I got an unexpected addition to my SEA trip – three days in Tokyo! Turns out it was easier to fly to the west coast of America instead of across Europe to the east coast. Color me totally ok with that!

My time in Japan was a mixed lot, but I’ll tell you one thing – the food did not disappoint.

*Note, I am NOT a food photographer. I am a food EATER.

The first thing I HAD to get was, of course, sushi, and I was off to a good start. I went to an underground sushi bar where I was the only patron and the chef didn’t speak English. Cue one of the most memorable (and delicious) times of my life.

salmon

Happy times were had

Coolest person I met in Japan

My absolute favorite – medium fatty tuna

No idea what this is, but he kept making and giving me things

The amazing sushi bar near my hostel

Utage was also my last visit before leaving Tokyo. I got a ridiculous amount of fatty tuna and every time I ordered another piece, the chef would make me something special to try. He loved that I was a foreigner who truly loved food and was fearless with my palate. He must have given me double the amount of food and didn’t even charge me for it.

This was my first dinner in Tokyo. I’m not sure what it was that I ordered, and I was intimidated to grill it myself, but it ended up super delicious.

I’d never had proper ramen, but on a friend’s suggestion, I hunted down a little ramen shop (little – psh, every restaurant in Tokyo is TINY – usually only seating 6-8 people. It’s actually kind of fabulous). It was difficult to find as it was in a back alley tucked behind some buildings, but the long line tipped me off. Also, that’s the norm here – small shops, long lines. But the wait is so worth it.

Thanksgiving in a bowl

Yes, I paid over $7 for glorified chicken noodle soup – but it was worth every yen. I’ve been ruined for ramen forever.

While I wasn’t able to go to the tuna auction, I did check out the area and grabbed some more sushi. This place wasn’t nearly as good at Utega, but I enjoyed my early morning sampling, nevertheless.

Whoever would’ve thought I’d eat sushi at 7.30am? And like it!

While meandering around a historical park, I stopped into a tea house on a pond to try their traditional matcha and bean cake.

Matcha’s not my thing, but the bean cake was tasty

Vending machines and 7/11s are huge in Japan – and actually provide pretty decent fare.

My first vending machine score

steam cake – soooo tasty!

Making new friends and drinking. The beer is still basically flavored water.

And what is a trip to Japan without Gyoza? This restaurant only makes gyoza – you can tell by the flavor.  Bliss.

While everything I tasted was truly scrumptious, the one thing I needed to try was real Kobe Beef, which you can only get in Japan.  My friends, never before have I tasted anything so completely divine.  Just the thought of it makes my mouth water and my stomach churn in desire.

The tartare melted in my mouth, and the special cut recommended to me made all my senses sing.

Just look at that marbling! Swoon.

Ever since Thailand I wanted to try raw meat – so glad it didn’t happen until now

You basically just barely touch both side to the grille and call it good

Perfection