A Beautiful Promise with Tokyo, Waiting for the Day of Reunion

In the balmy March, everything revives, and so do our taste buds. As a food lover, happiness is exploring all kinds of delicious dishes. But due to the pandemic, I have been staying at home for a long time, and I miss the flavors from around the world so much. If I were to write down all the places I want to visit right now, I doubt a single sheet of paper would be enough.

If I had to pick one place I most want to go, it would definitely be Japan. Japan is a travel destination I visit every year. It's very convenient—just over three hours by direct flight from Guangzhou. Whether it's the pleasant scenery, rich cuisine, convenient accommodation and transportation, or meticulous service, everything is impeccable.

The Japan trip I originally planned for last year has been postponed indefinitely. Now that spring is here again, I've dug out my long-set-aside travel plans. Even though I don't know when I'll be able to go to Japan, I still want to do some research to enrich my itinerary, looking forward to the day I can grab my bag and set off. In the process, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the new official website of the Japan Tourism Agency, which has updated a lot of travel information, including specific details on food, accommodation, transportation, and activities in various regions. The categories are clear and easy to search, and I highly recommend it to anyone planning a trip to Japan!

As a food lover like me, I immediately checked the food section on the new website and found many specialty foods and shops. I quickly added them to my must-eat list and wished I could fly over to try them right away! Japanese cuisine emphasizes quality ingredients, rigorous craftsmanship, and unique flavors. I believe anyone who has tried it will remember it as fondly as I do. Let me share some of my favorite Japanese foods and see if any are yours too.

As the saying goes, "Those living on mountains live on what the mountains yield; those living near the sea live on what the sea yields." Surrounded by the sea, Japan enjoys a unique geographical advantage. Its seafood is not only diverse in variety but also excels in freshness and quality.

The seafood market is one of my favorite places to visit in Japan. Every time I step inside, I'm amazed by the dazzling array of seafood. The clean and tidy markets are filled with all kinds of live fish and shrimp, and you can even eat them on the spot! Sweet, fresh seafood paired with rice makes the famous sashimi rice bowl. This simple and original way of eating brings out the umami even more.

Scallops, sweet shrimp, salmon, sea urchin, fish roe—I can't even count how many kinds I love. Large, fresh scallops look incredibly appetizing. They are not fishy or greasy, with a slightly chewy texture and a hint of sweetness—absolutely delicious. Fish roe is also a must! When you bite into it, the roe bursts in your mouth, filling it with a salty, fragrant taste that lingers.

Tonkotsu ramen, which I often eat in China, is even more unmissable in Japan. You can find a small shop anywhere and leave fully satisfied.

Eating Japanese ramen always impresses me with its precision. The noodles are just the right firmness, the broth is rich, and there are many choices for toppings. No matter your taste, you can create the perfect bowl for yourself.

The broth is rich and natural, the noodles are chewy and smooth, the chashu melts in your mouth, and the soft-boiled egg is sweet and moist—pure satisfaction.

Sushi is Japan's most famous cuisine. I think there are two keys to great sushi: one is fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the other is the skill and technique of the chef. Sushi made and eaten on the spot is the best. You must put it in your mouth immediately; even a second's delay can diminish the flavor.

In my opinion, the soul of each piece of sushi lies in every grain of rice being coated with a secret blend of red vinegar soy sauce, paired with premium fish. The temperature and taste when it enters your mouth are indescribably wonderful.

Unagi don (eel rice bowl) is a dish often seen in Japanese manga and anime, which shows how much Japan loves it. Japanese cuisine emphasizes health and nutrition, and eel itself is a nutritious ingredient with many ways to be prepared. Among them, unagi don is the most classic combination.

Eating unagi don in Japan is not cheap, but many century-old traditional eel restaurants are extremely difficult to get a seat at. The chewy texture and rich flavor of eel are simply irresistible.

Tempura is also a very representative Japanese food. Although it's common in Japanese restaurants in China, truly good tempura is rare. This seemingly simple snack involves many techniques—heat control, oil temperature, timing. Without years of experience, you can only imitate superficially and fail to capture its essence.

Freshly fried tempura is incredibly tender and soft. The crispy shell dipped in a special sauce is very distinctive.

Miso soup is made with carefully selected ingredients. A well-made miso soup is not only fragrant and delicious but also nutritious. It is usually simmered with sea bream, white and red radish, fish bones, miso, and other rich ingredients. It's warm and very comforting to drink a bowl.

