Libre, has American style burritos and various other Mexican dishes. Inspired by mexican food in San Francisco this place hits the spot. So far it is the best Mexican food I have had in Tokyo.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Missing Mexican Meals?
When I lived in San Diego, I would eat Mexican food once or twice a week. Living in Tokyo has really made it hard to fill my cravings, but luckily this year a new restaurant opened up in the Aoyama/Omotesando area.
Libre, has American style burritos and various other Mexican dishes. Inspired by mexican food in San Francisco this place hits the spot. So far it is the best Mexican food I have had in Tokyo.
Libre, has American style burritos and various other Mexican dishes. Inspired by mexican food in San Francisco this place hits the spot. So far it is the best Mexican food I have had in Tokyo.
Paper vs. Plastic
In Tokyo every thing is so expensive, so it's nice to find ways to save money. One way I have found is that when shopping for drinks at the convenient store, always buy the drinks in the paper cartons, you get more drink and it will normally be 50 yen or so cheaper!
These cost around the same, but the one on the right holds double!
Aoyama Gakuin's Trip to Yamanashi
On Friday, the International Exchange Center from my school organized a trip to the Yamanashi prefecture. Yamanashi is a rural mountain area, being there was really refreshing compared to being in the city all the time.
It was about a 2 hour bus ride from our campus to the first location, where we rode a ropeway up a mountain. At the top was a shrine and a view point for Mt. Fuji. We were alloted twenty minutes and then were told to return to the base of the mountain to eat lunch.
Lunch was amazing, and very filling. It consisted of various local dishes and a special noodle dish which was similar to udon.
After lunch we returned on the bus, and drove to a community center type building, to make a kaleidoscope, which was actually very fun. It was also very interesting to see the inner workings of a kaleidoscope.
Then it was back to the buses, where we relocated to a grape vine area. We were allowed to cut grapes off the vine and eat them right away. It was really nice to finally have a decent amount of fruit, because I rarely eat it here because it is too expensive.
Here is a video of the highlights of the trip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQFG-WcLGfg
It was about a 2 hour bus ride from our campus to the first location, where we rode a ropeway up a mountain. At the top was a shrine and a view point for Mt. Fuji. We were alloted twenty minutes and then were told to return to the base of the mountain to eat lunch.
(Mt.Fuji)
(The leaves are starting to change)
After lunch we returned on the bus, and drove to a community center type building, to make a kaleidoscope, which was actually very fun. It was also very interesting to see the inner workings of a kaleidoscope.
Then it was back to the buses, where we relocated to a grape vine area. We were allowed to cut grapes off the vine and eat them right away. It was really nice to finally have a decent amount of fruit, because I rarely eat it here because it is too expensive.
Here is a video of the highlights of the trip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQFG-WcLGfg
Monday, October 24, 2011
Tokyo Giants at Tokyo Dome
I have always been told to attend a Japanese baseball game, and I am glad I did.
First of all, Tokyo Dome is such a unique and massive stadium, holding roughly 55,000 people at maximum occupancy. For architecture fans it is a must see. Many famous artists have held live events here including Michael Jackson, Ayumi Hamasaki, Koda Kumi, and Mariah Carey.
Japanese baseball fans are so enthusiastic, it is more fun watching them then actually watching the game. In the cheering sections there is a trumpet and drum player leading chants for each batter up at the plate. The cheers will go on the entire time they are up at bat, finally ending when they are struck out or make it on to a base.
On a sadder note, I do feel very bad for the various beer girls, who are constantly walking around with a mini keg on their bag, sweating in their ridiculous uniforms. (On a happier note, I hear they get paid very well!)
Also outside the park is a small amusement park and shopping mall, which is worth checking out before or after an event.
First of all, Tokyo Dome is such a unique and massive stadium, holding roughly 55,000 people at maximum occupancy. For architecture fans it is a must see. Many famous artists have held live events here including Michael Jackson, Ayumi Hamasaki, Koda Kumi, and Mariah Carey.
