When in Japan: Tokyo, one last bite before sayonara

The dreaded farewell. This first visit to Tokyo is too short, and I don't want to leave just yet. The experience—fun and eye-opening—defied all preconceived notions of Japan that reached me. Japan is not expensive if you know where to stay, eat, and shop. Communication gap? The universal language of politeness trumps all language barriers. 

Japan has always been at the top of my bucket list. Once the opportunity came, I jumped on it. No ifs, no buts. I went to Tokyo prepared. The hotel rooms were booked in advance, pocket money was secured early (yes, the yen was at an all-time high), and warm clothes for the fall season were packed. With confidence, I took my first step on Japanese soil.

I had a few more hours in Tokyo before I exited to move to my next destination. I took one more look around Shinjuku and searched for a new restaurant where I could get a quick bite.

I went around Shinjuku like it was my first time, still in awe of the modern, bustling city scene. I chanced upon a few more unexplored alleys and discovered more restaurants. I found one offering a promotion on an interesting lunch menu—timing perfectly the same moment my stomach issued a growl. 

The restaurant was one floor down from the main street level. I found a seat and pointed out what I wanted on the menu: Mapo tofu on rice.

The server tried explaining something, but I just nodded to whatever he said. He found the two English words "big" and "same," conveying that the lunch promotion offered an upgrade to a bigger size at the same price. I flashed him a smile and gave a thumbs up.

I noticed the diners heading to a counter to get soup, drinking water, or coffee. It must be a buffet thing. The server found his next English word—"free." The free unlimited liquids were part of lunch. 

After a hearty meal and two cups of coffee, I paid my bill—no more than 800 yen, said my arigatos.

The meal was another instance that dispelled the notion that food in Tokyo is expensive. In the city's financial district, where competition is stiff, there are numerous restaurants offering great deals on good food for the Japanese workforce. It's not even difficult to find one.

On my way back to the hotel to collect my luggage, I paid my courtesy call to Isetan Department Store (read: check out the season's latest on the racks of my favorite Japanese designers). Exiting, I was surprised to see Issey Miyake tailing me home. He wanted to take him with me all the way to the Philippines. I didn't have the heart to shoo him away. 

Tokyo handed me a pocketful of good memories (and an Issey Miyake). Sayonara! It's time to embark on a new adventure. Next destination? Isesaki in the Gunma Prefecture.