So, 三回目(san kai me/3rd time) is the charm.
What has bought about this renewed (for at least one blog post's worth of) effort? Well, I've just returned from my 3rd visit to the Land of the Rising Sun, and felt like jotting down a couple of interesting bits and pieces I came across on my travels.
For today's entry, your hero finds his "me" space, and an awesome spot for a pint to wash away the dust from his parched throat.
Akihabara (aka Akiba aka 秋葉原)
The first leg of this tale takes place in the kingdom of geeky greatness and retina tanning levels of neon that is Akihabara. This trip I and my travelling tomodachi were based across the train tracks and Kanda river over in Ochanomizu, staying at the wonderfully sensible and straight forward chain hotel MyStays Ochanomizu.
Here's a map:
First, a disclaimer: I don't look for very much in a hotel room at the best of times, and in Japan, with space being at a premium, my expectations are a next level of spartan above that, so please understand that my level of "awesome" is more than likely not remotely close to being on a seasoned and/or demanding traveler's level of awesome.
With that said, MyStays Ochanomizu was awesome! Really only two blocks south west from Akihabara station's (excellently named) "Electric Town" exit, it was extremely easy to find. It is right next to, what felt like, the slightly more upmarket town of Kanda, and on main routes.
The room was what I've come to expect - small, clean, awesome shower and with free wifi. On occasion in Japanese hotels the "non smoking" room can smell one hell of a lot like someone was playing fast and loose with the definition of "non", but in this case, all was sweetness.
On balance I can heartily recommend couples considering staying in this part of town should consider this functional slice of sleeping space. I can't speak for families as I was in a double room, but assuming the family size rooms / options are available, I'd say this is a pretty well located spot for a family to stay.
Now, my throat is parched (のどが渇いています / nodo ga kawaite imasu) so beer-o'clock it is!
Hitachino Brewing Lab
So, I'm no beer jerk so I really can't tell my beer's tannins from my Biff Tannens (awesome B2TF reference - I'm so happy). What I can tell you is this place looks cool, feels cool, IS cool (although it was blimmin' hot when I went there - not their fault - unless they not only control their brewing process, but also control the weather.... 0.o).
Located, conveniently, on the route from Akihabara station to the hotel, and built into the brick arches of the old rail bridge, this joint did what it said on the box.
I am partial to drink a wheat beer in hot times, accordingly, no court could convict me for jumping right on to one, mouth first. The Hitachino Weizen (ウィゼン) was exactly what I'd hoped it would be: cold and bubbly. But beyond that, it was also like that first beer after a tough slog always is - nectar. I could go into some rambling nonsense about how crisp it tasted, how it transcended mortal expectation and could guarantee a taste bud gasm factor 5, but I'd be fudging (except about the gasm... ahem...). Price wise it was about what you'd expect for a craft beer vs mass produced examples - but we're in Tokyo, so that price was about the cost of a Heinekin down at the Viaduct. Happy times.
Food wise, we didn't hit the menu like it deserved to be hit (we'd eaten a ton as one does on a 12 hour international flight), but it all looked the shiznit and I'd recommend it as a consideration for your mastication needs. Being Japan - good food is EVERYWHERE so I didn't feel too bad on not taxing the chef this night.
Because I'm useless, I didn't take a photo of one of the most photogenic bars I've found in Tokyo to date (tried a minimum amount, but couldn't be bothered to work to get a decent shot). Fortunately, Hitachino Brewing Lab was highlighted in my favourite NHK show "Tokyo Eye 2020", so you too can see how cool this place looks (see link below). Although, like always, the images just don't do it justice. It is small on the inside so it could feel claustrophobic, but there is seating along the Kanda river in front of the arches - a vantage point I can heartily recommend if you like beer and outsides, and don't really like looking at rivers.
In summation, Hitachino Brewing Lab is a serviceable slice of beery paradise on the south side of the Electric Town. I hope I get to go back one day soon. Maybe in 2019 - at least, that's the plan.
NHK Tokyo 2020: Enjoying a drink in Tokyo! forward to 16:20 for the start of the Hitachino Brewing Lab bit. Nice to hear a Kiwi accent on the show too!
Next time, should there be a next time, your hero asks "how's the tranquility?", finds Cookie Time goodness, watches his beloved Tokyo Yakult Swallows suck. In the pouring rain. Without his jacket. Sad. And finds all kinds of izakaya (居酒屋) and karaoke (カラオケ) madness (and pays a price).
じゃまたね！