Japanese baseball fans are so enthusiastic, it is more fun watching them then actually watching the game. In the cheering sections there is a trumpet and drum player leading chants for each batter up at the plate. The cheers will go on the entire time they are up at bat, finally ending when they are struck out or make it on to a base.
On a sadder note, I do feel very bad for the various beer girls, who are constantly walking around with a mini keg on their bag, sweating in their ridiculous uniforms. (On a happier note, I hear they get paid very well!)
Also outside the park is a small amusement park and shopping mall, which is worth checking out before or after an event.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Tokyo Rockabilly: Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park around Harajuku station, is an interesting place in itself. It is a quiet escape from the hectic city, a place to enjoy a sunny day or a romantic walk at night. But to make this place more interesting, on Sunday you can see the Tokyo Rockabilly Club.
What is the Tokyo Rockabilly Club?
I am still asking myself that! What I do know is that if you make your way to the entrance of Yoyogi Park on a Sunday you can see men and women dressed in the 1950's sock hop fashion, dancing away to rock music. It is definitely an experience that every person who comes to visit Tokyo should see.
What is the Tokyo Rockabilly Club?
I am still asking myself that! What I do know is that if you make your way to the entrance of Yoyogi Park on a Sunday you can see men and women dressed in the 1950's sock hop fashion, dancing away to rock music. It is definitely an experience that every person who comes to visit Tokyo should see.
In my youtube video you can see them at 3:34
Hand Sanitizer
One of the things I love most about this country is the abundant amount of hand sanitizer. Being a slight germaphobe it is hard to live in one of the most condensed city. There are always people constantly breathing and coughing on you, but too make things better, almost everywhere you go, you can find hand sanitizer!
Even if you can't find it, before a meal you are normally given a paper towelet to wash your hands.
In a city this crowded, with people constantly coming and going from all over the world, the only way to keep people healthy, is to try and prevent the outbreak of disease with constantly cleaning your hands.
Overall, this city is a paradox for germaphobes, on the one hand there are always people bumping into you, everyone touches the same handles on the subway, and there are so many ways to share germs. On the flip side, it is a germaphobes paradise equipped with everything you need to combat germs.
Even if you can't find it, before a meal you are normally given a paper towelet to wash your hands.
In a city this crowded, with people constantly coming and going from all over the world, the only way to keep people healthy, is to try and prevent the outbreak of disease with constantly cleaning your hands.
Overall, this city is a paradox for germaphobes, on the one hand there are always people bumping into you, everyone touches the same handles on the subway, and there are so many ways to share germs. On the flip side, it is a germaphobes paradise equipped with everything you need to combat germs.
Best Burger in Tokyo: Kua'Aina Hawaiian Burgers?
Hands down Kua'Aina is in the top ten list of the best hamburgers that I have ever had, and probably the best hamburger I have had in Tokyo!
Kua'Aina is an international mini-chain, with locations in the U.K, Honolulu, and Tokyo. I have only been to the Shibuya location, but plan on trying the Aoyama one very soon (closer to my school). The atmosphere is very relaxing, a great place to relax from the hectic Shibuya area. When you first walk in you hear Hawaiin music, which always puts you in a great mood. The burgers take about 15-20 minutes to cook, but it is well worth the wait.
They have an avocado burger, pineapple burger, bacon-cheese burger, and a few other flavors. If you are missing your fix of acai bowls they also have those for 300 yen.
Even if your just on vacation here and only want to eat Japanese food, I still recommend this place because who knew you would find one of the best burgers on the other side of the world!
Kua'Aina is an international mini-chain, with locations in the U.K, Honolulu, and Tokyo. I have only been to the Shibuya location, but plan on trying the Aoyama one very soon (closer to my school). The atmosphere is very relaxing, a great place to relax from the hectic Shibuya area. When you first walk in you hear Hawaiin music, which always puts you in a great mood. The burgers take about 15-20 minutes to cook, but it is well worth the wait.
