MUST TO VISIT #9: The Hachiko Statue

The Hachiko Statue

The Hachiko Statue is one of the most famous landmarks of the city of Tokyo. Located right in front of the Shibuya Station, it serves as a popular meeting place in the city.

Hachiko is a bonze statue of an Akita-ken breed dog, located in front of the Shibuyu Station. The statue faces the station and shows the dog in a sitting posture. The place where the statue is located is also referred to as the Hachiko exit.

Hachiko is more than a statue or a tale, he was a real dog who's story is known throughout Japan and the world today.

 Hachiko was born in 1923 in the city of Odate Japan in the Akita prefecture. He came to Tokyo with his owner, a professor of agriculture at the University of Tokyo named Eisaburo Ueno. Each morning his master would set out for the local train station called the Shibuya Station. Hachiko made a habit of waiting for his master's return each day at the station where the two would meet and journey home together.

In 1925 professor Ueno died from a stroke while at the university and never returned home. After his death his wife sold their home as she prepared to move. She gave the dog to some friends nearby who agreed to care for Hachiko but it would not last. Hachiko soon departed his new home and returned to the station and the old home where he continued to follow the routine and await his master's return for 10 years. Hachiko died in 1935.


Soon after his dead, Hachiko was immemorialized in statue form as the symbol of  legendary faithfulness.

Hachiko in front of Shibuya Station

MUST TO EXPERIENCE #3: Crane Game (UFO catchers)

Crane games, known in Japan as “UFO catchers”, are a mainstay of the country’s arcades.
Players use bottons (or a joystick)  to manipulate a mechanical claw over an enclosed bin full of prizes, in hopes of picking one up and getting it out of the machine.

Crane games are usually full of stuffed toys, but they may have other unique prizes such as mega-size packed sweets and a Japanese cooking pot etc...

You often pay 100 yen per play, or 500 yen per 6 plays.

Sometimes a kind shop assistant comes over to give you an advice, or re-adjust the position of prize as it could be caught easily.

But they are often hard to catch, as the claw is almost purposely made dodgy so even if the claw touches the prize it often misses.

However, you can often just push down the prize with the claw as in the video above, which may be one of techniques you may want to use.

I often see people who are totally addicted and almost forget about how far they've been spending their money on. 

But Japanese can become so enthusiastic about it since the prizes may be "premiere", like some limited character goods from Japanese "anime" or comics which you can only get by playing crane games.

Japanese arcades are often located near stations in a walk distance.
"TAITO STATION" is one of the biggest ones.

Japanese arcades also have variety of cutting-edge games and some photo sticker booths (known as "prikura").

purikura (photo sticker booth)

Even if you are not a big game fan, I guarantee tons of fun!

MUST TO EAT #9: TAKOYAKI

 “Takoyaki” (octopus balls) is a famous Osaka specialty.

 “octopus balls", are dumplings made of batter, picked ginger, tenkasu, and green onion,  with octopus meat in the middle and sauce, aonori, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes sprinkled over the top.

Even though they originated in Osaka, we have takoyaki stores almost anywhere in Japan. (though the best one can be found in Okasa!) 

This the fluffy balls are also typical festival snacks that is made and sold at stalls on street.

If you are unfamiliar with eating octopus, just try it! They taste sort of plain, and chewy which you may find strange but they are still the most important element of Takoyaki.

People from Osaka often own their own takoyaki cooker and make takoyaki at home. (It looks easy, but really requires techniques!)

If you try to find takoyaki stores in Tokyo, I suggest to go to Gindako. (Wow they have an English site!)

They are one of the best takoyaki which I've ever eaten. Each Takoyaki Plate (8 balls) costs 500 yen and they also have other menu including Yakisoba (fried noodles) and Taiyaki (Japanese fish-shaped cake filled with red bean paste inside). Taiyaki is also one of Japanese favourite snacks. (Don't worry, thry don't taste anything fishy!)

Taiyaki

If you have eaten your lunch but still feel a little hungry, just take a further step to a takoyaki store to experience the Osaka specialty! 

MUST TO EXPERIENCE #2: Legendary "Ninja" culture of Edo Period

a "Ninja" show at Edo Wonderland

"Ninja" (忍者：ninja) are largely a myth; a product of Edo period drama, adapted to Japanese and then Western cinema.

