Exploring the Delights of Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama, Sendai, Morioka, Akita, Aomori, Hakodate, Sapporo)
Japan is a treasure trove of culinary experiences, and my recent trip through Tokyo, Yokohama, Sendai, Morioka, Akita, Aomori, Hakodate, and Sapporo was nothing short of a foodie’s paradise. Here’s a rundown of my gastronomic adventures, along with some sightseeing highlights.
Tokyo: A Culinary Wonderland
Food
Ten Omakase
Located at **5 Chome-24-55 Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0051**, this omakase was a delightful experience. While the dishes weren't mind-blowing, the price made it worth every yen.
Komatsu-an Sohonke Ginza
A solid choice for soba lovers. Despite being a new establishment, it was surprisingly quiet when I visited.
Sudachi
This Japanese cuisine omakase offered delicious food, even though the staff struggled with English. I attempted to communicate in my basic Japanese, and the experience was enjoyable despite the language barrier. Be prepared for a bit of a walk from the nearest metro station, as the area is not sheltered.
Cat Cafe Mocha Lounge (Shinjuku)
With several branches, this particular one was filled with friendly cats. I spent an hour there working, and though the Wi-Fi was spotty, it was amusing to watch two cats in a playful scuffle. The pricing was reasonable, especially if you stay longer than two hours.
Hyoki Shimbashi
A unique shabu shabu experience that differed from what I was used to. The staff was attentive and friendly, and we enjoyed unlimited servings of meat and alcohol at a great price.
Yakitori Shouchan
Iron Coffee at Gotokuji
A quaint stand serving excellent coffee near Gotokuji Temple.
Arigaton
After a hiccup with our transit hotel near Narita Airport, we found ourselves at this restaurant. Despite mixed Google reviews, the hearty meal was delightful, especially the lemon sour (alcoholic) and fresh clam dish.
Sakutsuki
A memorable dining experience where one staff member spoke fluent English. The meat was tender and fresh, melting in my mouth.
Thai-Sky Kitchen
A fantastic place for Thai food, a pleasant surprise in Japan. It was a bit pricier than other meals in Tokyo but a nice change for my palate.
Gyukatsu Motomura
A must-visit for my friend, who flew in just to enjoy this dish! 'Nuff said.
Unagi Hitsumabushi Bincho (Mitsukoshi Ginza)
While on the expensive side, the eel here melted in my mouth. You can enjoy it in two to three different ways. I would not try it again. Also, you should put in a reservation as we saw long queues after we are done with our meal.
Shopping
For shopping recommendations, check out suggestions on Reddit – they have great insights!
Yokohama: A Scenic City Walk
On my city walk in Yokohama, I explored:
Landmark Tower
Red Brick Warehouse
Yamashita Park
Coffee break at Hotel New Grand
Ended my day in Chinatown/Momotachi.
Sendai: Culinary Gems
Food
Aji Tasuken Honten
A popular gyutan place with only one set meal: grilled gyutan with soup and rice. It was delicious but tough on my weak teeth.
Izu No Hana
Located in a spiritual village, this ramen spot was notable, especially on a rainy day. The tempura was delightful too.
Places of Interest
Ginzan Onsen
Enjoy free foot onsens around the village, and walk to see a small waterfall. The silver mine cave was closed during my visit.
Sendai Castle
Morioka: Unique Experiences
Food
Azuyama Honten
An unforgettable experience with wanko soba. The challenge is to eat until your bowl is full, with staff refilling your soba continuously.
Pairon Jajamen
A tiny store known for its unique jajamen, where you finish the noodles with raw egg and broth added by the staff. The jajamen is pretty bland, if you were to compare it to its Chinese or Korean counterparts. However, you will have different condiments and spices on the table where you can add to your meal. The owners (?) were really friendly and the whole experience was worth the 15 minutes wait and 20 minutes walk from Morioka Station in the cold.
Pyon-Pyon-Sha
Offering Morioka reimen, which features chili oil – a delicious twist on Korean cold noodles.
Places of Interest
Morioka Castle Ruins
A pleasant hill for walks with locals enjoying various games.
Ishiwarizakura
This spot is stunning in spring when cherry blossoms bloom.
Akita: Traditional Flavors
Food
Sakura No Sato
A quaint restaurant in the samurai village, famous for its chicken hotpot served individually.
Places of Interest
Samurai Village
This place had a ton of pretty roads that are insta-worthy. On top of that, it is worth the small entrance fee to learn more about the samurai history.
