Christmas Miracle
Surprise surprise! Another cast member from “The Reluctant Traveler.”
“Bunny, do you give tours in Japan?”
Ellie watched me on “The Reluctant Traveler” and reached out to see if I give guided tours like in the show… It’s your lucky day! I have been for the past 8 months since the show aired! 2023 kept me very busy!
It is tradition that Ellie and Doug, travel to a new destination for Christmas.
This year, it was Fiji, and Tokyo was an added stop on the way back to the U.S.
They only had two and a half days here. So they chose “The Reluctant Traveler” experience in Asakusa since they were big fans of the legendary host, Eugene Levy.
Request List:
Street food tour (savory and sweet)
Japanese garden/ temple
Cooking or home goods store (Knives & Textiles)
A reservation at Yakiniku Kappo No Oto in Azabujuban
Find a place for lunch before their flight
But first, Japanese Garden
I picked them up from their hotel and we headed to Kiyosumi Garden (清澄庭園, Kiyosumi Teien) to check off Japanese garden off our list.
What is this garden famous for?
Kiyosumi Garden was completed during the Meiji period. It once belonged to the Iwasaki family, who founded Mitsubishi Corporation. In 1878, Iwasaki Yatarō, the founder of Mitsubishi ordered the garden to be rebuilt to use it for the enjoyment of his employees and entertainment of important guests.
The focal point is the pond, which is surrounded by carefully sculpted hills and graced with stones brought in from across Japan.
There is also a Japanese tea house (reservations required).
I can’t believe this, but all the animals showed up! There were ducks scattered all over the pond and many cranes chillin’ at the island. This was a sign! Maybe a Christmas gift from nature!
Google Map: Kiyosumi Garden 清澄庭園
It’s always crowded in Asakusa
Our next stop was Asakusa’s Kaminarimon “Thunder Gate.” It was a very crowded post-Christmas and the weather was nice and overcast.
Ellie got a medium luck, but Doug on the other hand…
Doug left his fortune behind. Leave what doesn’t serve you!
The Best Street Foods in Asakusa
Our street food tour began with the mochi shop that Eugene Levy and I tried in the show.
Mitarashi Dango | Kikuya きくや
Mitarashi Dango (みたらし団子、御手洗団子) is a sweet soy sauce glaze that is skewered onto a stick of two dumplings made out of rice flour. It is sweet and savory with a burnt fragrance.
400 yen = $2.75 usd
As I mentioned in the show, “It is an Unwritten Rule that we don’t walk and eat at the same time.” There is a corner where you can enjoy, so you’re not causing an inconvenience by blocking the street. There is also a place for trash.
Katsu | Asakusa Menchi 浅草メンチ
Deep fried minced meat with onions and panko crumbs on the outside. This is a classic Asakusa favorite.
350 yen = $2.50 usd
Wagyu Beef Curry Bread |
Toyofuku 豊福
This curry bread is made out of Kuroge Wagyu Beef, which is one of the 4 breeds of Japanese Wagyu (Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, Japanese Polled and Japanese Shorthorn). It’s flaky on the outside and doughy on the inside.
350 yen = $2.50 usd
Doug was telling me curry is commonly served in Fiji, so he got into tasting different types of curry. He really enjoyed Japanese curry, which probably has less spice compared to what he’s been eating. They both enjoyed a freshly made curry bread!
Pork Buns | Sekine セキネ
Very hot and juicy! Minced pork meat, but it looked like a meatball. The bun is so soft and chewy like you’re eating a cloud.
However, if you’re from Hong Kong, Taiwan, China etc, you’re better off skipping this one since those places invented the buns.
There is also a steamed bun with red bean inside, although I don’t recommend it if you are not a fan of Azuki red bean.
320 yen = $2.25 usd
*Do note steamed shumai dumplings are for take-out only and only come in frozen. They do not heat it up for you… I already asked. I have yet to try it.
Fish-shaped cake | Naruto Taiyaki
鳴門鯛焼本舗
This was an Aerosmith collab where they offered Taiyaki apple flavor. It tasted like a McDonald apple pie, but minus the flaky goodness. I didn’t fancy it; however, Travis (tour guest from previous blog post) enjoyed it. So you tell me if it’s good!
I think the custard one is better since Ellie full-on savored every bite.
