Onigiri huh? Japanese convenience stores sure get a lot of hype. I'd imagine they are pretty easy to spot and save a ton of money for lunch. Also Jive Turkey, that sumo soup sounds good as fuck too. I read about that a little.
I've heard of these beer vending machines as well. I assume that implies you can drink on the street. What about drinking on trains? Not like a subway in the heart of tokyo but a train to Takao-san for example.
Convenience stores in Japan are actually convenient and the people behind the counter aren't dicks so I think it blows American minds.
Chanko-nabe is fucking awesome. If you're anywhere near Ryogoku at night, go. There's a fuck load of places right around the station. I'd suggest checking out sumo while you're there but I think the tournament is in September.
The Kanda neighborhood has as bunch of used bookstores that are pretty awesome if you're into that sort of thing.
And yeah you can pretty much drink where ever you want. We drink on the train, streets, etc. all the time; no hassle. Just don't be a dick.
Shinjuku, Kabukicho in particular, is not really how it used to be. I don't really think it's all that fun but it's worth going at night at least once. I will echo getting drunk and going to the batting center. It's fucking weird that everyone, including me, does that, but it seriously is a blast.
On another note, does anyone on Slap (other than Thedrew) actually live here?
I'm taking a short skate trip next week if anyone is down to meet up.
-Monday night: Tsukuba.
-Tuesday: Tsukuba (morning) to Tokyo (day/evening) to Yokohama (late night).
-Wednesday: Yokohama and interstyle all day.
If anyone is around holla at ya boy!