I get so excited talking about food that I've written way too much and made myself hungry. I won't say more—I'll leave some surprises for you to discover on your own.

Now let's talk about places to visit. Japan has so many wonderful destinations, but this time I'll recommend Tokyo. As the capital of Japan, Tokyo is not only the best choice for first-timers but also a city you'll want to visit again and again. Compared to other distinctive regions in Japan, Tokyo doesn't have ancient architectural complexes or majestic mountains and rivers, but it possesses a unique modern vibe and an inclusive spirit. These distinctive features give it boundless charm, and that's the main reason I love it.

In Tokyo, you can feel the fusion of culture, art, and technology anytime, anywhere. There are many attractions worth visiting in this city. Follow my steps and take a look.

Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo. Despite its long history, the temple's exterior is well-preserved. The red-and-green "Edo-style" architecture is beautiful and distinctive.

The main gate hangs an extremely eye-catching giant red lantern with the bold characters "Kaminarimon" (Thunder Gate). Looking up at it gives you the feeling of stepping into a Japanese manga.

Sensoji is quite famous among Chinese people, as the temple enshrines Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy), which aligns with many Chinese beliefs. So Sensoji is often the first stop for people visiting Tokyo to pray and make wishes. Especially around New Year's, the crowds of worshippers are massive and spectacular.

Tokyo Tower, as a landmark of Tokyo, is likely known to people who have never been to the city through related TV shows, movies, or news. This red-and-white iron tower was modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris and stands 332.6 meters tall. Standing beneath it and looking up, you can barely see the top.

If you're brave enough, I recommend climbing to the special observation deck over 200 meters high. Surrounded entirely by floor-to-ceiling glass, standing there and looking down, you can take in the entire view of Tokyo—an awe-inspiring sight. But for someone like me with a fear of heights, I can only envy.

Tokyo Tower is magnificent during the day and charming at night. When darkness falls, the entire tower lights up, instantly standing out from its surroundings. Even from a distance, you'll be drawn to that brilliance.

3. Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland is probably a must-visit for every child going to Japan. Built in 1982, this Disneyland is older than me, which shows its fame and irreplaceable status. It was built exactly like the original Disneyland in the US and has long been hailed as the best amusement park in Asia—well deserved!

The park has seven themed areas: Adventure, Fantasy, Toontown... There are all kinds of styles, and you're sure to find one you like. In addition, there are 35 wonderful performances, and the themes change with the seasons. On the stages and plazas in the park, exciting shows are always happening, bringing constant surprises.

When night falls, the park is ablaze with lights, like a fairy-tale palace shrouded in mystery. If you have kids, this is a must-visit—it's perfect for family trips. Children are completely immersed in the joy, creating wonderful childhood memories.

To combine food, fun, and shopping, besides the popular Shinjuku, you can also choose Odaiba. Located on Tokyo Bay, Odaiba is a popular entertainment hub with dining, activities, and shopping fun, especially favored by young people.

Odaiba Seaside Park has Tokyo's only beach. Though small, it's beautiful. Take a stroll along the coast, enjoy the charming sea view, look up at the Statue of Liberty replica, and gaze at the Rainbow Bridge—it's comfortable and relaxing.

The famous Fuji Television building is also in Odaiba, one of the area's most prominent landmarks. The striking spherical observation room on the building weighs over 1,200 tons.

For Gundam fans, the Gundam Museum is located on the 7th floor of DiverCity mall in Odaiba. The most impressive thing is the life-sized Gundam statue standing in the square in front of the mall, with amazing detail. At certain times on the hour, it even transforms slightly—a must-see for Gundam enthusiasts.

5. Ueno Park

Mid-March is Japan's cherry blossom season. You simply can't miss the beautiful, profuse scenery.

Ueno Park is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms. As Japan's first park, every year during the cherry blossom season, crowds of visitors come here to enjoy the blossoms.

Ueno Park is very large. Besides cherry blossoms, it also hides many ancient buildings, a zoo, art museums, and museums—a great place worth visiting.

Before I knew it, I've covered almost everything—food, drink, fun, and activities. I believe this will give you some reference if you're planning a trip to Tokyo. To learn more about the latest and most trendy information in Japan, please refer to the official platform of the Japan Tourism Agency, which can provide you with the most thoughtful checklist. A warm reminder: before you set off, make sure to check the local pandemic situation again.

I hope that when spring blooms, all the gloom will be dispelled, and we can meet in Tokyo together.