Tune in Tokyo!

Tokyo is the world’s largest metropolitan economy and you don’t have to wander very far to understand why. Business suits congest the subways, electronic shops pulse along the street, and glamorous shopping malls are plentiful. But there is so much more to the buzzing city that makes it the heart of this bizarre, larger than life, country.

Starting at about 3 am the chaos that is the Tsukiji Fish Market begins as seafood shipments are sorted and unloaded. It’s the world’s biggest wholesale fish and seafood market and handles over 400 types of seafood, from dried sardines to frozen 600 lb tuna. While the famous tuna auction was off limits to visitors the hustle of the venue was still impressive. After dodging motor carts and navigating the covered stalls we enjoy a fresh sushi breakfast at Daiwa. A pretty inconspicuous place, other than the mass of people queuing for an hour outside the door, has some of the best sushi for the cost.

We discovered that Japan had erected a Godzilla statue in ’95 after the mighty reptile was slain in the movie, Godzilla vs. Destroyer. So after our fishy breakfast we went on a search to find the 3 foot tall monster.

Thoroughly amused we made our way back for our karaoke debut. Beer was drunk and black mail videos were taken, however your delicate ears will not be harmed. We didn’t know what to think of 2 person karaoke, as most joints are set up in personal booths, but we had a blast belting out the hits.

Shopping was inevitable, so we headed to Shibuya where we could witness one of the busiest cross walks in Tokyo. We found some entertaining items while shopping, including Hello Kitty water, a random Darth Vader, and $ 170 chopsticks! But our spree was cut short when it started to pour and at that point we decided short people shouldn’t be allowed to use umbrellas.

Tokyo has taken themed businesses to new levels. My sister first told us about Maid cafes where the waitresses wear, well, maid costumes. Decided this truly Japanese dining experience shouldn’t be missed we checked one out. Exiting the Akihabara station we found the maids along the street handing out fliers to their restaurants. We were greeted by the “welcome home master” in Japanese and cheesy mansion decorations with classical music and anime playing in the background. The maids put a magical spell on the food forcing you to sing along (in Japanese) and if you order the omelet they draw things in ketchup over it.

Another night we ate at Alcatraz E.R., a medical prison themed restaurant. Truly an unique experience. The wait staff are dressed as doctors and nurses that escort you in handcuffs, your table is in a prison cell which you have to bang on when you want service, and the food and drinks are served in very interesting ways.

Along with the restaurants, hotels too have turned to themes. “Love hotels” have since become popular as housing is expensive for the younger crowd and paper doors don’t quite cut it. While some of the stranger themes like Hello Kitty are being replaced with gaudy Venetian decor and neon lights they are still easy to spot along the back alleys.