Explore Hakone With Hakone Freepass

Marveling the majestic Mount Fuji is one of the most popular things to do and see when one is visiting Japan, particularly Tokyo. But the most common question is which offers the best view of Mount Fuji - whether Lake Kawaguchiko or Hakone? 

I've been both Lake Kawaguchiko and Hakone which I went not just once, but twice. Yes, twice to Lake Kawaguchiko and twice to Hakone as well. Wondering why I went so many times? This is because out of the four trips, only once I've seen this shy mountain with more clearer view without hiding behind the clouds. How pathetic right that I have to make so many trips out of Tokyo just to see Japan's most iconic natural landmark? Therefore, there's no 100% guarantee you can get an excellent view of Mount Fuji regardless which viewing spots or places you went as it is often surrounded by the clouds even on the brightest days. However for me, its the journey that counts, not the arrival. 

#1: Welcome to Hakone, a resort time well-known for onsen and ryokan.

Since I blogged about Lake Kawaguchiko before (my old post here) and hence for this post, I would like to share about my trip to Hakone. Hakone is a resort town on the edge of Mount Fuji which is well-known for offering numerous of onsen (hot springs) and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns). It's popular weekend getaway spot especially for those who live and stay in Tokyo as it is easy travelling distance from Tokyo.

HOW TO BETWEEN HAKONE AND TOKYO

There are four ideal ways to travel either by train or bus from Tokyo's Shinjuku Station to Hakone:

1. Odakyu Electric Railway (Romancecar) - The fastest way to reach Hakone from Tokyo without the need to do any transfers along the way. The ride by Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station takes about 85 minutes. However, it's the most expensive as one-way ticket costs 2,330 yen including the limited express surcharge. Note that the Japan Rail Pass cannot be used on this line as it’s not part of the Japan Railways network.
2. Local Train under Odakyu Line - This is my most preferred choice by taking an express train or rapid express of the Odakyu Line heading to Odawara Station. The ride takes about 90 to 95 minutes and it requires one transfer at Odawara Station, but then, it costs only 1,220 yen. Odakyu also offers the Hakone Free Pass, which includes the round-trip from Tokyo to Hakone and unlimited use of selected trains, cablecars, ropeways, boats and buses in the Hakone area.
   
3. Japan Railways (JR) - If you have JR Pass, you can use it to get from Tokyo to Odawara Station and save yourself some money. However when you reach Odarawa Station, you still need to get Hakone Free Pass to cover the rest of the way. So if you don't have JR Pass, I would recommend you to opt for the local train under Odakyu Line as it is more economical.
4. Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus - It operates every 30 minutes from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Basuta Shinjuku) to Gotemba in the northern part of Hakone, continuing on to Hakone Togendai on Lake Ashi, where you can catch the Hakone Ropeway gondola. The Hakone Free Pass can be used on the highway bus within specific area. 

#2: Local train on Odakyu Line - this is the one I always opted for when heading to Hakone. 

HAKONE FREEPASS

It is a discount excursion pass for exploring Hakone which offers by Odakyu Railway. One can use it for unlimited ride of 8 transportation networks, including selected trains, buses, cablecars, ropeways and even sightseeing cruise throughout the Hakone area. It also provides discounted admission to selected tourist attractions on two or three consecutive days. Optionally, Hakone Freepass includes a discounted round-trip between Tokyo's Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station. If you plan to start your trip from Tokyo, you can purchase the Hakone Freepass from 1st Floor, Odakyu Line Shinjuku Station West Exit.

Hakone Freepass
	2-day Pass	3-day Pass
Round-trip from Shinjuku Station	5,700 yen	6,100 yen
Purchase from Odawara Station	4,600 yen	5,000 yen

Note: Though 1-day Pass is not available but we just get the 2-day Pass as it is more worth the price and it helps us save a lot from paying each mode of transportation separately.

