12/26 We had a super late start and headed towards the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka-ku around noon. Our (Sarah and I) original plan was going to the museum together, but I waited too long to reserve my ticket, so our original plan turned into attempting to get me in. BUT, that didn’t work, so it… Read More HOLIDAY PHOTO DIARY: DAY 2

Starting Christmas Day, two things happened: I started my winter holiday and my friend Sarah came to Tokyo. I figured that since most of her stay and my holiday combined would consist a plethora of eating out, I’d capture those moments. And I have. I would also start this photo diary for every day that Sarah… Read More HOLIDAY PHOTO DIARY: DAY 1

One beautiful Sunday, I met with a friend, Chihiro, who suggested that we have lunch at Aoyama Flower Market Tea House.  Like the title of the restaurant, it is a flower market (a hell of an expensive one though), and a tea house—a beautifully designed one. I really really recommend this place, especially if you’re looking for… Read More A magical tea house

A friend and I stumbled upon this “American-style” diner joint—but, really, it was an adorable “cafe-styled” diner joint. As soon I as I saw that this restaurant serves burgers, I was immediately lured in. I was in the mood for a really good burger, for the last burger I had was a bit too dry. Let’s just… Read More A savory surprise of a burger

Thanks to a new friend of mine, Yuko, I have become well-acquainted with a cafe called Hagi Cafe. I’ve been a number of times due to its stylish interior, art exhibitions, trendy shop, tasty drinks, delicious food, and savory desserts—need I say more? Whether I feel the need to get out of the apartment, write… Read More A cafe obsession

The correct term for this dish is okonomiyaki. A few days after arriving in Japan, my friend, Hiroki, again, took me to a delicious restaurant, specializing in okonomiyaki. The area we where in is known as Tsukishima, which felt more traditional than other parts in Tokyo. I should mention, that along with sushi, okonomiyaki is one of… Read More A Japanese pizza pancake or whatever you want to call it

The day that I went apartment hunting, viewed 12 apartments, and actually fell in love with one of them, was the day I discovered a delicious ramen shop. It was steps away from the apartment I had officially chosen to be mine (rent). My real estate agent’s wife, Sonya, recommended it to me. She and… Read More A ramen shop, steps away from my apartment

Restaurant name: Sushizanmai <–click for more info Sushi was a given. My friend, Hiroki, took me to a sushi restaurant in the Tsukiji area. He had told me that this sushi restaurant, like many others in the area, is special since they receive relatively fresh fish from the famous Tsukiji market everyday. Let’s just say, this was a… Read More A memorable first meal helps with recollection

I would have loved to start this sooner, but alas, it begins now. I’ve recently moved to Tokyo shortly after graduating university, and I now teach English—sounds pretty cliché, right? Well it’s not just that; it’s an unforgettable experience that I am taking on and so are many of my colleagues. It has already been two months… Read More A very late start