Itasha

I don’t see most of these cars getting much traction outside of an anime convention. I personally wouldn’t sticker wrap a bunch of anime girls to my car. I do have to give props towards the cars that instead go for anime realism rather than flash, in particular the (multiple) renditions of the Fujiwara Tofu Shop car from Initial D, complete with blinky lights. I’d ride those on a normal day.

Birria Nachos @ Sam’s

Flavorful, yet light due to the corn chips instead of fries. They also do burgers and good milkshakes.

Anime Conventions: An Honest Guide

Seriously though, some people who frequent anime conventions really do need to shower more often.

Omurice @ SMASH! Maid Cafe

Whilst I’ve been to many anime conventions, I have yet to set foot in a maid cafe, even in Japan. It’s definitely something to consider doing with friends of certain tastes, but I would never go alone. This pop-up was only for one weekend a year (as it’s an annual convention), but it’s likely going to be a mainstay at large anime conventions around the world, and of course there’s plenty of these in Akihabara.

DJ Take

FLOW was in town, and we jammed to lots of anime music through the night.

Lebanese Lunch

Dinner @ Ton & Co.

Kangaroos!

Despite the name of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the kangaroo reserve was the highlight of my visit, mostly because you can freely interact with the many kangaroos in there. Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour, and buy the $2 kangaroo feed. You’ll have a fun time feeding and hugging them!

Spice Bag @ Northern Soul Chip Shop

I’ve heard of Irish-Chinese spice bags before, but sadly not before I went to Ireland. Instagram reignited my desire to try it, and after a failed attempt (these spice bags sell out super quickly!), I managed to snag a bag.

Check them out if your schedules align! Spice bags only sold Thursdays and Fridays typically, but they sell other things like Fish and Chips on the menu whenever they’re open.