Mr. Ant and I have very different interests and polar opposite personalities. But when it comes to our burning love for food, the gastronomical stars aligned perfectly for us. We truly are tastebud-dies, best-foodies-forever, restaurant-affectionados, and even soul-food-mates.
One of the reasons why we chose to honeymoon in Tokyo was because it’s one of the Culinary Capitals of the world. And our experiences there fulfilled all of our food fantasies. Here are some honorable mentions. (click on images to enlarge)
::TRADITIONAL JAPANESE BREAKFAST::
(at our ryokan in Asakusa - Sukeroku No Yado Sadachiyo)
We enjoyed two traditional breakfasts at our ryokan, both of which included 8 or more courses such as soup, rice, fish, egg, and pickled vegetables. Many of the flavors were new and unexpected, including eggs in a soup of sweet syrup, candied beans, and sweet n’crunchy mini-fish. I really enjoyed experiencing so many different textures and tastes before 9am in the morning.
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::YABU-SOBA::
(in Caretta Shiodome)
Soba, my favorite type of Japanese noodle soup, is a type of thin noodle made from buckwheat flour that can be served either in hot broth or chilled with dipping sauce.
This restaurant is a popular chain in Tokyo, and it was rather good. Of note were the succulent grilled duck, a super-concentrated sweet miso paste that is a perfect complement to beer, the fluffy and airy tempura, and of course, the perfect soba noodles in hot broth.
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::AKASAKA SHISEN HANTEN::
(Iron Chef Chen Kenichi’s Szechwan Restaurant)
The talented and lovable Chen Kenichi is our favorite Iron Chef by far, so we were determined to make our pilgrimage to his restaurant in Tokyo. We really enjoyed the blending of authentic Szechwan flavors with the freshest of ingredients that the Japanese are known for.
Notable dishes included: Baby bok choy in a lobster and egg white reduction, Fried jumbo prawns sauteed with chilis and peppercorn, Mapo tofu with do-ban-jian, and Silken almond tofu dessert.
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::NATARAJ::
(in Ginza)
Curry is a national obsession in Japan. So we figured that the Indian food in Japan would be worth trying.. and we were right! Deelicious aloo gobi (potatoes & cauliflower) and pumpkin curry. Their nan was especially aromatic and chewy- perhaps the best nan I’ve ever enjoyed.
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::MEAT BUNS::
(from Family Mart)
Family Mart is pretty much equivalent to a 7-11. But the meat buns they offered were so delicious that we actually stuffed our faces with them for not just one, but two meals. Our favorite meat buns were: Stewed pork bun, Pork curry bun, and Chashu pork bun (aka roast pork).
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::FRUIT TOMATOES::
Do not underestimate the deliciousness of these tomatoes. Sweeter and larger than any cherry/ grape variety, the fruit tomatoes in Japan were packed with concentrated, zesty tomato flavor! Words cannot describe how ambrosial these tomatoes were…
We actually bought them by the boxful at local markets and snacked on them throughout the trip. And that’s saying a lot considering just how determined we were to ration our stomach space for new restaurants and dishes. We even bought a handful at the airport and snacked on them during the flight back! 
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Are there any other food-obsessed couples? Anyone plan on enjoying a culinary focus during their honeymoon?
Previously in this series: * Traditional Tokyo, * Modern Tokyo, and * Mt Fuji and Hakone
Coming up next: * Top 4 Tokyo Meals
We are DEFINITELY a foodie couple. We love trying restaurants and then giving our reviews to each other. In our honeymoon in greek islands, we will definitely be trying all of the different foods. I’m very excited because I actually don’t know Greek food all that well so it will be a tasty adventure.
Okay, now I’m hungry. We had three criteria for a honeymoon location - a fabulous five-star hotel; an activity we both love (skiing); and at least 10 days worth of world-class restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. We are going to Aspen.
I love curry! My Japanese FI introduced me to it and I would make it once a week if he let me. It’s so yummy. I even converted my dad. FI and I love food. We don’t always want the same thing but we love to eat.
We are a foodie couple hands down! We are considering a food trip through Europe: Sapain, France and Italy. Ughh, I am full just thinking about it!
Hands down the best (and most expensive) meal fiance and I ever had was Kaiseki at a restaurant in Kyoto. Worth every penny…fiance and i could tell stories about that experience forever.