A person who uses Ninjutsu is called a Ninja. Ninjutsu is not a martial art. It is an original art of warfare that developed mainly in Iga, Mie Prefecture, and Koka, Shiga Prefecture.



"Ninja" activities include all manner of covert activities. Spying, assassination, planting rumors, sabotage...all these can be considered "shinobi" activities.

Hanzo Hattori may the most famous, and the most powerful of all the Iga Ninja. ( although his actual profession was Samurai)

Hanzo Hattori appears in countless ninja movies and novels dressed in black, flying through the sky, swimming underwater, tunneling beneath the ground, and vanishing into the darkness.

If you want to find out the reality of Ninja history or experience Ninja activities, visit one of these places below. At Iga-Ryu Ninjya Museum, there is a Ninjya house where you can experience a number of tricks.

Iga-Ryu Ninjya Museum homepage
Shiga-Koga Ninjyutsu Yashiki  homepage (Japanese) 
Nikko Edo Wonderland homepage

MUST TO EXPERIENCE: ASHIYU

An "ashiyu" (足湯, ashiyu) is a Japanese public bath where people can bathe their feet.

They are mostly located on the street corner in hot springs(onsen) resort area.

In Kinugawa Onsen (a video above), Tochigi, it is located right in front of the station.

The majority of ashiyu are free.

MUST TO EAT #7: BENTO (especially "ekiben")

In Japanese, lunch box is called "Bento".

A well-known part of Japanese food culture, bento boxes are small, compact containers meant to hold an individual serving of rice and a few side dishes. Japanese word "bento" is used to mean a meal served in a box.

A traditional bento consists of rice, fish or meat, and one or more pickled or cooked vegetables, usually in a box-shaped container.

Although bento are readily available in many places throughout Japan, including convenience stores, bento shops, train stations, and department stores, it is still common for Japanese homemakers to spend time and energy for their spouse, child, or themselves producing a carefully prepared lunch box.

And bento may showcase regional specialties - this is true of ekiben, takeaway bento sold at railway stations around Japan.

ekiben at Kinugawa Station, Tochigi. They have a speciality of Tochigi beef.

It is said each prefecture in Japan has their own ekiben.

You can take an ekiben eating tour of the nation if you like!

MUST TO VISIT #8: Tsukiji Outer Market

The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market (東京都中央卸売市場, Tōkyō-to Chūō Oroshiuri Shijō), commonly known as the Tsukiji Market (築地市場, Tsukiji shijō), is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and also one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind. The market is located in Tsukiji in central Tokyo, and is a major attraction for foreign visitors.

Tsukiji Market consists of an inner market where most of the wholesale business and the famous tuna auctions are taking place, and an outer market whose retail shops and restaurants carter to the public.

The "outer market" (jogai shijo) is a mixture of wholesale and retail shops that sell Japanese kitchen tools, restaurant supplies, groceries, and seafood, and many restaurants, especially sushi restaurants.

The outer marker opens regularly on weekdays and Saturday, but is usually closed on Sunday and public holidays. But to make sure they are open, check the calender (2010/2011) on website. (the red dot indicates the market is closed)

Also, be careful that most of the shops in the outer market close by the early afternoon.




There are some sushi restaurants in the outer market, which often serve raw fish in "don" style. (don=丼; Rice bowl topped with sliced raw fish)

Kaisen Don ( 海鮮丼）－Rice bowl topped with a variety of sliced raw fish

Uni-don(ウニ丼）－Rice bowl topped with Sea Urchins

There are also conveyor belt sushi restaurants.


Be sure you visit the market on Saturday when all the gloceries and restaurants are open.

The link below provides further information about Tsukiji market.

http://www.tsukiji-market.or.jp/tukiji_e.htm



MUST TO VISIT #7: “Omoide Yokocho” in Shinjuku

Omoide Yokocho(思い出横丁) is drinking and eating place with a peculiar atomosphere near the Shinjyuku station. in Tokyo.


Omoide Yokocho (思い出横丁) literally meaning ‘memory alley’, is a narrow street with a cluster of small Yakitori bars, Ramen restaurants, and pubs.


