Forever Young in Asakusa

Today’s guest might be familiar…

“I loved living at the fraternity! There’s so much you can learn from young people…”

Have you heard of the guy who went to Cornell University for 31 years? He’s been attending classes since I was born!

Read GQ article “The Best Twelve Years of His Life”

For those that are curious on what Rob’s been up to… 31 years later, he’s doing super well! He has moved on and is living life traveling the world with lovely partner, Bekah and taking care of two dogs at home.

Rob is forever a student of everything and anything. Curious about the world around him.

During our time together, he asked me every question under the sun about Japan from culture to lifestyle to history. I had a fun time chatting and time flew so fast. Learning is like breathing to him. No wonder he never wanted to leave Cornell!

First time in Japan

They had a cruise planned to hop all over from Tokyo to Kyoto to Kanazawa to Hakodate. They totally trusted me in planning their two days in Tokyo. Oh boy!

Before the two members joining on the trip the next day, it’s important to get some time in as a “couple.” Let alone gotta get some nice pics together <3

Kiyosumi Garden| 清澄庭園

It was cloudy and overcast. The weather was nice and cool.

Kiyosumi Garden is a prime example of a traditional Meiji-style Japanese garden made for strolling, featuring a harmonious blend of natural elements. It has a pond, tea house, unique stones from all over Japan, Matsu pine trees, animals like birds, tortoise, koi fish, a man-made hill. This garden also serves as an evacuation area for earthquakes.

Visitors often come to connect with nature among the hustle and bustle of the city life at this tranquil retreat.

Kiyosumi Garden once served as a villa for the wealthy Iwasaki family, famous for founding Mitsubishi Corporation, a global integrated business enterprise.

Google Map: Kiyosumi Garden| 清澄庭園

Getting to know you

Bekah loves fortune telling. That’s how she found Rob!

She chose the palm reading. Your right hand is your professional face you show the public. The left hand is your private face.

Kimono Shopping

She found the perfect furisode kimono with butterflies in her favorite color. Really good price too!

Street Foods

Bekah works in the culinary field (not as a cook), so she likes to sample all sorts of “taste.” A true foodie. They told me their taste palette, and here’s what I recommended for them!

Matcha

We started off with my favorite matcha cream puff and mochi from Kaminari Issa. The matcha filling is nice and bitter which pairs well with the outside layer.

Rob also tried the iced matcha latte and said, “It’s better than Starbucks!”

Google Map: Kaminari Issa | お濃茶スイーツ専門店雷一茶(かみなりいっさ) 浅草本店

*There are 5 shops in Asakusa

Taiyaki

Taiyaki is a popular Japanese fish-shaped pastry traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste. The name "taiyaki" translates to "grilled sea bream," reflecting its shape. Made from a pancake-like batter, it is cooked in a special mold, creating a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey interior.

In addition to red bean paste, there are other fillings such as custard, chocolate, apple pie or sweet potato.

Google Map: Naruto Taiyaki | 鳴門鯛焼本舗浅草新仲見世店

Nikuman Pork Buns

Founded in 1925, Sekine’s shumai dumplings and pork buns are a classic favorite among the locals here. Super cheap, quick snack!

Shumai is take-out only.

Google Map: Sekine

Wagyu Grilled Rice Burger

Menchi Corquette

Google Map: Asakusa Menchi 浅草メンチ
Rice Burger shop is right next door on the right

Cheesy Curry Pan

This is the cheesiest piping hot curry pan made fresh to order. The filling is Japanese style curry. The logo is the work of famous illustrator, Honoka Yoshifuku, capturing scenes of Japan’s Gen Z’s.

Deep friend with an outer layer of thick but crispy fine panko breadcrumbs. Get ready for that cheese pull.

Google Map: Tokyo Curry Pan | 東京カレーパン浅草雷門店

Sensoji Temple

Asakusa is a known as downtown area called "Shitamachi" in Tokyo, literally because it’s lower to the ground in comparison to the rich towns on the Yamanote Line “Above Ground.”

It is home to Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji and the iconic Kaminarimon “Thunder Gate” known for its large red lantern. The area has been rebuilt twice due to a natural fire disaster and WWII.

This is where we shot the omikuji scene in “The Reluctant Traveler” with Eugene Levy!

Rickshaw Time!

As we strolled through the Nakamise-dori shopping street filled with various traditional snack shops and souvenir stores, we headed to ride a 30-minute rickshaw stroll.

Last stop: Nintenmon Gate photo op with Ebisuya Guys

A few blocks over, Kappabashi “Kitchen Town”

Kappabashi is a district specializing in whole sale kitchenware and restaurant supplies. You can find culinary uniforms, utensils, quality kitchen knives and plastic food models.