A Travel Vibe in Yurakucho

I happened to have some business in Yurakucho the other day for the first time in a while.
Since I was there, I decided to wander around a bit.

There are many wonderful shops in this area, but
what I am looking forward to most right now is 'visiting regional antenna shops'!

It was very hot that day, so I decided to limit my shopping to the shops inside the Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan building.
The Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan is a building with a bit of age to it, but
once you step inside, the large spiral staircase and chandeliers catch your eye.
That alone gives it a bit of a touristy feel.

It's wonderful to be able to enjoy local specialties from various regions in such a cool building.

The first place I headed to was the Toyama Prefecture antenna shop. However, it was closed that day. What a shame...
The firefly squid I bought here before was truly delicious, and I've been a fan ever since.
Someday, I want to go all the way to Toyama to eat the 'authentic taste'.

Next, I headed to the Hokkaido shop. While glancing at the people lining up for soft-serve ice cream, I bought some rare items: 'Rishiri kelp' and 'dried salted squid'.
As a salted squid lover, I can't wait to open them!

Furthermore, at the Hakata shop, I got some instant ramen supervised by a ramen restaurant.
This will likely become a snack for my son, but I'm hoping he'll leave at least one serving for me (laughs).

Finally, I bought some pickled plums at the Wakayama Prefecture shop.
There were so many kinds that I couldn't decide, but after much thought, I settled on one!
When I tasted it while making rice balls for my bento the next day, the skin was soft and it was so sour! But it was delicious! It was perfect for a midsummer rice ball.

To wrap up the day, I had a pork cutlet bowl lunch at 'Akebono' inside the Kotsu Kaikan.
It's a popular restaurant with a Showa-era atmosphere, so popular that there's a line.
At the counter seats surrounding the kitchen, you can watch the owner's fluid cooking and service, which is another pleasure in itself.
It was hearty and the taste was reliable. I was also soothed by the gentle atmosphere of the staff.

This little detour in Yurakucho carried my heart a little further away.
On the way home, Fujii Kaze's 'Tabiji' (Journey) was playing through my earphones.
I found myself thinking that today, too, is just part of my own journey.

I think I'll find another reason to visit again soon.