shinjuku

Friday, we headed out to Shinjuku to run an errand and also to do a little exploring.

It was kind of blazing.

This is the intersection where the opening of "Midnight Diner" ("Shinya Shokudo") was shot.

We stumbled on Godzilla...

Lunch was at Tsurukame Shokudo...which has been around for at least 60 years.

I chose this place for Satoshi.

I thought he would enjoy the atmosphere and food.

He ordered the daily special which was pork stir fry...he enjoyed his meal also drank all his miso soup.

I went a la carte because I didn't want miso soup.

Avocado natto, tamagoyaki(omelette) and mugimeshi (barley rice).

The tamagoyaki surprised me because I had envisioned a tightly rolled one, but this was still cooked perfectly, no runny areas.

The food is tasty and service is quick, not sure if we'll be back but it was nice to  try this place.

One thing we wanted to see was the huge 3D cat on top of the Cross Space Building.

Sorry my video is not too good. (turn your sound down if you are viewing this at work)

I think to make the cat look “real” and have more depth you need to shoot in the morning when the sun isn't directly hitting the screen.

We also checked out Hanazono Shrine.

They were preparing for their Otori no ichi...an event held on the Chinese calendar's day of the Rooster.

You will see many kumade (literally bear hands) rakes at this event for purchase… to help you "rake" in good fortune.

Before heading home, we checked out Oiwake Dango...which has been around since 1948.

From top left: Mame daifuku (black beans studded mochi filled with chunky sweet bean paste), Kuri daifuku (chestnut paste and a whole chestnut)...matcha dango (matcha paste) , yomogi (mugwort dango topped with chunky sweet bean paste), kuri dango (chestnut paste and whole chestnuts), ume myoga just like eating sushi...pickled myoga and ume paste...savory and delicious!

I'm glad we tried these and look forward to trying their other seasonal items.

It was good to be out and about.

Tsurukame Shokudo

1-15-9 Kabukicho

Shinjuku, Tokyo

Phone: 03.3200.2846

Closed Wednesdays

Hours: 11:30-15:00 (lunch), 17:00-23:00 (dinner)

Oiwake Dango

3-1-22 Shinjuku

Shinjuku, Tokyo

Phone: 03.3351.0101

Open daily Noon to 18:00