiches in Japan are one of the most fantastic food items in the country. Honestly, if I could choose just five things to eat in Japan, this would make a list! Foodie legend Anthony Bourdain himself is coined as saying they are “unnatural, inexplicable and delicious.” The bread used in all konbini sandwiches is soft as a pillow and correctly served with the crusts cut off.

The actual egg salad is creamy beyond belief. They make sure to remove a lot of the egg whites from the dish, making it less healthy, but it sure makes it taste better! These are the definition of umami and I’m not ashamed to say I ate one every morning! There is much discussion about who makes the best egg salad sandwich and I think everyone has their own preference, mine is Lawson but let me know what’s yours!

Cost: 195-224 yen

Cream Sandwiches

If egg sandwiches aren’t your bag, you need to try one of the sweet cream sandwiches. These are perfect as a gourmet breakfast option. Cream sandwiches are served inside the same fluffy white bread but are filled with various fresh fruit and light as a feather whipped cream. There are even seasonal specialties depending on the time of year. The strawberries and custard version is a favourite for Valentine’s Day. But my personal top pick is the blueberries and cream.

Cost: 300-350 yen

Onigiri

The classic breakfast food for many Japanese people is Onigiri. Onigiri is a rice ball formed into a triangle and traditionally wrapped in nori (seaweed). The nori wrapping provides a great cover so your hands don’t get covered in sticky rice. The rice ball is filled with various flavours—everything from tuna, mayo and shrimp, egg and pickled plum. The pickled plum flavour is meatless and an excellent option for vegans. While being vegan in Japan might be more difficult, it’s definitely not impossible and this is a fantastic choice for vegan eating. My personal favourite variety is the Mentaiko. Mentaiko translates to “spicy cod roe.” It’s not too spicy but has the perfect salty kick to get things started in the morning. 

Cost: 100-200 yen

Pastries & Donuts

Melon Pan

Despite their thin stature, Japanese people LOVE sweets. Walking into a konbini, you are immediately overwhelmed by the giant aisles FULL of pastries. Many of the pre-packaged sweets are still super fresh and brought in daily from mega bakeries. One of the traditional items to grab for breakfast is a melon pan (aka “melon bread”). There is no real melon in melon bread. It’s named as such for the hard texture on the top of the soft bun, which resembles a melon’s skin.

Cost: 110 yen

Donuts

If you would prefer a hot pastry, head to the counter to pick up one of the freshly made donuts. These darling creations are so soft and airy they almost melt in your mouth. Donuts are hugely popular in Japan and although there are lots of donut shops, the ones in the konbinis are honestly just as good!

Cost: 93-110 yen

Lunch

Instant Ramen

If you’re coming to Japan, you need to be ready to eat your weight in ramen. And while there is no competition with the freshly made noodles at local ramen shops, the sheer variety and low-cost instant-ramen options are hard to beat at the konbini. Just walk into the store and down the ramen aisles. Yes, sometimes there is more than one aisle dedicated only to instant-ramen. But don’t worry, you won’t have to trek back to your hotel to get hot water. Every konbini has a hot water station near the front door. You can use their electric boiling water dispensers to make your instant ramen. There are also microwaves should that be required. The ramen station also has everything you need to eat your meal, from chopsticks to spoons and even tables and chairs should you need to eat right there and then.

Cost: 150 – 300 yen

Side Dishes

To really jazz up your instant-ramen, head to the fridges at the back of the store, where you can find a myriad of side dishes to add to your lunch. One of my favourite things to add to my ramen is a soft boiled egg. These can be purchased for 60 yen and plopped right into your soup. Bamboo shoots and bean sprouts are another great addition to upgrade your ramen. They also lots of different kinds of wakame (seaweed), both pickled, dried and fresh to add in there. You can throw pre-cooked meat, fish, pretty much whatever your heart desires to make your own custom ramen!

