Asakusa Bura Bura

Asakusa is a major attraction for both Japanese tourists and International tourists. Perhaps, it is the lively streets, the tourist traps errrrrr...., the little shops along Nakamise Dori or the shitamachi culture perpetuated by the residents there.

In today's post I will highlight what I think are three reasons to visit Asakusa.



#3 on my list is Tokyo or Edo's oldest temple. Sensoji Temple.



#2 is my "must do" in Asakusa. Taking a picture of the Golden Doo Doo. How can one resist taking a picture of this classic piece of modern public art gone wrong. The Flamme d'Or. It's gold and it big. This is a good reason not to give an artist money for a project without specific instructions. The only redeeming quality is the building under it. The Asahi Beer Hall.







#1 is having tempura donburi in Asakusa.

Not any soggy tempura donburi. I long for the kakiage donburi. This tempura is thick with squid, shrimp and scallops cooked to perfection. The outside is crispy with a golden color. The inside is amazingly cooked to perfection. My friend Lee (Chef) was amazed how something so thick can be fried to perfection. The batter is light. The kakiage is complemented with this savory amakara sauce (shoyu and sugar based) that is poored over the kakiage and rice.

After you finish most of the kakiage, smash the left overs and mixed it into the rice. It's just heavenly.



This year, we diverted from our usual spot of Daikokuya to Marushin.

Those of you may remember Marushin was in the Hawaiian Regent Hotel. It has since closed. I do not remember the tempura there being as good as the one the we had on this trip.