#3: 2-Day Hakone Freepass which we purchased in 2015

WHAT TO DO & SEE IN HAKONE

So now we have Hakone Free Pass, what's next? Once we alighted at Odara Station, we catch the Hakone Tozan Train departs from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Gora Station. Hakone Tozan Train is the only mountain train in Japan and during the summer time, you will get to see the hydrangeas along the Hakone Tozan Railway line in full bloom. During this period, the Hakone Tozan train is nicknamed the “Hydrangea Train.” The ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station takes about 40 minutes to arrive at the final station, Gora Station. The funny thing about this train is that halfway up the line, the train switch to reversed travel direction couple of times. Only on my second ride on Hakone Tozan Train, I realised the track was built in Z line, instead of straight. No wonder it keep reversing, then going forward, reversing, going forward and repeating for several times.


#4: Hakone Tozan Railway


#5: The hydrangeas along the Hakone Tozan Railway line in full bloom during the summer time.

Then in Gora Station, we continue by hop-on into the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Sounzan Station. A distance of 1.2 kilometers, in 10 minutes between Gora Station to Sounzan Station, the cable car races effortlessly up the steep slope, and even the station platform at the top is sloping.


#5: Hakone Tozan Cable Car from Gora Station to Sounzan Station. 

Next, we take a ride on Hakone Ropeway from Sounzan Station to Owakudani. Bear in mind in the case when the weather is adverse, Hakone Ropeway will be suspended and that's actually happened on my first trip with my family there. Only on my second trip I able to take a ride on it. Traveling the full length of the ropeway takes approximately 30 minutes and along the journey, passengers can enjoy views of the active, sulfuric hot spring sources of the Owakudani Valley.


#6: Hakone Ropeway from Sounzan Station to Owakudani

Not just I managed to take a ride on Hakone Ropeway, I was indeed overwhelming when I finally able to witness the majestic Mount Fuji. Like finally! The ropeway ride is claimed to be one of the perfect spots if you are searching for places to see Fujisan, if visibility allows.


#7: Mount Fuji in sight during our ride with Hakone Ropeway

In Owakudani, there are shops and restaurants around the ropeway sation for you to buy souvenirs or even fill your hungry tummy. On a clear days, you can have a good view of Mount Fuji from Owakudani. One thing you shouldn't miss out when you arrive in Owakudani Station is to try the famous kuro tamago, eggs cooked in the naturally hot water, whose shells are blackened by the sulfur and which are said to prolong one's life by seven years.


#8: Owakudani Station and its famous kuro tamago

From Owakudani Station, we continued by taking Hakone Ropeway to Togendai Station to catch a ride on the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. Although this is my second time for taking this sightseeing cruise, but still I'm very excited. And all these rides are covered by Hakone Freepass. Therefore, it is highly recommend to get the pass before you start to explore around Hakone.

There are three different type of ships; Royal II, Victory and Queen Ashinoko.


#9: Hakone Sightseeing Cruise and this is Royal II ship.

Cruises along the Lake Ashinoko is another popular spot to view Mount Fuji in the background of the lake but unfortunately, once we arrive in Togendai, the visibility is getting poorer with the clouds blocking the whole Mount Fuji. Looks like my fate with Mount Fuji is pretty short.


#10: Cruise along Lake Ashinoko

From Togendai Pier, you can get off whether at Hakonemachi Pier or Motohakone Pier. We decided to get off at the latter one as it's nearer to the famous red torii gate.


#11: Motohakone Hakone Pirate Ship Dock

Not far from Motohakone Hakone Pirate Ship Dock, we walked over to Hakone Shrine for their famous red torii gate. It's really damn famous that you need to queue up just for the sake of few photos. Again, this is all because of the "Gram" thing. Lesson learned here - it's better to come in the early morning, or book an accommodation close to the torii gate.


#12: Torii gate of Hakone Shrine

Our trip doesn't stop there as we continued by taking bus to Gotemba Premium Outlets. However, as this route was lead by the boyfriend, hence I wasn't able to give the proper direction how we managed to gett to Gotemba Premium Outlets from Hakone Shrine. But what I know, we need to transfer to other bus in between our journey.


#13: Gotemba Premium Outlets.

