Do You Commute?
02Nov09I had a lovely surprise waiting for me this Monday morning: my usual mode of transportation into work was cancelled! I commute by ferry, which is usually very relaxing, but this morning was a rush of lines and waiting, and stressing about which boat to take home 11 hours later. Do you commute, and if so, how do you travel?
Okonomiyaki:1 Me:0
30Sep09After nearly two weeks of being in Japan and dining on some of the best foods around, I found a dish I just couldn't eat: okonomiyaki. It's a kind of grilled pancake consisting of various types of meat and doused in the namesake sauce (and apparently one of Japan's favorite foods). I even tried yaki udon (prepared the same way, but instead of a pancake, it's fried noodles) with shrimp, but nothing worked. Nino says it was some of the best he's had, but I was not having any of it.
I was beaten by first-class okonomiyaki in Kyoto. At least the view from the restaurant was nice. Oh, and the beer was frosty cold, which brings good marks in my book.
I was beaten by first-class okonomiyaki in Kyoto. At least the view from the restaurant was nice. Oh, and the beer was frosty cold, which brings good marks in my book.
Knee Deep in Kyoto Culture
28Sep09We didn't realize before we arrived exactly how much there was to see in Kyoto, which is why we decided to stay our last night here rather than heading back to Tokyo (PS, our hotel is pretty phat, so it made the decision easy). Since we left the big city, we've hit up the Yokohama Ramen Museum (it's everything it's cracked up to be and more), and visited Yokosuka, Nino's hometown (which is full of sparkling surprises in little red boxes).
We've seen Kiomizudera and Kinkakuji temples, as well as the International Manga Museum, but stay tuned for more pics of a sampling of Kyoto's hundreds of shrines and temples. But for now, check out a few images of our first day in Kyoto when you read more.
We've seen Kiomizudera and Kinkakuji temples, as well as the International Manga Museum, but stay tuned for more pics of a sampling of Kyoto's hundreds of shrines and temples. But for now, check out a few images of our first day in Kyoto when you read more.Tokyo Game Show all Day, Shinjuku by Night
24Sep09I knew before coming here that I'd be moving around a lot, but I had no idea that my legs would be this sore from doing the only thing they are really required to do: walk. I think we've walked at least four to five hours a day getting from one place to another. My nine hours of sitting at a desk every day have not served me well in preparation for this fact.
We spent the morning at the Tokyo Game Show (which BTW does not mean that we were ON a Japanese game show — we are nerds and went to a video game conference), which meant even more walking and standing and walking some more. Loved the games, but my sore legs did not love all the walking.
Last night as the sun was going down we headed out to the busy Shinjuku area of Tokyo in the Kabukicho district. Lights, and thousands of people lined the streets to eat, play, and karaoke. Have I told you about the karaoke?! There's a Karaoke-Kon on almost every corner. This is my kind of place.
We spent the morning at the Tokyo Game Show (which BTW does not mean that we were ON a Japanese game show — we are nerds and went to a video game conference), which meant even more walking and standing and walking some more. Loved the games, but my sore legs did not love all the walking.
Last night as the sun was going down we headed out to the busy Shinjuku area of Tokyo in the Kabukicho district. Lights, and thousands of people lined the streets to eat, play, and karaoke. Have I told you about the karaoke?! There's a Karaoke-Kon on almost every corner. This is my kind of place.
The Japanese Sure Know How to Do Donuts
23Sep09I usually stick to donuts with sprinkles, but I'm so glad I went outside my comfort zone during our trip to Akihabara yesterday. Nino remembers Mister Donut from his childhood in Japan (and can still sing the commercial) so we stopped in for a treat.
Not to put the States down, but I'm not kidding about the title of this post — the Japanese produce some amazing foods, one of which is donuts. A variety of creme filled, powdered and frosted delights greeted me at the door. I got the Angel donut in the wrapper, which was chocolate cake filled with the lightest and silkiest cream I've ever tasted, topped with a thin, but oh-so-rich layer of chocolate topping, and paired it with an iced coffee to combat the humid heat we were walking in. I was in heaven. No, no — this is Japan.
Not to put the States down, but I'm not kidding about the title of this post — the Japanese produce some amazing foods, one of which is donuts. A variety of creme filled, powdered and frosted delights greeted me at the door. I got the Angel donut in the wrapper, which was chocolate cake filled with the lightest and silkiest cream I've ever tasted, topped with a thin, but oh-so-rich layer of chocolate topping, and paired it with an iced coffee to combat the humid heat we were walking in. I was in heaven. No, no — this is Japan.
