Tokai explorations - where hidden gems are located!
*This article is based on the information as of November 2022 and the latest status may have changed.
Many of us might not know where the Tokai region is. But believe me, Tokai has a lot to offer! Follow me and my comprehensive itinerary for 5 days of Tokai exploration in this 4-article series
Tokai region consists of four prefectures: Shizuoka, Aichi, Gifu, and Mie, and is located in the subregion of Chubu and Kansai that runs along the Pacific Ocean. The Tokai region is known for its rich history as well as densely populated cities. Despite its with economy thriving on the manufacturing industry, the region remains abundant with untouched nature.
Check out the overall itinerary!
Day 1: TOKYO - Matcha experience → Asakusa → Roppongi
Day 2: AICHI - Nagoya castle → Sakae → Osu shopping district
Day 3: GIFU – Shirakawa-go → Wada House
Day 4: GIFU - Hida-Furukawa → Keta-Wakamiya Shrine
Day 5: AICHI - Kimono experience → Inuyama Castle → Honmachi-dori
In this article, I would like to share with you the first two days of the Tokai exploration itinerary. It's a great start for us since we will be starting from the Tokyo area as a gateway!
Day 1: Exploring matcha and halal ramen in Tokyo
Tokyo is Japan’s capital and the most populated metropolis in the world. Consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, Tokyo is home to 14 million people. Despite its large population, it still offers abundant nature and tradition as well as a rich history.
I have always wanted to experience a tea ceremony, or try matcha in a real setting in Japan. It finally came true when I visited Jidaiya at the heart of Tokyo, in Asakusa. I learned so much about tea ceremonies here, such as the rules and the history of the tea ceremony. I also got a chance to try making the tea myself. I was so impressed by how different and delicious the tea was using the technique taught in the tea ceremony! I believe you should try it too, at least once in your life!
After that, I went straight to Nakamise Street at Asakusa. Asakusa is very famous for Nakamise Street and Sensoji Temple. Built 1400 years ago, this temple has a fittingly rich history. The temple had been destroyed several times before by natural disasters as well as war, but it had been rebuilt again with almost the same architecture and design. Nakamise Street which is located in front of Sensoji Temple is home to many merchants, where you can find many souvenirs, street sweets like manju, as well as a perfect spot for photos!
Next, I went to a Halal ramen shop, Ayam-Ya, also in the Asakusa area. Actually, it is quite challenging to find Halal ramen in Japan because most ramen recipes in Japan usually use pork as its main ingredient in making the broth, but facilities like Ayam-ya swaps the recipe using ingredients that are safe for Muslims to eat. If you happen across a shop that offers Halal ramen, do not miss your chance to try it! I tried Chicken Miso Shio Ramen and it was so delicious! If you like spicy ramen, you could try Chicken Miso Spicy Ramen too!
(※ Ayam-ya’s Halal certificate is issued by local private halal certification organization, Japan Halal Foundation.)
After filling my stomach, I went to Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi. Tokyo Midtown is very famous for its illumination and ice-skating rink during winter, and its beautiful garden during other times of the year. For Muslims, there are prayer spaces available as well in the mall.
After strolling in Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi, it was the end of Day 1. My hotel for the night was the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Shinagawa. The hotel was very spacious, and near to Shinagawa station. It was so convenient!
Stay tuned for my Day 2 exploration in the next article!
2nd Article is here
3rd Article is here
4th Article is here
