Miles from Home

Now a few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of spending three days in New York City. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, my trip was filled with exciting adventures and delightful experiences. While this post deviates slightly from my usual Japan content, my NYC trip was imbued with Japanese themes that I hope will intrigue you. Here’s a detailed account of my journey through the Big Apple.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

After flying in from Buffalo to Newark, we Uber-ed into the city and dropped off our bags at Hotel 32 32, conveniently located near Koreatown in Manhattan. For breakfast, we headed to Paris Baguette, curious to try it since there’s a rumor it will be opening in Buffalo soon.

Once breakfast was eaten, we embarked on a walk through parts of Central Park to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. While the walk was manageable, I wouldn’t recommend it in loafers—sneakers are a must! At the Met, we enjoyed the Asian Art section and several other exhibits like Anxiety and Hope in Japanese Art, Celebrating the Year of the Dragon, Samurai Splendor: Sword Fittings from Edo Japan before Uber-ing back to the hotel for check-in.

I personally really wanted to see Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion but I didn’t realize there was a virtual que to get into the space. By the time my spot in line prompted us to enter the exhibit, we were already at the hotel due to our schedule. After relaxing in our room for a bit, we decided to have dinner at Ichiran. As a tonkotsu– or pork bone broth– ramen fan, I’d rate the ramen at Ichiran 4 out of 5 stars. It was a lighter broth than the other tonkotsu ramen I have had in the past, while good, I love a thicker broth.

The highlight of the evening was attending the Joe Hisaishi concert at Madison Square Garden, an unforgettable experience that I’ve also written about in detail [Joe Hisaishi Live at Madison Square Garden] if you’d like to read about it.

Day 2: Exploring Midtown Manhattan

The day began with a delicious meal at Ootoya in Times Square, where the authentic Japanese cuisine did not disappoint. I opted for the Shima Hokke Set which is a grilled Atka mackerel served rice, miso soup, and grated daikon radish, as I thought it was too hot for me to order my favorite at Ootoya, the Kaasan Ni Set. I absolutely devoured the dish as you can’t get grilled mackerel readily in Buffalo.

After lunch, we headed to Kinokuniya New York, where I could have spent hours browsing through their extensive collection of books and Japanese stationery. This place is a three story book wonderland. The stationary and Ghibli section was in the basement and the comic book section was on the 3rd floor. They were both congested so I’d avoid big backpacks in the store! I ended up with a Japanese paperback book and my favorite fashion and lifestyle magazine called Fudge.

Our shopping spree continued at MUJI Fifth Avenue and Uniqlo 5th Avenue, where I picked up some stylish and practical items. A visit to TESO Life, a Japanese lifestyle store reminiscent of Don Quixote, was a delightful experience. We bought unique snacks and cosmetics that we can’t find in Buffalo.

After dropping off our purchases at the hotel, I met up with a friend who is a Brooklyn native. We caught up over drinks at Kushi Kushi Yaki in Koreatown, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company late into the night. It was my first time having sake, which is embarassing to say as a Japanese native, and I must say it paired wonderfully with the Tako-wasa we ordered. Tako-wasa is a raw octopus in a dashi and wasabi marinade. It’s absolutely amazing with sake and even some beers!

Day 3: Wrapping Up and Departure

Our final day began with a visit to Nana’s Green Tea for a Matcha parfait, a favorite spot from Japan. We then stopped by Elly’s Pastry for an authentic Japanese whipped cream fruit sando, reminiscent of those from Japanese convenience stores. The combination of sweet cream and refreshing fruit was a perfect treat.

On my way back to my hotel to retrieve the suitcase, we ran into a parade led by the NYPD. I was in utter confusion since I didn’t think there were any occasion to call for a parade, but there it was.

Conclusion

My three-day weekend in NYC was everything I hoped for and more. The city’s unique blend of culture, food, and excitement left a lasting impression on me. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s always something new to discover in New York City. I can’t wait to return and explore even more of what this incredible city has to offer.