The fantasy
April 5, 2007
Visiting Japan is like getting to live in a sci fi movie. The city of Tokyo is at least 10 years ahead of the rest of the world when it comes to technology, with vending machines selling anything you can think of and cars and cell phones that look like they came out of the Fifth Element. The clothing, the uniforms, it all seems like I am immersed in some action flick and a spacecraft is about land somewhere.
This is possibly my last trip to Japan. I have really come to love this country. It is so easy to take the train and get out of the fast moving high pressure cities and into the provincial capitals and countryside that is so unique and interesting. The culture is so deep and mysterious, with zen temples and Shinto shrines that seem to be somehow hiding the secret of life the universe and everything, if only you stayed for a few lifetimes to study. In japan, everything has a place - even the trash has to be sorted by recycling type or they won't take it away.
This weekend I think I am going to try and see Mt. Fuji. It is hard to believe I haven't seen it yet in all my trips, but If I wait any longer I might miss it.
and now for Haiku
A Cherry Blossom
I Search for answers in the east
Mt. Fuji Rises
This is possibly my last trip to Japan. I have really come to love this country. It is so easy to take the train and get out of the fast moving high pressure cities and into the provincial capitals and countryside that is so unique and interesting. The culture is so deep and mysterious, with zen temples and Shinto shrines that seem to be somehow hiding the secret of life the universe and everything, if only you stayed for a few lifetimes to study. In japan, everything has a place - even the trash has to be sorted by recycling type or they won't take it away.
This weekend I think I am going to try and see Mt. Fuji. It is hard to believe I haven't seen it yet in all my trips, but If I wait any longer I might miss it.
and now for Haiku
A Cherry Blossom
I Search for answers in the east
Mt. Fuji Rises
I hope that you will be able to forgive me for writing a review about a general class of restaurants instead of a single spot, but in my defense, the numerous conveyor belt sushi restaurants of Japan are so similar in their design that the review could apply to any.
The ubiquitous conveyor belt sushi restaurants may not be the most vaunted dining establishments in Japan, but in my opinion, they represent both one of the best tasting and most authentic experiences of modern japan. The restaurants have a universal design, with bar stools surrounding a central island where the sushi chef prepares the menu. Sit anywhere you can, sometimes it can be hard to find a free seat. A decent variety of sushi circles in front of you on a small conveyor belt. Simply take what looks good as it passes by! To drink, there is a tea cup and a jar of green tea powder nearby - look for the hot water spigot that is built into the bar - there is one spigot for every two customers.
Ahhh the sushi! It's fresh! You get to look at it before you take it, only getting what you want to try! No need to know Japanese, or look foolish, just take a plate off the belt if you like what you see! If you look around, you should see a display on the wall showing the plates; each plate is a different color, and each color represents a different price, very easy to see how much money you are spending.
Most of these restaurants have a menu of other items available, and if you don't see what you want, it is very common to ask the chef to make something from the menu. In short order it will be delivered on another colored plate.
When you are finished, simply get up and go to the register. The waitress will add up the cost of all of the plates sitting at your tray and give you the price. Walking out you will feel like a Japanese local stopping in for a quick meal on your way to something important. Mmmmm and the sushi is top notch! For you vegetarians, there is usually plenty of vegie sushi available, like tofu wrapped sticky rice (inari), seaweed wrapped cucumber and rice (ketamaki), raw soy beans (edamami), etc...
The ubiquitous conveyor belt sushi restaurants may not be the most vaunted dining establishments in Japan, but in my opinion, they represent both one of the best tasting and most authentic experiences of modern japan. The restaurants have a universal design, with bar stools surrounding a central island where the sushi chef prepares the menu. Sit anywhere you can, sometimes it can be hard to find a free seat. A decent variety of sushi circles in front of you on a small conveyor belt. Simply take what looks good as it passes by! To drink, there is a tea cup and a jar of green tea powder nearby - look for the hot water spigot that is built into the bar - there is one spigot for every two customers.
Ahhh the sushi! It's fresh! You get to look at it before you take it, only getting what you want to try! No need to know Japanese, or look foolish, just take a plate off the belt if you like what you see! If you look around, you should see a display on the wall showing the plates; each plate is a different color, and each color represents a different price, very easy to see how much money you are spending.
Most of these restaurants have a menu of other items available, and if you don't see what you want, it is very common to ask the chef to make something from the menu. In short order it will be delivered on another colored plate.
When you are finished, simply get up and go to the register. The waitress will add up the cost of all of the plates sitting at your tray and give you the price. Walking out you will feel like a Japanese local stopping in for a quick meal on your way to something important. Mmmmm and the sushi is top notch! For you vegetarians, there is usually plenty of vegie sushi available, like tofu wrapped sticky rice (inari), seaweed wrapped cucumber and rice (ketamaki), raw soy beans (edamami), etc...
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