Seven Countries in Seven Days, Without Ever Leaving Brooklyn
Japan
Tokyo is one of those cities that actually has an energy comparable to New York’s.
Or so I’ve heard.
I really, really, really want to go.
But it’s not happening this year, so I’ll have to satisfy myself with something that might not be the same, but will still be pretty great.
Start off your Japanese-themed day with a fortifying lunch at Chuko (552 Vanderbilt Ave Brooklyn, NY.)
Eat up. I’m a big believer in eating hot foods when it’s hot out. That’s just who I am. But it’s how I think you should be too.
Then, get yourself down to DUMBO, and check out Zakka (155 Plymouth St, btwn Pearl and Jay Streets.) Zakka has stuff you don’t see everywhere. Unless you’re IN JAPAN. Which, you’re not, but now it kinda feels like you are, right?
After this, hop the ferry over to Williamsburg and stock up on Japanese provisions like fresh onigiri at Midoriya (167 N. 9th Street btwn Driggs Ave and Bedford.)
Then you can make your own Japanese food! Or not!
Whatever. Either way. make sure to extend your staycation in Japan by reading The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea by Yukio Mishima.
You thought I was going to recommend Murakami, didn’t you?
Well, you should also read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, but you already knew that.