GOURMET DESTINATION NUMBER ONE

When it comes to food, Boller says, Tokyo has everything. She finds the profusion of specialty restaurants simply amazing. "Every foreign visitor knows that there are sushi restaurants, but even food enthusiasts aren't really aware that there are so many very specific types of food establishments under the umbrella of Japanese cuisine. Tempura, teppanyaki, sukiyaki, oden-they are all unique and special. You'll see the chef of a tempura establishment, on the job for decades, cut an asparagus spear into thirds and deep-fry each part with just the right amount of time and temperature ... it's unbelievable." Boller also extols the respect and appreciation for excellent food she has witnessed in Japan. "Japanese chefs and producers place such great importance on ingredients and so much value on good-tasting food. Tokyo, above all, offers countless wonderful examples of this."

Boller considers the emphasis on traceability another highlight of Tokyo's food scene. "Identifying the source of foodstuffs and how they were produced is a growing trend these days, but the practice seems to be much more prevalent in Tokyo. It's really surprising to me to see grower information even in ordinary supermarkets. I'm also happy to see more farmers' markets popping up. I enjoy walking through those lively places. If you know what's in season at a particular time of year, you'll know what to be on the lookout for on restaurant menus."