Cost: Varies depending on the dish

Steamed Buns

A great side dish for lunch is the Chinese steamed buns that you can find at the front of the store. These come with fillings like pork, spicy curry, bean paste, Thai shrimp, even pizza! Pizza might sound weird but trust me, the Frankenstein creation is surprisingly delicious! These are little hot pockets of heaven and make for a great lunch on the go.

Cost: 130 yen

Tonkatsu Sandwich 

One of the most simple and yet delicious lunches you can have is a Tonkatsu sandwich. Tonkatsu is a pork cutlet, which is literally sandwiched between two slices of that iconically soft bread, shredded cabbage and a thin layer of Japanese mayo. You can choose to warm this up in the microwave or just eat it right out of the bag. Either way, stunningly delicious!

Cost: 290-390 yen

Ice Cream

If you’re looking for a light dessert, head to the freezer section for some ice cream. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll really need one of these refreshing desserts. And it’s the perfect thing to cool down with after all that hot ramen. I’m quite partial to the Yukimi Daifuku, which are a pair of delicious mochi ice creams that come in a variety of flavours. There is always a little section of minature Haagen-Dazs ice creams, often with unique flavours found only in Japan. They had sakura flavoured ice cream when we were there, and it was divine!

Finally, I’d be remiss not to mention Choco Monaka! This is Japan’s answer to the ice cream sandwich. Instead of a cookie, the ice cream and filling is smothered inside a light and crispy monaka wafer. These are super cheap, at only 140 yen a piece!

Cost: Varies

Dinner

Oden

As the perfect entry to your dinner at the konbini, start off with traditional Japanese comfort food, Oden. Oden originated as a Japanese-style food during the Edo period. The dish starts with a richly flavoured soup, and different ingredients are added to it. This adds more flavour and texture to the soup. Unlike other soups, you can actually pick and choose what items are added into your oden, making it a personalized experience. You can choose from things like fish cakes, grilled meat, daikon rashies, hard-boiled eggs, deep-fried tofu coin purses and seasonal veggies. Oden is a favourite food to eat during the colder winter months, but it is on offer all year round.

Cost: Varies depending on what you add

Spicy Karaage

Karaage (aka deep-fried chicken) is a classic Japanese dish which you’ll find at all convenience stores. Although you can get karaage everywhere Lawson‘s does it best! They serve their Karaage in both regular and spicy nuggets, but let’s face it, if you want the premium version, you go for the spicy! Lawson’s brand is not only the most delicious (in my personal opinion), but their packaging with that cute little chick is adorable!

Cost: 200 yen per box of nuggets

Yakitori

In addition to Karaage, Japanese convenience stores have introduced hot Yakitori in the front counter. Yakitori is another traditional Japanese dish. Yakitori are skewered meats, placed on bamboo stick, that are grilled over a charcoal fire. Once finished cooking they are topped with either salt or tare sauce. These are simple and tasty and another excellent starter for dinner.

Cost: 120-130 yen each

Bento Boxes

One of the best ways to enjoy a well-rounded dinner is with a Bento. Bentos have been enjoyed in Japan since the early 16th century. The word bento translates to “packed meal.” The bento selection in convenience stores is immense. They always have the traditional ones, which generally contain some steamed rice, a side of fresh fish or tempura, seasonal vegetables and a small dessert like dried fruit or mochi. There are also complete hot bentos you can get like soba noodles or curry and rice. There are so many different options, but in general, you can try whatever catches your fancy. But avoid anything like Italian spaghetti or other European or American meals. Stick to the local goods.

Cost: 300-400 yen

Mont Blanc

One of the most beautiful and uniquely flavoured desserts sold in convenience stores are Mont Blancs. These desserts are little cakes with chestnut cream inside topped with the iconic stringy layers of whipped cream. They come in all different seasonal flavours throughout the year, so there is always something new to try! My favourite had to be the sakura & cherry mochi with red bean paste for springtime. As beautiful to look at as it was yummy to eat!

Cost: 290-350 yen

Parfaits

Another one of my favourite colourful desserts is the konbini parfaits. Parfaits are an iconic Japanese dessert. I’m not exactly sure why it became so popular, but my best guess is that it is because they are so colourful and exciting to look at! Even the konbini, parfaits are gorgeously created with layers of ice cream or yogurt, fruit, cookies and cream.

