Japanese Accommodations: Ryokan vs. Hotels

Above, Bansuitei Ikoiso Ryokan in Sendai. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my eight trips to Japan over the years, I have stayed in hotels and ryokans (Japanese inns). I have enjoyed both, but I have to give ryokans the nod as being more enjoyable. 

For one thing, ryokan rooms seemed to be larger (in my experience) and the meals served are tastier. The ones I stayed in were family-run. 

Above, Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The subject of ryokans versus hotels is the topic of an article in Unseen Japan.

They begin it with:

Whenever you plan a trip, where you stay ends up making a big difference. Japan is no exception. Location, access to the station, comfort, cleanliness – these are the usual things travelers look for when choosing accommodation.

Hotels are, of course, the straightforward choice. But in Japan, there’s another option that’s just as common and perhaps even more memorable: the ryokan (旅館), a traditional inn that has welcomed guests for centuries. Staying in one isn’t just about having a place to sleep. It’s about stepping into a living piece of Japanese culture.

The question is, which one should you choose? Many assume hotels are the safer, more convenient option, while ryokan are more of a cultural experience on the side. And while there’s some truth to that, the reality is a little more nuanced.

To read more, go here. 

Japan To Allow Hotels To Refuse Guests Shunning Infection Prevention Measures

Above, Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Even though Japan is opening up the country to foreign travelers in three days, the Japanese government has introduced a bill in the Diet allowing hotels to refuse guests who don't comply with infection prevention measures. 

If one is heading to Japan after the bills passes, they'd better pack masks in their luggage.

According to The Mainichi:

TOKYO -- The Japanese government is preparing to allow accommodation facilities to turn away guests who do not comply with infection prevention measures, such as wearing masks, without a valid reason in times of infectious disease outbreaks.

A bill to revise the Hotel Business Act was approved in a Cabinet meeting on Oct. 7, and the government hopes to see it enacted during the ongoing extraordinary Diet session.

In the revision, a new stipulation was created to allow businesses to ask guests to cooperate with infection prevention measures such as wearing masks and measuring their temperatures when there are outbreaks of diseases specified in the infectious disease law, including COVID-19. The bill states that accommodation providers can refuse guests who have fevers or other such symptoms but fail to comply with anti-infection policies without a legitimate reason. It says businesses must not turn away people if they have difficulties wearing masks due to disabilities or allergies.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Falls To Ninth Most Expensive City For Expats

Above, Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to the weakening yen against the U.S. dollar and other currencies, Tokyo has fallen to 9th most expensive city for expats.

The Japan Times reported:

Tokyo has tumbled to ninth on the list of most expensive cities for people working abroad from third in 2021, partly due to the weakening of the yen against the U.S. dollar and other major currencies, according to an annual cost of living survey by a U.S. consulting firm.

The Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey comes as the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, varying exchange rates and surging prices put a squeeze on pay and savings across the world.

Hong Kong topped the list of the priciest cities in the world, a return to pole position after ceding it to Turkmenistan’s capital Ashgabat in 2021.

Hong Kong was previously named the most expensive city for three consecutive years to 2020.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Cheapo: Where To Stay In Tokyo

Above, the Hotel Asia Center of Japan in the Minato Ward of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When traveling to Tokyo, my preferred place to stay is the Hotel Asia Center of Japan. It is centrally located and within easy walking distance to the Aoyama-itchōme subway station in the Minato Ward. The hotel has nice rooms at reasonable prices and their own restaurant, again, at reasonable prices. The Ginza, Oedo and Hanzomon subway lines can be caught at the Aoyama-itchōme station.

The past few times to Japan found me in other hotels as either the Hotel Asia Center of Japan was undergoing renovation or booked up.

I have stayed in the Ueno area twice and once in Asakusa when this happened.

Many people visiting Tokyo for the first time haven't a clue where to stay and what sections to avoid (especially if they have children with them).

Fortunately, Tokyo Cheapo has an article that will answer any such questions people may have.

They begin with:

Finding the best area to stay during your trip to Tokyo depends on what you want to get out of your stay, how much you have to spend, and the level of convenience you require (or inconvenience you’re willing to put up with). 

