Tokyo Blog

Budweiser Carnival

tokyoblogger10 — Tue, 29 May 2007 01:31:33 +0000

There are plenty of strange drinking establishments in Tokyo, but one that all American beer lovers cannot miss is the Budweiser Carnival near Shimbashi station. This bar serves only overpriced Budweiser and extra marginal food. However, you are treated to waitresses wearing skimpy Bud-themed dresses (and by dresses I basically mean t-shirts) who liven up the evening. There is even a part of the night when an American guy starts going through his repertoire of cheesy disco music. Sorry, no pictures allowed.

Scantily clad women serving real American beer? Bring it on!

Cafe Latino

Christina — Tue, 01 May 2007 07:07:33 +0000

Clubbing in Roppongi provides seemingly endless possibilities. Whatever style of music you like, whatever your age, you can find a good fit. For adults who love to latin dance, El Cafe Latino is fabulous. With two floors of dancing space, there's plenty of room to move. Partners are easy to find, and many of the customers (and staff) really know how to salsa! Weekends get crowded after midnight, but it's such a friendly crowd that nobody minds the proximity.

Walk from Harajuku to Omotesando

Christina — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 14:07:21 +0000

One of the best shopping walks in Tokyo starts with the hubbub of Harajuku. Famous for its wild fashions and bustling street life, Harajuku is a great place to find simple, affordable treasures. Cool secondhand shops, accessories stalls, and any sort of goth/schoolgirl/Vegas showgirl costume you might have in mind can be found there.There are a few good restaurants in Harajuku, but we usually prefer to eat in Omostesando, which is also a fun destination. Unfortunately, the subway that gets us there can be inconvenient, so we like to take the Yamanote line to Harajuku and walk up to Barbocoa or one of the many Omotesando eateries for dinner. As you progress to Omotesando, the shops gradually become more upscale. Once you've passed the Gap and Condomania, you'll begin to notice changes in the storefronts. It's a subtle shift, beginning as you pass the Camper store. Once you've hit the Dolce and Gabanna carousel display, you've hit the land of no return. Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo- you name it, it's there. For afternoon shoppers, Anniversary Cafe has outdoor seating, which allows you to soak up the glow of all those upscale goods while watching newly married couples and their entourages promenade to waiting limos.

Il Mulino

Christina — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 05:06:52 +0000

Il Mulino is, without question, the most romantic restaurant my husband and I have found in Tokyo. We love authentic Italian food, so we're thrilled when we can find anything that resembles what we've enjoyed in Italy. For us, Il Mulino is the perfect marriage of ambience and great food. The setting is dimly lit by candles. The music is subtle, and the service is gracious. We've learned to come slightly before our reservation, in order to enjoy a cocktail in the lounge, which is elegantly decorated with soft couches and low tables. After enjoying a drink, we are taken to our table, where appetizers are either waiting or appear immediately. Potatoes with garlic and bruschetta are part of the standard service. We always order a caprese salad, whichis always fresh, and is large enough for two people. The main courses range from pasta to hearty meat dishes and seafood.

Il Mulino is expensive. If you've been to the New York Grill, expect to pay similar prices. However, it's worth every cent.

Budokan

Christina — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 06:39:22 +0000

I made my first trip to the Budokan last night. The full name of the arena is Nippon Budokan, but it most people just say the Budokan. Even though the building is usually used for martial arts, it's also great for rock concerts. The Beatles played the Budokan in 1966, and the space has been used by many other groups, from Cheap Trick to Beyonce. It's a great space. The standing area on the floor is divided into roped areas, so that no one crowds the stage, although it's hard for me to imagine such behavior here. Most of the upper seating provides a good view of the show.

Beck was playing last night. We were lucky enough to catch the last show of his tour. The concert was amazing. The songs seemed to be a bit shortnened, but I'm not a fan of concerts that drag on. I'd rather hear a lot of songs, especially from someone whose career has been as long and productive as Beck's. On the stage behind the band was a puppet show that included a puppet version of each band member. The puppets came complete with a light show, all of which was projected onto a video screen behind the band. Japanese audiences are great. Some people in my group thought the audience was too reserved, but I like to see people dancing and genuinely enjoying the music without being obnoxious.

To get to the Budokan, you can catch the Tozai Line to Kudanshita. Walk in the direction of Yasukuni Shrine.

St. Patrick's Day in Japan

Archived — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 16:03:34 +0000

Japanese people like to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Here's some pics from the parade in Yokohama. Enjoy!

Lost in Translation in Japan

Archived — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 09:05:18 +0000

I don't know how many people have ever seen this Bill Murray movie, but a lot of it exemplifies the typical Japanese language experience for foreigners.

Here's the vexing thing about the Japanese people. They all studied English in junior high and high school (it's mandatory), but very few of them ever dare speak it. Even some of the English teachers that the schools cannot speak conversational English so you're left with Japanglish. Yet, ironically, everyone can read English and more or less understand English letters and words, but if you're thinking that just because a restaurant has items in English, you can also order in English, then you're just setting yourself up for disappointment.

My best advice is point to pictures/items on the menu that you want and always carry a little conversation/translation book with you at all times. It will be the best investment you can make for your trip to Japan.

More Harajuku

Archived — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 10:54:55 +0000

To add to Tokyoblogger4's post, here's some pics I took in Harajuku. To get there, you either take the JR Yamanote line to Harajuku station or the Tokyo subway Chiyoda line to Meiji-Jingumae.

Harajuku

tokyoblogger4 — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 07:23:06 +0000

Photo by Vanessa Oguchi

Hop of the Yamanote train to Harajuku. An interesting stop between Shinjuku and Shibuya where you can find many teens dressed in their Gothic Lolita outfits. Sundays tend to be the busiest where many of these costumed teens are happy to pose for you. These wildly dressed teens are there to show off their shocking outfits. If you are lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of the rockabilly dancers just in front of Yoyogi Park. Harajuku tends to be the place to buy trendy goods for Japanese youth.

Hanami - Flower Viewing

tokyoblogger4 — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 07:04:43 +0000

Photos by Vanessa Oguchi

With the warmer weather here in Tokyo, flower viewing is coming early this year! Japanese people gather at parks to sit under the blossomed trees and drink with their friends. It is a big deal for the Japanese....many of them come prepared with their food, booze, blankets, and nabe pots. Right now, the ume blossoms are blooming, and soon the cherry blossoms will bloom. Popular places include Ueno Park and Yoyogi Park. In Yoyogi, DJs even set up at night, and you can enjoy yozakura (night flower viewing). Not to be missed and one of the highlights of Japanese events in Japan!