Kamakura Museum
Akita Furusato Mura
Aomori: Fresh Seafood
Food/Places of Interest
Aomori Gyosai Centre
The seafood here is incredibly fresh, even when we arrived in the afternoon. They’re known for an omelette served on a scallop shell, but unfortunately, we were too full to try it. The sashimi cuts were impressively thick and practically melted in our mouths.
A-Factory
A delightful spot for apple lovers, offering various apple products and fresh cider. A must-visit for apple enthusiasts. Their cider is exceptionally fresh and crisp.
Places of Interest
Nebuta Museum Warasse
The entry fee is well worth it, as you’ll learn about the artistic and unique Nebuta displays seen around the city. Be mindful of the show timings; there’s a Nebuta showcase during specific hours, complete with lights and music to immerse you in the experience.
Oirase Gorge
A serene and picturesque nature trail, perfect for a leisurely walk or hike. The gorge is dotted with waterfalls, moss-covered rocks, and vibrant greenery, offering stunning photo opportunities.
Mt. Hakkoda
A beautiful mountain range that’s great for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. The ropeway ride offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Lake Towada
A picturesque spot that offers a serene escape. The lake is especially stunning during autumn, with colorful foliage reflecting on the water. Boat cruises are available for a unique perspective of the lake.
Hakodate: Must-Try Delicacies
Food
Okushiba Soup Curry (my number 1 on this trip)
Hakodate Shio Ramen
A specialty that didn't quite match my expectations. For Singaporeans or Malaysians, it’s hard not to compare it to Bedok 85’s bak chor mee, which I personally prefer.
Ajidokoro Kikuyo Shokudo
Fresh seafood that was worth every yen.
Snow Crab
A must-try at any seafood market restaurant. No specific restaurant needed; just visit any seafood market or food hall. Absolutely worth every penny. You won’t even need condiments to enjoy how flavorful it is.
Café White Ball
A charming café run by a lovely couple. Offers decent coffee at reasonable prices. The cozy atmosphere makes it a great spot to relax after exploring the city.
Rokkatei Goryokaku Shop
A stunning dessert shop worth splurging on. Try their signature sweets, including melt-in-your-mouth butter sandwiches and beautifully crafted confections.
Lucky Pierrot
Places of Interest
Goryokaku Park
While I didn’t visit the tower, the park itself is expansive. Climbing the small “hill” offers a great view of the park’s unique star-shaped design. In spring, the park is a top destination for cherry blossom viewing.
Mount Hakodate
Offers stunning views but can be windy in colder seasons. The night view from the summit is often considered one of the most beautiful in Japan.
Hakodate Orthodox Church
A beautiful spot with a different view of the city. On your way up, don’t miss the picturesque slope offering a different perspective of Hakodate city. The church itself is a beautiful blend of Russian and Japanese architecture.
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
Picturesque and perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can shop at various stores here, including boutiques and souvenir shops, or enjoy local delicacies at the nearby restaurants. The waterfront view is particularly scenic, especially at sunset.
Sapporo: Flavorful Adventures
Food
Toriton Kita 8
Expect long queues (we waited three hours!) but it’s worth it. Luckily, there are nearby shops to explore while you wait. The chawanmushi was so good, my partner had 3 servings! The chawanmushi's taste was very unique and had more umami than those I had tasted before. Known for its fresh and affordable sushi, with generous cuts and a wide variety to choose from.
Soup Curry Okushiba Store Ekimae
Heavenly shrimp-based soup curry that reminded my partner of Hong Kong’s cart noodles. This soup curry was heavenly. You can customize your meal, making it well worth the wait.
アルコ (Aruko)
A Genghis Khan (Mongolian BBQ) restaurant. Note that your clothes may carry a smoky aroma afterward. A must-try if you’re a meat lover, though even non-meat enthusiasts should give it a shot for the unique experience. It’s more akin to Thai mookata than Korean BBQ.
Baikoken Shinsapporokatepuriten
A great spot for authentic and hearty ramen with a rich broth and perfectly cooked noodles.
Places of Interest
Sapporo Beer Museum
Admission to the museum is free. If you’re not keen on the history, you can quickly browse through and head to the tasting area. Tasting tickets are available via a vending machine, offering options like a beer sampler or snacks. The museum also features a gift shop where you can purchase exclusive Sapporo Beer products.
Japan is a country that tantalizes your taste buds while offering stunning landscapes and rich culture. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene beauty of Lake Towada, every moment is a new discovery. Whether you're a foodie or an adventurer, Japan has something extraordinary waiting for you!
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