In short, this is our route looks like by using the Hakone Freepass:
1) Odawara Station → Gora Station by taking Hakone Tozan Train
2) Gora Station → Sounzan Station by taking Hakone Tozan Cable Car
3) Sounzan Station → Owakudani with Hakone Ropeway
4) Owakudani Station → Togendai Pier with Hakone Ropeway
5) Togendai Pier → Motohakone Pier with Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
And from Motohakone, you can hop on to Hakone Tozan Bus back to Odawara Station.

Credit to Odakyu official website

OUR STAY IN HAKONE
A day trip to Hakone from Tokyo is actually doable. But since I have been planning to Hakone for the second time, I decided to overnight there instead of just doing another day trip. Of course at first place I want to book those ryokans comes with private onsen and has perfect view of Mount Fuji where you can enjoying while having hot bath but it definitely will cost me a fortune. Probably wait till the day I hit jackpot and I will book it. And because of that, I booked somewhere to stay that is close to Gora Station.

Hakone Gora Onsen Aoiso
Room Rate: RM354 for Japanese Western Style Room with Shared Bath

Pros: 5-minute walk from Gora Station and a minute's walk to Gora Park. There is a convenience store (Daily Yamazaki) nearby this hot spring inn. 

Cons: The room only comes with toilet but no bathroom. So if you want to take a bath, you need to go to the communal bathhouse where you will bath along with the rest of the hotel guests. Fret not, there's a separation room for gentlemen and ladies. 

But honestly, I do enjoy the onsen especially the outdoor type. For the sake of Gram, I woke up as early as 5am cause that's the only time where no one but just me having my own sweet time soaking in the onsen while enjoying the nature scenery.  

Conclusion, if you are choosing between a visit to Hakone or Lake Kawaguchiko the main factors you should consider are the views of Mount Fuji, access, and opportunity to do other things while there. Lake Kawaguchiko might has an amazing view of Fuji, but is limited in other things to do, and may not be convenient in terms of transportation. Whereas for Hakone, besides it is easy to visit and ideally fit into the itinerary, there's no shortage of things to do there, and not forgetting the views of Fuji are pretty good too. Make a wise choice cause it is impossible to cover both Hakone and Lake Kawaguchiko on the same day. 

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Yokohama, A Day Trip Away From Tokyo

Tokyo is a conveniently accessible city. And that is why it's a good idea to go sightseeing in nearby prefectures. Yokohama is one of the city that most visitors love to squeeze in for a short and brief trip away from Tokyo.

Being the second largest largest city in Japan, Yokohama is reachable under JR train in less than an hour from central Tokyo. For more than 200 years of isolation, this historical port city opened it's doors to the world in 1859. The city has since become famous for its fusion of both eastern and western cultures and for its stunning ocean views.  

I have travelled to Yokohama twice - the first trip was just a day trip from Tokyo and as for the second trip, I decided to stay for a night in order to make the most out of Yokohama's night view. So for this post, I gathered my experiences and compile everything into this brief and basic travel guide, including the way to get to Yokohama from Tokyo, places of interest and where to stay.

HOW TO REACH YOKOHAMA FROM TOKYO
From Tokyo Station:
1) JR Tokaido Line - the fastest connection between Tokyo Station and Yokohama Station (25 minutes; 480 yen)
2) JR Yokosuka Line - slightly slower that the Tokaido line (30 minutes; 480 yen)
3) JR Keihin-Tohoku Line - slower, local train connection (40 minutes; 480 yen)

[You can use any of these three JR lines if you are departing from Shinawaga Station. It will be more faster and cheaper]

From Shibuya Station:
1) Tokyu Toyoko Line - cheapest way to travel between these two cities. Make sure to board a limited express or express train, as they are more faster than the local trains though the fare is the same (25 minutes; 280 yen)

From Shinjuku Station:
1) JR Shonan Shinjuku Line - direct connection between Yokohama and Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ikebukuro in central of Tokyo (30 minutes; 570 yen)

TRAVEL TIPS: Besides using Google Map, I do use Hyperdia to search for more accurate timetable and route in Japan. 

GET AROUND IN YOKOHAMA

There are two means of transportation you can rely on when exploring Yokohama; by bus and train. 

