Jawnville Goes Tokyo: Day 1

Guess who spent 25 hours traveling to Tokyo, missing what apparently was the greatest Eagles game in a decade. I had hoped to watch the game On Demand without knowing the score, but my phone blew up with text as soon as I got off the plane.

Since the staff at Jawnville is basically 1, you’re gonna get Tokyo updates while I’m here.

Tired and hungry, we wandered around the area of Shinjuku looking for grub. Lights are everywhere. You can’t help but feel like you’re in Blade Runner.

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I didn’t find any beer vending machines, but scored some tasty green tea.

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Then it became Ramen time. We waited in line at a spot called Ichiban to put money into a vending machine. Reviews of the spot said not to be scared off by the vending machines, but it is quite weird ordering food at a restaurant through a vending machine. Then they seated each of us on a stool with dividers between eaters. That’s probably to protect each other from the slurp-splashes necessary to truly enjoy the noodles. The cooks were behind the walls and would open a tiny blind to deliver the food and ask about additions.

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Hands down the best Ramen I’ve had. Lots of green onions and garlic were game-changers. Who knew.

With our asses dragging we went back to the hotel bar for a night-cap. I ended up grabbing an Imperial IPA.

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Instantly became of fan of the Suruga Bay Imperial IPA. Solid abv of 8.5%, but not overwhelming. Well-balanced, enjoyable beer.

It always helps when the beer comes with snack mix and a warm towel to clean your hands before eating.


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Ending up getting into a long discussion with the bartenders over tipping. Many sites said tipping doesn’t happen in Japan and can be an insult to people because it infers they do not earn enough.

After a bunch of back and forth with terrible Japanese on my part, half-assed English on their part, and Google Translate not being able to the accurately translate tipping we came to an understanding of what I was asking about.

These bartenders are down with tipping. Everything people told me and I read was inaccurate. Hopefully, I’ll see these guys tonight at the lobby bar. Want to ask them their thoughts on Carson Wentz.

After two beers, it was time to get into my robe and slippers and sashay up and down the hotel hallway. I was rockin’ that robe, no doubt.

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