Tokyo -a trip in photos

Tsukiji Temple

You know you are at Tsukiji when you see a giant fish head eating its own tail

 Pieces number 2 and 6 weren't exactly what we thought we were getting...Turns out the land-dwelling mammal, the horse is also a common Tsukiji fish market sushi option and is considered a type of sea-dwelling fish....

Asakasa Temple

Kids playing in the park during a massive dance festival

 Festival dancers

View of southern Tokyo from our hotel

Tokyo subway map

Tempura Yourself!

You have probably heard that Japan has a lot of unique restaurants. Although we have not done any of the really obscure places yet, a fun lunch or dinner outing can be had at one of the many do-it-yourself Tempura restaurants. The one we tried was in Yodobashi on the top floor. If you are from the states you will likely be floored by this dining experience. You are actually sitting at a table with a mini-deep fryer built into your table (hoping to god not to have an earthquake!). 

These restaurants are generally all you can eat, so be prepared to leave quite full.

No really, we actually found a Mexican this time

We were on the hunt for a good bit of Mexican food and planned to head up to Nijo Jo for the Tanabata festivities. Thankfully for us, there happened to be a small Mexican place called “La Jolla” about a block north, down a small alley. Thankfully they have a website, are located on Omiya Street (Omiya Dori), and you can find them on Google maps (a rarity in Kyoto).  

Three amazing veggie tacos! A bit abnosome, but that's ok! 

(and yes, that is real shredded cheese)

Although we found their website after finding their restaurant, the story behind the shop is really interesting. The owner, who is full-fledge Japanese, lived in La Jolla a few years ago, and came back to Japan with a plan to replicate some of his favorite La Jolla memories: surfing and Mexican food.

When we arrived at the tiny restaurant, we found little bike parking. Thankfully, on a side alley anything goes in regards to bike parking, so we posted our bikes up as close to the buildings as we could and went inside. The interior is a bit of an eclectic mix, a little Japan, a little California, a whole lot of South West and Mexican.

Despite the classic Americana décor, the food was to die for by Kyoto standards and the actual Mexican waiter was a nice touch. A young guy studying to get his MBA at Kyoto University, the waiter was actually from Mexico!

At prices similar to what you see in the states ($3.50 for a taco) we really couldn’t complain. The nachos were amazing, and even had a dollop of real sour cream!

*abnosome, abnormal in a cool way