It is impossible to walk far in Tokyo without seeing a ramen restaurant. This type of noodle has long been one of Japan's most popular fast-food for the masses, but over the past few years a subclass of serious ramen foodies has emerged, and the number of establishments catering to them has risen sharply. There are even several guidebooks on ramen shops, and noodle gourmets armed with these books go out walking in search of the ultimate ramen experience. The battle for ramen supremacy is particularly fierce in Ebisu, where several well-known shops vie for the customer's palate. Invariably, there is a direct correlation between the length of the line out front and the taste of the food.

In Japan, particularly in big cities like Tokyo, people - especially men - often treat themselves after a long, hard day of work by stopping in at a small drinking establishment or street stall that serves yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). A drink and a bite to eat helps fortify them for the homeward commute, which may involve a train ride of over an hour, since the high price of real estate forces most people to live some distance from where they work. This fact of life explains why train stations in Tokyo always have drinking establishments located nearby. The winning combination of yakitori and beer (or sake) provides the ideal backdrop for co-workers to release their stress by grumbling about the boss or their jobs. Though the clientele at a yakitori place consists mainly of locals, a foreign visitor who steps through the door is bound to receive a hearty welcome. The Japanese, reserved most of the time, become quite sociable after a few drinks.