Eating In Japan -- Every Meal Is An Adventure (Part 1)

Let me start by saying that I love Japanese food, but the stuff we're fed in the U.S. (even at places owned by immigrant restaurateurs) is so Americanized, it doesn't even compare to what you find in the land of the rising sun! While many of the basic concepts are similar (sushi, noodle bowls, tempura) -- the end result is is very different. Fortunately, that's what makes eating in another country fun -- knowing just enough to get yourself into trouble!

I Can See For Miles -- On Top Of The World In Skyscraper City

While Tokyo may not have the most recognizable skyline, and it certainly can't boast the world's tallest buildings, I personally believe that it has some of the most creative and interesting examples of modern architecture of any big city. Wherever you walk in Tokyo, you are guaranteed to trip over some unusual and innovative buildings -- but a few districts are specifically known for their amazing high-rise architecture.

Tokyo E Youkoso -- A Less Bilingual City Than You Might Think

As I planned our trip to Japan, I did a lot of web research regarding the issue of language -- how bilingual a city was Tokyo, and did we need to worry about learning much more than "konnichiwa" and "arigato" to be able to communicate with people? I was told that everyone our age and younger had to learn English and that we should have no problems speaking to the locals, especially in a big metropolitan area. But I was lied to!

Tokyo DisneySea -- The Happiest Place In Japan

I grew up in South Florida and have been going to Disney World on vacation since the year I was born -- so of course, I had to check out Tokyo Disney while we were in Japan. Much as I love the mouse, I had my doubts. I was curious to see if this park would be Americanized and anglo-centric, filled with burgers and fries and the hard sell for Disney's animated films, the way the other locations are. The answer is unequivocally "no."

Face Masks A Plenty -- Is Japan Filled With Germaphobes?

While walking around Tokyo or riding on the train, you are guaranteed to see dozens of people wearing disposable cotton face masks. Matt and I were also surprised to discover that every public building (from museums to hotels to government offices) parks a table with a large squirt bottle of hand sanitizer by the front door. To be honest, this hyper-focus on germs is a little disconcerting and makes you wonder if you're going to come home from Japan with the plague!

Japanese Street Fashion -- Trendy Conformity

While Japanese society in general may seem highly reserved, there is a strong element of "trying-to-break-out" among the youth of Tokyo. Everyone under the age of 45 is sporting a crazy hairstyle and painfully garish outfit. But even the "fringe" j-pop styles still seem to maintain a conservative element at their core, especially to a pierced and tattooed westerner like me!

Kabuki Theater -- Standing Room Only Every Day Of The Week

Attending the old Kabuki-za Theater in the Ginza district has been a tradition since the 1800's -- so of course, I had to see a performance while we were in Tokyo. What I didn't count on were the crowds for what is a very traditional and (one might think) outdated art form. Matt and I couldn't even get near the building on our first try (a Saturday) -- and I just barely got a seat that next Tuesday for a mid-morning matinee!

Animal Encounters In Tokyo -- My Favorite Zoos And Aquariums

Unlike many big cities which have only one animal-oriented attraction for visitors, Tokyo is blessed with a number of zoos and aquariums. There are too many to see in one visit, but I would like to share my favorite finned, furry, and flighted experiences while in Japan.

Tokyo After Dark -- The City That Really Never Sleeps

New York has a reputation for being up all night, and Times Square is a bit obnoxious even into the wee hours of the morning. But the Big Apple ain't got nothing on the Big Dumpling -- thanks to a combination of overindulgent neon, a healthy bar scene, and late-night workaholism, Tokyo's central neighborhoods see crowds passing through nearly 24 hours a day!