Slept pretty good, but lazed around later than usual (we needed the rest in our legs).

Did a short walking tour around Asakusa, seeing the Kaminarimon, Sensoo-ji, Asakusa Shrine, Ichikawa Danjūrō statue, and a couple other landmarks. We walked over to the Sumida river to come back on the lovely river path, having a short stop for one of the fitness parks, getting some surprisingly nice acupuncture path on our feet going.

We were going to eat at “February Cafe”, but a long line kept us at the Hotel Gracery breakfast. Surprisingly strong breakfast, with highlights of tamago gohan and really fluffy pancakes with home made red bean paste.

Then we made our way over Mitsui Garden. Nested right next to a subway station, it’s an impressive wood paneled building, beautiful architecture and subdued design creating a very calm atmosphere. Props to Gracery again, because the room at Mitsui isn’t that much more impressive given the price difference.

One of the trendy spots Lu found in our searches was Shimokitazawa. Known for its’ indie style, Shimokita (for short) is packed full of style, thrifting, and entertainment. It was also packed with locals enjoing their day off, but crowds in Japan just plain aren’t as stressful as anywhere else. Highlight reel:

  • Cafe Trois Chambres – smokey, early 20th century style, cute af aprons, just coffee and cheese cake. 10/10
  • Lots of vintage thrifting, not much Japanese clothing though
  • Tried going to City Country City (music+bar+cafe), but too long a line.
  • Saw a beautifully nerdy street performance, of two cosplayers acting out combat from a JRPG.
  • Ballon D’essai – matcha shaved ice, so light, and cute foam drawings.
  • Cute little French style shop where Lu bought some skirts
  • Checked out Bonus Track area, felt very Culver City.
  • Finally ended at Tori-Soba Salt. An absolutely beautiful chicken based tsukemen broth. One of the best things I’ve ever eaten. Chicken prepared three ways (stir fried, filet, and strips).

Since we had to go through Shinjuku station anyways, we stopped by to do another good bout of shopping. I bought the nice outfit I’d been looking to have, and Lu got a dress. We also checked out Loft, a stationary shop, but not much great stuff there. We considered getting some dessert, but decided to just get it at the Mitsui bakery. Finally getting home, we had a nice onsen trip (Lu got gasped at for her very yakuza tattoo), and finally fell asleep quite early.

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