This street is almost like a time-slip area where still remains Japanese good old day's atmosphere of 1950s, when the area was a black market and food stalls were abundant.


If you are looking for cheap beer and dinner, or want to experience typical, traditional style izakaya from 1950's, why not visit Omoide Yokocho?


Omoide Yokocho
Location: Shinjuku


Opening hours: vary by vendor (some are open all day, some open in the evening)


Website: http://www.shinjuku-omoide.com/english/index.html (Eng. under construction)

Map: http://r.gnavi.co.jp/fl/en/p982800/coupon.htm


大きな地図で見る

MUST TO EAT #6: Ramen stall

Stalls may be one of very Asian things.

In Japan, Ramen (noodles in a hot soup) stalls are the most common ones you probably find.

In Japan, many workers (especially males)  have this weird tendency of eat ramen after drinking.

Ramen for a midnight snack, like when we are a little hungry after drinking.
We often call it “shime no ramen (締めのラーメン, ramen to finish up with).”

Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean that you have to have it at a stall.
but if you're in Japan why don't you?

In front of Shinjuku Station (at South gate)

Stalls are often found near station exits but they are recently restricted by strict road laws.
But if you find one, try this midnight snack to finish up your day!

MUST TO EAT #5: Udon @ Tokyo Mentsu-Dan

Today, I want to introduce one of my favourite Udon restaurants in  Tokyo. 

The restaurants is called "Tokyo Mentsu-dan", that is located in the west of Shinjuku Station near Kabukicho.

Tokyo Mentsu-Dan is a self-serve restaurant. First you order the type of udon from the menu at the counter then after you get an Udon bowl, you select toppings to go on the top.  There are a variety of tempura to choose from, each costs around 100 yen.
Rice balls and other Japanese "Osouzai"(prepared Japanese daily food) are also available

English menu is available!

Osouzai buffet

Once you selected your toppings you pay the total price at the counter and if your noodle is a hot one you go straight to the broth counter right next to it, and add your own hot broth to your Udon bowl.

Niku Udon

Mentsu-Dan sells Sanuki Udon - Udon produced in Sanuki Province, Shikoku, which is thicker and stiffer than the normal ones.  It's chewy in texture and doesn't get soggy in soup.

The map below shows the access to the Tokyo Mentsu-Dan from the East exit of Shinjuku Station.



大きな地図で見る


Mentsu-Dan (東京麵通団)
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-2am
Address: 7-9-15 Shinjuku, TOKYO (東京都新宿区西新宿7-9-15ダイカンプラザビジネス清田ビル1F)
Phone: +81-3-5389-1077


Web: www.mentsu-dan.com

Must to Visit #6: "Izakaya" (Traditional Japanese bars) under the train tracks at Yurakucho

Some of Tokyo's oldest izakaya and tachinomiya (Traditional Japanese bars) can be found under the train tracks at Yurakucho, adjoining the Hibiya subway station.

A few days ago, I wrote about yakitori bars. These are found around this area

Izakaya are the traditional Japanese bars that are popular with Japanese businessmen for an after work drink, in recent years these bars have also gained in popularity with the younger Japanese drinker too. Traditionally to go along with your drinks small partitions of food are served at the Izakaya, giving this establishment a more of a restaurant feel.

Izakaya’s generally feature red paper lanterns at the front of their shop and on the inside menus of short bits of paper with Japanese text on them often decorate the walls. Many Izakaya may have a English menu available or even a menu with pictures of the dishes on them.

The restaurants are divey and tiny, but the food is cheap and delicious! Walk along the tracks until you see a joint with available seats. Order giant beers (Jokki) and yakitori and whatever else looks good.

MUST TO VISIT #5: The SL (Stream locomotive) at Shinbashi Station

This steam train is at Shinbashi station ''SL(steam locomotive) square''.

The SL is now illuminated with Christmas decoration (till 25th, December).

The locomotive (a Japanese type C11 for the train buffs) was installed on this place in 1972, at the 100 years anniversary of the opening of Japan’s first railway, between Tokyo and Yokohama.

