This post was written in 2008. Shop details and prices may have changed since then.
Shiodome is one of the newly developed sub-centers of the city, like Roppongi Hills. It’s about a five-minute walk from Shinbashi Station, where you can catch the Yurikamome, the monorail that runs out to Odaiba. It’s mostly offices, but there’s also a musical theater and a restaurant floor gathering a bunch of famous places, so I end up going there every now and then. Today someone I know invited me, so I went for lunch.
Today’s meeting spot was a restaurant on the 46th floor of a building called Caretta Shiodome. I got there with time to spare, so I walked around the 46th floor before the meal started, and got a stunning view I never expected. With a view like this, I don’t think you’d even need to bother going to a paid observation deck. Tokyo still seems to have plenty of fun places left to discover.
Hamarikyu Gardens, right next to Shiodome
You can see the pier too. Who knew there was such a big garden right by the sea.. I’d like to go visit sometime when I have the time.
Tokyo cityscape 1
The bottom right is the Tsukiji Market, but you can’t really see it in the photo. Curse that dust on the CCD..
Tokyo cityscape 2
Still developing.
Today’s lunch menu: the tom yum goong set
A bit pricey. It was 1,500 yen. The spring roll was really good, but the tom yum goong was very ordinary for the price.
Lotus tea
Charged separately. 250 yen.. Dessert was sold separately too, for 500 yen.
The prices are high, but the atmosphere and view make up for it. The taste was so-so.. Lunch at the other places is also a little over 1,000 yen. The food aside, the atmosphere is really nice, so I think you could spend some quiet time there instead of at a cafe.
The view from the window
I’ve lived in Tokyo for a while, but I think this is the first place I’ve found with a view this good.
Tokyo Tower, shot nearby
Tokyo Tower is just a stone’s throw away. This neighborhood has a long history too, so there seem to be quite a few hidden gems. Next time I’ll have to visit them one by one.