Tokyo, I’m back !

· Food, Illustration, Travel

My 4th time in Japan, my 4th time in Tokyo. It’s the mandatory stop no matter if it’s your first time or not.

Yet there is not enough time in one life to discover all about this capital. I’m very far from knowing it all and that is why it’s fascinating me.

 

This being said, every trip I mark down new addresses. I already gave you a lot after my past trips here and I will show you in details in my future articles new neighborhoods of Tokyo.

For the time being, here are a few ideas of things to visit or yummy places that I enjoyed during my winter trip.

 

Asakusa, my love

Sensō-Ji temple

 

I always have an intense pleasure to go back in this neighborhood, (very) touristic but it didn’t loose its traditional spirit. We loved so much staying here in 2014 that we decided to come a few days again time too!

 

 

HOTEL RICHMOND (2-7-10 Asakusa, Taito)

We didn’t choose the B:Conte hotel (which by the way increased a lot its prices since 2014! Grrr!) but instead we picked Richmond hotel, which I warmly recommend for its location, service and large (and good!) breakfast budget.

 

No kitchen area in the room (but there is enough restaurants in the area) but a laundry available. I didn’t take pictures of the room but I draw a sketch in my travel notebook.

 

NOBU STEAKHOUSE ステーキハウス のぶ (1-36-7 Asakusa, Taito-ku)

Teppanyaki beef and Omurice (my recipe here)

 

From our very first days in Japan, we visited our favorite restaurant owners and they recognized us from the first second (=it’s the 3rd time we visit them since 2014): still no word of English but kindness along with meat and omurice prepared with love.

We even had a small welcome back gift! We had brought back one from Hokkaido for them but when we stopped by the restaurant the day before leaving back to France, it was exceptionally closed that day! What a deception! So we really need to go back there soon!

 

 “SAIKA” 彩夏  TEA ROOM(1-32-3 Taito-ku)

Matcha parfait

 

A super nice discovery in a side street, which I will pin on my addresses map (select “pastry shop – tearoom” and “tokyo”) and you will recognize it thanks to its storefront photo here.

Located next to Kurikoan, a shop of taiyakis (waffle with a shape of fish) it has my favorite dessert on the menu: the parfait! I already had tried this yumminess in Kyoto but here, the place is more cosy and more traditional.

 

 

A parfait is a dessert we frequently find in Japan and which mix pretty much everything in terms of tastes and textures. The large size and the holdall image tend to scare people but it isn’t that heavy (hard to believe like this): I am a fan.

The fluffiness of these small rounded mochis, combined with the melting whipped cream, the softness of the ice cream and the crunchy of the cornflakes: it’s really the perfect dessert for me (add matcha and we reach nirvana).

Kakigoris (Japanese crushed ice with flavors) are also the speciality: I didn’t try but in summer I’d love to!

 

KAGETSUDO (2-7-13 Asakusa, Taito)

This “melon pan” shop (Japanese brioche with crunchy crust, melon shape, stuffed or not) is apparently very well-known; a long line of people always wait in front of it (except when we took this photo!…).

A few meters away, another shop offers filled melon pan.

 

Filled melon pan from the shop next door

 

We tried both but we couldn’t decide which one we preferred! Both have soft / crunchy sides but if you like the one filled with cream then go to the second one!

 

Odaiba

I already visited this futuristic neighborhood in 2014: this time we enjoyed wandering around the area next to the copy of the Statue of Liberty, even if it was extremely cold.

The opportunity to enjoy a Hawaiian burger at KUA’AINA in Aqua city Odaiba. I don’t have picture (just a video in my instastories available on my account).

The most interesting in eating these burgers are the smoked taste of barbecue (not very healthy, but once in a while!…) and the stunning view with the Statue of Liberty and the Rainbow Bridge.

 

A kinf of “Sailor Moon” sunset

 

Shibuya / Harajuku

Mario Kart à Shibuya

 

These two neighborhoods are usually the ones everyone recommends for a first trip as it’s a good overview of the craziness and extravagance of Tokyo.

Even though I like going there, when it comes to shopping it’s not my type anymore: too colorful and quirky for the almost reasonable adult (boring?) I became. This being said, I am always up to visit these addresses:

 

SAILOR MOON STORE ( Laforêt Shopping center, Harajuku)

Can you believe me if I tell you that I didn’t bring back anything from this shop? It was fun to see the collector items: stationary, beauty lotion, dolls but I think I’m not fascinated with all the kawaii stuff that could once again invade my apartment!