MUST TO VISIT #4: Ginza Wako building

Built in 1932, the clock tower of the Ginza Wako building is the symbol of the Ginza, standing at the northwest corner of the district's centrally located Ginza 4-Chome junction of Chuo and Harumi Dori. Inside the building, jewelry and luxury items are sold.

Its wide curved base is intensely illuminated at night making it a blazing white beacon in the darkness that outshines the Johnny-come-lately department stores and boutiques with which it competes. The building's architecture lets people know that it has been around for a long time and will continue to dominate this corner in the future.

MUST TO VISIT #3: Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Shibuya Crossing, also referred to as Shibuya Scramble Crossing is the pedestrian crossing outside the Hachiko exit of Shibuya Station.

 It is referred to as a scramble crossing as the traffic is stopped in all directions, thus allowing pedestrians to walk in all directions through the intersection.

On the weekend, hundreds of people are crossing for each signal change for all day long. There is no other place has such a constant mess of people.

MUST TO EAT #4: YAKITORI

YAKITORI

Yakitori, grilled chicken, is a Japanese type of skewered chicken.

"Momo" (chicken thighs)

It is made from several bite-sized pieces of chicken meat, or chicken offal, skewered on a bamboo skewer and grilled, usually over charcoal.

"Tsukune" ( Japanese style chicken meatballs)

There are many yakitori bars (e.g. "Izakaya") in Japan which serve many versions of the recipe.

Diners ordering yakitori usually have a choice of having it served with salt or with tare sauce, which is generally made up of mirin, sake, soy sauce and sugar. The sauce is applied to the skewered meat and is grilled until delicately cooked.

Also, there are a variety of yakitori menu. Below are some typical yakitori menu which they may provide.

•yakitori -- grilled, skewered chicken pieces

•aigamo -- duck

•hasami -- alternating pieces of chicken and leek

•hatsu -- hearts

•hina(dori) -- very young chicken

•hone tsuki -- bones included

•kawa -- chicken skin

•tori kimo yaki -- chicken livers and other giblets

•momo(yaki) -- chicken legs

•motsu -- giblets

•nankotsu -- chicken pieces with bone

•negima -- chicken pieces and leek

•rebaa -- liver

•sasami -- chicken breast meat (without skin)

•shOniku -- boneless meat with skin

•sunagimo -- gizzards

•suzume -- sparrow (or young chicken)

•tan -- beef tongue

•tebasaki -- chicken wings

•tsukune -- chicken meatballs

•uzura (tamago) -- quail eggs

 Yakitori bars often provide their unique original menu which doesn't neccessarily made of chicken (though they are still called "yaki"=grilled "tori"=chicken). For instance, pork yakitori  and vegetables (often rolled in bacon with cheese) may be available at some places.

"aspara-bacon maki" (Asparagus rolled in bacon)

Yakitori is a very popular dish in Japan, many working people grab a yakitori and a beer from yakitori stalls on the way home from work with a beer.

If you look for a good yakitori bar, go to Hibiya-Yurakucho area

The yakitori bars are found in the railroad underpass near the HIbiya (or Yurakucho) Station.

These yakitori places are cheap and delicious. Most of the seats are outdoors on stools with beer crate tables. English menu may be available at some yakitori bars.

A blog below,provides good info about Yakitori restaurant in Yurakucho. 

http://www.notquitenigella.com/2008/07/06/yakitori-alley-at-yurakucho-tokyo/

Lastly, don't forget, when you raise your glass, say Kampai! Japanese for Cheers!

MUST TO EAT #3: TEMPURA

Tempura is a popular element of Japanese cuisine, and consists of a selection of fresh prawns and vegetables deep-fried in a thin layer of light and crispy batter. It is served with a traditional dipping sauce made from dashi (soup stock), soya sauce and mirin (a sweet cooking sake).

Shrimps, and a Japanese Jack Mackerel

On the other hand, Tempura is also served with salt in Japan instead of the dipping sauce.

Tempura is distinguished from many other battered and deep fried foods by being much lighter and tending to carry less grease.

Some vegetables tempura

"Kakiage": a mixture of vegetable bits and shrimp

Tempura is served at many Japanese-style restaurants. 
But since expensive ingredients and lots of oil are used, it is considered as an expensive cuisine.