The best Tokyo neighbourhoods are the laidback and local areas like Akasaka and the atmospheric Asakusa. While they rarely get a mention in magazines and with no notable sights to speak of, they are as local as ’hoods get with their buzzy izakayas, karaoke spots, pachinko parlours, and children’s parks, and that’s just the way … Read more
According to the Tokyo expats we met, we would not find a candidate for our Local Knowledge Tokyo guide. “Tokyo locals aren’t friendly,” we were told. “They’re shy, so they won’t make an effort to speak to you,” one said. “They’d rather you just go away, because they get embarrassed they don’t speak English,” said … Read more
I don’t usually do a Take-Homes post until we’ve been in a place for a while, but Tokyo’s supermarkets and mini-marts are crammed with so many scrummy snack foods, both savoury and sweet, that I’ve found it hard to resist grabbing an armful each time we’ve popped in for some Kirin. So, here’s what I’ve … Read more
Eating out in Tokyo as it quickly becomes apparent to us is not only about sushi and noodles. After a disappointing bowl of ramen at a supposedly-famous noodle joint we find ourselves at a retro stand-up bar tucking into smoky grilled intestines, tongue, shoulder, raw liver, and heart. And it’s wonderful. Eating out in Tokyo, Japan, … Read more
Ok, so maybe I’m using the term ‘robot’ loosely, but damn if this robot beer dispenser doesn’t produce a great beer every time. Trust me, I tried several times to get it to pour a bad beer in the name of research, but it never did. Not much of a conversationalist, though. And no tips … Read more