Beer report: Yebisu The Hop

Posted at 11:16 pm by Patrick under Tokyo Summer Vacation

One of the fun things about being on vacation is the ability to actually have that post-lunch beer you think about having during the work week.

Yebisu’s “The Hop” looked interesting enough on the SunKus shelf to give it a whirl. Nevermind the Engrish on the package — “The exquisitely refined aroma of this beer is from select fine aroma hops and aroma hops ” — I grabbed one.

True to its claim, this is much hoppier than the other domestic fare I’ve tried so far. still a golden lager, this beer is closer to a Czech pilsner (soft maltiness hiding under a pronounced spiciness) than anything I’ve had here yet. It’s actually quite nice.

Add this page to your bookmarks

Engrish Everywhere!

Posted at 9:41 pm by Andrea under Tokyo Summer Vacation

The way that the Japanese use English is just downright hilarious. English words are everywhere (mostly to indicate something that is “hip” or cool”) but the mutations take on a uniquely Japanese flavor. Many times the phrases make little or no sense. But please, don’t tell them it’s wrong — it’s full of happy fun with fine entertainment for us!

Add this page to your bookmarks

Watch your step at Tsukiji

Posted at 9:17 pm by Patrick under Tokyo Summer Vacation

The bustle around the fish market is difficult to capture with a single photograph. Though I’m not a videographer, this clip might give you a sense for why you need to stay alert.

Add this page to your bookmarks

Tsukiji fish market fun

Posted at 6:26 pm by Patrick under Tokyo Summer Vacation

We managed to be awake at 430 this morning, and decided to take advantage of our narcoleptic tendencies by hitting the fish market.

To say Tsukiji is chaotic is both accurate and untrue at the same time. While there are trucks, tuktuks, hand-drawn sleds and rubber-booted fishmongers all competing for right-of-way, the choreography is so well rehearsed such that accidents don’t happen. As a gaijin, though, be sure to keep your eyes open and remember traffic flows the other way.

By the way, Andrea loves pointing at strange looking fish.

Add this page to your bookmarks

Andrea likes beer too

Posted at 4:03 pm by Patrick under Tokyo Summer Vacation

We tooled around Harajuku yesterday afternoon, checking out the youth culture. Believe it or not, Andrea busted on the scene with this find at a 7-11 store.

I opted for a 500ml bottle of Pocari Sweat, a local version of electrolyte replacement drinks.

We have a minor celebrity sighting coming soon (you’ll recognize him from tv and movies) — we fell asleep before we count post them. Look for them later today after we hit the fish market.

Add this page to your bookmarks