Dear Food Diary:
Walking back from the Origami Museum, I stumbled upon Kanda Shrine, which dates back 1,270 years and happens to be located in one of the most expensive real estate areas in Tokyo (so I read).

Right outside the shrine, an old time wagashi shop welcomed me in with traditional sweets and tea. With a lovely garden view. Time stood still as the wind chimes played summer melodies… I couldn’t help but wonder if this was just like the good old days.

This was my favorite piece at the Origami Museum, my photo doesn’t do it justice.

Dear Food Diary:
Tokyo Origami Museum is such a treat, specially since it’s free! A whole building dedicated to all things origami. Exhibit, shop, origami paper making and classes.

After all the colorful and intricate “art”, my tummy was growling (a phenomenon that seems to happen repeatedly throughout my day).

Across the street I saw a local basement spot. I saw some photos and venture down, to my surprise, no English nor visual menu once seated. Thankfully we all played charades and I got a fantastic broiled mackerel lunch set.

Dear Food Diary:
For the past 2 weeks I’ve been walking by Tofuro daily. Greeted by the sight of a friendly face making fresh handmade soba.

Our friends have a chatty toddler and baby, so we needed ample seating and space. This was the perfect setting and opportunity to finally check it out. Freshly made soba, tofu and a whole menu of choices, from sashimi to grilled fish. Fried chicken and rice bowls. There was something for everyone.

Dear Food Diary:
I went to a trial Japanese lesson right by Lidabashi Station early afternoon. Before heading to class, I grabbed a quick but delicious lunch at Botejyu San. The chain restaurant is planted all over Japan with branches in Singapore, Korea and Taiwan. Flipping Japanese style savory pancakes aka okonomiyaki since the 40’s. Yup, they know their stuff.

After my lesson, I went “Shoppingu” (see? I learned something). And had a delightful Matcha Coffee Jelly Affogato as my late afternoon pick-me-up.

Dear Food Diary:
After reading reviews about 7chome Kyoboshi, the 3 michelin star tempura temple, I was infatuated. But shedding $400 of my hard earned dollars for tempura, as divine as it may be, just couldn’t be justified. Maybe if I won the lotto? Or money suddenly feel from above as I walked the streets of Tokyo. As you see, chances at this point are slim.

My knowledge and appreciation for tempura doesn’t reach michelin star level anyways, so I figured I’d start local and eventually work my way up. Slowly shedding out extra dough for fancier versions and taste what the fuss is really about.

For lunch today, I stopped by Tempura Hisago and had their Edo-style tempura lunch.