Wanderlust - Japan

Japan recently marked its one year anniversary of the 9.0 earthquake and resulting tsunami that devastated coastal areas and took the lives of nearly 16,000 people.  The number injured was almost twice that, and concerns over the partial meltdown of the Fukushima nuclear plant persist in the mind of many Japanese.  But far from visions of doom and disaster, for me the Land of the Rising Sun continues to conjure up images of breathtaking beauty, and it remains for me one of the most magical and spectacular places in the world to satisfy all your senses while discovering new appetites.  Sounds hyperbolic and cheesy, I know, but I have yet to meet a single person who has been there and hasn't fallen--HARD--for Japan's enchantments.  No where else can you find ancient tradition so seamlessly juxtaposed with the modern and cutting edge.  No where else will you see women dressed in ornate traditional attire and see those same women rock the most fashion-forward trends (J. Crew recently sent a team there for inspiration).  And no where else are simple and affordable staple foods such as sushi, ramen, and bento eaten up alongside some of the best pastries, breads, pastas, charcuterie, produce, etc. in the world--and that's before taking into account Japan's many Michelin-starred restaurants, now outnumbering those held by historically-favored France.  


These contrasts and the spaces in between the ends of these spectrums is what makes Japan so beguiling and intoxicating.  And when you combine that with a (food) culture that prizes above all quality, aesthetics, and balance, well friends, you have the closest thing to perfection you will ever find.  But don't take my word for it:  Go.  See.  Eat.  Explore.   And if you want to get an idea of what you might find, read on.  Because there's so much good stuff to cover, this will be the first of several installments on Japan.




*Some of Japan's AMAZING picture-perfect produce, with the price tag to match...

Takano is one of the Japan's premier fruit retailers--$100 cantaloupe, anyone??

My husband loves mango, but $150 for one was a bit beyond our budget.

Japanese Mikan (Mandarin), still on the tree.

Japan is ALL about eating seasonally; during my visit these glorious Kyoho grapes were in abundance.

Gigantic radish, anyone??

Lovely cabbage-like plants used as flowers in a garden.

*Traditional Cuisine

Himachi (Yellowtail) sashimi, courtesy of my husband

Chu-toro (Fatty Tuna) sashimi

Sake (Salmon) sashimi

Akamaru Modern ramen at Ippudo

Karaka Men ramen at Ippudo

Even supermarket sushi is fabulous--a great budget-friendly meal when you're on the go.

The ubiquitous onigiri, (or rice ball), sold at every grocery and convenience store in dozens of flavors.

Traditional tempura and soba lunch set

Gyoza at Ippudo

*Sweet Treats

An organic donut from a tiny shop on the main drag of Kamakura, home to the  Big Buddha.

Close up of this uber light and flavorful 'cake' type donut.

Yeast donuts are my favorite, and here a fantastic U.S. export is pictured  in all its sugary glory.  They are served piping hot, alongside three coupons for a free donut.  Yes please!

A little treat for the little ones :)

A cream puff from 7-Eleven.  In Japan convenience stores carry lots of uber fresh prepared food , including pastries.  Monteur is one of my favorite brands.

The one I bought had both vanilla custard and whipped cream.

Why don't we have these in America??

I was ADDICTED to this Blueberry Swirl Bread, one of many seasonal items offered at a small bakery for a limited time.

A close-up of the most delectable donut.  Ever.  I think the key is the staff warms each one right before serving, so they come out piping hot and SUPER soft.

*Where to Eat

With at least 80,000 restaurants to choose from in Tokyo alone, I don't think there is any such thing as a comprehensive list of places to go, but here are some of the places I love:  

My new favorite sushi place, Sushi Midori, located in Tokyo's Akasaka neighborhood.  Absolute perfection without breaking the bank.  http://www.sushinomidori.co.jp/

For casual, everyday sushi, Sushi Zanmai is a reliable chain.  I always go to the one at 3-10-9 Roppongi Dori, Minato-ku, Tokyo.  03-5772-1005 

Ippudo ramen was so fantastic that we had it twice in two days.  http://www.ippudo.com/index.html  

For those who can't make it to Tokyo, hit up their NYC location the next time you're in the Big Apple. http://www.ippudony.com/

Dried ramen on the walls = a fitting decoration for this beloved ramen shop.

While there is a dining room in the back, my favorite place is at the bar.

Condiments, anyone?

If you want a break from Japanese food and are hankering for a burger, I'm loyal to The Pantry.  There are several locations, but I usually go to the one in Roppongi Hills.  http://www.thepantry.jp/roppongi/eat-in/

As with all food in Japan, my burger and fries comes perfectly packaged.

Cheese, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion--YES PLEASE!