Tokyo, Japan

Omoide yokocho and Golden Gai

Day 1

Started the Japan trip with the best ramen we've had so far at Rukawa in Shinjuku. John had his first tsukemen (dipping ramen) experience and was loving it - would recommend to anyone who hasn't tried!

Day 2

Decided we needed to do a bit more exercise after the amount we ate in China and so went for a morning run around Yogogi park and then to Meiji Jingu temple. Was very peaceful, a serene start to the day. We had separate lunches as John went to the Tokyo Octopus office - I got some mentaiko (spicy cod roe) butter udon at Udon Shimbori which was amazing.

In the afternoon we did a bit of shopping before going to Tokyo Metropolitan Government building to see the free view at the top, and the lights projected onto the building - apparently the largest permanent light display in the world! Was very cool and glad we managed to catch it.

After, we went to the famous Omoide yokocho for some yakitori, beers and sake. It was very touristy but fun nonetheless and after that we continued the drinks at Golden Gai. Ended up getting a bit carried away and stayed out later than planned at a metal bar.

Shimokitazawa and Meguro walk about

Day 3

We (me, Nina) were feeling pretty hungover today so had pretty unproductive morning. However managed to get out at lunch time for John's first famichiki (family mart fried chicken) and egg sando combo. The happiest I've seen him this trip, he's had 5 since.

Then went to Shimokitaza for a comforting soup curry and a bit of second hand shop browsing - a very chill day.

Day 4

Met up with my mums cousin and her daughter for lunch - lovely to catch up! John put his Japanese speaking skills to the test and asked where the toilet was.

The restaurant was near the Tokyo tower so had a wonder round there before jumping on the subway to Daikanyama and Naka Meguro - two very cool neighbourhoods to explore.

For dinner we were craving something non asian so had some very good pizzas at Seirinkan - a Beatles themed restaurant with apparently the best pizza in Japan according to Kim K!

In the evening we checked out a festival at Hanazono shrine in Shinjuku. It was very chaotic but definitely an authentic local 'matsuri' experience.

Omakase & night out

Day 5

Went for a walk around the imperial palace, a popular running route. Unfortunately the gardens were closed by the emperor but still pretty nice to walk round. Then went to a famous fish market called tsukiji for some sashimi 😋, and to visit Nina's grandparents' family grave.

Had a really fun afternoon in Akihabara at the gaming arcades, nearly lost a racing game to Nina which would have soured my afternoon, and a 10/10 katsu curry from Joto curry (a curry chain)!

In the evening we went to a vv nice omakase sushi place where we had a 12 course sushi platter, great night out food. Then out for drinks:

• bar record - great whiskey highballs and play good music
• yokocho in Shimbashi
• 7/11 for cheaper drinks and another fried chicken egg salad combo
• ended the night at a club called wwwß to see blumitsu, good night out!

Dinner with Nina's cousin & Asakusa

Day 6

We rented bikes from our airbnb and cycled to the nearest maccies, Japanese maccies is a game changer.

Then we cycled to our friend Meg's uncle's bakery, higashiyama shoten in Nakameguro. Such a nice area of tokyo and the food was so good.

Did a bit more shopping in Omotesando and Nina got some onistuka tigers. Then went to meet Nina's cousin Ryo and his wife Haruka at TY Harbour for dinner and drinks, was really nice to meet them and great (for me) that they speak English!

Day 7

A chilled last day:

• South indian curry in Asakusa, lots of these in Tokyo - was v good!
• Asakusa temple and a stroll around the Sumida river at sunset.
• Ended our tokyo trip in koenji with another izakaya dinner and drinks.