Kamiya-cho? Why would anyone want to get off the train at Kamiya-cho? Actually, from Kamiya-cho Station, we can walk to that incongruously orange replica of the EiffelTower and a temple with long avenues of stone Jizo figures.
Our first stop is Tokyo Tower – a landmark you can see from anywhere in the city. From the observation deck, there’s a 360 degree panoramic view.
Now let’s continue on to Zojoji Temple.
KAMIYACHO AREA MAPS
•
Let’s not leave the Kamiyacho area without eating. Two of my favorite restaurants in Tokyo are within walking distance:
Tofu-ya Ukai is a destination in itself – constructed like a daimyo’s palace, a lunch or dinner reservation gets you a lovely private tatami room with a view of the Japanese garden that sprawls through the central courtyard of the restaurant. Tofu is the retaurant’s specialty – they make their own, fresh every day – but the menus are kaiseki style, not vegetarian. It’s a set menu, with a progression of 9-10 small dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients, cooked in different ways. Reservations are necessary.
My other fave in this neighborhood is Restaurant New Asia (or Shin Ah Hanten, as it’s known by locals). It’s Chinese, but it’s Japanese Chinese. Although it’s authentic Shanghai style cuisine, it’s made with fantastically fresh Japanese ingredients with a lighter touch. Their specialty is shurumpo (Shanghai style pork dumplings) and they’re by far the best dumplings I’ve ever had, anywhere.
Nearby destinations: Ginza, Japan Traditional Craft Center, Odaiba, Oedo Onsen, Roppongi, Sengaku-ji, Zojo-ji Temple
•
Read a novel set in Tokyo
