TOKYO DREAMING - PART 2

IN JAPAN, WE SPENT 3 DAYS IN TOKYO, 1 DAY IN HAKONE, 3 DAYS IN KYOTO, AND 2 DAYS BACK IN TOKYO. THIS POST CAPTURES THE LAST TOKYO PART OF THE TRIP. 

Back to Tokyo we go. After the most amazing trip through old and new Japan, we made our way back to where it all started.

On the first night back, we went to an area known as Akihabara. Imagine city blocks full of shops dedicated to anime fanatics. Manga, action figures, posters, plush toys, maid cafes (where one can live out the fantasy of being served food by scantily dressed maids) covering every corner. What a sight it was! After grabbing a delicious dinner at AYCE shabu shabu, we took a walk through a narrow passageway north of Shinjuku station called Piss Alley. You read that right - it's literally named Piss Alley on Google Maps. Don't let the name fool you - this street is a goldmine for casual late night eating. We only wish we weren't so full from dinner!

The next day, we visited the famous Tsukiji fish market. Although we didn't get there early enough to witness the tuna auction or the inner market, the external market was every bit as wonderful as they say. We sampled so much food - pressed octopus chip, seafood sampler on a clam shell, egg omelet on a stick, mango mochi, clam miso soup, and not to mention otoro cut right in front of our eyes! This is some of the best fish I've ever had, and it can't get much fresher than this. 

In the afternoon, we decided to visit Ueno Park. By this time, the cherry blossoms have fallen and the park has turned into a lush green escape. We picked up some green tea and baked goods nearby and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon people watching. In the evening, we got a bowl of ramen at Ramen Takahashi. Needless to say, it was overwhelmingly delicious. The night was capped off with a visit to Park Hyatt Tokyo, where you can enjoy a cocktail and see the city lights from 52 floors up. 

By the time we woke up, it was time to leave. One last train ride through the countryside, a bowl of udon, and off we go back to the US. The 10 days we spent there were so mesmerizing. The people, culture, and food are unforgettable, and I can't wait to come back again.