Journeys in photographs and words.

Places we stopped along the way

Taito, Tokyo

Mizuguchi, an eatery

From: Loach hot pot and Tokyo ramen: more of Asakusa

Walking up to the front of Mizuguchi
Walking up to the front of Mizuguchi

An eatery founded in 1950, known for iri-buta, pork and onions stir-fried in a curry-flavored sauce. I had the iri-buta, along with ham and eggs, rice and soup. The dining room was bustling.

2-4-9 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo

Sources: mec-h.com retty.me

This moment in the journey

Extra: Asakusa on a sunny day

An Asakusa extra. On a sunny day, an electric kettle stood by the window of my room, the base of the Skytree visible through the glass. Stepping out onto the rooftop with a cup in hand, I found the Skytree towering there too.

Asakusa has been the center of Japanese popular entertainment since the Edo period: a town that respects the good old days while welcoming new winds, and so keeps evolving. That was on my mind as I looked out over the sunny Sumida River.

Mizuguchi, an eatery serving meals and drinks, has been in business since 1950. In the bustling dining room I had its signature iri-buta, pork and onions stir-fried together, along with ham and eggs, rice and soup. A place wrapped in a warm, gentle air, kind even to travelers. That is how I felt.

Watch this scene on YouTube11:52

Read this scene in the full journey

An electric kettle by the window, the base of the Skytree outside
An electric kettle by the window, the base of the Skytree outside
Gazing at the Skytree from the rooftop
Gazing at the Skytree from the rooftop
The Sumida River and its banks on a sunny day
The Sumida River and its banks on a sunny day
The busy dining room at Mizuguchi
The busy dining room at Mizuguchi
Stir-fried pork and onions, and ham and eggs
Stir-fried pork and onions, and ham and eggs
Rice, a soup bowl and ham and eggs on the table
Rice, a soup bowl and ham and eggs on the table