On our last day, the hubby and I ventured out alone. The boys have had enough of walking and wanted to stay-in (and enjoy the hotel Wi-Fi) with grandma.
I grabbed the chance and first wanted to visit an onsen called Ooeda Onsen Monogatari. But I got distracted by an ad for factory outlets on Japanese TV. I am in Japan, why the bloody hell am I not shopping for a new pair of Mizuno? I’d simply forgotten that the maker of my current favourite running shoes is Japanese!
I quickly googled “Mizuno Tokyo”. At the top of the search results heap was a Tripadvisor question from someone looking to buy a pair of Mizuno.
Apparently there was a sporting goods street around Jimbocho station. I told the hubby that we are ditching a day at the onsen, in favour of a pair of runners. And to please figure out how to get to Jimbocho. Later, we realised that Jimbocho was not the best station to get off of. (See bottom of blog for our recommendation.)
Hot udon with half-boiled egg, seasoned cod roe and okra
Udon salad
We have not had breakfast yet. So at 9.30AM outside Jimbocho Station, we decided to have our first authentic Japanese breakie. I had what is called a “salad udon”, basically cold udon topped with salad prepared the Japanese way. I’ve not tasted anything like it. It’s so darn good. The hubby had hot udon with half-boiled egg, seasoned cod roe, okra and grated yam. YUM does not even begin to describe it. We’re just glad to experience breakfast the Japanese way.
Remember that stores open at 11am on Sundays.
I tried a total of, I think, five pairs of running shoes. I wanted the Wave Rider but I did not like the fit of it. A few other models had my colour but not my size. Finally, I opted for a Wave Inspire in blue with pink trims. They were not my colours but it hugged my feet and that is all that matters, really. I am happy as a…dog with a bone! (Aside: It’s half the price of what I pay for it in Sydney!)
Mizuno Wave Inspire
Lunch was the Japanese take of a curry. It’s unlike the subcontinent’s curry, apparently introduced by the British and adapted to Japanese taste. It has chicken katsu, making it uniquely Japanese.
Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry
How to get to Sporting Goods Store Street
Ogawamachi Station on Toei Shinjuku Line, Exit B5
Stop at Ogawamachi Station on the Toei Shinjuku line, Exit at B5. Then walk in the general direction going to Jimbocho Station if you are looking for the Mizuno store.
Stay on the street called Yasukuni-dori.
Walk towards the direction going to Jimbocho Station.
myGloryBox Japanese Takes 