We love pizza
Top of mind
The other day I got notified that I’d been selected as an alternate for a sketch writing team based on a writing package I submitted, which was unexpected and a total W since I wasn’t expecting anything*. While it is kind of nice to be like, almost completely removed from the world I created for myself in NYC, I sometimes catch myself getting ahead of things. Like, what will my work look like when I get back, or who will be on what improv team, and how I would feel if x happened. And I think I’d rather pick my next waypoint or go to 7-Eleven. Or write these travel logs**
10/6
We departed Kyoto so I took one last sweet sweet onsen bath, and deconstructed and reconstructed my 2 suitcases for the Shinkansen 🚄 to Tokyo. We had all these drinks in our fridge we’d purchased from 7-Eleven but hadn’t finished, so it was my responsibility to down them before we checked out. I threw back water, green tea, some lemon sour, iced coffee, and a tiny bit of electrolyte drink, and washed it down with some hotel lobby espresso. This naturally followed by nearly wetting myself in the taxi to Kyoto Station, listening to one Bjork song on repeat (to stay focused of course) and frantically watching the time on google maps, anxiously bent and folded over.
Crisis was averted and I arrived at the Kyoto Station toires (toilets).
After riding the bullet train we arrived in Tokyo and I think the weather for the rest of the trip will be major fall vibes (think breezy jeans weather). I drew this rudimentary sketch of Tokyo to help get my bearings cuz Tokyo is shockingly girthy.
You may be wondering, “Why does Aidan go to so many Pokemon Centers in Japan? Surely they are all the same.” And as much as I would like to agree, each storefront sells a unique pin, which we decided we would collect as a keepsake, complimenting our Goshuins from historical Buddhist Shrines and Temples.
What I ate
At Kyoto Station we had McDonalds because we were in a rush and we are in fact loving it. I had like a cross between a single cheeseburger and a BEC and what you’re imagining is pretty on the money. Tasted on the money too. Oh yeah and we got mcnuggets which were par for the course save for the lemon pepper sauce we got for dipping which was incredibly dank.
Kind of a light lunch/brunch. And what I mean by that is lightspeed because we were rushed at McDonalds and were on the high speed rail and did not eat any food until the evening.
Our first proper meal in Tokyo was pizza and it slapped. We went to this small shop in Shibuya*** per our friends’ recommendation and we found ourselves sitting at the Portland-Oregeon-adorned bar, listening to jazz vinyl watching the multi-hyphenate Chef-Owner-Sommelier behind the counter precisely and efficiently flipping pies. And a good time was had. We had a savory cheese, lemon and brown sugar pie, and a ndjua pepperoni pie and they both rocked our worlds, paired with some equally impressive wain (wine).
7-Eleven haul: canned Gin & Soda, which we topped with some vitamin c lemonade which was the right combination. More Choco Monaka Jumbo and fried chicken.
What’s next
Today we plan to head to Tsukiji Fish Market, and yes we are aware that the fish auctions are no longer open to the public but it’s close to the hotel and we are hungry. Then I think we’re heading to Senso-Ji Temple, a brisk walk through Akihabara, and possibly returning to Shibuya for some new things to shop.
Appendix
*I wouldn’t have been able to commit to it anyway, it was a “let’s just see how far my writing takes me”. Selfish I know, sue me.
** Or Videogame reviews!!! Which I intend to do as well at some point.
*** SAM Woodfired