Tokyo Part 2 - Food vs Culture

The world's capital of gastronomy. For those who didn't know, Tokyo tops Paris with more Michelin Stars and better food. With it's 2013 guide, Michelin has again affirmed that the "muse" has relocated to Tokyo !! Here's to some of the restaurants I have been missing since then ;) Let's forget about the calories for the time being though...
Kozue in Park Hyatt, Tokyo. Great food with an amazing view !! On a clear day, one can see Mount Fuji from the hotel’s exquisite contemporary Japanese restaurant. The menu features only the finest seasonal ingredients for the hearty, home-style dishes which are uniquely presented on beautiful earthenware, porcelain and lacquerware created by noted Japanese craftsmen.

Set lunch including dessert and tea

The special red bean jelly

the amazing panoramic view

Reservation is a must to make sure you have the window side table ;)

When you talk about Japanese cuisine, what comes into your mind first?? Sushi !!! If you ask a Japanese where is the most luxurious sushi restaurant in Tokyo, most people might answer KYUBEY
You will be surprised to eat sushi with salt not soy sauce here. Highly recommended !!! KYUBEY or KYUBEI serves the best sushi I have ever tried, from hating tuna into loving tuna ;) Well, best quality comes with a high price too... If I remember correctly, 10 different types of sushi per person cost around 120SGD. Having said that, it's totally worth a try ! Now I know what real sushi taste like ;)

Meet our amazing sushi chef ensuring all fishes are impeccably fresh and expertly sliced

This is heaven !!

Best Unagi I ever had ;)

Oh,, live prawns is one of the dishes as well :)

Simply love the authentic setup of this restaurant !!

Other than the amazingly fresh fishes, what really blew my mind off is this "supposed to be" ordinary Tamago. People say that you can judge a sushiya by its tamagoyaki, and Kyubey is no exception. Sweet and almost cake-like, it is served towards the end of the meal (with or without rice). Theirs includes ground shrimp, which lends a fluffy, lighter-than-air texture and enhances the flavor of the egg. The secret is the level of fine grinding and slow roasting, accomplished by hot coals placed atop the egg mixture and moved carefully along until it is set.

After trying this tamago, I have never ordered any tamago since then. Guess there is no need to mention their outstanding customer service. MUST TRY !! Five stars for food, ambience and service.

Just in case you are wondering, it's not really necessary to pay a bomb for good food as well. This random restaurant we found in Shinjuku is pretty impressive too ;)
Here's a video of the preparation.

 And the final dish ;)

After all these countless calories, let's engage in some fats burning activity... We are lucky to have visited Tokyo in May, having the chance to experience one of the biggest event - Sanja festival. It is considered one of the wildest and largest Shinto festivals in Tokyo, held in honor of the three men who established and founded Senso-ji(the ancient buddhist temple in Asakusa).
Held on the third weekend of every May at Asakusa Shrine, over the course of three days, this festival attracts 1.5 to 2 million locals and tourists every year !!!

These miniature shrine - "mikoshi" weighs approximately one ton and cost 40million yen to construct. Each needs about 40 people dispersed evenly to safely carry them.

Take a look at the half deflated Asakusa lantern for the "mikoshi" to pass through...

A glimpse of how crowded it was

This video best illustrates why it is considered the wildest and largest Shinto festival in Tokyo !!

fyi, most of the guys are half drunk... How fun is this :D

No OOTD from me on this post, guess it's maybe more interesting to look at their "Outfit of the day" instead. How's that ?? Any inspirations ?? Haha

This concludes my lovely holiday in Japan - with shrines and temples that are world heritage sites, lively festivals, an abundance of nature and not forgetting all those divine dishes !! Hope you have been enjoying my blog so far. Next up on my trip to Europe.... Xoxo

Highlights of Tokyo - Part 1

Last part of my trip to Japan, none other than the amazing Tokyo!! Hope you have been enjoying my blog so far though I am super slow in updating (po) ;) Tokyo has always been one of my favorite city, a place you will never be sick of....
Going in May would be a perfect timing to witness the celebration of Sanja festival and Sumo wrestling tournament !!
For all animal lovers out there including myself, let's start with the lovely cat cafe in Shibuya - Nyafe Melange. Overlooking the bustling streets of Shibuya, this cafe is home to 23 beautiful cats ;)

My advise is to visit them in the evenings when they are more active ;) As you know that cat cafe is the current upcoming trend, am still not convinced that this is really good for their well being since cats are never known for their social skills.. Especially when they need to face different faces everyday and everyone trying super hard to bond with them within that 1 - 2 hours..
Well, that's how interested they look!! Not forgetting my outfit of the day, am decked head to toe in Zara ....

  Our favorite is the one with the ears folding backwards.. Super cute but super grouchy !

 

Walking down my favorite street in Tokyo - the "high-end" Omotesando Hills... What's your view of this street as compared to Faubourg Saint Honore in Paris ;)

For all fashion lovers, you will have to visit the well known fabric district of Tokyo - Nippori Textile Town. Located in the northeast part of the city, Nippori is easily accessed by the JR Yamanote line and is definitely a place for fashion enthusiasts. Completely spoilt by the variety of choices.
Drop by "Tomato" and I am sure you will not go home empty handed !

Top: From Korea, Peplum Skirt and Espadrilles: Zara

That's enough to overweigh my luggage :p No choice but to bring them back to the hotel before our Sumo match in the stadium.

Needless to say, am impressed by this Japanese style of wrestling and national sport !!

 

The best candid shot !!

From ancient times, salt has been believed to own purifying powers. Both wrestlers throw salt in the air as they prepare for their bout (round), clearing thing as a sacred place. They also stamp the ring to squash the bad spirits and they sip water to clear their bodies. Each movement is a religious ritual.

Those sitting at the ring side got to be super alert, am pretty sure they can break your bones..

In action:

Nice Yukata you have there big guy !!

Take a look at the stadium !! For more info on the sumo wrestling in Tokyo, send me a message ;) It's a must do !! Next tournament coming up in September !!

For this post, featured OOTD taken in Tokyo's loveliest garden :) 

Strolling in Shinjuku Gyoen got to be in your to-do list each time you are in Tokyo. If only I could let Denver run freely here ;)

Crop Top: Forever21, Patent Flats: Zara, Skirt: Proudly by Engell

"But he who dares not grasp the thorn, should never crave the rose.... - Anne Bronte"

Calling out to all food lovers... Am not forgetting you !! Look out for my next post on Tokyo part 2 coming to you REAL soon.. I mean it, real soon ok... :) Best sushi in town and the impressive Sanja festival !! Have a great week ahead !! xoxo