Kura Global Flagship Store
After a much needed sleep in, my day starts pretty lazily in my room. After a slow start I get an invite from my new travel friend from two nights before for lunch! Since I have no real plans today, I take her up on it and we venture out into Asakusa. We end up visiting the Kura Sushi Flagship store. Kura Sushi is a popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant and one of their flagship stores is in Asakusa. Inside is a large modern restaurant with a very elaborate conveyor belt sushi system. My friend and I spend the time recounting my time at Disney while she talks about exploring a Tokyo Jazz club.
Coffee Counter Nishiya
From Kura Sushi, we walk around Asakusa and do a little bit of shopping and browsing. It’s our friends last day in Tokyo before she needs to head to the airport so she’s trying to get the last bits of shopping in. On our way back to the hotel, we pass by a cool little stand up coffee shop called Coffee Counter Nishiya. Curious we pop in for a quick drink and I have to say, we were not disappointed. It’s a one man show behind the bar and like many things in Japan this guy takes his craft seriously. He meticulously crafts each drink! I end up with something called a hot orange which is a steamed orange juice with cinnamon? With the cold weather this is just what the doctor ordered!
Ikinari Steak
After coffee, I see my friend off and head out in search of dinner. In our wandering, I did spot a familiar site, Ikinari Steak. From my previous visit to Tokyo, I had a great meal here. So I head to this location and have myself another decent steak meal. For all the fan fare about fancy Japanese steak, a standard steak done in Japan is also nothing to sneeze at! It ticks all the boxes of a good steak, comes with a side of salad and soup. So for dinner it does a great job!
And with that, I head back to my hotel. It’s not a super eventful day, but I’m glad for that. It’s an opportunity to recharge the batteries a little bit and take it easy. I don’t have any solid plans again tomorrow but will try to meet up with Antetokounmpo and Lebron at some point.
Muji
With another relaxing start to the morning, I make my way to Ginza with the aim to visit the Muji Flagship store. While I’m not a big shopper, I am curious about this specific location as there is a cafe and a Muji Hotel at this location as well. Originally, when researching places to stay in Tokyo, I considered booking a room at the Muji Hotel. But in the end it was far too expensive. But I still wanted to check it out. And after browsing the different floors I end up on the cafe floor with a tasty coffee and a few moments to people watch and relax.
After Muji, I spend a few hours shopping around different stores while trying to coordinate meeting up with Antetokounmpo and Lebron. Eventually we decide to meet up near their hotel in the Kinshicho area. We do a bit of shopping in and around that area too. We eventually decide that Antetokounmpo is going to head back to take care of the little one while Lebron and I head out for dinner.
Teppanyaki Kuni
The original idea is for us to find a place to have good steak. Doing a little searching we find Teppanyaki Kuni. What we didn’t realize is how fancy it actually is! When we first walk in, they ask if we had reservations. Originally they weren’t going to seat us. But I suspect that after a cancellation or some other reason they re-approach us as we are about to leave. They mention that its a set menu and if we are ok with that, they would be able to accommodate us. At that point, both Lebron and I weren’t entirely sure what we were getting ourselves into. Each item on the menu turns out to be pretty fancy. From Caviar, foie gras, truffle, lobster and then finally wagyu steak. Don’t get me wrong it was all very very tasty. But I think it wasn’t the “vibe” Lebron and I were going for that evening. Nonetheless the food was spectacular! And at the end of the day, its still a time I’m able to spend with my friend so that’s something that will remain super valuable to me!
After dinner, we part ways and head back to our respective hotels. I head back to mine, partake in the foot bath again and then turn in for another restful night.
Sumida Park
The next morning, I decide to do something a little different. I go for a nice long stroll along the Sumida river and around Sumida Park. Since my hotel is somewhat near the river and the weather is gorgeous, I figure it’s a great day for a walk. Once I’m along the river I just keep walking for a while. It’s nice to still be in Tokyo but away from the hustle and bustle. There’s a bit of normalcy here with people out for morning jogs and people going about their business. I end up walking for an hour or two before I make a turn inland back in the direction of Senso-ji temple and the touristy madness of Asakusa.
