And we’re back! This week I thought I’d share a few favourites from my recent whirlwind trip to Japan.
- Japanese bookstores
Bookstores may be struggling in North America, but in Japan they seem to be everywhere, and they are packed, with both books and readers.
My personal favourite Japanese book store chain is Book Off! , which is a major Japanese used bookstore chain. I think I must’ve visited almost every BookOff location in Tokyo. Unlike North American used book stores, which can be strangely organized and vary wildly in content and set up, BookOff locations are all beautifully organized and carefully laid out, clean and bright and welcoming. If you didn’t know it was a used book store chain, only the reduced prices would tip you off!
Why can’t we have book stores like this in Canada?! Though it’s probably for the best, as I don’t know how my bank account would handle it…
2. Mitsuya Cider
Mitsuya Cider is pretty much the most delicious, most highly-carbonated, all-around best soda EVER. If you haven’t tried it yet, get yourself down to your nearest Japanese grocery store and get yourself a bottle. You can thank me later.
P.S. It even comes as a candy!
3. Tokyo city parks
Tokyo is a massive, high-tech city, jam-packed with skyscrapers and neon lights, and thronging with masses of people.
But it is also a garden city, filled with beautiful, peaceful escapes from the urban madness. I think we must’ve spent more time wandering the parks than we did in the rest of the city. Nature soothes the soul.
And there you have it, just a few of my favourites from this complex, vibrant city!