A lot of what is referred to as “Tokyo”, is not even technically in Tokyo. For example, both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Narita Airport are located in neighboring Chiba Prefecture. Combined with the surrounding prefectures, the greater Tokyo area holds a staggering 25 million people. Thousands of train stations and numerous railway lines collect this together in a mind boggling transportation network. As a result, different neighborhoods often cater for quite different needs and interests.

To read more, go here.

Foreign Lodgers In Japan Hit Record 88 Million

Above, Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Japanese hotel (and other accommodations) industry are very pleased over the record number of foreign lodgers last year.

The Japan Times reported:

The estimated number of foreign guests at hotels and other types of accommodations in the country hit a record 88.59 million in 2018, the Japan Tourism Agency said Thursday. 

The figure surpassed 80 million for the first time as the government steps up efforts to draw foreign visitors for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The pace of increase, however, slowed to 11.2 percent from 14.8 percent the previous year, according to the data.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Hotels By District

Above, a stay at Shinjuku's Hotel Gracery will put guests up close to Godzilla. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Remember that scene in National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) where the Griswold family pulled off the freeway in a city and found themselves in a "not-too-nice" neighborhood?

Fortunately, when it comes to Tokyo, I have not seen any bad neighborhoods.

When looking for a hotel to stay in Tokyo, I generally look for price and the close proximity to a train or subway station. I have my favorite hotels in Tokyo, such as the Hotel Asia Center of Japan and the Hotel Sunroute in Asakusa.

But if you are a newbie making your first trip to Japan and want to see what different areas of Tokyo have to offer in accommodations, the U.K.'s Telegraph has an article on just that.

They begin with:

A neighbourhood guide to the best places to stay in Tokyo, as chosen by our resident expert, including the best hotels in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Roppongi and more. 

They also provide prices, but they are in English pounds. You'll have to convert them to dollars in an online currency converter.

To read more, go here. 

TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards: Japan's Top 25 Hotels

Above, a budget hotel such as the Asia Center of Japan is just fine for me. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I look for a hotel in Japan (or anywhere else, for that matter), I usually look for location, cost, amenities and restaurants (either in the hotel or nearby). I go to places to go see things, not sit in the hotel room, so I am not concerned if it is a five-star or a two-star hotel. Just as long as it is not a dump with bedbugs and no need for a CSI kit to inspect the room.

However, other people want to have a taste of luxury while traveling. If they can afford it, more power to them. That's just not my priority for accommodations while traveling.

TripAdvisor.com has their Travelers' Choice Awards list of the top 25 hotels in Japan and, naturally, most (if not all) of them are five-star hotels. If you prefer and, most importantly, can afford a five-star hotel, you will enjoy seeing what they look like and why they made the Travelers' Choice Awards.

I have to admit, they all look nice!

To see them, go here.

Two Most Important Japan Travel Tips

Above, Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years I've posted tips and links to tips on traveling to Japan.

Well, here's another link to some handy tips on Japan travel. This time, there's only two tips, but Kyo Tours Japan goes into great detail on why they are so important.

They begin with:

Before coming to Japan, our guests ask us about all sorts of things. From what to pack to hot spring etiquette, travelers to Japan seem uniquely concerned with making sure their vacation goes smoothly. Guests also ask us for any unconventional travel wisdom we can share with them before they arrive. So in the spirit of sharing, here's a couple of great tips. In fact, we're gonna go so far as to proclaim these the Two Most Important Japan Travel Tips... of all time!

To see what the two tips are, go here. 

Japan Using Deregulation To Boost Tourism

Above, the main entrance of Hotel Sunroute Asakusa in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is taking steps in deregulation to boost foreign tourism numbers.

According to Nikkei Asian Review:

TOKYO -- Japan's tourism ministry is set to call for more deregulation to boost the number of foreign tourists to the country. 

The ministry and its Japan Tourism Agency plan to propose bills aimed at ending the dominance of licensed bilingual tour guides and making it easier for hotels and inns to sell package tours, among other things. 

The number of tourists to Japan reached 19.7 million in 2015, and the government has set a new target of 40 million for 2020.