Ramen Kai
My intention is to head back to Men Mitsu for ramen since I enjoyed it so much a few days ago. But to my dismay, they are closed. So in a bit of a scramble, I make my way over to Ramen Kai, which is known for their clam based broth. It’s a yummy bowl of ramen. And I enjoy it. But I think because I had my heart set on something else. It’s hard not to feel like this is a consolation prize. Nonetheless there’s nothing wrong with this bowl of ramen! So if you’re in this part of Tokyo, I wouldn’t hesitate to pop in!
Rikyu
After ramen, I make my way back to my hotel, where I opt to take a short afternoon nap. I make arrangements to meet up Antetokounmpo and Lebron for dinner. Dinner will be at Rikyu which is located near the Tokyo Skytree. Rikyu is known for their beef tongue. And Antetokounmpo’s parents raved about it when they went so they suggested we go. On top of the beef tongue, we also order some oysters which also go down very easily. While beef tongue isn’t normally my go to meal, this one is done very well and not one I would argue against getting again.
After dinner the three of us stroll around the Skytree complex for a little bit before parting ways. We’re all departing Tokyo tomorrow and its unlikely we’ll see each other until we arrive home in Canada. I’m very grateful for the time I am able to spend with them while travelling. I know its not easy to schedule around a little one’s schedule so any time I get is precious and being able to still travel with friends even when they have kids is super awesome!
Last Morning in Tokyo
While not as lazy of a morning this time, I wake up and have to do a bit of packing before checking out. Once checked out, I leave my luggage with the hotel and wander out into Asakusa one last time. I pick up a few last minute shopping items from Don Q and a snack from Meijiya. For lunch, I head to Kanouya Udon. It’s smack dab in a touristy part of Asakusa, but is still rated decently on Tabelog so I give it a try. I order some eel along with their udon and both dishes come out very nice. It’s good while not being spectacular. So on that note its satisfying.
And with that, I head back to my hotel, pick up my luggage and head toward Narita airport.
Sakura Lounge
After checking in and clearing security, I make my way to JAL’s Sakura lounge. This is their business class lounge that is really big with great views of the tarmac for plane spotting. I settle in by one of the windows and pick up a few food items to keep me sated until its time to board. I really like JAL business class lounges. While not the most luxurious, they are functional, spacious and have great food and beverage options. I spend the next hour or two watching planes come and go and then eventually make my way to my gate.
JAL flight Tokyo to Seattle
Eventually its time to board my flight to Seattle. I’ve been fortunate enough to fly a fair amount of business class flights but its always a treat when its a Japanese carrier. The onboard catering and service are spectacular and this flight is no different. For dinner I opt for the Washoku meal which starts with a selection of seasonal delicacies, then the main course which is a Grilled Marinated Black Cod, curry and deep-fried Chicken with Steamed rice. (image of menu included) For the pre-landing meal I opt for two a la carte selections in the katsu sandwich and the ramen. Sufficed to say EVERYTHING is very good and I am very satisfied with the food. The pods are also very comfortable. While not the most modern business class pods. They do provide a fair amount of privacy and space which isn’t always the case. All in all the flight across the ocean is smooth and relaxing and before I know it we are touching down in Seattle.
Seattle to Vancouver
After landing and clearing US immigration and customs, I have a short layover before catching a short 45 minute flight to Vancouver. I quickly pop into the Alaska lounge for a morning beverage before heading to my gate. There’s a brief delay but soon we are boarding and on our way. The flight between the two cities is super short and right when you reach cruising altitude you’re already preparing to descend! And soon enough the familiar two totem poles of my home airport of Vancouver International are welcoming me home!
And that’s that, another trip in the books. This one while short, feels jam packed at points and also very relaxed at others. I had opportunities to do things solo this time and with people I care about! So I’m very grateful that the way I travel is also evolving! As always I remain appreciative to be able to travel and remain full of gratitude for the opportunity to do so. I’ll be doing a wrap up of this trip in my next post so stay tuned!