I spent last week exploring Japan in search of the next great flavour for Ainsley Harriott’s World Kitchen range of soups. I had so much fun.
For me, Japan has been a dream destination since I was a little kid watching episodes of the anime classic, Battle of the Planets. So, this was kinda like a dream come true. My expectations were high but were exceeded nonetheless in almost every way by the amazing experiences I had. I even got to bring a guest – Kemey, of course – with me. She had as much of a blast as I did (and has been trying to figure out how we can get back there since our first fabulous day in Japan).
Our only complaint: it was all too brief!
My Japanese #SoupSearch commenced in Tokyo. Incredible! Here’s a taste of how that first day went:
Believe it or not, I completely enjoyed the “getting there” part of the trip. Deciding to start our journey in style, I tapped the Uber app icon on my phone for on-demand limo service. Our courteous driver showed up pretty quickly and got us to Heathrow with plenty of time to kill.
The Virgin Atlantic flight was on time and splendidly uneventful. Somebody (Ainsely? The fine folks at PR agency Fleishman-Hillard? The tour specialists at Destination Asia?) had clearly been looking out for me and thinking ahead. As soon as the seat belt light was turned off an attendant brought Kemey and me a glass each of Champagne and ushered us to a roomier section of the plane.
On the ground at Narita International, a rep from Destination Asia was waiting for us to make sure we’d arrived without a hitch and that we got on the right coach into town. That correct coach was with Friendly Airport Limousine – smooth ride.
Our Friendly driver didn’t drop us off directly in front of the hotel. But, language barriers aside, the people on the street were all really helpful with directions, and the short walk offered a brilliant opportunity to check out the shiny and bustling Shiodome area (think Canary Wharf but taller and busier and cleaner and chocked full of all sorts of eateries and cafes).
As hassle free as the journey was, I was nevertheless jet lagged like a mofo when and glad to check in at the Villa Fontaine. It was a comfy base for our two nights in Tokyo … and served a pretty awesome brekkie too. And the more familiar I became with Tokyo the more I realised how great the hotel’s location and access to public transport was. WiFi was free (but only available in the lobby – which seemed to be common in Japanese hotels). I’d have no qualms staying there next go round.
Just a short walk from the Hotel Villa Fontaine were the smoky, Blade Runner-esque lanes of Shinbashi: a densely packed street food haven of a gazillion noodle shops, yakitori joints and tiny bars wedged into any and every available space. We were led through Shinbashi by Ken from Destination Asia. Super reliable with a great command of English and excellent yakitori radar, Ken found an evocative and cosy little place for us to sample some local dishes. Tastiest item of the night? Hatsu (grilled chicken hearts).
The restaurant we visited was Hinomaru Shokudo. The staff and other diners gave me a round of applause when Ken explained to everyone at the bar that I’d won my trip to Japan. Accessible but far from touristy, I’d totally stuff my face there again.
Check back around the same time tomorrow for my next #SoupSearch installment.
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