Tokyo, Asakusa, 28.04.24

Unusual for us but we had breakfast at 8.30. The room tariff included breakfast and the choice was a bowl of risotto. Three flavours to choose from. It also came with a basket of bread, more pastries really, plus coffee from a proper machine! 

Now it was full immersion into the hurly-burly of Tokyo. Back to Shinjuku on Yamanote Line and from there to Kichijoji Station and then a short walk to Inokashiro Park. Easy to find just follow the crowd. It was a Sunday, a hot and sunny day, and many Tokians must have had the idea to amuse themselves in the park. There are several ponds and streams, a temple, a small zoo and a few cafes. 

Inokashiro Park

The largest pond was full was swan paddle boats and we thought it a good idea to try one of them out. Just a bit of fun, not expensive and limited to half an hour. It was very pleasant on the water and seeing all the people smiling and having a good time. So did we. Afterwards we just strolled with the masses through the garden and had an icecream and then wandered off to the side to a bird sanctuary where we heard many bird calls but did not see any of them. 

Swanboat

In the afternoon we took a train to Asakusa and the famous Kappabashi Street lined with kitchen utensil shops. Every gadget is available here. A large selection of pottery. Pastry cutters of all shapes and sizes. Small and large dishes for food such as forms for tartlets or chocolate pralines. Loads of Japanese knife shops as well. Very tempting! 

Tourists near Tokyo Tower!

However we had to leave the kitchen shops and wandered down a side street with interesting looking boutiques. One of them was actually a small bar serving Italian beers from the tap. Silly of us to order tow of them but it was a hot day and the bar was completely empty. The owner just opened his business and as he told us found it rather difficult. 

The next one was a soya sauce tasting room. They gave us a variety of soya sauces to taste among them even a white one. Never heard of white soya sauce before. We bought a nice little box of three bottles plus one filled with yuzu juice. 

It was now time to see another part of Asakusa. Mainly the entertainment and food district. It is full of backstreet eateries, bars and noodle shops and all spreading out onto the lanes and full of people. Tokyo on steroids! Hard to find something to please our tastes and likes. But after a while we stumbled across a small bar and were attracted by an older lady showing us a menu. We got a seat inside and ordered two beers, Japanese this time and studied the menu. There were vegetarian options which was just what we wanted. 

The bar was run by four ladies, two were sisters as I found out, and the others good friends. One of them outside to usher in the business. It was great fun so much more because of the little Japanese I spoke. Just breaking down the barriers a little bit. The food was delicious too.

Asakusa