Can't get enough of sushi...

Kaiten-zushi.

Every week I probably get at least one instance where I crave kaiten sushi.  I mean, I crave sushi in general, but kaiten is the way to go when you're an exchange student on a budget with no source of income.  Yes.  

It's just so cheap, compared to actual sushi bars or restaurants.  2 pieces of sushi, with big pieces of fish on top for 130 yen.  Better fish = more expensive of course.  But you never go for those, duh.  

I usually go to the place I blogged about before.  After class with a couple of friends - it's a no-brainer.  But I discovered this new place right around the corner that looked like it had more seats, more selection, and bigger variation in prices from 85 yen to 300.  

Akihabara

Akihabara.  Otaku heaven.

Otaku, or, 'anime nerds', are people (usually men I find), who have a huge fascination with all things anime.  Anime girls, dating simulation games, pillows, sex toys, porn, maid outfits etc etc can all be found in Akihabara!  

The picture above is a line of otakus waiting for some sort of otaku related event and/or convention.

This was my first time in Akiba (for short), and it was mind blowing.  The things companies come up with to cater to the anime lovers and sex maniacs!  There's an 'adult dvd' store on every corner (and on every building's 2nd floor or basement), there are sex shops aplenty selling masturbation gadgets and blow up dolls, all mixed in along with games, figurines and manga stores.  And then, MEN EVERYWHERE! The only girls I saw were ones dressed up as a maid or anime-like character handing out fliers to maid cafes.  And then a few other girls were like me, a tourist staring in awe at all the nerdiness.  

Food, Food and More Food

I have a big pile of food pictures that I want to talk about.  I'm just going to pile them all into one post.  Each week or so, I go out with friends to eat at a restaurant we've never been to before.  Below is just a sampling of what Tokyo has to offer.

First up, is a regular izakaya in Gotanda, called Doma-Doma.  It is a bit more upscale and pricey than those 270 yen ones I blogged about before.  Each drink and dish has its own price, and it can get a little overwhelming at the end when you see the receipt.  Most of the food is regular izakaya fare, but what I wanted to show here is something different and a bit unique to this izakaya.

Weird Vending Machine #3 and #4

It's time for another series of....drumroll pls...weird vending machines!

This one I found when we took a 1.5 hr bus out of Tokyo to the Gotemba Premium Outlets (btw, not worth it.  I'll write a post about it soon).  This is an umbrella vending machine!  There's 2 sizes for your convenience! I think the cheapest one was around 500 yen.  These particular umbrella's aren't anything special.  They're just those regular clear ones you can buy at any convenience store.  

McDonald's in Japan

Whether you're in a rush, on a budget, or it's late at night and you can't be bothered to cook, McDonald's is always a safe bet for decent and filling food.  It's no different in Tokyo.  I've eaten McDonald's at least 5-6 times since I've been here.  It's not that I love it (ok maybe I do a little), but I'm usually too lazy to eat anything else.

One thing that I wanted to do was to try all the different Japan-only items on the menu.  So one day after school I went to pick up this new advertised burger from McD's.  Lately in Japan, Korean culture has been a real hit.  Korean food is abundant and Korean idols are always in your face.  So obviously McD's would want to cash in on the Korean kimchi wagon.  They introduced this burger called the KBQ Burger.

So this is what the outside of it looks like.

Ghibli Museum

Everyone knows Ghibli right?  If you don't it's a real shame...

Spirited Away? My Neighbor Totoro? Kiki's Delivery Service?  If those don't ring a bell, then I don't know what to do with you...sigh.

Weird Vending Machine #2!

What's that, you say?  It looks like an ordinary vending machine to me, you're thinking?  Well you are mistaken. This vending machine is awesome!