300 yen = $2.00 usd
Google Maps: Naruto Taiyaki 鳴門鯛焼本舗 浅草新仲見世店
Unagi Rice Balls | Asakusa Unana
浅草うなな
Asakusa Unana is hidden in the corner backstreets of Sensoji Temple. Some food stalls sell the same thing as the main area, so come over on this side to avoid the lines. It is much more peaceful in this area.
As the couple were on their 30-minute rickshaw ride, I picked up the unagi rice balls to save on time and walking. They were still warm!
They are sold by a ticketing system, in which you come back to pick it up an hour later, so make sure you designate time for this. I recommend adding the spice that makes your tongue tingly.
It was so yummy, I would get this again!
600 yen = $4.25 usd
Google Maps: Asakusa Unana 浅草うなな
Christmas Miracle Arrived
Look who we bumped into! The rickshaw guy from “The Reluctant Traveler”!!!! This was the Christmas miracle that the ducks signaled us!
The rickshaw guy, Kei, was in the scene before me on the show. He takes Eugene Levy on a rickshaw ride, and then passes him to me where we meet in the middle of Nakamise Shopping Street. Kei and I actually never met in real life, so here we are a year and a half later…
Kei actually recognized me first. Now, all we need is the Filipino drift car guy and his Japanese friend!
Fun Fact: We both didn’t audition for the role. We were hand-picked by the directors LOL.
Kazu was their rickshaw guy!
Shopping at Kappabashi
Back to the bucket list, Doug was looking for knives and Ellie was in the market for textiles to place on the dinner table when they had guests over.
Doug bought an everyday use Chef knife, a huge meat knife and 4 steak knives.
Ellie scored nice wooden coasters and bought for a full table. All my guests love this store.
*Don’t forget there is a tax-free counter on this street. They were able to save $50! Home delivery available. Don’t forget to bring your actual passport. They do not accept photos or photocopies.
What does your palm say about you?
I prefer the term “energy therapist.” I come here when I feel lost in life.
I like to do an activity with my guests besides shopping and eating. We decided on a palm reading. Don’t worry, I’ll be there to translate for you since the readers cannot speak English. I love getting to know people in this way!
Palm readings: 1000 yen = $7 usd
Learn things about your character and understand how to deal with yourself deeper
Tarot readings: 2000 yen = $14 usd
You can ask ONE topic question (love, career, marriage, health etc) through tarot card readings. Both have no time-limit.
Peak into the future (Ex. how should I plan for the next 6 months?)
No time-limit for both. However, if no one comes in after you, you get to have more time. Walk-ins welcome.
My recommended reader: Official website: Hayuki Sakura *Ellie and Doug had Jouno Kazuki (城乃香月さん）that day.
Omakase Kappo Dinner| Yakiniku Kappo No Oto 焼肉割烹 ノ音
This is an exclusive high-end restaurant that is invite-only priority located in Azabujuban. They offer A5 Wagyu. The menu offers three course types, which changes according to the season: 15 dish, 18 dish, 20 dishes
This is not your typical Yakiniku spot where you grill meat yourself. Every small dish is made to perfection with Japanese omotenashi hospitality. You can view the chefs at work at counter seats while you sip on their wide selection of bar drinks from wine to sake to the best highball I’ve ever had in my life.
I highly recommend this spot for a day like today where you’ve been grazing all day on street foods. If you only had a few days in Tokyo and want to treat yourself to a special dinner, this is it.
Book through me! If you’d like me to make a reservation for you, please email or DM me! Please let me know any food allergies or dislikes.
After Check-Out
Ellie and Doug checked out of their hotel on December 29th, 2023. It is the busiest time of the year for literally the whole nation. It is customary for people to take part in the New Year’s tradition of “Spring cleaning,” visiting all over Japan to see relatives, making New Year’s traditional food, stocking up on food and supplies before the shops close from December 28th~January 3rd. Many end-of-year work parties are hosted during the last week of the year, and restaurants are booked with reservations. Ellie seemed to have no luck finding a good place to have their last meal.
Luckily, we were able to make reservations for omakase sushi for lunch on a Friday in Ginza… our secret spot we can always rely on. Ending the trip with sushi!
Stay tuned for my upcoming article “Things to do in Ginza.”
