Tsukishima「月島」step back in time.

If anything, I like the areas in Tokyo where a stroll feels like time travel. Streets are narrow, houses are low and the spirit of the good old Edogawa days is still present in the air. The dormitory island of Tsukishima 「月島」that means something like "moon island" packs a bunch of it, particularly along Nishinaka Dori 「西仲通り」where nearly 100 restaurants serving monja (which will be discussed in detail soon) alternate spots with small stalls of books, oil, pankō and even medicines.

Feeling for a detour off the beaten Tokyo track? Easy way to either side of Nishinaka Dori, where the action is:

- From Roppongi, take Oedo Line to Kachidoki
- From Hibiya, take Yūraukuchō Line to Tsukishima

The dormitory part offers a contrast to the low rise buildings and alleys around Nishibaka Dōri.

Here we are, in the monja-yaki 「もんじゃ焼き」 temple.

Something very Japanese is to queue in a very organized and comfy way, by sitting in small spots that line up along the entrance of the restaurant.

For those feeling for some 食べ歩き or eating as you walk, the yakitori store has all the juicy chicken 

on skewer form. Plus some fried pork, just in case. Street food is not at all common in Japan, at least not as much as in the rest of South East Asia. However, in very touristy areas the rule changes and it seens socially allowed to eat outside.

Each restaurant is decorated with 可愛い items, to attract people to come in. Japan is the culture of cuteness, where everyone has a mascot character to represent the entity in a way close to the people.

The inside of Bambi Restaurant. They have Teppan Yaki inserted on every table with an extractor to take all the smoke out.

Summer bells, that dance when the typhoon blows and spread wishes of peace and love.

Each Restaurant has its own way of advertising. Still, I am not quite sure that I get the point with the scarecrow :S