They have an avocado burger, pineapple burger, bacon-cheese burger, and a few other flavors. If you are missing your fix of acai bowls they also have those for 300 yen.
Even if your just on vacation here and only want to eat Japanese food, I still recommend this place because who knew you would find one of the best burgers on the other side of the world!
(Their website contains enough english to help you find a location near you!)
Mori Tower- Roppongi Hills
In an earlier post, I talked about Tokyo Tower being one of the most beautiful views in the city. With that being said, Mori Tower is one of its biggest competitors.
The reason I enjoyed Mori Tower at night is that you can see Tokyo Tower and appreciate how beautiful it looks lit up. The downside of Mori Tower is that you do not get a 360 degree view, compared to Tokyo Tower.
Also attached with your ticket is admission to the Metabolism Museum (Metabolism is a post World War II architectural movement)
I believe the entrance fee is around 1500 yen to 2000 yen.
If you would like to enjoy a small meal or a cup of coffee there are plenty of cafes scattered through out the viewing area.
For more info: http://www.roppongihills.com/tcv/en/
The reason I enjoyed Mori Tower at night is that you can see Tokyo Tower and appreciate how beautiful it looks lit up. The downside of Mori Tower is that you do not get a 360 degree view, compared to Tokyo Tower.
Also attached with your ticket is admission to the Metabolism Museum (Metabolism is a post World War II architectural movement)
I believe the entrance fee is around 1500 yen to 2000 yen.
If you would like to enjoy a small meal or a cup of coffee there are plenty of cafes scattered through out the viewing area.
For more info: http://www.roppongihills.com/tcv/en/
Mercedes-Benz Tokyo Fashion Week
Tokyo is one of the most fashionable cities I have ever visited. From going to the supermarket to attending class, everyone is always dressed to the nines. This is very hard for foreigners to keep up with (I have always been someone comfortable in sweatpants and a t-shirt).
Tokyo fashion is very unique, mixing and matching brands from the east and the west, this style of clothing represents the city perfectly. Women are always found in high heels and surprisingly, men carry purses.
I got the chance to work at the Mercedes Benz Tokyo Fashion Week-Shiroma Fashion Show. I worked at the reception, so I greeted buyers and the press as they made their way to the show room. The designer, Shiroma-san mixed vintage and new styles together to create an impressive line up worn by models brought in from Europe.
On Saturday, I was lucky enough to end the Fashion Week After Party at the Mercedes-Benz Connection in Roppongi. The whole car show room was transformed into a night club with a full bar, dj and, plenty of beautiful people.
Tokyo fashion is very unique, mixing and matching brands from the east and the west, this style of clothing represents the city perfectly. Women are always found in high heels and surprisingly, men carry purses.
I got the chance to work at the Mercedes Benz Tokyo Fashion Week-Shiroma Fashion Show. I worked at the reception, so I greeted buyers and the press as they made their way to the show room. The designer, Shiroma-san mixed vintage and new styles together to create an impressive line up worn by models brought in from Europe.
Nicki Minaj's stylist in Japan
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Ikegami Festival
Went to the Ikegami Festival on Wednesday night (October 13th). I had a great time and it was definitely different from what I expected. Instead of quiet ceremony I thought would occur, the streets were flooded with people and food stands.
The highlight of the festival was all of the amazing street food that I was able to try.
The highlight of the festival was all of the amazing street food that I was able to try.
McDonalds in Japan
McDonalds in Japan is a lot nicer than the ones in the United States. They seem to be marketed more towards adults. Also the menu is a little different, featuring items like the Fried Shrimp Burger, and Teriyaki Burger.
Many of the McDonalds are multiple stories, with the first floor being the cash register and the second and third floors for seating.
The food is prepared here with more care and by a very polite and friendly staff.
Many of the McDonalds are multiple stories, with the first floor being the cash register and the second and third floors for seating.
The food is prepared here with more care and by a very polite and friendly staff.
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