And just like that, we're back in Tokyo to enjoy the last few days of winter and welcome spring. But of course, having our fill of Tokyo's popular noms is on top of our agenda.
First stop was late lunch at Gyoza no Osho near Narita Station. I've been meaning to dine here during my previous trip but it was always full. Luckily, it was still off-peak season when we visited so the place was not packed. We had Crab Omurice Set that comes with ramen and karaage, then extra gyoza. Bad idea! Hahaha because generous serving portion and it's a shame not to finish the food. The Crab Omurice was so good! It took us more than an hour to finish our food. For dinner, it was at Sekai No Yamachan in Ueno where my daughter had her pre-birthday dinner.
Gone local for Day 2 brunch. Bought food (chirashi bowl, salmon sashimi, tako sashimi, etc) at Maruetsu, a 24-hour grocery near SkyTree. Afterwards, we had fun at one of the shichiyas nearby. Then it's early dinner at one of the hidden izakayas where there's only enough seat for 10 persons. And we're also the only gaijins there! Food was great though, and super fresh salmon sashimi, tako (octopus), etc. Washed the food with shochu. But wait, I also fell in-love with the chef's fried cheese! I'm trying to refresh my memory because I forgot the name of the izakaya. Will update asap on this.
Day 3 was a bit special since it's my daughter birthday. Started with a konbini-bought creme brulee then we just topped it with a pink candle for her birthday-salubong around 12mn. Then fami-chiki for brunch because why not? Well, daughter loves spicy fami-chiki and she has pilates schedule somewhere in Asakusa Kuramae. Then we're off to Ginza for some proper birthday brunch at Hermes Cafe. But of course, we got sidetracked before brunch and bought waffles at Manneken and other yummy food finds at a nearby deli in Nihombashi. Ending the day with ramen and chocolate montblancs!
Caught some much needed Zzzzzzs the following day and just had a light salad before heading off to Narita on Day 4 because I am fetching my cousins at the airport and will accompany them to their hotel in Nihombashi. I made a quick stop in Funabashi though and had McDonald's. Haha, Ikr? For dinner, my cousins and I had a quick donburi meal at one of the restos in Narita Airport before hopping on the train bound for Nihombashi.
Woke up early for Day 5 because my cousins and I are going to check the sakura blooms at the Imperial Garden. Lunch was at Marunouchi Tower just beside Tokyo Station. We had tempura meals and it was amazing. Crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. The meal comes with tea, rice, soup and pickels plus extra 3 veggie tempura. Oishii desu! Then coffee and pastries at Pierre Herme in Marunouchi, before buying dinner at Yamachan (again).
Whole day of Day 6 was spent in Machida and Fuchinobe because daughter will meet her univ-friends, and I want to visit my favorite spots in Machida. Something amusing happened though, the restaurant where I had my lunch in Machida was the same resto (different branch) I had my dinner. In-between, I bought pastries and milk from a Konbini and had a picnic in Fuchinobe Park.
Met up with cousins again on Day 7, this time we just met them in Asakusa before going to Senso-ji Temple together. Lunch was at Eataly where we had pizza (yey) and chicken. Dessert was matcha ice-cream. Today's agenda was shopping. Dinner was somewhere in Kinshicho then its early bedtime for our morning flight.
Bought sandwiches and coffee at Kanno Cafe in Narita Airport and we love it. Looking forward to our next Japan travel. Stay tuned!
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