Bunkyo-ku: Starting from the University of Tokyo, I walked through the heat and finally arrived at Aoyama Reien in Minato-ku, where I waited for my husband at Shibuya Station, and met Hachiko statue. I saw Hachiko's figure and came to pay respects at Hachiko's grave. It was so hot in the middle of August during the Bon Festival, with no way to avoid the sunlight in the cemetery. I walked through the cemetery and found Hachiko's monument. Hachiko continued to wait for the professor at Shibuya Station for about 10 years after his passing, quietly dying in a back alley behind the station. The cause of death was heartworm disease. Upon being dissected, several skewers of grilled chicken were found in his stomach. He seemed to have lost the strength to remove the meat, but he still waited for the professor at Shibuya Station. Passed away on March 8, 1935. Hachiko's skin was made into a stuffed specimen and taken to a museum, while some of his organs and bones were buried at the grave of his beloved professor in this Aoyama Reien. My friend and I prayed, left the cemetery, and went to a flower shop & café called "Chibaya" right in front of Aoyama Reien. Sweaty, runny nose, and teary-eyed, the two middle-aged men enjoyed some shaved ice. The green apple shaved ice was delicious. It was a bit extravagant to have shaved ice in this scorching weather, but speed and recharge are important. The handmade shaved ice was delicious, and the lady at the shop said, "Tea and water are good too, but shaved ice really cools you down." The 29th Hachiko Walking Tour. Flowers were offered at the small Hachiko grave. The end.

Bibimbap for 1050 yen in front of Aoyama Reien. Despite being in a prime location in Aoyama, it feels like visiting your grandmother's house in the countryside. It comes with coffee jelly and a drink after the meal, allowing you to relax on the terrace.

On a sunny afternoon, I stumbled upon a shop while walking. I'm not sure if the main focus is the flower shop or the cafe, but right in front of me is Aoyama Cemetery. I decided to try the stuffed cabbage from the menu. The shop had a pleasant breeze flowing through, and the greenery of the cemetery added to the peaceful atmosphere. The stuffed cabbage was served in a soup with potatoes and topped with cheese, giving it a homely taste. The rice was cooked in a pot, giving it a chewy texture. It came with three kinds of pickles that complemented the meal well. For 750 yen, it also included free refills of coffee, which was a good deal. The coffee was a bit weak, but the overall experience was enjoyable. It might be a bit chilly in winter, but the cozy ambiance is hard to beat. It's a rare spot where you can relax and have a leisurely tea even on weekdays when there are fewer people passing by. On a later visit, I tried the cold noodles, which had a generous amount of ingredients, especially the shredded egg. I ended up eating the leftover ingredients like the shredded egg as if it were soba noodles. Despite that, the chirping sparrows that came to play added to the heartwarming atmosphere of the afternoon.

This is a café located in a corner of a flower shop in front of Aoyama Cemetery. It seems to mainly cater to those visiting graves. Today, the weather was nice and the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, so two colleagues and I had the curry set. The set includes curry, a drink (I ordered iced coffee), jelly, and chocolate for 700 yen. This seems to be a reasonable price around here. The curry is not like restaurant-style curry, but more like home-cooked curry with chunks of potatoes and carrots, and it is quite filling. To be honest, it's more about enjoying the location than the food itself (especially during cherry blossom season). The service from the lady at the café was casual and friendly, giving off a rural vibe that made me feel like I was in the countryside. I would like to visit this place again.

A café located right in front of the famous cherry blossom spot, Aoyama Cemetery. It's hard to get a reservation during lunchtime in cherry blossom season. They have a self-service drink bar, which is convenient. They offer about four meal options, so it's best to order when making a reservation to avoid popular items being sold out. The staple menu includes cabbage rolls, stone bibimbap, and curry. Sometimes they also have mixed rice dishes using seasonal ingredients. The food may seem amateurish, but the great location makes it a perfect spot for a refreshing lunch break.