But even just a great bowl of ramen from a Tokyo ramen shop is worth the trip! mmmmm
We are foodies too. I’m so glad you’re posting about Japan since that’s where we’re going for our honeymoon!
I want fruit tomatoes.
Yeah, our honeymoon to Italy is based almost entirely on the food and vino we plan to gorge ourselves on. We might check out some cities if we have time in between meals. We’re going in May. This post made me excited for our trip. Thank you!
We are total foodies (although I think the word is now “foodists”)! We live in NYC and take advantage of all of the stellar restaurants here, and we always go all out on dining when we travel (which is often). I eat a LOT - thank goodness I was blessed with a fast metabolism (although I’m sure it will catch up to me one day).
OMG, all this food talk is making me hungry. The fruit tomatoes look delicious. I’ll have to try them next time I’m in Japan. I really miss eating peaches and pears - the simplest things were so good in Japan.
Please keep posting this japan stuff forever, I could read it all day! Unfortunately we’re only stopping in Tokyo for a few days on the way to our main honeymoon destination (India) but I’m soooo looking forward to it!
I have a couple of questions though, if you have time to answer them that would be AMAZING!
Was it as insanely expensive as everyone says?
Was it easy to get around from your ryokan in Tokyo? As we’re only spending a few days there (two real days, actually) we’re worried about spending half the day finding our way around 
We are definite foodies and would love to visit Japan, but I have an issue - I am allergic to all seafood. Without speaking Japanese either, can I make it in Japan?
@E: Is it “foodist” now? Interesting! I’ll have to read up on the semantic differences. Thanks for the note.
@kangaroo: We live in Manhattan and found Tokyo to be even more expensive than NYC! But it can be done on a budget if you go for the cheap eats, such as ramen, which are just as delicious. And the fruit tomatoes, which are available in the springtime, were orgasmic and one of the cheapest things we ate. Keep in mind that many of the sightseeing activities in Tokyo, such as people-watching and visiting the temples, are free of charge.
As for getting around, we highly recommend getting the Tokyo City Atlas, a guide book with maps and illustrations. Without it, we would have gotten completely lost.
@HC: If you have a food allergy, I would suggest learning the Japanese words for “allergy” and “seafood”! You should also carry a printout in your pocket/ wallet of a photo of various seafood with a big X over it.
I have visited Japan many times for work (and fun), and wanted to mention that if you’re on a budget a cheap(er) way to eat really great food is to hit the basements of some of the larger nice department stores. It will be an experience like no other–the controlled chaos, the products, the packaging, the flavors….amazing! Make sure to do it once on your visit–you’ll not regret it.
we’re going on a culinary vacation for our honeymoon =) love to eat, so we better learn to cook!
Mrs. Ant: Here’s a recent article about foodists 
http://nymag.com/daily/food/2008/03/are_you_a_foodie_or_a_foodist.html
We tried out the soba place at the Caretta Shiodome too but I preferred the ramen place on the 3rd floor of one of the other buildings nearby. The curry udon place next door was good as well and came with bibs! As was the sushi place directly across from it.
I loved that the Park Hotel was right above the Family Mart because it meant that we got to grab buns for breakfast every morning.
OMG, i love food haha. I’m sure you understand. 
And like Miss Gingerbread, I love your food couple terms. So clever! I’m telling my BFF that it stands for Best Foodies Forever.
Mrs. Ant, is there another name for the meat buns? Are they kind of sweet? And do you know how they make them? The reason I ask is because when I was in Singapore I thought I had something like this and was in love with them. If so, I would love to know what they are called so I can eat some more!
my dad always buys japanese tomatoes from the farmers market (in santa monica). i adore their wonderful sweetness as well. I would assume that new york would have them at a good farmers market too
Mrs. Ant, New York/Jamaica
Age and Occupation: 25, PhD Student
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Finance
Engagement Date: July 26, 2005
Wedding Date: November 18, 2006
Blogging Since: February 15, 2006
Venue: Rockhouse Hotel
About Me: I live in New York but I'm planning a destination wedding in Negril, Jamaica. My fiance and I are high school sweethearts!
i love the idea of a food-centric honeymoon, but what i love even more is all your cute food puns: tastebud-dies, best-foodies-forever, soul-food-mates. too cute!