While it sounds well and good that the Japanese government is deregulating things to boost tourism, I have to question the wisdom of this when the country has inadequate numbers of accommodations for visitors even as I type this. The number of available rooms were just fine when tourism was below 10 million annually. They will need to accelerate the construction of more hotels to meet the increased demand, especially since they expect to double the number of visitors in the next four years.

Above, Hotel Asia Center of Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I've noticed during the planning stages of my last two trips to Japan that it became more difficult to find reasonably-priced hotel rooms in Tokyo. This was made necessary as my favorite Tokyo hotel, Asian Center of Japan, was either booked up or part of their facilities were undergoing renovation, thereby cutting the number of available rooms. So I had to look elsewhere.

To read more, go here.

Rocket News 24: "Best Japanese Hotels, Based On Their Breakfasts"

Above, Tokyo's Hotel Asia Center of Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of things I like about the Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo are its breakfasts. For about ¥800, a patron can enjoy either a Japanese-style or western-style buffet breakfast. Generally, I go with the western-style breakfast. But sometimes I do try some items from the Japanese-style breakfast offerings. Their freshly-baked croissants and great coffee add to the enjoyment.

Rocket News 24 has an article of the "Best Japanese Hotels, Based On Their Breakfasts." The list of hotels in the article is from TripAdvisor Japan's compilation of opinions and scores from 2014 of Japan travelers. If breakfast is one of your important meals of the day, it is worth a look. Unfortunately, the Hotel Asia Center of Japan didn't make the list.

Before the rundown of Japan's best hotels based on their breakfasts, Rocket News 24 begins with:

Soft beds, nice views, good location; sure, these are all important factors when choosing a hotel, but what really makes a hotel, or even a trip, memorable is the food, more specifically, the breakfast. 

Everyone needs a good breakfast to start their day, so why not eat the best of the best? Next time you’re in the area, you should probably check out one of the Japanese hotels with the most delicious breakfasts.

When you think back to the last hotel you stayed at, does your memory automatically cut to what you ate for breakfast there? Do soggy eggs or undercooked bacon ring a bell? Even if it was a pretty good meal that left you with fond memories, prepare yourself, because you may never look at hotel breakfasts again. You may also be finding yourself booking hotels just to try the breakfasts.  

The TripAdivsor Japan website compiled the 2014 opinions and scores of hotels (and their breakfasts) posted on the site in order to create this 2015 ranking of “Hotels with Delicious Breakfasts.” While many of the hotels have managed to hang on to their 2014 spots in the top 20, there are plenty of newcomers on the list too.

To read more, go here. 

Gaijinpot's "10 Cheap Accommodation Options In Japan"

Above, the Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When one is planning a vacation in Japan (or anywhere else, for that matter ), one of the things that are looked into are accommodations.

I usually first plan out what places I want to go to and then look into what's available for a place to stay.

As far as Tokyo is concerned, my favorite place is the Hotel Asia Center of Japan. Unfortunately, they were all booked up last year when I went to Japan. So, as a back-up, I stayed at the Tsukuba Hotel in Ueno. I stayed there in 2005.

Above, the Tsukuba Hotel last February. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Gaijinpot.com has a list of 10 cheap accommodation options that may come in handy for those who are planning their vacations.

The article begins with:

Finding a short term place to stay in Japan can be expensive. GaijinPot has a listing of short term apartments but if even these prices are too high for you, I have listed 10 options below for free or very cheap places to stay in Japan.

 To read more, go here.

Like Airlines, Hotels Are Getting Fee-Happy

Above, the Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's a trend among hotels these days that mimic the airlines: fees.

I haven't noticed this trend very much in Japanese hotels, except for the more upscale ones, but it is something that is on the rise in U.S. hotels. Hotels in Las Vegas are notorious for this.

According to an article in Japan Today:

NEW YORK —Forget bad weather, traffic jams and kids asking, “Are we there yet?” The real headache for many travelers is a quickly-growing list of hotel surcharges, even for items they never use. 

Guaranteeing two queen beds or one king bed will cost you, as will checking in early or checking out late. Don’t need the in-room safe? You’re likely still paying. And the overpriced can of soda may be the least of your issues with the hotel minibar. 