Cost: 215-300 yen

Cheap Drinks

To finish off your dinner, grab a fancy nightcap. Konbinis have EVERYTHING. They are a verified liquor store. Everything from beer, sake, wine and hard liquor – they have it all. And in the most unique flavours and from brands from all over Japan. Even if you don’t drink, they sell tasty non-alcoholic beer. Same great taste but none of the side effects!

Cost: Varies

Vitamin Drinks

Last but not least, grab yourself a vitamin drink for the morning after! It’s especially great to cure hangovers, but they sell various different ones that can “cure” anything from stress to jetlag! If you can’t read the labels (although google translate is a great help with that), just grab whichever ones are highlighted as best sellers or look at what the locals are buying.

Cost: Varies

I really hope you enjoyed this foodie guide to the best things to eat at Japanese convenience stores! Remember, you can always download our Konbini Checklist to carry with you as you travel across Japan! Let me know in the comments what your favourite konbini food is or any which you can’t wait to try!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

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]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-ultimate-foodie-guide-to-japanese-convenience-stores-and-konbinis/feed/ 0 21178 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 Best Japanese Souvenirs and where to find them! https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-japanese-souvenirs-you-need-to-buy-and-where-to-find-them/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-best-japanese-souvenirs-you-need-to-buy-and-where-to-find-them https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-japanese-souvenirs-you-need-to-buy-and-where-to-find-them/#respond Wed, 22 Jan 2020 14:31:39 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=12558 Every time I visit a new country, I bring with me a list of people I...

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]]> Every time I visit a new country, I bring with me a list of people I want to buy something special for. Bringing something home from my travels always brings a smile to someone’s face. That is the best part about coming home. It feels like a chance to share something from that country’s culture with them or perhaps there is a special travel story attached, which is fun to re-tell. And let’s be honest, I buy a lot for myself as well.

I’ve you’ve ever been to my house, it feels like a little museum. Tchotchkes dot every shelf and bookcase in my home. They are one way I decorate my house in travel memories. Every time I travelled to Japan, I had a hard time packing at the end of the trip, just from the sheer amount of souvenirs I wanted to bring home. Everything is so cute, so cheap and so precious! I wanted to share with you the best things to buy both for yourself and your loved ones on your next trip to Japan and where to find them!

Goshuincho

My favourite souvenir, which I can never recommend more, is a goshuincho. Goshuincho translates into an “honourable stamp or seal book.” People who visit temples and shrines use these books to collect the calligraphic stamps, which are hand-drawn by the priests in the temple. The stamps are used to prove your pilgrimage to these places. But as a tourist, they are pieces of art to collect from all your travels. If you plan to return to Japan, they are a great way to preserve the memories throughout the years.

I love filling mine up and hope to get it so full one day I need to buy another. The books themselves can be purchased at any temple for around ¥1,500 and come in a variety of beautiful designs. The stamps cost around ¥300-¥500 and the money acts as a donation made towards the temple.

Harajuku Fashion

Harajuku, perhaps because of its prevalence in the pop song “Harajuku Girls” by Gwen Stefani, is a word everyone seems to know. But going to the real place and seeing what Harajuku is really all about is so much more than just a word in a song. Harajuku fashion is a movement against strict societal rules and the pressure to fit the norm, especially in Japan.

Harajuku fashion is often associated with bright colours, nostalgic references and a childlike flare. Bringing home some of these bright and pastel pieces of clothing either for yourself or your friends is something which will surely be a big hit! My favourite store to find well-priced Harajuku fashion is W♥C. There are several W♥C stores along Takeshita-Dori in Harajuku which are the originals and where you’ll find the best and more “harajuku” selection.

