What a read! Your trip to Tokyo sounds like a proper jet-lagged induced head-spinner. I'm already hooked and keen to hear about the next leg of your adventure.
I'm particularly curious about the food. It's a bit of a puzzle, isn't it? Are those quirky convenience store snacks something the locals actually munch on, or are they just there to bewilder tourists? The ‘perfect strawberry’ looks like a delightful anomaly.
A Japanese fever dream for sure! Regarding food I think the Japanese palate is developed very differently. For example there's an attraction to 'slimy' food for its health-giving properties - I'm sure in Japanese there's a better sounding word than slimy but that's essentially what it is, ectoplasm- like. Oddity - to the genji at least- aside the food was amazing (even for a vegan 😋)!
I am actually so glad we accidentally walked into the Hostess bar - what an anthropological insight. Host bars apparently exist too - next visit…..
"A certain flashiness, a certain trashiness" makes great lyrics. The basement level of Isetan sounds like heaven.
Perhaps an lyric by the 'Future Peaches' - my imaginary indie-band! You would LOVE Isetan....
Well I finally got around to reading this, although I had heard the majority straight from you it is a wonderful read but I feel exhausted for you.
Finally recovered from Tokyo now, a month on...
What a read! Your trip to Tokyo sounds like a proper jet-lagged induced head-spinner. I'm already hooked and keen to hear about the next leg of your adventure.
I'm particularly curious about the food. It's a bit of a puzzle, isn't it? Are those quirky convenience store snacks something the locals actually munch on, or are they just there to bewilder tourists? The ‘perfect strawberry’ looks like a delightful anomaly.
Your experience of the hostess bar had me lol!
I can't wait to read part 2
A Japanese fever dream for sure! Regarding food I think the Japanese palate is developed very differently. For example there's an attraction to 'slimy' food for its health-giving properties - I'm sure in Japanese there's a better sounding word than slimy but that's essentially what it is, ectoplasm- like. Oddity - to the genji at least- aside the food was amazing (even for a vegan 😋)!
I am actually so glad we accidentally walked into the Hostess bar - what an anthropological insight. Host bars apparently exist too - next visit…..
Loved this write up of what you did on your holidays and great pics too Xx
Thanks Pops!
Can't wait for part 2.