By Bus
Akai Kutsu Bus is a sightseeing bus around Minato Mirai 21 District, Chinatown, Red Brick Warehouse and Motomachi. One way costs 100 yen and 1-Day Pass costs 500 yen.

By Train

• Minato Mirai Subway Line is an ideal method of accessing the main tourist attractions between central Yokohama and the Shinkansen station. 
• If you have a JR Pass, you can travel on JR Negishi Line to Chinatown and Minato Mirai area. 

Akai Kutsu Bus, the city tour bus of Yokohama

PLACES OF INTEREST

Yokohama might seems small, but actually it is packed full of interesting places to visit and things to do. So now,  here comes the ultimate question for the first-time visitors who would like to a day trip there, which are the top tourist attractions must go and see? For this post, I listed down the attractions I managed to cover when I was in Yokohama: 

1) Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum

There are two cup noodles museums in Japan; the first is the Momofuko Ando Instant Ramen Museum in Osaka and second would be this in Yokohama. Since I never been the one in Osaka, so this will definitely in my top list to visit when going Yokohama. 

Not only that you can learn the history and development of how these instant ramen noodles produced in a styrofoam cup but Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum is also a museum creates fun and encourages creativity using a combination of fanciful exhibits and hands of workshops. My Cupnoodles Factory is the most popular one where you can create and design your custom cup of instant ramen noodles by mixing and matching a variety of soup flavours as well as toppings. Before begin this workshop, don't forget to purchase an empty cup from the vending machine for the price of 300 yen each.  

How To Get To Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum
By train:

10 minutes walk from Minato Mirai Station on the Minato Mirai Line; or Sakuragicho Station on the JR Negishi Line or Yokohama Subway Line.

By Bus:

The Akai Kutsu Loop Bus connects Sakuragicho Station with the nearby Landmark Plaza, the Pacifico Convention Center, World Porters (across from the Cup Noodles Museum), the Red Brick Warehouse and other sights in central Yokohama.

Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm (Last entry is 5pm). Closed on every Tuesday
Admission Fee: 500 yen (Workshops and activities cost extra)

2) Yokohama Chinatown 

Claimed to be the largest Chinatown in Japan, this is where you can spot a large number of Chinese restaurants and stores in the narrow and colourful streets of Chinatown. Just like any other Chinatowns, you'll know you have arrive Chinatown when you see a tall and huge eye-catching Chinese-styled red gate stands at the entrance of it. 

Besides the four Chinese-styled red gates at the entrances, there is a multi-coloured temple in the center of Chinatown. Built by the Chinese residents in 1873, Kanteibyo is a temple dedicated to the Chinese god praying for good business and prosperity. I guess, Chinese and prosperity forever can't be separated, right? 

  

The main attraction of Yokohama Chinatown is the cuisine offered at its various restaurants and food stands with plenty of options and flavours to keep your hungry tummy satisfied. Among the popular favourites would be the steamed buns (manju), ramen noodles and wide array of other Chinese dishes, many of which have been Japanised to a certain degree. And do you that Yokohama's Chinatown considered to be the home of Japan's earliest ramen shops due to the Chinese immigrants entered the country via Yokohama in the 19th century? 

How To Get To Yokohama Chinatown 
By train:
Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minato Mirai Line.

By Bus:

The Akai Kutsu Loop Bus connects Sakuragicho Station with the nearby Landmark Plaza, the Pacifico Convention Center, World Porters (across from the Cup Noodles Museum), the Red Brick Warehouse and other sights in central Yokohama.

Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm (Last entry is 5pm). Closed on every Tuesday
Admission Fee: 500 yen (Workshops and activities cost extra)


3) Red Brick Warehouse (Aka-Renga Soko)

Formally the Customs Inspection House for Yokohama Bay's shipping activities in the early 1920's, these handsome red brick buildings have been converted into one of Yokohama's famous landmark for family or dating spots. 

Inside this chilled vibe of the Red Brick Warehouse houses a number of artsy and unique shops featuring creative items, handmade jewelry, gorgeous dishware and ornaments, overseas imported products and even a large selection of restaurants. 

