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It is already time we said goodbye. I am in the A380 between Tokyo and Singapore as I am writing this. Most memorable of the whole Japanese stay will have evidently been the food. It is anyway always the case for any trip but there is nothing more intriguing and varied than Japanese food. And it is not all Sushi and Yakitori as many people who have not visited the place might think. From the highlights I will always remember the Hiroshima Okonomiyaki, the hour long queue to eat the freshest sahimi at the Tokyo Fishmarket but mainly that little boutique in Asakusa specialising in sweet potatoes. The baked apple with sweet potato and the sweet potato calissons (picture above) are something from another world! But there are also all those bizarre things (which I am also a fan of) like the White Pepsi drink sold in the convenience stores and that is actually Pepsi and Yogurt flavoured. And the quest for the endless choice of Kit Kat limited editions. It is as if Kit Kat had decided to scatter a different product in each store (Green Tea Kit Kat, Soy Sauce Kit Kat, Blueberry Cheesecake Kit Kat, watermelon Kit Kat, French Salt Kit Kat, Chestnut Kit Kat just to name a few).
Tokyo surely hosts its own share of galleries and museums. From the lovely and tiny Gallery éf in Asakusa to the bigger Museum of Contemporary Arts (MOT). The latter organises its collections quarterly and while we were around the exhibition on display was concentrating on its latest acquisitions. Japanese favorites Yayoi Kusama and Yoshimoto Nara were well represented but what intrigued and delighted me the most was the video installation from Julian Opie (remember that Blur cover?). A delight for the senses. And it is ironic the most Japanese influenced works of the whole exhibition space might be from a Brit.
Shinjuku does not bring any surprises in the sense that it is exactly as per the image you might have of Tokyo if you have never been there. Shops and crowds and neonlights. It is also famous for being the busiest train station in the world and there is no denying the intensity and buzz that buzzes in the underground mazes at all time. Nevertheless it has a lot to offer for everyone and is a real pleasant place to live in. By the way, if you happen to go to Tokyo I can only highly recommend the fabulous Oakwood Apartments which have all the modern comfort that can help you enjoy a wonderful stay. It's a real find!
