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After learning that Asakusa’s Sanja Matsuri is cancelled this year as a result of Tohoku’s earthquake and tsunami, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. It normally takes place during the third weekend of May and crowds flock to the temples for a good time. Not this year. And while I respect one’s decision to Jishuku, or voluntary (and ironically involuntary) self-restraint, and admire their sense of community and respect nationwide, I hope this won’t be taken into extreme. Too much Jishuku can be unhealthy for the mind or well-being. We balance diets, why not everything else? I believe at times like this, it’s more important than ever to push forward and dig for a lighted path. So when the Sanja Matsuri was cancelled, meaning all the goodies will not be where I usually find them, I dug for my own.
Taiyaki is something I enjoy eating at festivals. I see one, I buy. The only place I remember eating one outside of festivals was at a food court in Japan. While speaking with a friend, they mentioned seeing a taiyaki shop in Akihabara. I figured why not. To get to Akihabara’s main district, make your way to Akihabara station and take the exit that’s labeled ‘Akihabara Electric Town’. From there, turn left and walk towards the main street called Chuo Dori. Everything covered in this post is along this street and can be easily found.
It doesn’t seem like I’ve covered anything on Akihabara thus far. Yet I wonder if that’s necessary because those fond of Japan would know a thing or two about the area, especially if you’re into electronics, anime, manga, or AKB48. Briefly, Akihabara is a popular tourist attraction mainly because it’s the centre for Japanese pop culture and there are various electronics and duty-free shops.
One particular building worth mentioning is the Don Quijote (Donki) building. Inside Donki, you can buy all sorts of items such as food, electronics, home supplies, pet items, sporting goods, health and beauty items, etc. If you plan to drop by this franchise on your visit to Japan, remember to pick up their ‘Yokoso! Passport Card’ which provides discounted prices for foreign passport holders staying 6 months or less. Essentially, prices would be the same as what Don Quijote members would pay. You can get this card at major hotel chains in Japan or at your local travel agent. Don’t forget to keep this card for whenever you visit Japan as it has no expiration date and can’t be reissued.
In recent years, Akihabara became a popular destination for AKB48 fans looking to catch a live performance of this group. Their dedicated theatre is on the 8th floor of Don Quijote. Admission to AKB48 performances is ¥3,000 for males and ¥2,000 for females or students under 18. You will notice in Japan that it’s not uncommon to have price discrepancies between sexes. An example is all-you-can-eat-or-drink restaurants. On a similar note, one might find that there’s still some work that can be done on gender equality in this nation.
The process of acquiring a ticket for AKB48 performances is not as simple as making a purchase. One would have to win the ticket lottery for a chance at one of 250 tickets per performance by sending an e-mail to organizers. Only when you send an e-mail and win the lottery would you be able to buy a ticket. If you are from overseas and wish to attend a show, follow these steps to win a chance to buy a ticket. AKB48 performances are at 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and 12:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 7:00 p.m on weekends or public holidays. But the schedule changes so you might have to confirm with the personnel. If you go, let me know how it is. I’ve never been so I can’t comment on this event. I’m more interested in food.
Ironically, the taiyaki place is a two-minute walk diagonally across the Donki building. Kanda Daruma (神田達磨) is the name. Their red beans, or azuki, for the paste comes from Hokkaido like many foods grown in the country. Batter is placed in a special mold and they make it fresh as you order. The mold produces a unique shape. It resembles a fish as any other but has a crust along the sides. On top of that the taiyaki felt different in my hands. The batter was smoother than what I knew.
On first bite, I immediately noticed the batter was on the chewy side. On top of that, it was rather tasteless. No rich flavours that certain crêpes or waffles would have. When I reached the azuki paste, it was not as thick as I’d imagine. This aspect was more apparent in this case because the batter was really thin. If there’s a valid reason why the Japanese don’t walk and eat at the same time, this would be it. Else I can imagine ruined dress shirts.
There are apparently five Kanda Darumas in Tokyo and one in Osaka. Festivals remain my choice of location to indulge in taiyaki, not only because of the atmosphere, but they are actually tastier. I shall dedicate some time to locate festival goodies outside of festivals and report back! Let’s continue pushing together Japan! Ganbare.
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