Cosmetics 

Japanese cosmetics are one of the top-rated items that travellers tend to search out and bring home when coming to Japan. Not only are they super affordable (especially if you get that Tax-Free refund, more about that at the bottom of this post), but they are also of the highest quality. And to top it all off, they look SUPER CUTE. Cute is called ‘kawaii‘ in Japanese and cosmetics here are definitely kawaii. Every drugstore will carry a wide range of popular brands like CANMAKE and CEZANNE, but my favourite store to buy cosmetics is ITS DEMO. ITS DEMO features Disney and Anime themed beauty products whose packaging will make it so even after being empty for years you’ll still keep them around – or at least I do!

Beauty Products

If you’ve been into skincare and beauty over the last five years, you’ve seen the huge trend in face masks which exploded all over the North American marketplace. Well, it all started in Korea and Japan. So while visiting the home of this trend, you need to stockpile them. There are entire rows of face masks in some shops which seem to go on forever! You’ll find extremely unique varieties, which, even if you can’t read the labels, are always worth trying!

Another Japanese beauty product I can’t live without is the aching muscle pads that come in a variety of scents. These draw out the heat from sore muscles and relax your body. They work so well, and I always pick up a huge package when I’m in Japan as they are more than four times the price in Canada (when you can even find them!) One of the best places to buy these, which has unbeatable prices, is Don Quijote. Don Quijote is the biggest discount store in Japan, and there are locations all over the country. 

Folding Fans

A folding fan is one of the more iconic images of Japanese culture. Fans in Japan were used for more than just cooling down. They were used in dance, to show off wealth, or even just to accessorize an outfit. The first historical record of a folding fan is as a gift from the Japanese to the emperor of China in 988. The neighbourhood of Nihonbashi, in Tokyo, is known for its craftsmen and is a great place to search out handmade fans.

If you’re looking for something less artisan, I think there is nothing wrong with the mass-produced fans you’ll find in any local marketplace. You can even find these fans in stores like Daiso for a fraction of the cost of fancy handpainted ones. Folding fans are such a great thing to buy for children, and they are great for dress up and for display. Plus if you buy the dollar store once you don’t need to worry too much about them breaking it.

Omiyage

Omiyage is a popular form of gift-giving in Japan. It’s a tradition that when you return from a trip or vacation you bring home omiyage to your friends, coworkers, and family. This omiyage is most often a sweet treat. Omiyage desserts are often packaged individually, inside a large box that is beautifully wrapped. Different regions of Japan have various specialties of omiyage. For instance, in Tokyo, one of the most popular omiyage items is called the Tokyo Banana. The Tokyo Banana is a tiny, banana-shaped cake filled with custard and is as soft as a pillow!

In Kyoto, you’ll find yatsuhashi, a traditional triangular-shaped sweet which is filled with red bean paste. If you aren’t fussy about which omiyage you get, these can often be bought from at the airport or train station just before departing the country. Since omiyage are fresh, they are best eaten within a week or so after purchasing. We made the mistake is not paying attention to the expiration date when we bought our Tokyo Bananas and realized the day before they expired. So we ate them all ourselves in our hotel room – while still delicious, our poor friends never got their gift 🙁

Jewellery and Hair Accessories

Japan LOVES accessories. Anything and everything you could think of to decorate your outfit can be found in shopping malls and along street shops in Japan. Paris Kids is a name brand shop that specializes in accessories and often has the best trends of the year at bargain prices. Don’t let the name fool you, it’s for everyone. WEGO is another great place where you can find adorable jewellery. But if you’re looking for something a little more high-end and handmade, you can always check out neighbourhoods like Shimokitazawa, whose hipster shops always have a selection of wonderfully unique handmade jewellery.

Ceramics

Japanese ceramics are one of the oldest forms of handicrafts in the country. While bespoke stores sell only the very best ceramics and pottery from local artisans, most marketplaces around the country will usually feature a stall or two which sell beautiful Japanese ceramics at a fraction of the cost. One of my favourite places to explore to find these types of products is the Tsukiji outer market. While the Tsukiji Fish market may have moved to a new location outside of Tsukiji, the outer market with all its food stalls and merchandise is still going strong. If you’re looking for more artisan quality products but at a lower price point, check out any local antique store or flea market, like the one which occurs once a month in Yoyogi Park. These antique markets often sell true works of art at a previously-used price point.

