Japan remains an interesting place to spend a few days.

This weekend just past, I roamed the outskirts of the Tokyo area, visiting the lovely Mount Takao on Saturday and wandering down to Shinjuku and Koenji.  One of my best friends has a nephew who operates the Fatz burger joint in Koenji; he claims to serve the best American-style burger in Tokyo (albeit in more typically Japanese-sized portions) and after sampling his works, I see no reason to disabuse him of that notion.  Photos follow.

Mount Takao:

Next is Shinjuku and Koenji, including Shinjuku’s wonderful Golden Gai; the tight-packed alleys are full of little bars, clubs and eaterys.  Everything was closed while I was there, but I’d love to visit on a Friday or Saturday night.