Visiting the Spots: Retracing the Footsteps of NFL Stars Part2
[Experimental Project] I visited the exact spots where NFL players took their photos in Japan—and tried to recreate them.
Welcome to Shinbashi!
Shinbashi is famous as Tokyo’s bustling “salaryman” (corporate worker) district, filled with narrow alleyways, glowing neon signs, and hundreds of traditional izakayas (Japanese pubs). It offers an authentic taste of Tokyo’s local nightlife and street culture—which is likely why these NFL players ended up exploring here!
Photo1
Spot: Shinbashi Yanagibashi dori 1
*Left: Jared Verse’s original photo / Right: Your humble webmaster*
I managed to pinpoint the exact location! Since the original photo was shot head-on, I was able to recreate it with pretty high accuracy.
Photo2
Spot: Shinbashi Yanagibashi dori 2
*Left: Jared Verse’s original photo / Right: Your humble webmaster*
Location locked down! This spot is just a few meters away from the first photo. I was able to match the angle fairly well here as well.
Photo3
Spot: New Shinbashi Bldg.
*Left: Jared Verse’s original photo / Right: Your humble webmaster*
Found the spot, but the angle didn't quite turn out right. With heavy foot traffic, taking a picture right in the middle of a busy pedestrian crossing proved to be pretty tough!
Photo4
Spot: Shinbashi Karasumori Shrine
*Left: Jared Verse’s original photo / Right: Your humble webmaster*
Shinbashi Karasumori Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine founded in the 10th century, uniquely tucked away in the middle of a bustling commercial district. It’s one of the few shrines dedicated to Amenouzume, the Shinto goddess of performing arts and entertainment.
Because the original photo was shot straight from the front, I think I got a pretty close recreation!
Photo5
Spot: Karasumori Miyawaki-dori Shimbashi
*Left: Jared Verse’s original photo / Right: Your humble webmaster*
With so many distinctive shop signs around, tracking this down was easy. It's located in a narrow alley just around the corner from Karasumori Shrine.
Photo6
Spot: Hakodate Ramen Funamizaka
*Left: Siran Neal’s original photo / Right: Your humble webmaster*
The store's sign was super clear, making this spot very easy to identify.
Spot: Shio Soba + Nori Tipping
Since I was there, I couldn't resist stopping in for a bowl! The delicate, seafood-infused salt broth was delicious. Even with extra seaweed topping, it cost around ¥1,000 (roughly $6–7 USD)—a fantastic value considering its prime location in Higashi-Ginza. Plus, it comes packed with toppings like bamboo shoots (menma), chashu pork, a soft-boiled egg, spinach, and a classic pink-swirl fish cake (naruto).
I wasn’t sure exactly what Siran Neal ordered, but next time I drop by, I’ll definitely ask the staff!
