Let’s continue our japanese travels with this post, where I grouped my last days in Tokyo, at the end of our trip.

We weren’t very lucky with the weather – those final days in the capital were pretty rainy. As I had been rather extensive last year, I’ll stick to one post about my Tokyo discoveries this time.

 

Back to Ueno

As soon as we arrived in Tokyo, having barely stepped off the Shinkansen, we escaped to the Ueno park. We had admired it last spring during Hanami, so we wanted to compare the autumn colors.

Unfortunately, the indian summer in Japan meant that the leaves turned red rather late, and the park wasn’t as spectacular as during our last visit.

Vintage bandana ( found in Kyoto)
Trench R Essentiel
Breton shirt APC
Culottes Vila
Sneakers Converse

However the atmosphere is still as enjoyable, with street shows, colorful merry-go-rounds and other souvenir shops.

When you exit, you have to go through the Yamashiroya shop (an alternative to Omotesando’s Kiddy’s Land, paked with Sailor Moon, Disney gadgets and trinkets…)

 

… passing through Omotesando

Even if it was rainy, we did a good bit of walking around, alternating between places we know well and discovering new areas.

Omotesando is my favorite shopping spot. (food, kawai objects, decoration, clothes: I love it for the style and the variety of objects).

Vintage bandana (found inKyoto)
Trench R Essentiel
Tee-shirt ASOS
Jeans Sézane pour La Redoute
Bag Nola Sézane
Boots Miista

 

My “Greeter” experience

Before we left, I was contacted by Comptoir des Voyages, who offered that we test some of their services during our stay.

In Tokyo, I got to meet a “greeter”, in other words, a francophone person who lives abroad, here in Tokyo. It’s always interesting to meet people who are immersed in another country than France, which is why I was happy to comply.

I met Anne-Laure, a french expat who took us to her favorite place in Omotesando; the Starbucks in Omotesando (on the last floor of the Tokyu Plaza mall)!

Although I love the neighborhood, I had bever been (although we know that this type of place keeps popping up all over the place), and I noticed that it was the perfect place to admire the area from high up!

Honestly, I didn’t think a Starbucks could have so many assets: I’d recommend it on a sunny day, for a small break high up amongst shrubs.

… imagine this place during a sunny day !

This “greeter” meeting is supposed to last 1h, but we talked for 3: about japanese culture, the difficulty of making japanese friends when you’re a foreigner, the status of women in Japan, the advantages and inconvenients of this civilization so different from ours : it was highly enriching exchange.

When we finally parted, Anne-Laure told us about a “cheap and delicious” gyoza place that you’ll find below. Thanks Anne-Laure!

 

Mes nouvelles bonnes adresses à Tokyo

To finish this post, I’ll share the new places that made it on my “favorite Tokyo spots” list this time around (you can find all my food recommendations in Tokyo on my map by clicking on the side menu, and all my shopping addresses from last time can be found here)

 

NOBU Steakhouse ステーキハウス のぶ (1-36-7 Asakusa, Taito-ku)

We went back to visit the friendly restaurant owners from last time, and even though it had been a year, they recognized us! I was happy to see them again, which is why I am listing this place again here. Omurice here is always perfect !

 

HARAJUKU GYOZARO 原宿餃子樓 (〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 6 Chome−2−4)

The gyoza place recommended by Anne-Laure: fabulous! Really not expensive, and absolutely delicious, so there’s often a waiting line. Just a stone’s throw away from Kiddy’s Land, I pinned it on the map.

 

ICE MONSTER (6-3-7 Jingumae, Shibuya 150-0001)

Impressive ice cream, that are actually not half as heavy as they seem, it’s basically flavored ice. Really good and fun (with small tapioca beads all around, yummy!)

 

TOWADA (1 Chome-33-5 Asakusa, Taito)

A really good soba address (buckwheat noodles) in the Asakusa area.

 

TORIMIKURA 鶏味庭 (1-22-4 Aobadai, Meguro)

An address in the Nakameguro area perfect to admire the cherry blossoms in the spring), recommended by my friend Quiterie (she’s also a Japan expat).

The address was delicious and is perfect for all those who love donburis (rice topped with meat and egg). Everything is cooked perfectly. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any pictures, I was intent on making the most of our friend reunion.

 

SHIRUBE 汁べゑ (2-18-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya 155-0031)

In the “vintage” area of Shimokitazawa (that I’ll also recommend to all those of you who like to go looking for bargains): we had a great evening there, sitting on tatamis.

This restaurant offers japanese tapas (izakaya) in a very friendly atmosphere; if you want to see mackerel cooked with a blowtorch or enjoy other fish-based specialties with a japanese beer, this is the place for you. The prices are as cheap as the food is good.

 

FLYING TIGER Copenhagen (4-3-2, Jingumae, Shibuyaku, Tokyo)

a great address for decoration items. It’s danish, and not japanese, but you can’t find it in France. I’d say it’s like Ikea but funner! kitchen ustensils, items for your bathroom, DIY trinkets, it’s all there to tempt us: I loved it. (English translation by Marine)