Vacationers are finding it harder to anticipate the true cost of their stay, especially because many of these charges vary from hotel to hotel, even within the same chain.

You many want to read the full article (if you dare) to see how hotels are socking it to their guests. Some of the fees are just plain outrageous.

One example:

Even moving an item in the minibar can generate a fee. 

The Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, like many other hotels, bills items to guests’ rooms if sensors in the minibar note they have been removed for more than 60 seconds — enough time, hotels say, to read the nutritional information and make a decision.

To read the article, go here. 

How Fast Is Your Hotel's Wi-Fi?

Above, a room at the Niigata Dormy Inn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my February trip to Japan, I stayed at the Tsukuba Hotel in the Ueno section of Tokyo.

The hotel was familiar to me as I stayed there in 2005. My usual accommodations are at the Hotel Asia Center of Japan, but they were all booked up during the time of my trip.

The Tsukuba Hotel does have free Wi-Fi, but it is very slow and signal losses were frequent. That is the subject of an article in Travelpulse.com, "How fast is your hotel's Wi-Fi? Here's how to find out."

The article states:

With free Wi-Fi and high-speed Internet being among the most requested amenities by guests, it’s more important than ever to track hotels’ Wi-Fi service. 

And Hotel WiFi Test, a website that tests and predicts Wi-Fi speed, is holding hotels accountable in that regard. 

Hotel WiFi Test has recently unveiled a Wi-Fi prediction system for properties it hasn’t tested yet. 

The prediction system, which currently assesses Wi-Fi speed for over 108,000 properties worldwide, ensures that Hotel WiFi Test covers more of the globe. By looking at the cities, countries and hotel chains that regularly boast the fastest Wi-Fi speeds, the site can predict what the speed will be at a given property. For example, Hong Kong generally provides faster Wi-Fi service than a destination like Las Vegas, while Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is generally known for having faster Wi-Fi than a lot of other chains.

Having fast and reliable hotel Wi-Fi has become very important to business travelers, who have to remain in contact with clients and the home office. It is also very important to vacation travelers who, for varying reasons, have to remain in contact with family members back home or with friends.

To read the full article, go here.

Western Meals No Longer To Be Required For International Hotel Listing In Japan

Above, the Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Minato-ku, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the things that I like about staying at the Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo are their buffet breakfasts.

They are reasonably priced (around ¥900) and they also have great croissants (I think they bake them there). One can choose having either a Japanese-style or western-style breakfast (or mix the two, as I sometimes do).

In view of this, a news item in Kyodo News caught my attention.

The story is:

The Japan Tourism Agency will lift a decades-old requirement that hotels must serve western-style meals to be registered as "international tourist hotels," effective Friday, agency officials said Thursday. 

The decision was made because "washoku" Japanese cuisine has been added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, while nearly 70 percent of tourists visiting Japan come from Asia, the officials said. 

Under the registration system launched in 1949, offering western-style meals was among criteria aimed at meeting western standards, but the requirement was eased in 1993 to serving western-style breakfasts.

I do hope that hotels such as the Hotel Asia Center of Japan continue to serve western-style breakfasts, even though they will no longer be required to do so. Otherwise, I'd have to go to a local McDonald's (no problem here, they're all over the place) or hunt down a Denny's Restaurant if I want a western-style breakfast. I don't mind having Japanese food for lunch and dinner. I just prefer a western-style breakfast.

To read the full article, go here. 

Taking N'Ex From Narita To Tokyo

Above, inside the Narita Express. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of my co-contributors at JapanTravel has posted an article on riding the Narita Express (N'Ex) from Narita International Airport to Tokyo.

Normally, I use the Narita Express as my means of getting into Tokyo from the airport, but last February, as I was staying in the Ueno area, I took the Keisei Line instead. My original plan was to try the Keisei Skyliner, but due to a big snowstorm (not exactly of "biblical proportions," but enough snow was dumped to snarl the Tokyo and Chiba area train lines), I ended up stuck midway between Narita Airport and Tokyo for about 16 hours. Since the Keisei Line and Keisei Skyliner goes to Ueno (and the Narita Express does not), that is why I chose to take the Keisei Line or Skyliner to Ueno on my last trip.