Early Morning Sushi Breakfast to Dai for at Tsukiji Fish Market
23Sep09Persist and you will succeed! Our second attempt at the Tsukiji Fish Market was an overwhelming WIN with breakfast consisting of sushi and beer at 5:00am — breakfast of champions. The chef set was a selection of the 10 best and freshest fish caught just hours before opening and a roll for around $35 dollars. A steal if you're comparing the cost from those in the states.
Although I am a big fan of Tanuki in the Richmond district of SF, and think it's the best place in the city, this fish easily surpasses that which you find anywhere outside of Japan. Fresh uni? It's to die for. Hence the name of the restaurant: Sushi Dai. Check out more pics of our breakfast, as well as other photos of the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market and auction after the jump. Warning: triple X sushi porn ahead when you read more.
Although I am a big fan of Tanuki in the Richmond district of SF, and think it's the best place in the city, this fish easily surpasses that which you find anywhere outside of Japan. Fresh uni? It's to die for. Hence the name of the restaurant: Sushi Dai. Check out more pics of our breakfast, as well as other photos of the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market and auction after the jump. Warning: triple X sushi porn ahead when you read more. Akihabara: A Geeks Dream (And Other Tales From Tokyo)
23Sep09It's hard to believe we've been here for a day, and it seems as if we've been here for much longer. This could be due to our nearly 22 hour day on arrival and wacked sleep patterns. After our fish-less walk yesterday morning, we headed out for some sightseeing at Ueno Park (home to a few temples and shrines), the Imperial Palace, and Akihabara.
Although there was much culture to digest in the first two destinations, the highlight of our day was Akihabara — the electric district and here's why: Since we were up so early, we got to Ueno park before the shrines and temples even opened, and we couldn't get up close and personal with the Imperial Palace. Apparently, the Emperor still claims it as his residence. Either that or a tour guide with a sense of humor was messing with our foreign minds.
If you're looking for a gadget, game, or high tech rice cooker, Akihabara is the place to be. Check out more pics from our day when you read on.
Although there was much culture to digest in the first two destinations, the highlight of our day was Akihabara — the electric district and here's why: Since we were up so early, we got to Ueno park before the shrines and temples even opened, and we couldn't get up close and personal with the Imperial Palace. Apparently, the Emperor still claims it as his residence. Either that or a tour guide with a sense of humor was messing with our foreign minds.
If you're looking for a gadget, game, or high tech rice cooker, Akihabara is the place to be. Check out more pics from our day when you read on. Tsukiji Fish Market FAIL
22Sep09After a 14 hour journey, we finally arrived in Tokyo yesterday! We immediately dropped our bags and headed out to the Shibuya district to catch some action and finally eat a full meal. There's nothing like authentic ramen from the source — and we haven't even been to the Ramen Museum yet!
Its well known that if you want fresh sushi, you head to the Tsukiji Fish Market for mind-blowing fish, so we headed out at 4:00 am this morning for a pre-dawn walk to the market, but a national holiday stopped us from indulging. There's always tomorrow. Instead, we had this great oyako donburi (chicken, egg and onions over rice) for breakfast. I know the chopsticks in the bowl is a bad omen, but I had to grab this pic quick before diving in.
Its well known that if you want fresh sushi, you head to the Tsukiji Fish Market for mind-blowing fish, so we headed out at 4:00 am this morning for a pre-dawn walk to the market, but a national holiday stopped us from indulging. There's always tomorrow. Instead, we had this great oyako donburi (chicken, egg and onions over rice) for breakfast. I know the chopsticks in the bowl is a bad omen, but I had to grab this pic quick before diving in.
Indulge In Your Noodle Fantasies at the Yokohama Ramen Museum
15Sep09If you can suck it up and take the hour-long commute (or 15 minute bullet train trip) from Tokyo to the bustling city of Yokohama, you'll find the amazing Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum . This landmark is a must-see for any ramen or Japanese food fanatic, since the "Disneyland of Noodles" is three floors of history, souvenirs, and food. Oh, the sweet noodle food.
Modeled to look like the busy Japanese business district from the 1950's, there are nine specially selected ramen shops from around the country for you to savor and slurp. Admission is only 300 yen (about $3), and bowls of ramen start at around 900 yen ($10). The best part? They are open till 11pm, which is great news for all you night owls that need a cup of noodle soup to end your day. Check out more pics of the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum when you read more.
Modeled to look like the busy Japanese business district from the 1950's, there are nine specially selected ramen shops from around the country for you to savor and slurp. Admission is only 300 yen (about $3), and bowls of ramen start at around 900 yen ($10). The best part? They are open till 11pm, which is great news for all you night owls that need a cup of noodle soup to end your day. Check out more pics of the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum when you read more. 
