"Imperial Tokyo"

     Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge

Tokyo's most famous landmark, the Imperial Palace with its beautiful 17th-century parks surrounded by walls and moats, is a must-see when visiting the nation's capital. Don't be put off by the fact that the majority of the palace is closed to the public, as there is still enough to see simply by strolling the grounds

In addition to the many fine views of the palace from numerous points in the surrounding parkland, visitors are permitted into the East Higashi-Gyoen Garden and other areas that are opened to the public as part of an organized tour. One of the most romantic views is of the famous Nijubashi Bridge, or "double bridge," so named for its watery reflection.

Another one of the tourist visiting Tokyo must see is the famous Ginza shopping district. This always bustling area is home to the Kabuki-za Theatrewith its Kabuki performances, as well as the Shimbashi Enbujo Theatre with its traditional Azuma-odori dances and Bunraku performances.

Food in Imperial Tokyo

1. Maisen Tonkatsu

Maisen Tonkatsu is known for its terrific tonkatsu, and it did not disappoint. Wanting to sample a little of everything this restaurant had to offer, I ordered one of their more diverse sets, consisting of three types of rice, sashimi, miso soup, tonkatsu and ICE CREAM! The three types of rice were flavourful and came in small portions. While none of them were particularly outstanding as a stand-alone, it is pretty hard to get sick of what you are having. Of the three, I liked the salmon and ikura rice best. As I joyfully alternated between that, bites of pork slices, and crumbly bits of egg and meat, I savoured their acclaimed tonkatsu and was blown away.

2. Ichiran

Ichiran is famous for its privacy concept and is especially popular amongst lone diners. Everyone sits along a counter with dividers in between and are served through a little curtain flap by elusive waiters and waitresses whom you will not see throughout your Ichiran experience. We waited about 20 minutes to be seated, during which we purchased little meal coupons on a vending machine and filled up forms customising our ramen. This means you get to indicate your preferences, from the amount of oil, spiciness, to the types of onion.

3. Gindaco Takoyaki

Takoyaki are these savoury balls of wheat flour-based batter most commonly filled with pieces of octopus, and the Gindaco chain is our favourite place to get them. Despite having more than 300 outlets around Tokyo, long queues are typical. Luckily, these queues move fast! Gindaco’s tako batter had just the right consistency, so it had a good bite and did not fall apart. We got to choose from a list of sauces and went with the popular triple cheese sauce, which went really well with the takoyaki without being too overpowering.