The complex also served a wonderful event space. Two of the most famous recurring events held are Oktoberfest in autumn and Art Rink, an outdoor ice skating rink during the winter months. 
How To Get To Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
By train:
The closest stations are Bashamichi and Nihon-Odori on the Minato Mirai Line. If you have a JR Pass, you can stop Sakuragicho Station on the JR Negishi Line and walk for less than 15 minutes. 

By Bus:

The Akai Kutsu Loop Bus connects Sakuragicho Station with the nearby Landmark Plaza, the Pacifico Convention Center, World Porters (across from the Cup Noodles Museum), the Red Brick Warehouse and other sights in central Yokohama.

Opening Hours: 11am to 8pm


4) Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

We visited another second ramen museum in the city and this Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, it's the first food-themed amusement park in the world opened in 1994. This "so-called" museum is not only showcases the history behind of ramen noodles in Japan, but it is also one-stop place to enjoy the flavours of the national dish from renowned shops across Japan without have to travelling further

Walking through the basement floor, you will feel like you are being transported back to old time of Japan where the floor features a small street-scape replication of Tokyo in 1958, the year instant noodle were invented.

Making your way through a narrow alleyways and you will feeling nostalgic, reminiscing the old good days with all these old-fashioned candy shop and cinema, the old-school television and refrigerator once used by your grandparents and more. 

One you done with exploring the whole floor, now it's time for sampling the ramen. The are nine distinctive ramen restaurants can be found here and each featuring a ramen dish from a different region of Japan. Wish to try multiple ramen dishes but worry your stomach can't fit in all, don't worry cause every store offers "mini ramen" which serves in small portion of the feature fish. Tickets for the meals can be purchased at the vending machines in front of each store. 

Ryu Shanghai Honten - One of a kind spicy hot miso ramen.

How To Get To Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum 
By train:

Less than 10 minutes walk from Shin-Yokohama Station on JR Yokohama Line or Yokohama Municipal Subway. 

Opening Hours: 11am to 10pm
Admission Fee: 380 yen (Ramen cost extra)


5) Minato Mirai 21 District 

Don't leave Yokohama without stopping Minato Mirai 21, a seaside urban area in central Yokohama whose names indicates "harbour of the future". It is blessed with an excellent location along the water and has wide array of attractions such as shopping malls, hotels, amusement park, a relaxation center with hot springs baths, museums and park space. 

The most recognisable freature of the island is the Cosmo World Ferries Wheel, which displays the time and was for a period the largest clock in the world.

Located along the waterfront, the buildings like the Landmark Tower, Queen's Tower and Cosmo World Ferris Wheel form the distinctive skyline of Yokohama. This is the main reason why I tend to stay until night time in Yokohama in order to enjoy and witness this magnificent and marvellous night view. 

How To Get To Minato Mirai 
By train:

Minato Mirai Station on the Minato Mirai Line located in the basement of Queen's Square. 

It is also easily accessed from Sakuraguchi Station on the JR Negishi Line and Yokohama Subway Line.

By Bus:

The Akai Kutsu Loop Bus connects Sakuragicho Station with the nearby Landmark Plaza, the Pacifico Convention Center, World Porters (across from the Cup Noodles Museum), the Red Brick Warehouse and other sights in central Yokohama. 

WHERE WE STAYED IN YOKOHAMA

For my second visit to Yokohama, I had planned earlier that I would love to stay a night here before heading back to Tokyo. And the ideal location for me would be probably somewhere nearby Minato Mirai and Yokohama port. This is where we came across Hotel Edit Yokohama. 

The hotel seems to be pretty new to me by looking at its reception and lounge area. And out of all the hotel areas, my favourite part would be the lounge with its modern, warm and cozy atmosphere. Feeling so Scandinavian with its white walls matching with bright and clean backdrop. 

Room wise, it's quite normal to get a compact room size just like any other hotel rooms in Japan. The room comes with almost everything we need; a mini fridge, a coffee and tea making facilities, TV and a great range of toiletries with every bits and pieces. There is nothing we could complain about cause they even arrange a room for us with overlooking the Ooka River. 

Hotel Edit Yokohama
Room Rate: RM309 for a double (non-smoking) room per night
Nearest Station: 5 minutes walk from Bashamichi Station and Sakuraguchi Station


Sayonara Yokohama! Till then, see you again next time...

