After a long afternoon travelling to different bridges in northern Japan, we were ready for some sushi. Sitting outside the restaurant, we saw what a night would be like in Tokyo as a young person. Very tastefully dressed men and women walked in groups from restaurant to restaurant, while smiling, chatting, and laughing. The city was alive.
We kept pretty close tabs on the different parties inside the restaurant too. Watching as couples and friends gracefully ate fish, rice, and veggies with their chopsticks; a skill we were all still working on. After a few more glances inside and after receiving the gift of an umbrella from an older Japanese man, we were in.
The four of us got lucky and snagged seats together at the bar where we could watch the chefs prepare the dishes. Ordering food in Japan is easier than expected because almost all menus have pictures of what you’ll get on them. After a few menu points from each of us, the chefs began preparing our rolls and sashimi while we sipped on some hot sake.
There were lots of travelers in this restaurant; all in awe of the sushi chefs.
Without a doubt, this meal ruined American sushi. The fish was so fresh and the presentation was so simple and clean. The whole experience, from the ease of communication even with the language barrier, the beautiful scenery, and the freshness from the fish felt extremely Japanese, and these values of acceptance, beauty, and freshness followed us for the rest of our time in the island country.
Salmon assortment plate with hot soup
