11-7-2010

It's rare that I actually want ramen, but when I do I go to a specific shop.  Kamukura is a well-known chain and it happens to sell vegetarian ramen.  It's one of the rare places that doesn't use animal products in the broth itself so unless there's meat added afterward it'll be bonafide vegetarian ramen.  The side of fried gyoza is a nice touch.  The noodes and gyoza can be had for under ￥1000.

11-6-2010

Fox tails are a popular accessory right now.  Girls pay upwards of ￥3000 for these things sometimes, although these particular ones are a little cheaper.  Most clip them on the side, which looks a little weird, but I guess it helps keep them from getting in the way when sitting down...?

11-5-2010

Shinjuku station has lights in all the windows this year.  Not sure if it's been like this in the past, but it looks nice.  Not particularly Christmassy, but nice.

11-4-2010

Pot pie with potato cream filling, a nice warming meal to go with the chilly weather.

11-3-2010

Christmas starts early in Japan.  Nobody knows or cares about American Thanksgiving so the Halloween decorations are torn down around noon (or before!) on October 31st and the Christmas decorations go up, the Christmas music starts, and the biggest commercial push of the year begins.

Keep in mind the way Christmas is celebrated in Japan is essentially the way Valentine's Day is done in the US, so despite all the music and push, it's a romantic holiday.  It's also technically celebrated on December 24th, with cake and expensive gifts.  You'll find the Christmas decorations torn down and tossed to the curb as early as midnight on Christmas Eve, replaced by New Year.  Why?  You might say it's because New Year is the biggest holiday in Japanese culture.  I suspect is has more to do with milking Christmas and then milking New Year.  Buy! Buy! Buy! Sell! Sell! Sell!

Merry Consumermas, everyone.

11-2-2010

Shibuya is always alive with people, no matter what time of day or night.  Well, around 8-10am it's not too busy, but there are always people and you're never truly alone.

11-1-2010

No matter what time of year, there's always something in bloom.  It's nice to see so much green so late in the season.