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.
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!
It’s no secret that Japanese convenience stores – or conbinis as they’re known locally, are on another level. The sheer variety of to-go food and goods makes our convenience stores back home look poorly stocked.
At the center of this so-called institution is conbini chicken, a deep-fried, breaded chicken cutlet sold at many a counter. It is so legendarily delicious that some even claim you haven’t experienced Japanese cuisine at its peak if you’ve not sunk your teeth into one of these sinful cutlets.
This begs the question: with as many as three major conbini chains in any Japanese city, whose fried chicken is the best? Needless to say, I set out to undertake this mission against my better judgment, and to my stomach’s great delight.
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!
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?
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!
Udon is often overshadowed by the more popular ramen, which is a shame considering how versatile this noodle can be. Hot or cold, it’s hard to resist those thick strands with their distinct chewiness.
Udon Shin うどん has emerged as one of the absolute must-try spots for udon which queues of up to two hours forming every day outside its premises near Shinjuku Station.
We visited this place in November 2019, prior to Covid-19. Do check for pandemic-related updates and precautions before making your visit.
Other than a bustling town square and vibrant port, Nagahama, Shiga is also home to a wholesome and delectable local delicacy – yaki-saba somen. But even if you have not heard of this delightful dish prior to visiting Nagahama, you would definitely pick up on its distinct aroma walking past Yokarou 翼果楼, one of two eateries that specialise in it this quaint castle town.
Chue On It 