Day Twelve: Onaka ga suita! (I'm starving!)

Ramen: We found a quaint, but somewhat popular, ramen bar that we'll be frequenting throughout the rest of the trip. Upon the chef's briefing of the three styles (soy sauce-based soup, soy sauce and spicy sauce, soy sauce and vinegar), we both ordered the first option, which turned out to be the most interesting ramen I've ever had. With a bit of a peanut sauce taste, it warmed my freezing soul and plastered a comforting smile across our faces. We'll definitely be back.


Fish Market Sushi: At an early 6am, Raymond and I groggily stumbled not 15 minutes before reaching the world famous fish market. Bustling with trucks, carts, and hundreds of fisherman in a hangar-like warehouse, the fish market made Pusan's market look like a 7-Eleven. After figuring our way out of the auction and sales areas, we found ourselves in the tiny restaurant section, where we found out why sushi in Japan is the best sushi in the world. The salmon was smooth as silk, the toro melted in my mouth, and the uni changed my opinion on not eating it ever again. Fantastic.

Bar Food: Dispelling the myth that bar food is by definition, bad, our friend Melissa took us to a tucked away bar in Shibuya. There, we unexpectedly feasted on agadashi tofu, fantastic chicken legs, soul food rice, sushi, and two bottles of really nice sake (at only $10 a piece!). We sat in a Japanese style setting (legs crossed, no chairs - even though I'm great in chair), perched atop a mezzanine overlooking the rest of the restaurant. A giant Buddha statue hung out in the back of the room, content with his big belly and all the patrons having a great time. And remember: no shoes allowed.

Thanks Mel!


Shibuya, shibuya. Sha-sha-shabuya!