Well, due to the snowstorm, that didn't work out so well. But, as an "apology," the Keisei Line gave me a pass for free transportation into Tokyo that was honored by other train and subway line companies.

Above, the exterior of the Narita Express. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The article states that the Narita Express will arrive from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station in 55 minutes (and Shibuya Station in 80 minutes). I generally disembark the train at Tokyo Station to catch a subway line to my hotel (usually the Hotel Asia Center of Japan, which is near the Aoyama-Itchome subway station).

Above, a 2010 view of the Skytree from the Narita Express train. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Narita Express is a comfortable train with plenty of room for one's luggage and it has nice, big windows to view the passing countryside. The line also has a special offer for inbound tourists. The inbound fare is only ¥1,500, down from the normal rate of ¥3,020. But, one has to pay the normal rate for the return trip to Narita Airport. So keep that in mind.

To read the article on the Narita Express at JapanTravel, go here.

Six Tokyo Business Hotels

Above, the Skytree. One of the listed hotels has a view of the tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My preferred hotel in Tokyo is the Hotel Asia Center of Japan. It has nice rooms, laundry, free bottled water and a nice restaurant with western or Japanese-style breakfasts. It is also centrally located in Tokyo and near the Ginza Subway Line.

Unfortunately, the hotel was fully booked during the time I was to be in Japan in February. So, I decided to stay at the Tsukuba Hotel in Ueno. I was familiar with the Tsukuba Hotel as I stayed there in 2005. But, I have since decided that I will need to find more reasonably-priced hotels in Tokyo, in case I run into the problem of a fully-booked Hotel Asia Center of Japan, to use as back-ups.

Rocket News 24 has a December 2011 article on six business hotels in Tokyo that may be worth a look into.

Keep in mind that the prices have changed, with or without the recent hike in the consumption tax (8%) and the current foreign exchange rate of the dollar (which is much better than when the article was written). I will be doing a blog article on budget or business hotels with more up-to-date prices soon. This will give you an idea on some budget hotels, what they look like and charge.

The article begins with:

When deciding to travel in Japan we are faced with a rather large assortment of hotels that don’t exist in our home countries, one of which is the “business hotel”. The label of business hotel may conjure up images of the infamous “capsule hotels” for some, while for other’s it may have the sense of a dank, narrow, room that was occupied by the cast of Mad Men. I suspected such things at first until, in an effort to save money, I bit the bullet and tried a few out. 

I can now confidently say that despite their label, business hotels are actually rather comfy – some of them downright elegant! 

These hotels don’t skimp on the amenities. For instance, it wouldn’t be hard to find a business hotel that offers air conditioning, humidifier, or even an air purifier. Most have fairly spacious bathrooms and offer a complimentary breakfast. Even if you are just looking for a place to have a brief romantic rendezvous, a business hotel can be a cheaper alternative to a dingy motel or robotic love hotel. 

Let’s take a look at 6 prime business hotels that can be found in the Tokyo area. All hotels charge rates less than 3,500 yen (US$44.80) per person when two people are staying in the room at a rate of 7,000 yen total ($89.60).

 To read the full article, go here.

What Do People Want Most In Hotel Perks?

Above, the Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What are the most sought-after perks people look for when choosing a hotel to stay at?

Condé Nast Traveler has an article on just this subject.

They found:

As it turns out, good food—namely, a complimentary breakfast—is the No. 1 perk travelers want from a hotel, with an in-hotel restaurant coming in at No. 2. (Free Wi-Fi, of course, wasn’t far behind, because how else will you post all those beach pics to Facebook?).

If I remember correctly, the only hotel I stayed at that had a complimentary breakfast was the Washington Hotel in Nagasaki, Japan (I checked their website and it appears this is no longer offered, but they do have free wired Internet). Most hotels also had an in-hotel restaurant and free Wi-Fi (the Tsukuba Hotel in Ueno has free Wi-Fi and the Hotel Asia Center of Japan has free wired Internet and a restaurant). I have not yet stayed at a Japanese hotel with a swimming pool (pools must be a rarity in Japan).

