This curry restaurant might have the worst location in Tokyo…or maybe the best

In the heart of Tokyo, there lies a curry restaurant that may have the worst or perhaps the best location. Spice Curry Alk Road has earned its spot among the top 100 curry eateries in the city, according to Tabelog, thanks to its impressive customer ratings. Situated just a minute's walk from Iidabashi Station, one might assume it possesses an ideal location. However, upon visiting, it becomes apparent that its position could also be considered suboptimal.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, the signage proudly displays “カレー” (the Japanese word for curry) along with the characters for “Joto,” indicating the presence of a Joto Curry chain nearby. This could lead unsuspecting patrons to believe that Alk Road has vacated the premises and been replaced by a Joto branch. Although such occurrences are not uncommon in Japan, as it can help reduce renovation expenses, the situation takes a peculiar turn when one examines the entrance to Joto Curry.

Interestingly, both Joto Curry and Alk Road are listed on the noren (the cloth banner hanging above the entrance). The confusion deepens as you enter the establishment, as the first floor belongs to Joto Curry. To locate Alk Road, you must turn right and follow the arrows up the stairs to the second floor, ultimately discovering the independent curry joint.