The main stop for me today is to visit Tokyo’s Imperial Palace and change hotels for my last two nights in Japan!
While visiting the area around the Imperial Palace is easy enough to do, being able to enter the grounds and tour around requires a bit of pre-planning. To my knowledge the only way to explore the Palace grounds “inside” the walls is through a guided tour. In order to attend one of the guided tours you need to go through an application process. After submitting the required information, They review your application and eventually send you a permit number which you need to produce at the main gate. At the time of my visit, the only way to get in is via the online application. However, they now appear to be allowing a limited number of people to apply at the door. However, it is a popular tourist spot and appears to fill up quickly.
The Imperial Palace
With my permit number in hand, I make my way from my hotel to the Imperial Palace’s Kikyo-Mon Gate. While the weather isn’t the greatest, I have the unique benefit of visiting during mild snowfall. It’s a bit wet and uncomfortable, but it gives the Palace a very cool winter vibe, I’m not sure many have the chance to see. The guard checks my documents and admits me through the gate.
I am then directed to a larger hall where there are several other visitors waiting for the tours to start. Eventually they call out those that are here for the English tour and about thirty of us step outside to meet our guides.
From there we set out to walk the grounds of the Imperial Palace. We stop at different points of interest and our guides go through some of the history of the buildings along with what they function as today.
While I’d like to say I paid a great deal of attention to all the information presented. I think I mainly tried to take in as much of the views and scenery as I could, while trying to stay warm and dry. There’s an interesting mix of modern buildings amongst traditionally looking ones as well. Some are for official receiving duties and others are more staff buildings for the palace. In the main palace it looks like there is actually some event going on, so its neat to see a bit of what it would look like during an official visit!
While I think checking out the Imperial Palace is nice to do, I did find myself underwhelmed with the visit. If your time is limited and you have other things on your list, then you can probably prioritize this a little lower. Seeing it from the outside is likely good enough.
Shabusen Ginza Core B2F
After my visit to the Imperial Palace, my mind is now set on lunch. Walking around in the wet and cold for a while has me desiring something warm and comfortable. Enter Shabusen Ginza Core B2F. I decided to visit this spot for two reasons: One, to have some shabu shabu in Japan as this isn’t something I’ve yet to try. And two, I am still low key seeking that “heavenly” experience of Wagyu beef.
Each diner is given their own individual hot pot by which to cook their own food. I order their specialty beef offering and am happy to see that well marbled beef land on my table! I go through everything super fast being super hungry after a cold morning of walking. While I’d like to say the beef provided the experience I am seeking I can’t. However, the meal as a whole is excellent. While I’m disappointed I still can’t find that knock my socks off beef. I am happy to say this is one of the more satisfying meals I’ve had in a while. So I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this spot!
Second lunch at Hanayama Udon
After leaving hot pot, I walk around Ginza a little bit before making the rash decision to go for a second lunch. I am nearing the end of my time in Japan and am running out of meals to try everything I want. So I hop on the subway and make my way to Hanayama Udon. This place makes it on my list for its unique flat udon noodle offerings. Thankfully there isn’t a lineup and so I get seated right away. I order the dipping flat udon set. I must have still been hungry because I consume this meal as quickly as it arrives! While its a bit of a novelty to have the thick flat noodles. I do think it’s a very tasty meal and wouldn’t hesitate to return the next time I’m in Japan.
The Conrad Tokyo
For my last two nights in Japan, I wanted to pamper myself and have an opportunity to relax too. So, I make a redemption booking at the Conrad Tokyo. This is a luxurious five star hotel that has some of the best views overlooking Tokyo Bay. After checking out of my Ginza hotel, I transit over to the Conrad to check in. Upon arriving, you first need to take the elevator up to the 28th floor where the actual lobby for the Hotel is. Getting off the elevator, you arrive at an expansive lobby and a neighbouring lounge with spectacular views of Tokyo. I proceed to check in and am happy to be “upgraded” to a bay view room on account of my status with Hilton.
After getting checked in, I then proceed to another bank of elevators which eventually takes me to the 34th floor where I find my room. To say that I’m very happy to be spending my last two days in Tokyo here would be an understatement. It’s already the biggest room I’ve stayed in throughout my time in Japan. It’s also the most well appointed. But I think the thing that takes the cake, is the view. It simply cannot be beat!
I spend some time soaking in my surroundings and getting settled, before heading down in search of some dinner.
Ramen Saburo
By now, the rain is coming down pretty hard in Tokyo and my thoughts turn to something soupy. I don’t really want to venture too far into the city. In doing some quick googling, I find a very hole in the wall Ramen shop nearby. I venture back out into the elements for a quick bite to eat at Ramen Saburo. This is a very small local ramen spot, and while the interior is a bit dingy the food is still top notch. It’s a great tasting bowl of soupy noodles, especially for a cold rainy night!
Twenty Eight
After dinner, I quickly pop into a Kombini to pick up some snacks and then head back to the hotel. While its not treacherous weather, there is something to be said about being indoors watching the rain. And what better way to do that then at Twenty Eight, Conrad’s own bar and lounge.
After dropping off the snacks in my room, I make my way down to the lounge for a night cap. Surprisingly, it wasn’t too busy when I arrive and so I’m able to snag one of the seats by the window. I order what I believe is a seasonal specialty, because I can’t seem to find it on the menu now. It’s a drink where the server will set fire to a sprig of rosemary before “dousing” it in your drink. The result is this fragrant and pleasing cocktail. I’m a little sad that I can’t recall or find it now because it was delicious!
To add to the ambience of the evening, the lounge also offers live music! With everything that I’ve been able to experience thus far on this trip, it was actually really good to just sit down, look out the window and feel amazingly grateful for the blessings of the past three weeks!
Alas, all good things must come to an end and after the musicians finish their set. And I finish my drink. I make my way back up to my room and get ready for bed. Tomorrow will be my last full day in Japan. I settle into bed and turn off the lights, only to be treated to a stunning view of Tokyo Bay at night. I had to pop back up out of bed and take a photo or two before finally turning in.
