CULTURE & TRAVEL

You have to be in great physical shape with abundant energy if you wish to explore as much of Tokyo as possible. Sometimes eight hours on foot for me, my wife Misa, and two teen daughters. Rightfully so, during international travel we are always on the lookout for pure foods and liquids opposed to packaged goods and fast foods. Here are a few gems we discovered in Tokyo between temple and tower tours.  

Ain Soph 

This place is fantastic, said my 16-year old, who seems to find something wrong with every vegan eatery we visit outside of the US. Thankfully she was pleased at Ain Soph for our first lunch stop in Tokyo, Japan. We walked to the Shinagawa Station and caught the Yamanote Line 8 stops to Shinjuku. This eclectic space is urban, hip, and chill. Prices are on the higher side, but my wife said it's a must-visit after experiencing the Heavenly Pancakes on a work trip. We sat upstairs and ordered the pancakes and the 3,500 yen Everything Course featuring the salad parfait, tomato soup, tea, tofu Spanish omelet, veggie tortilla roll, tea, and the dessert of the day. My wife Misa also fell in love with the Rich Gravy Sauce and Vegetables served with seasoned and delicious brown rice and the Salad Parfait while the children ordered seconds on the salad. Something about that ginger soy dressing. 

Mika enjoyed the cakes for sure, but Aya said they were too doughy, which I concurred. Ain Soph also sells an assortment of nuts, granola, and small treats. We'll surely make a return before we leave the big city.   

PureCafe

This classy cafe inside Aveda is dynamic and vibrational. I love places that serve pure foods as opposed to fake, fried, and processed proteins. Grain salads, smoothies, homemade granola, veggie enchiladas, vegan, natural bread, and much more are at your disposal. The menus are English, the music is comforting, and the staff also speak English. We visited during lunch hour when the meals are served in sets such as the masterful Tempeh Sandwich and the scanty Salad Set. Everything was divine and fulfilling except the salad. The vibe is more sophisticated than nomadic as most of the customers dressed fashionably. Next time I will arrive in proper style!

Vegfru

From the Jimbocho Station, we walked 5-minutes to this earthly juice spot. The fresh smells of vegetation filled the small cafe with purity. My daughter desired the 980 yen Salad Lunch served with a smoothie and bread, and I was in the mood for the Five Vegetables Juice (apple, carrot, banana, pineapple, and komatsuna). Soft meditational music played overhead to keep us in a vibrational mood. Misa ordered a mix off the menu with her favorite ingredients.  Other items of importance are the Vegfru Special (komatsuna, parsley, green perilla, apple, pineapple, orange, carrot, and lemon) and the Fresh Carrot and Orange Juice. Serving sizes came in S, M, and L and mixed in Vitamix blenders.

T's Tantan

This spot should be called the Ramen & Rice Joint. Nestled in Tokyo Station, the family and I raced up the steps in pursuit of this highly praised noodle eatery. Since food was scarce at Tokyo Disney, which we had just visited, the Rawlins team destroyed the noodle bowls and brown rice curries. The spices and flavors awoke the taste buds and left us fully satiated. For this reason, each table receives a tall jug of ice water. We went with Bok Choi noodle bowls devoid of the fake/fried meats that are not healthful. The cheapest dish is 750 yen to make T's Tantan an excellent value when a quick noodle dish is needed.

Ain Soph.Soar 

This location was farther out, but also honored our last-minute reservation request on a Wednesday evening.  Light Jazz -- Kenny G to be exact -- dim lighting, country-styled wood tables, and book selections blend to create a touching atmosphere along with the majestic foods. When we arrived, the large dining room was empty except for a few patrons but filled quickly. The menu is a few pages thick with a bevy of dishes in store. You can order individual items or sets such as the 3,800 yen Everything Course with a salad parfait, tomato soup, veggie tortilla roll (homemade whole-grain flour, fresh veggies, avocado, and tofu mayonnaise). The Tofu Spanish Omelet, a dessert, and tea was my choice. The Heavenly Pancakes are a fan favorite, but as I stated previously, they are far too doughy for the kids and me. If you need a fresh dose of vitamins and minerals, then select the Bouquet of Organic Vegetables. The girls chose the Vegetable Paella, which was bustling with flavors, a Veggie Pasta, and a few salads. But they also delved into the adult plates for ultimate satisfaction.

Enjoy Tokyo!