https://tokyospark.com/issue/november-21-2020/
In this issue, we bring you a historical account of what Japanese noodles were like in the 17th century Tokyo (then called Edo), Japan’s first floating hotel, Toranomon activities, excellent craft beer, and a bakery built for a 13-year old kid with special needs.
1. Noodles Have Been Popular Since At Least The Edo Period
Imagine it. It’s 17th century Tokyo (then called Edo). Little wooden food stalls popping up all over (called yatai) serving sushi, tempura, and a variety of Japanese noodles (soba and udon primarily).
Called nihachi back then, these noodles dishes were a staple food for many — especially single men. Much like one would visit a convenience store today — yatai offered a vital service for those who could not cook for themselves (or perhaps didn’t have time).
“Ni-hachi soba: soba containing 20% wheat and 80% buckwheat;” (en.wikipedia.org)
This article by Nippon.com is an interesting trek through history as it recounts the early recordings of a Japanese historian — who’s drawings and writings explain the noodle culture a few hundred years ago.
Soba noodles (buckwheat flour) — and the huge variety of ways it is used: toshi koshi soba, kitsune soba, shina soba, tsukimi soba, shinshu soba, and more. The soba yatai (aka soba ya) brought this versatile dish into Edo — setting the stage for modern soba shops of today’s Tokyo.
2. Now There is a Floating Hotel in Tokyo
If you didn’t know, in downtown Tokyo there are waterway-like canals somewhat similar to what you can find in Italy. Of course, not that level — but they do exist. And you can go for a nice float around Tokyo if you so desired.
And now there is a new hotel — Japan’s first floating hotel actually — in the Tennozu warehouse district of Shinagawa. The area is rich with history and art. A fantastic place to stay to take in the surroundings.
The hotel is called Petals — apparently inspired by the the look of lotus petals floating on water. Okay, I’ll bite… that does sound like a lofty goal for a hotel to mimic. If you squint just right I guess you could say they achieved it.
Quick Hits
These are a quick list of more things we think you’ll find interesting.
Looking for something to do in the Toranomon area? TokyoCheapo has a nice guide to their pick of five things to do. The Okura Museum of Art is on their list and I highly recommend it (even if it does cost ¥1,000 to get in).
Find a warm, relaxing atmosphere and some of the best craft beer at Craft Beer Tap Fam333 in Sendagaya Tokyo.
Okay, this is not in Tokyo — but too good to not share. There is this new, teeeeeny-tiny bakery in the Shiga prefecture (near Nagoya) that was built for a 13-year old kid with a psychiatric disorder. For real, and the story is worth reading.