Yukatas

A yukata is the more casual, summery version of a kimono. Unlike a kimono, which is made of pure silk, yukatas are made of cotton or synthetic fabric, and unlined. This not only makes them lighter, but it also makes them much less expensive. Even Japanese people will only wear their kimonos on special occasions. Otherwise, they will relax at home in a yukata. A full yukata set comes with; the robe, an obi (belt), some yukata strings and even perhaps a special pair of shoes called “geta.” Geta shoes are sandals made from wood and often slightly raised off the ground as per tradition.

While you can buy these sets new around touristy areas, I think the best way to buy these is at a vintage shop. There are hundreds of vintage shops in Japan, as they are one of the top countries supporting sustainability. Vintage shops in Japan are impeccably organized, and the clothes almost always look brand new. You can find complete yukata sets for a fraction of the cost, and they feel almost more special since there is an imagined history to go along with them. My favourite vintage store is HARAJUKU CHICAGO. Their selection of used yukatas and kimonos is huge so whatever your style you’ll find the perfect one!

Train Merchandise

The major way in which people get around in Japan is by rail. Japan is home to 46 of the world’s 50 busiest stations. As such, it is a huge draw for trainspotters and train collectors. Trains are almost celebrity characters with their own merchandise. You can find toy replicas of real trains, train plushies, train home goods, train totes, train costumes, train stationery and more! Inside any train station, you’ll usually find an entire store dedicated to the local train or train station. Even if you’re not obsessed with trains, these adorable items are a great thing to bring home to remember the places you’ve been. Plus kids love them so if you have little ones at home this is a great option for them!

Flavoured KitKats

KitKats, while available all over the world, is chocolate of another nature in Japan. Instead of just plain milk chocolate, the KitKats here come in dozens and dozens of different flavours. Eating a plain KitKat is unheard of. You can find flavours like Sake, Matcha, Strawberry, Red Bean, Creme Brulee, Apple, Banana, Pumpkins and hundreds more! While you can usually find discounted packages of these at Don Quijote, the best place to find the most unique and collectable flavours is at the KitKat Chocolatory stores around Japan. These carry the largest selection as well as some seasonal and exclusive flavours.

Stationary and Stickers

I’ve never found more amazing stationary in any other country I’ve visited. Japan is the king of stationary! Everything here, no matter the price point, is given an artistic treatment. Even the simplest notebook or day-planner is turned into a work of art. There are thousands of stationery stores in Japan where you can find unique versions of anything you can imagine to suit your personality or tastes. But they don’t just stop with notebooks. The selection of stickers, washi tapes, pens, markers and more is unparalleled! And it’s all incredibly cheap! Making it pretty much impossible not to buy it all.

While most shopping centres will have a variety of stationery stores, two of my favourite stores to find the best deals are Tokyu Hands and Daiso. Tokyu Hands is a DIY-department store but with an entire floor dedicated to stationary. Daiso is a Japanese 100 Yen Store, the equivalent of a dollar store in North America. But the quality of the products at dollar stores here in Japan is far superior to those in North America. I was blown away by just what I could find.

Crane Game Stuffed Animals

While these adorable stuffed animals might not be the most unique thing in the world, winning them at arcades around Japan means that every stuffed animal comes with a story! There is something so satisfying about winning them, which makes these little dudes all the more sentimental. There are videos on youtube you can watch to amp up your skills and let me tell you, they really work. Knowing how to win is half the battle.

If you’ve spent a bunch of money and are really close to winning, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for help. They usually are kinder to tourists and even sometimes will reposition the toy for you so you can win it easily on your next turn. Arcades like Taito, SEGA and Joypolis can be found all over the country where you can make your best attempt at winning your favourite character! We brought so many home and they made the perfect gifts for the kids in our life!