My Other Posts Of Tokyo:

• List of Accommodations I Stayed Before In Tokyo
• Tokyo Airports; Narita & Haneda And Best Options To Get To Downtown Tokyo
• Tokyo Transportation Network for Trains & Subways
• Tokyo: 6D5N Suggested Itinerary
• Tsuta - World's First Michelin Starred Ramen Restaurant
• Nakiryu - Tokyo's Second Michelin Starred Ramen Restaurant

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In-Flight Dining For Japan Flight

I bet most of you don't have any high expectations when comes to in-flight meals, cause majority of them are either mild-tasting or even bland. The reason behind is due to flying at high altitude may alters your sense of taste and smell. Hence, your senses might get a bit confused and mixed up. 

Nowadays not many airlines provide free complimentary food and drinks on planes, especially for low-cost and budget airlines. So when there's a in-flight meal served for free, I'm indeed truly appreciated it and thankfully I'm not that fussy when comes to food. Once again for this post I'm doing a compilation for all the in-flight meals I had for my Japan flight with Malaysia Airlines and also Japan Airlines which I flew with them recently.   

2015 - Malaysia Airlines Flight Kota Kinabalu to Narita-Tokyo 

#1: Early morning flight and they served us omelette. Simple and yet, hearty meal.

2015 - Malaysia Airlines Flight Narita-Tokyo to Kota Kinabalu

#2: Wow! This meal really blew my mind. Not just the main course served in a Japanese-style, they even served soba too 

2016 - Malaysia Airlines Flight Kota Kinabalu to Narita-Tokyo

#3: Another early morning flight to Japan a year later. The meal was almost identical, except this round I chosen local meal instead. 

2016 - Malaysia Airlines Flight Narita-Tokyo to Kota Kinabalu

#4: Seriously, the meals served for both of my flight from Japan back to Malaysia seem to be more attractive, and colourful too. 

For 2017, I flew with AirAsia X to catch my flight to Haneda Airport. I didn't order any flight meals and so, nothing to share for this particular year. Next, ....

2018 - Malaysia Airlines Flight Kota Kinabalu to Narita-Tokyo

#5:

2018 - Malaysia Airlines Flight Narita-Tokyo to Kota Kinabalu

#6:

2019 - Malaysia Airlines Flight Kuala Lumpur to Narita-Tokyo

#7:

2019 - Japan Airlines (JAL) Flight Narita-Tokyo to Kuala Lumpur

#8: 

Obviously, this is one quick and lazy post. Cause I'm catching my flight now to my favourite country, again!

My Other Posts Of Tokyo:

• List of Accommodations I Stayed Before In Tokyo
• Tokyo Airports; Narita & Haneda And Best Options To Get To Downtown Tokyo
• Tokyo Transportation Network for Trains & Subways
• Tokyo: 6D5N Suggested Itinerary
• Tsuta - World's First Michelin Starred Ramen Restaurant
• Nakiryu - Tokyo's Second Michelin Starred Ramen Restaurant

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Foodie Friday: Oishii Tokyo

Everytime when I'm heading to Japan, the thing that I always looking forward is Japanese authentic cuisines. It doesn't matter how many times I've been savouring their local food over and over again, I still can't wait to go back for more. It's like saying, "Once is never enough and make you craving for more." Now you know why Japan always remains my top favourite country to visit. 

For this post, I would like to share the food that I had throughout my previous trips to Tokyo. And in case you are wondering what "Oishii" means, it's actually indicates delicious in Japanese. 

Ramen

Ramen is always on my top list to search for when comes to Japanese cuisines. Wondering why? Oh well, there are two reasons why I love ramen. Firstly, I heart noodles so much. I love noodles more than rice. Secondly, I can't find any Japanese restaurants in Kota Kinabalu serving a bowl of good ramen. Seriously, none of them served as delicious as the one I had in Japan itself. 

