McDonald's, Tokyo

Alternatives to McDonalds of course exist. You'll see local chains Mos Burger and First Kitchen are plentiful. And more traditional Japanese fast foods such as curry, soba/udon (noodles), gyuu-don (beef over rice) and ten-don (tempura on rice) can be found as well.

Favorite Dish: Many people pride themselves in not eating at the ubiquitous American chains and if you can avoid them, then more power to you. However, there may be occasions when you're in a hurry or just feel a need for something familiar. So don't listen to the naysayers and follow your instincts.

Besides, you'll be able to compare the experience to that in your home country. Even at McDonalds you can still choose a menu item that you can't find at home. The McTeriyaki burger is not something you're likely to find in North America. And, I'll bet the tsukimi ('moon viewing') burger -- a fried egg on top of a hamburger patty -- is not something you've seen elsewhere. (Note, the tsukimi burger is only available during moon viewing season.) Even if you order the 'usual,' you may be surprised. My mother claims the best filet-o-fish sandwich she ever had was the one she had in Japan.