They would really need to be small, nice and useful to get tempted but I didn’t find anything good enough which worth bringing it back. To visit at least for the pleasure of the eyes and not if you are in a process of decluttering like me, haha!

 

REISSUE (3 Chome-25-7 Jingumae, Shibuya/Harajuku)

 

To be honest, this cafe specialized into 3D latte art only worth being visited for the experience of having whatever you want drawn/sculpted (prepare the picture of your friend, parents, teddy bear, pet, favorite character to show to the artists).

Drinks are too sweet, too expensive and the cold airstream was freezing in winter. But we are weak when it comes to Totoro or a Care Bear made with milk foam!

 

The view of the famous SHIBUYA crossing

It is a classic but I don’t think I had a picture on this blog. Error is rectified, it’s always fascinating to contemplate.

 

Shinagawa

A neighborhood that doesn’t have much charm because it’s full of hotels and buildings but we wanted to try this ramen street (which is more a corridor rather than a street!) to prepare ourselves for our excursion to Hokkaido, where it’s the speciality.

 

“SHINATATSU” RAMEN STREET

“Tsukemen” noodles to dip in a broth at TETSU

 

7 very different  ramen restaurants: you can try different kinds: from tonkotsu ramen with garlic at Nantsittei, or miso ramen very spicy at Mouka Tanmen Nakamoto, or also black miso from Keisuke.

We decided to eat “tsukemen” dipped ramen at Tetsu and we were not disappointed. Simple, good and not expensive (about 6€ per bowl).

 

HARA MUSEUM (4 Chome-7-25 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa)

“L’espace Zéro” by Jean-Pierre Raynaud

 

My first museum of contemporary art in Tokyo! It must have other bigger and more well-known ones (this one is very small) but I really enjoyed the collection of contemporary pieces of art available: various and interesting to see. We even saw a “spatialist” piece from our friend Lucio Fontana!

Unfortunately pictures were forbidden (=we were “outlawed” for this piece “L’espace Zéro” by Jean-Pierre Raynaud!).

Good to know: the souvenir shop offers an original selection of articles and books.

 

PS: you can use my yummy addresses map for a more global overview of all my addresses in Tokyo (click on Tokyo in the drop down menu on the right and select the kind of food you want or pick one directly from the map). (English translation by Quiterie)

Five senses #7

· Beauty, Decoration, Fashion

Short break in my Japanese holidays to tell you all about the things that pleased my five senses lately. Let’s no wait more, and here are my new “Five senses” blog post.

 

SMELL

This bouquet was composed by my dear loved for no particular occasion, but just because we both like having a floral touch in our apartment.

He carefully chose each type of flower to get this harmonious rendering. This assortment of roses and hydrangeas it’s just what I like: simplicity and elegance.

 

 

I am very lucky to have a man by my side who appreciate the beauty and finess of things: the light scent coming from this bouquet reminds me this every day… until the next bouquet!

 

TOUCH

 Organic Babassu, olive and Karité oil vegetal soap Les inspyrées
Organic cotton makeup remover pads Les inspyrées

 

My simplier way of life is slowly become a routine. It includes products I use every day. Even though I use products from major brands, I’ve being trying to consume smarter. And the way of doing of one of my friend motivated me to go further and try with beauty products.

Mathieu is a long-time friend, previously photographer of art pieces, he quit his Parisian life to live in the Pyrenees in order to create with Nicolas, PhD in pharmacy, a range of skin care products called “Les inspyrées”, which respects the environment, the skin, is vegan and not tested on animals.

So, I had the chance to witness the launch of their “slow-cosmetic” brand and products by being the test subject from the opening of their website.

As for now, I’ve only tested a few products but I’m already convinced by their benefits and the eco-friendly development associated. To know more about the ideology of the brand I’m inviting you to read their message here and on their blog.

You will say that I’m not objective because this brand is own by one of my friends, but I always tell what I don’t feel confortable with to my friends, so I wouldn’t refrain myself to do it this time neither.

 

 “Mise à nue” #1 make up remover Les inspyrées
“La Rose, eau première” #2 water Les inspyrées
bio-regenerating serum #3 Les inspyrées
(packaged in recyclable glass bottles)

 

This being said, for now I only have positive things to talk about (apart from technical adjustments I recommended them= spray cap is a bit tough sometimes, products with a coloring tendency). Anyways, I like the idea of the products being handmade, in limited series and with a very strict control.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been scrupulously following the clearing routine in 3 steps with the products you can see on the pictures and I am really satisfied.