#1: Ichiran Ramen

In Japan, the most popular ramen but inexpensive is none other than Ichiran Ramen. To date, there are more than 10 Ichiran Ramen restaurants in Tokyo. From Shibuya to Shinjuku, Roppongi, Ikebuku and even Asakusa, now you don't even have to worry about the long queue just to savour this bowl of pork-based broth ramen. Some even open all-day long. So in case you are hungry in the wee hours, you know where you should hunt for food.

#2: Ippudo

I knew about Ippudo when it opened its first outlet in Kuala Lumpur. So when I was in Tokyo last year, the boyfriend brought me there when I told him about Ippudo. My verdict? Sorry to say this but still, my vote goes to Ichiran. Ippudo wasn't that bad but probably I used to Ichiran's taste.  

#3: Tsuta - World's first Michelin starred ramen restaurant


#4: Nakiryu - Tokyo's second Michelin starred ramen restaurant

When comes to those restaurants awarded with prestigious Michelin stars, Tokyo actually has the most. But when comes to ramen, Tsuta is the first one to receive for ramen category in 2015. It then joined by Nakiryu which also receiving the same coveted French honor. I was lucky that I able to saviour both of them as they only served in limited quantity in a day. So if you are ramen lover like I do and happen to be in Tokyo, why don't try go and give a try? I shared about Tsuta and Nakiryu before.

#5: Mutekiya in Ikebuku

I came across Mutekiya while walking to Owl's Cafe a year ago. So when I went back Tokyo this year, I told the boyfriend I would love to try this to see how good is it since there were pretty long queue outside the restaurant. The broth was kinda salty, probably because it was added with "Nuchimasu" salt, an additive-free sea salt made from Okinawa seas. But I was enjoying the "char siew" more - it was juicy, tender and absolutely delicious. 

Other than ramen, we also managed to have a bite of both Japanese and non-Japanese food in Tokyo as well, such as:

#6: Luke's Lobster in Harajuku. A famous seafood joint for its scrumptious lobster rolls.

I never really into seafood but this Luke's Lobster is really worth for a bite despite the long wait from the queue. The signature lobster roll costs 980 yen for the regular size and 1,580 yen for the US size. Besides lobster, they do serve crab and shrimp roll too. 

#7: Japanese crepes in Harajuku

A trip to Harajuku is incomplete without savouring the soft and creamy Japanese crepes. There are three reputable crepe shops along the Takeshita Street; Angel's Heart, Marion Crepes and Santa Monica Crepes. My dilemma? It's not about which crepe shops to choose from, it's actually the filling is the most crucial decision to make from. Too many choices that making me go gaga. 

#8: Mille crepe at Harbs of Roppongi. One slice costs 830 yen.

I never had the chance to saviour any fine and mouthwatering Japanese dessert whenever I visited Japan. Because if I would love to have it, I would make sure it is worth every calory intake I consume. Not until I came across Harbs, a cafe specialising in cake especially the mille crepe type. Since I was in Roppongi last year, I thought of having a try instead of just visiting the giant Spider statue. Just a bite of Harb's mille crepe, I felt I was in heaven. It's absolutely fresh, delicate and most importantly, it's not overly sweet - this is what I'm looking forward for my kind of a piece of cake. Apart from Roppongi, you can search for Harbs at major stations like Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro too. 

#9: Tamagoyaki from Tsukiji Fish Market

#10: Daily Chiko from Broadway Nakano - Home of the famous rainbow soft-serve tower cone that stacks all eight layers.

#11: Takoyaki from Gindaco


#12: Udon


#13: Tori katsu don and tori kaarage


#14: Omurice with tonkatsu


#15: Suhi, yakitori and croquette bought from convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Family Mart and Lawson.

So, what's your favourite Japanese cuisines? Don't be shy to share with me.

My Other Posts Of Tokyo:

• List of Accommodations I Stayed Before In Tokyo
• Tokyo Airports; Narita & Haneda And Best Options To Get To Downtown Tokyo
• Tokyo Transportation Network for Trains & Subways
• Tokyo: 6D5N Suggested Itinerary
• Tsuta - World's First Michelin Starred Ramen Restaurant
• Nakiryu - Tokyo's Second Michelin Starred Ramen Restaurant

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