Tag: Japan – Tokyo

When in Tokyo: Tsujihan Zeitaku Don @ Nihonbashi, Chuo City – Mountainous Kaisendon Worth the Two Hour Queue?

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Leave it to social media to unearth another “hidden gem”. Once Tokyo’s best-kept secret, Tsujihan Zeitaku Don‘s fame has exploded online, thanks to the proliferation of its one and only dish – kaisendon piled high with chopped tuna and shellfish, and topped with overflowing ikura and uni that would make a seafood lover weep. 

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While Tsujijhan is one of the numerous food chains to dot Tokyo’s foodie map, its Nihonbashi branch is the most famous and visited among locals and tourists. Queues are known to run around the block, with average wait times spanning over two hours. 

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When in Tokyo: Ginza Wakamatsu @ Ginza Core Building, Ginza – Birthplace of Anmitsu Located Next to Prada

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Fancy eating a piece of Japan’s history? Ginza Wakamatsu is a traditional dessert shop whose history spans over 100 years. Tucked away in an unassuming corner of Ginza Core Building, right next to the Prada store, this storied place was the very one to introduce anmitsu. 

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A classic dessert comprising agar gelatin, sweet bean paste, and black sugar syrup, anmitsu used to be exclusively available at Ginza Wakamatsu, which first created it in 1930, about four decades after it opened. 

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When in Tokyo: Gundam Factory Yokohama @ Yamashita Pier, Naka Ward – Larger-Than-Life Experience for Gundam Fans; Open Till 31 March 2024

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Mecha fans, fancy living out your fantasy as a Gundam pilot in Tokyo? Well, you can’t (yet) but here’s the next best thing – getting up close and personal with a moving Gundam at the Gundam Factory in Yokohama. 

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Currently stationed at Yamashita Pier in Naka Ward, Gundam Factory Yokohama is a time-limited installation whose lease was recently extended a second time till 31 March 2024. 

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When in Tokyo: 7 Ways to Experience Traditional Japan at Kawagoe, Tokyo’s “Little Edo”

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While many associate Japan’s Edo era with the likes of Kyoto and Kanazawa, you can experience the traditional side of Japan not too far away from modern-day Tokyo. Located an hour from Tokyo Station by train, Kawagoe is a former castle town that’s commonly known as Little Edo, due to the preservation of traditional-style buildings amidst more contemporary neighbourhoods. 

Here are 7 must-try experiences to make the most of your day trip to Little Edo. 

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When in Tokyo: 6 Tokyo Banana Snacks Worth Your Luggage Space

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It’s become a habit of mine to stock up on my favourite Japanese snacks at the duty-free shop before my flight home. Of course, this pre-flight list includes the iconic Tokyo Banana. 

Originally sold exclusively in Tokyo (before a pandemic-induced sales slump forced its expansion to Osaka), this Japanese-style twinkie has become synonymous with Japan, prompting many a traveler to pick them up for their own consumption, or as omiyage for their co-workers back home. 

Here is my (non-definitive) list of Tokyo Banana treats that are worth your luggage space! 

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When in Tokyo: Staying at the Muji Hotel @ Ginza, Chuo City – Everyone’s Favourite Japanese Lifestyle Brand

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Ever wondered what it’s like to live in a living, breathing catalogue of your favourite lifestyle brand? Well, now you can at the Muji Hotel in Ginza, Tokyo! 

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Following the success of its sister hotels in Beijing and Shenzhen, China, Muji Hotel’s third outpost opened its “doors” above the Muji Ginza Flagship Store in 2019. It’s a fairly new addition to the glitzy neighbourhood, one that claims to prize affordability amongst other luxury hotels.

As a longtime Muji fan, I knew I had to check it out. After all, what’s better than the chance to “test drive” the brand’s products before committing to a purchase at the retail levels? 

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When in Tokyo: Everything I Ate at Tsukiji Outer Market, Former Site of the World’s Greatest Fish Market

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While its wholesale compound has long relocated to Toyosu, Tsukiji Outer Market continues to be *the* bustling destination for foodies far and wide. After all, what could be better than hopping from stall to stall, sampling fresh seafood and other delicious street food? 

Best of all, most eateries and stalls are open by 8am. With most food spots in Tokyo only opening their doors around 10am, Tsukiji is an excellent spot for breakfast, especially if you’re staying in the Ginza or Taito areas. Here’s everything I ate there! 

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