I even replaced the tone of cosmetic remover pads by their biologic cotton washable make-up remover pads. I will need to figure out how I manage them on the long term (especially when traveling) but as for now cleaning them regularly doesn’t bother me much.

The routine is actually well explained here. I will tell you again about this later!

 

SIGHT

So many movies to watch lately! I loved “The Shape of water”, I have to watch very soon “I Tonya”, “Call me by your name” too, a lot of qualitative movies on the screens!

The day before yesterday, I had the surprise to watch a teaser (I usually don’t watch trailers but a few people sent me this one, thinking I would like it.. and it was true!). Indeed, it was a teaser trailer of “Christopher Robin” in which my dear Ewan Mc Gregor is performing!

Indeed, it was a teaser trailer of “Christopher Robin” in which my dear Ewan Mc Gregor is performing! Once again, you may think that I am not objective!

 

Ewan Mc Gregor in front of Winnie : quite unusual !

 

I am not sure this new opus of Winnie the Pooh will be a success on the screen but I am looking forward to seeing again one of my childhood hero with my adulthood hero (Ok, I’m exaggerating a little)! Out from this summer apparently. Let’s be patient.

 

HEARING

 “23 plus” by Maco
Candle Wabi-Sabi

 

If you like the instastories playlist from my travel to Japan, you may have noticed the cover of “We are never ever getting back together” from Taylor Swift by a Japanese singer Maco. I discovered this singer while enjoying a pancake in the neighborhood of Shimo-Kitazawa, and thanks to Shazam, I easily found out who was performing this cover.

Back in France, I listened “23 plus” the full album of this young Maco, and even if it’s not very innovative, I listen it with pleasure and reminds me of my sweet Japanese moments.

So I recommend this album when it’s rainy outside and when we want to comfortably stay home. (A slow cover of “Roar” from Katy Perry is also included!

 

TASTE

Mistinguett lamp AM.PM
Pajamas La Redoute collections
“Date” poster Etsy

 

This comic I found it when I was reading a web article of Le Monde, comparing it with Gourmet solitaire, one of my favorite manga from Jirō Taniguchi.

A few minutes later, I was ordering it. I don’t regret it, because even if nothing can outperform the poetry and details of Taniguchi, this franco-japanese manga is quite good.

 

“Le goût d’Emma” by Emmanuelle Maisonneuve, Julia Pavlowitch and Kan Takahama

 

It tells the story of Emmanuelle Maisonneuve (one of co-author of the book) when she was working for the Michelin Star guide.

As this position was most of the time more held by men, she tried to find her place in this world thanks to her passion for good food, sensibility and her flair  for exceptional good.

 

 

We can also understand the difficulty of this job, which at the first sight would make more than one envious but which actually requires a very detail organisation and a life on the roads, alone.

The story is mostly in France with a quick step in Japan: I wish it would have last longer! But it’s quite a positive sign, isn’t it? (English translation by Quiterie)

Unbirthday at Tokyo Disneyland

· Fashion, Food, Illustration, Travel

Let’s continue our visit of Tokyo Disney Resort and visit Tokyo Disneyland. This article will complement the one I wrote back in 2015 : go read it if you haven’t had the chance!

After spending a night in our hotel nearby, we were off to Tokyo Disneyland, with a lot more people than the day before – which makes, sense, it’s the main park, and it does have this magical vibe!

 

 

That day, we chose to give priority to the shows over the rides, since that’s the main difference with our park in France. We also celebrated our unbirthday (My birthday was 3 days prior!) at the Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall, that exists only in Japan.

We did however decide to try the rides we had missed out on in 2015. So here are my impressions on this whole day. Let’s go!

 

Unbirthday at Queen of Hearts Banquet hall

At first, we wanted to have lunch there in Fantasyland, but the “rides/parades” timing didn’t work out with that first idea… which actually worked out in our favor… By going at 5PM, we avoided the hustle and bustle, and had the place almost all to ourselves for our unbirthday!

Which explains this “end of the world” vibe in the Queen of hearts Banquet Hall : it couldn’t have been more peaceful!

 

“Let the banquet begin !”

 

I’m not a huge Alice in Wonderland fan, unlike some of my close friends, but I do like the visuals of the movie… and I love themed restaurants or cafés (like the Beauty and the Beast one in Florida!)

…and when the food is good, it makes me all the more happy, which was the case here!