Chopsticks

There is perhaps no other product more useful and yet also commemorative of a trip to Japan than a pair of chopsticks. The Japanese adopted chopsticks from the Chinese in A.D. 500. Different Asian countries each have variations on their chopsticks. Japanese chopsticks are 7-8 inches long and have a pointed end compared to the longer chopsticks in China with blunt ends. Today, you can find these chopsticks in a variety of different materials and patterns.

You can find carved wooden versions made by aged old sculptors at art markets or head on down to Can*Do to find them for only 100 yen, cheap enough that you can buy one for every member of your family and for all your friends! Can*Do is another 100 yen shop and while they are much smaller than Daiso, I actually find for things like chopsticks and housewares they have a more curated yet lovely selection.

Pose-Skeleton Figurines

Ok, this one is a little unique, but we completely fell in love with them and had to share it with you all as well! Japan has one of the best relationships with death than any other country. They have classes to help teens understand death and suicide, and they don’t shy away from discussing death openly. This has perhaps created a levity around images of death in Japan. And that is never more visible than with these Pose-Skeleton figurines.

There are hundreds of different skeleton figurines, accessories, minature items of skeleton furniture and more to create an entire minature skeleton doll-house! These figurines can be found in stores like BIC Camera, Yodobashi and sometimes Toys-R-Us. We found the best selection was at BIC Camera of all places!

Sake 

The most beloved and iconic drink in Japan is Sake. The alcoholic beverage is made by fermenting rice. It makes for a wonderful souvenir to bring home, especially to those who have perhaps never tried it. Often when we had a great glass of sake at a restaurant, we ask for the name brand so we could buy it in-store before leaving. There really is no better way to know what kind of sake you’ll like other than trying it for yourself. Luckily there are these wonderful places with sake vending machines spread out across the country. At these places, you put into around 200-400 yen and will be dispensed a tiny glass of sake to try. There are hundreds of varieties here and once you decide on your favourite there are full bottles available to be purchased on site.

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Sake vending machines in Ponshukan

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Magazines

I think there is something so charming about the design of Japanese books and magazines. Even without being able to rest the words inside, I fell completely in love with a few different magazines and books I found while exploring their bookstores and brought them all home with me. Much to the dismay of my luggage weight limit 😉 My favourite magazine was the Disney Guide book. This magazine, released a few times a year, features Disney news, shots from the park, insider tips, merchandising highlights and more. Some of this was in English, and I was able to translate the rest using my google translate app! Their fashion magazines are next-level too. Their graphic design is otherworldly like the mind of a teenage girl just exploded on the page but in the most joyous way!

Some of the magazines also come with a pretty cool free gift, like a tote bag or makeup sample! I can’t recommend more picking these up at the very least for the visuals. While HMV might be disappearing in North America, in Japan, HMV is one of the best places to find books and magazines. Most HMV stores have over two floors dedicated just to print products. I spent HOURS just sitting on the floor and leafing through the incredibly pages of the books I found therein.

Omamori 

Omamori is small, charm or talisman that you can buy at temples and shrines around Japan. The word mamori means protection in Japanese. Omamori is available at both Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples with a small donation. The Omamori are made of colourful textiles and tied together with a white cord at the top. The various charms and blessings are to help with things like love, childbirth, money, good grades, family and more. I buy one every time I’m in Japan and try to focus on what my goals are for the net year and buy a talisman, which corresponds to that. If there is anyone in your life who is struggling with something it can never hurt to buy one for them as well.

Matcha Tea

Japan loves tea almost as much as the English and bringing some back home with you will allow you to extend the feeling of being in Japan throughout the year. Matcha or macha tea is the most popular variety in Japan. It is made from finely ground green tea leaves, and the powder version is dissolved into boiling water instead of steeped inside a tea bag. You’ll often find this kind of tea free of charge at your table in various restaurants as a compliment to the entire meal.

Some of the best, fresh matcha can be found at local food markets, sold in beautifully decorated tins that make them perfect for gift giving. If you’re looking for something a little simpler, you can also find tea at any supermarket! I love exploring foreign grocery stores and the tea selection in Japan is stellar! Just give anything you think looks good a try, you won’t be disappointed.

