Krispy Kreme

So, Doughnuts. Who doesn't like them? There is a Japanese doughnut chain here called Mister Donut. Aside from having a kick-ass name, Mister Donut also makes a mean Angel Creme. However, in the Japanese donut world, Krispy Kreme is God. There may be a Mister Donut on every corner, (and I mean that literally) but Krispy Kreme is the club the cool kids hang out at. There is one Krispy Kreme. Not just in Tokyo. In Japan. Everyday people from the entire country descend upon Shinjuku for a little bit of Krispy Kreme action. You may think I am exaggerating (okay, I probably am a little) but I am serious when I say that the Japanese love their Krispy Kreme. Its a weird little tick in Japanese life....nothing can be as good as the thing you have to stand in line for. Japanese people will wait in line for anything, but especially something foreign. There is a Baskin Robbins next to my work (they call it '31') and its always packed, even at 9 in the morning. I think this has a lot to do with the love of branding over here...eating a doughnut made by Krispy Kreme is way better than good ole attainable Mister Donut, even if you have to wait over an hour for it. AN HOUR. That is not an exaggeration, check out the pictures. Japan can keep the Krispy Kreme, I'll take that old workhorse Mister Donut any day of the week.

The line zig-zags around the front like an amusement park ride...

Check out the security guard on the stairs. He is in charge of directing doughnut traffic, and he told me the line is usually much longer. Slow doughnut day.

I told you! An hour!

These people are waiting along the side of the building, so they are beyond the "one hour" wait point. Check out the umbrellas to protect the women from the harsh midday sun. I am sure they all looked at my freckles in disgust, but who's the one waiting an hour for doughnuts, huh?