I've stayed at very few hotels in the U.S. since the advent of the Internet and Wi-Fi. The only ones that immediately come to mind pertaining to Wi-Fi are the Crowne Plaza O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois and the Blake Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both charge guests for Wi-Fi. If this is any indication, it appears Japan's hotels are more generous when it comes to Wi-Fi. Both of these hotels do have swimming pools and restaurants (although pricey).

To read the full Condé Nast article, go here.

UNGCC and Tsukuba Hotel

Above, the Tsukuba Hotel last month. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After I posted the photo at the Tsukuba Hotel in Ueno, Tokyo at The Monster Move Fan's Guide To Japan Facebook page, Andrew Nguyen asked if Tsukuba was the main headquarters of the United Nations Godzilla Countermeasure Center (UNGCC).

Having not watched the Heisei Series of Godzilla movies for some time, I could not recall if this was the case. I then Googled and found that it was.

According to this page (cached) of the University of Kansas:

...in 1993, the Heisei series depicted G-Force units under the control of a United Nations Godzilla Countermeasures Center in Tsukuba, Japan.

I stayed at the Tsukuba Hotel in Ueno back in October 2005. As my usual hotel in Tokyo, the Hotel Asia Center of Japan was fully booked at the time of my Japan visit last month, I stayed at the Tsukuba. Godzilla had nothing to do with my hotel choice. It is interesting that the name of the hotel is the same as the UNGCC headquarters location.

Great catch, Andrew!

Japan Booking Completed

Above, the Tsukuba Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Besides reading about how screwed up the Obama Administration has made the U.S. healthcare system, foreign policy (should we really feel better that Vice President Joe Biden is in Asia this week?) and pretty much everything else, I made my hotel and airline reservations for next year's trip to Japan.

The only snag about that was the Hotel Asia Center of Japan, my favorite Tokyo hotel, was all booked up. Granted, I could have put myself on a waiting list in case a room should become available, but I prefer a certainty about my accommodations. So, I opted instead to stay at the Tsukuba Hotel in the Ueno area of Tokyo, where I stayed in 2005.

The Tsukuba Hotel is a business hotel and their rooms are small, but I don't need a lot of room, just a place to sleep and clean up. It is a subway stop or two away from Asakusa's Nakamise Street and, also, Kitchen Town (where I plan to pick up some cutlery for my "roomie").

I will be working on gathering more material for an updated The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan and helping out producer/director Jonathan Bellés as he conducts interviews for his documentary, Godzilla and Hiroshima: The Rise of the Kaiju Eiga.

Above, my 2005 room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The airline I will be flying on is United. This'll be my first time with them since 2005 (I think). The last several trips have been via Korean Air. I go with the best price, rather than with any particular airline. I got a good price on the base ticket: $160. But the taxes and fees made the total amount shoot up to over $800. If I had gotten a ticket for a base price of $480 (which was the next available price), the total would have been about $1,200. At least the room rates I got (¥4400/night) will make the airfare bite a little less.

Denny’s Japan: Burgers With Added Microorganisms

Above, Tokyo's Nakamise Street with a Denny's sign in the background.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The only times I've eaten at a Denny's restaurant in Japan was for breakfast. That is, until I discovered the Hotel Asia Center of Japan with their buffet breakfasts for about ¥900.

Japan Today has posted a story about some rather interesting ingredients that are being added to Denny's burgers.

They wrote:

TOKYO —It would appear that Japan is getting more and more firmly entrenched in the euglena craze. These little algae (particularly those from Ishigaki Island) have been determined to pack a nutritious punch carrying around 59 different kinds of nutrients from vitamins and minerals to amino acids. 

We recently sampled these little guys in a cup of delicious yogurt, which was creepy at first but not a big leap since yogurt is all bacteria anyway. But would the public also go for these little microorganisms being added to a patty of grilled red meat? American diner chain Denny’s is wagering “yes” with their euglena hamburgs only available in Japan from the end of this month.

If this sounds enticing to you and if you want to read the full story, go here.