Capsule Toys

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.

Purikura

In the basement of any arcade, 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. These are some of the best mementos of are trip so don’t hesitate to make one anytime you see a Purikura machine!

Sports Souvenirs

Japan LOVES a merchandising opportunity. And one of their most popular assets is sports merchandise. Japan has a fan base for their sports teams like no other. During baseball games, they have entire sections of the stadium dedicated to the cheerleaders who have a special theme song they sing for each and every player. When attending a sporting event, don’t skip visiting their retail shop. And there is always more than one! Each featuring a different selection of products. From towels to jerseys and more, there is literally something representing each player in any form you might dream of. My husband is a huge wrestling fan, and we were lucky enough to get to see a live show while we were there that also had a plethora of awesome swag to pick up after the event. 

Daruma Dolls

These adorable little round characters are called ‘daruma‘ dolls. Daruma dolls are fearsome-looking men who symbolize good fortune. When you buy these dolls, their eyes are blank and it is your job to fill them in. When you come up with a goal, you fill in one of the eyes as you set your intention and the daruma will bless that goal with good fortune. Then once the goals have been achieved, you fill in the other eye and display the daruma, a way of thanking him for his blessing. A great place to find Daruma dolls is in Asakusa along the traditional shopping street Nakamise. Here you’ll find traditional souvenirs shops selling darumas in various sizes. The bigger the daruma, the bigger the blessing.

Tax-Free Advice

If you are a foreign traveller, you have the chance to buy many your souvenirs tax-free! Consumption tax in Japan is 10%, although some products like food have a reduced rate of 8%. Still, saving 8-10% is a huge deal especially if you’re on a budget so you don’t wanna miss the opportunity to do so. While getting your tax-free refund isn’t a piece of cake, its easier than you might imagine and totally worth the effort. Most stores will have large, clearly displayed signs in English which say “TAX-FREE available“. If there are no signs, just inquire with a staff member.

To qualify for a tax-free rebate, the total purchase amount of wares bought in the same shop, on the same day, must be at least 5,000 yen or more (but must not exceed 600,000 yen). These purchases must be for individual consumption and must not be sold in your home country or used for business purposes.

Types of Tax-Free Items

There are two main categories of tax-free items; general goods and consumables. An example of general goods is; clothes, shoes, toys, electronics, jewellery. Consumable goods are things like, food, drink, beauty products and cosmetics. Each category must exceed 5,000 yen to be tax-free as the two categories cannot be combined to reach the total amount. Consumable goods are also placed in a sealed bag once purchased tax-free and the bag cannot be opened until you reach your final home country. So you can’t buy $100 worth of KitKats and just eat them in your hotel in Japan if you bought them tax-free.

Here are the steps in getting your tax-free refund:

  1. Find the tax-free counter in the store. If you can’t find one, or they don’t have a dedicated counter, just as a staff member for help.
  2. Bring your passport! You’ll be asked to present your passport to prove your country of residence at the counter. Paper or digital copies of your passport will not be accepted!
  3. A record of purchase will be printed and stapled inside of your passport, so don’t be put off if they take it away to do this – its totally normal. If they don’t, be sure to ask for the record of purchase and keep it with you. Do not remove it from your passport as this is required at the airport.
  4. Sign the purchaser’s pledge which affirms you do not live in Japan and are taking the items out of the country within 30 days.
  5. Consumables are placed inside a plastic bag that cannot be opened until in your home country. General goods can be worn or used while in Japan but must be brought back home with you.
  6. When you arrive at the airport, you present your passport with the record of purchase to the customers’ officer.
  7. Once you arrive at home you are free to enjoy all your goodies and share with family and friends!

Have you been to Japan? What was your favourite souvenir you brought home with you?! Let me know in the comments.

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post The Best Japanese Souvenirs and where to find them! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-japanese-souvenirs-you-need-to-buy-and-where-to-find-them/feed/ 0 12558 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.

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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.

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