Ep 6. Tokyo

In the fifth season of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, the adventurous chef and traveler takes his palate and his audience to Tokyo. The sixth episode of this season is aptly named Tokyo.

As soon as the show starts, Bourdain leads his viewers to the bustling streets of Tokyo, Japan's cosmopolitan capital. The sci-fi-like cityscape, the neon-lit buildings, the distinct fashion, the enormous crowds, and the non-stop energy, all of these become the background of Bourdain's journey.

Bourdain is not alone in his quest for a memorable culinary experience. He meets up with a few of his local friends who have paved the way for him to uncover the food scene of Tokyo. They welcome him with open arms, inviting him to share the diverse flavors of Japanese cuisine, which are not only delicious but also deeply rooted in culture and history.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain savors a range of dishes from different culinary styles, from street food to fine dining. Each moment is transformative, from trying the freshest seafood at the Tsukiji fish market, one of the largest in the world, to tasting the rich and savory flavors of the famous ramen noodles, to exploring the vibrant world of sushi, and finally, to indulge in the Wagyu beef that is produced locally and globally coveted.

The show also highlights how important etiquette and nuances are in Japanese cuisine. Bourdain dives deep into the cultural and historic of these nuances, such as how to use chopsticks properly, how to pour the perfect cup of sake, and how to eat and present various dishes.

But the episode is not just about food. Bourdain is seen visiting some of the must-visit sights in Tokyo, such as the laundry robot, the bizarre themed restaurants, the fashion district, and the Tsukiji Market that came into limelight after countless tourists flipped over the scary crawly screams, becoming the world's largest fish market in its heyday. He also wanders around the immaculate streets and upholds the age-old custom of Japanese relaxation by visiting an Onsen, in which Bourdain found peace and stress-busting vibes.

As always, Bourdain takes a non-traditional approach to his adventures. He exposes the gritty, less glamorous side of Tokyo, showing urgency in ensuring the relevance of the food culture of Japan's past, present, and future, which keeps evolving. Bourdain explores the depths of Tokyo, where the locals live, where the everyday people eat, where the influence of western culture exists, and which restaurants and dining spots they frequent the most.

Overall, the Tokyo episode of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations takes the viewers on a journey of discovery to one of the most exciting cities of the world. It offers insights into the fascinating world of Japanese cuisine and culture, touching all the senses, including visual, emotional, and spiritual. It is a perfect homage to the great city of Tokyo and its food culture, a must-see in the Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations series.