saturday

Instead of traveling outside of Tokyo for the 3-day weekend, we decided to stay in Asakusa.

Walking from Ueno to Asakusa, we passed Kappabashi, where they have all sorts of gadgets and equipment for the kitchen.

I noticed this building that had cups for balconies...so cute!

Kappabashi was also having their big sale, so it was krazy crowded!

We've been trying to eat at Yoshikami, a well known yoshoku (western) shop, but there was always a long wait.

This time we got there just before they opened, the line in front of us got the first seating and we ended up waiting about 30 minutes for a table.

Satoshi had their fried shrimp, which he felt were "just okay"...he already wants to come back to try their katsu next time.

I tried their recommended beef stew...so melt in your mouth tender pieces of beef, rich demi-glace sauce and super soft veggies.

If you want rice or rolls, they are a la carte...also, if you want to pay by credit card, tell the staff before your order, so they can note it on your bill.

Lunch time can get a bit krazy here, but it is neat to watch everyone doing their part in the kitchen to get the food out fast.

After lunch, we bought Matsukaze (black sugar "cake" rolled with sweet bean paste in the middle) and Dorayaki from Kameju.

It was our first time trying these...both were so light and fluffy!

This place always has a line too, but so worth the wait.

After checking in, we took a cruise on the Sumida river.

I never realized how wide, long and deep the Sumida river was.

Also, there are many many bridges for everyone to get from one side to the other.

Saturday was the last day for Tsukiji.

They moved the fish market over to Toyosu on Sunday.

Many of the shops that are located outside of Tsukiji (Jo-gai) will remain where they are, but everything within the boundaries of the fish market itself have moved.

Since moving to Tokyo, we haven't had a chance to get back to Tsukiji and ended up taking a last glimpse of Tsukiji from the boat...If you'd like to see our last glimpse of Tsukiji, click the link here

Dinner was at Hatsuogawa.

They have been grilling unagi (eel) since 1907!

You start off with some unagi "crackers"...the back bone of the eel fried up...super crunchy and great with beer.

The menu is simple, unagi with or without rice...I went with the smaller portion without rice while Satoshi got the bigger portion.

Super rich!

I prefer the Kansai way of grilling unagi, which makes the skins get crispy.

If I am not mistaken, the Kanto way is to grill then steam the unagi, which "fluffs" it up.

Cash only here.

Not many tourists, mostly locals.

Even though I don't really like unagi, it is Satoshi's favorite and I'm glad we got to try this place and experience their history.

We explored Sensoji after dinner.

Have you ever looked underneath the huge chochin (lanterns)?

If you do, you'll see a dragon.

The weather was summery, a bit uncomfortable, but it was nice to be out and about.

Yoshikami
1-41-4 Asakusa
Taito, Tokyo
Phone: 03.3841.1802
Hours: 11:45-22:30
Closed Thursdays

Kameju
2-18-11 Asakusa
Taito, Tokyo
Phone: 03.3841.2210
Hours: 10:00-19:00

Tokyo Cruise
1-1-1 Hanawakado
Daito, Tokyo

Gate Hotel Kaminarimon
2-16-11 Kaminarimon
Taito, Tokyo
Phone: 03.5826.3877