Traveling for food is something we do a lot here at DCF, as evidenced by the entire category we have on Food Travels. If you adore the trinity of books, food, and photography, then you’ll enjoy this delightfully written piece. Anson takes us through the vigorous pulse of Tokyo into a more sedate space where appetite and ardor merge. ~ Lori
I don?t normally go out of my way for a good meal, but on a recent trip to Tokyo, I became aware of the photobook diner Megutama. Located in the Tokyo district of Ebisu, it was opened three years ago by a Japanese author and photo critic, Iizawa Kotaro. The restaurant showcases his collection of 5,000 photobooks which you?re free to browse. It also serves up drinks and home-style Japanese cooking. Thanks to Japan?s largest broadcaster, NHK, I felt compelled to check it out because I saw it has a trifecta of things I love: books, food and photography. So how do I locate a small diner in a city with 160,000 restaurants" I figured I?d manage with pocket wi-fi, a smartphone, a Tokyo metro pass and a few key Japanese words learned online. It was also possible to hire an Uber, but in a city like Tokyo this would mean spending around Php5000 – 8000.
Compared to some of the cities I?ve visited, Tokyo?s rail and metro system?s map resembles a plate of fried yakisoba–a tangle of lines and stops that requires time and patience to master. Setting off just before sunset, I take two subway lines and manage to arrive at Ebisu Stat...