Having only arrived in Japan a few days ago after an absence of around three years due to the pandemic, I was still adjusting to the infamous Japanese summer heat. My family and I decided to spend the day in the Shinjuku area heading towards the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building first for a cost-free panoramic view of the city. Unfortunately, at the time we went the top floors of the building, including the observation point were being used as PCR test location. Oh well, we still had future plans on visiting the newly erected Shibuya Sky for an open-roof view so we were not too disappointed. A small exhibition about the most recent 2020 Olympics held in Tokyo, along with the history that the country has had with the renowned event was there, so we swiftly checked it out, making sure that our journey there was not fruitless. We even received a free commemorative pin and a small plastic fan to somewhat fight against the demons of the Sun outside.
Despite being freshly armed, the ferocity of the Sun was too much for the little fan and beads of sweat continued to run down my body. Meandering between the towering skyscrapers making sure to walk down streets that have the most shade, we continued to explore the area trying to avoid the glowing star as much as we could. However, we were often stopping after every street or so as my youngest brother who has not been in Japan since his infancy has been completely consumed by the fascination of Gachapon (Capsule toys) and arcades. After visiting a couple places and getting the odd capsule toy, darkness slowly started to cover the city like a blanket.
As the silver moon gradually rose above the skyline, out of hibernation came our stomachs howling for sustenance. Nearby the was a 'yakiniku' (Japanese BBQ) restaurant which I love so much that I could practically have it everyday. As we made our way to satiate our hunger, the night grew deeper giving life to the glowing signs and lights that Tokyo has become so recognised for. Once we made the final turn onto the street where the restaurant was located, aromas of all sorts of food were lingering in the air. From charcoal grilled 'yakitori' covered in sauce, the creamy broth of ramen topped with succulent slices of 'Chashu' pork and of course the distinguishable scent of yakiniku, it was all enough to make your mouth water. Around halfway down the street we had arrived. Sliding the door open and being led to our table, the smell of grilled meat positively increased tenfold. Placing our orders and straight to the grill the meat went after arriving at our table, we were happily scoffing down mouthfuls of food like the scene from Spirited Away where Chihiro’s parents were chewing down mountains of food. I too felt like a bloated pig afterwards. Slumped in our seats we eased our foot off the pedal and took it slow with some drinks. About half an hour later with the small portion of energy we were able to regain, my auntie got up and told us that there was something she wanted to show us.
Eagerly, we stepped foot back outside but by this time, the night was fully present. Chatter and laughter from the patrons across the length of the street filled every nook and cranny. The blended scent of cooked food and burning cigarettes brought the entire scene together. As we followed her lead up the hill she made a sharp turn into a narrow alleyway. After a few more steps we arrived at a slightly larger opening that acted as the meeting point for another three connecting paths. Immediately, the feeling of déjà vu engulfed me as I look down the other paths that I’m certain I’ve never been down before. Tiny, cramped 'izakaya' restaurants. Glowing red lanterns. Hanging decorations of cherry blossoms that canopy the moonlight. It all felt too familiar. It was at that point I realised exactly where I was. Omoide Yokocho. A hugely popular spot in Tokyo that lands upon numerous top lists of places to visit due to its picturesque setting. From the pictures I had seen online I always thought it was interesting, but never committed to going due to the floods of people that flow here. Honestly, one of the main reasons I did not recognise where I was instantly was because of how empty it was. With such a prime opportunity to be able to wander this area quite relatively people-free we took full advantage of taking photos. While yes it is a very popular spot, I can safely say that it certainly deserves the popularity, especially if you are lucky to visit when there are not too many people around.
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