 

The “Alice” collector mugs

 

Here is an overview of the venue and the dishes served. It’s definitively the place to visit if you’re an Alice fan (and the prices are very reasonable as well) : you can also choose to bring back collector items, as some desserts are sold with or without the collector tableware.

 

A very merry unbirthday to you ! ♫

 

In our case, we shared a unbirthday cake that was probably meant for 3-4 people, but we enjoyed every last bite, as it was quite light and not too sugary!

 

Anna & Elsa’s Frozen Fantasy

Here again, it’s a transient even in the park (up until March 19th). But since January 11, Princess Elsa sprinkled snow all over Tokyo Disneyland for the “Anna & Elsa’s Frozen Fantasy”.

 

 

Someone rightly pointed out on Instagram that it’s funny how japanese people chose to put Anna‘s name first, knowing that Elsa is traditionally more popular with kids …

I personally like Anna better, so it was fine by me (as you can see we’re still having the most intellectual thoughts here on the blog!)

 

“Anna and Elsa’s greeting”

 

A number of shows are linked to this event : the “Frozen Fantasy Parade”, that I only got a short film of on my Instastories, but no pictures, “Anna and Elsa’s greeting” that you can see on these pictures, and the night show “Frozen Forever” (that is very much like the one that we had a couple years back).

 

 

Not the best shows in the park if you ask me, but the Elsa and Anna meet and greet was really well thought out for kids. Some little girls were all dressed up to meet and dance with their idols : it melted my little heart!

 

The rides

This year we did all the rides we hadn’t managed to fit into our schedule in 2015. Here are my impressions (for the rest, revert back to my 2015 article) :

•JUNGLE CRUISE : a boat ride in the jungle with animals that were very life-like : it’s pretty funny and well executed, but the japanese guide was in charge of setting the mood and did very well!

 

•BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN : Fast pass is mandatory if you don’t want to wait for hours. Fun as well, but not as eventful and fast as our version in Paris.

•STAR TOURS: similar to ours, so really good! Until March 19th, Star Wars VII and VIII scenes are included, which gives it added interest.

•SPACE MOUNTAIN : disappointing, for the ride is very sluggish and there aren’t any particularly interesting decors, so don’t feel bad to just skip it!

I still didn’t manage to see THE HAUNTED MANSION, as it was closed that day! We’ll have to come back, hehehe!

 

The parades

We gave priority to the parades over the shows and the two that we saw lived up to our expectations. (Well, my SO got picky about the “Happiness is here” parade floats, saying they weren’t as detailed as in Paris : how chauvinistic of him!)

•HAPPINESS IS HERE : we had seen it back in 2015, but I think they added some floats, because I didn’t remember the seagulls from Nemo screaming “Mine! Mine!” or Rapunzel!

 

“Mine ! Mine !”

 

“A whole new world! ♫♫”

 

A very colorful parade, with heady music : itt’s definitively Disney’s kingdom, all is well!

 

•THE ELECTRIC PARADE : Don’t miss it ! The parade was also in Paris a long time ago.

One on my favorite floats : “The Beauty and the Beast” one

 

Here it takes an even more grandiose and magical dimension, as you can see on the pictures.

 

Extra tips

–My advice for the Tokyodisneyland parades would be to try and get there at least 15 minutes before the beginning to get a spot on the benches around the castle, just across from the Crystal Palace restaurant. We were there for the 2 parades, and as you can see, it was a pretty good spot!

-Once again, the Fast Pass system needs to be dealt with in an even more military manner if you want to do as many rides as possible. But since the whole point is to have fun and browse, do what you can without pressuring yourself! It’s no big deal if you don’t manage to do it all!

-For the restaurants, everything is good quality, there’s no big risk in trying what you come across. That being said, the all-you-can-eat buffet at the Crystal Palace isn’t really worth it. The place in itself is nice, and there are a lot of savory options (even if it remains classical), however the desserts are pretty underwhelming.

 

 

There we go, I think I told you all I know about the Tokyo Disney Resort! I hope it’ll have sparked your interest and that you’ll go and visit Mickey Mouse’s kingdom in Japan.

I can’t say it often enough, visiting the Disney universe in Japan is visiting it in the most optimal way : the japanese can’t be beat when it comes to organization, comfort for watching the parades and shows, quality of food and this Disney magic with just a hint of exoticism! (English translation by Marine)

My Outfit

Cashmere jumper La Redoute
Coat Munich (bought in Tokyo)
Pants Close
Boots Miista
Earrings Soko
Watch Cluse
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