A LITTLE TASTE OF HOME

About six weeks ago, a glorious glorious thing came to pass here in Japan.

The nation's very first Krispy Kreme opened. Very first! The people of this great nation had before this event been denied the Beauty and the Truth of Krispy Kreme, at least on their own turf. What a shame.

But apparently, folks here are making up for lost time. Word on the street has been that Japan's sole Krispy Kreme location -- for now, anyway -- consistently has two-hour lines, and customers walk out with several dozen doughnuts at a time, ostensibly to be shared with offices, families, friends, etc. It's the joy of giving, people, and it's a wonderful thing. There had been some talk about Krispy Kreme having problems here, where palates are used to a different kind of sweet than the American, tooth-hurting kind. Dunkin' Donuts, for example, and if you don't mind the blasphemy, had a brief run in Japan in the '90s, but failed, because the flavor just didn't do it for most Japanese. But Krispy Kreme seems to have had a good debut, though time will tell if it's really because people like it, or simply because of the Japanese mania to try the newest "it" thing.

But anyway, let's get back to me, me, me. Saturday morning, I awoke with visions of Krispy Kremes dancing in my head, having just woken up from a very nice dream in which a trip to Krispy Kreme played a key role. The hubby and I decided it was a sign -- one that must be acknowledged, preferably immediately.

So we headed for the train station, knowing only that we must go to Shinjuku, not exactly a cow town. But we knew we could find the Krispy Kreme with our hearts (or is that bellies?). And indeed, with very little fumbling, we did.

Behold:

Is that a beautiful sight or what? Apparently we weren't alone in thinking so -- lots and lots of other folks stood in line on a cold (it was snowing a bit earlier!), drizzly Saturday to get a taste. There were actually two lines. One (partly pictured above) was snaking around a patio outside the store's front door. That's the close line. First you have to stand in ANOTHER line around the side and back of the building, just for the privilege of standing in the close line.

All told, we were in line -- outside -- for an hour and a half. But it was worth it, no question. When we got inside, friendly Krispy Kreme workers were handing out free Krispy Kreme glazed -- hot off the conveyor belt -- as you waited in the last few minutes of the line. And then -- sweet payoff. We ordered two dozen (which cost 3,000 yen -- about $30 bucks) and found a seat upstairs to get comfy while we ate as many as we could. The rest we brought along on the long train ride home, sharing with our favorite Japanese shopkeeper (the lady at the guitar store where occasional bluegrass jams are held) and some friends on base who -- gasp -- had never tried Krispy Kreme. The rest are all ours. And if you think there will be any left by tomorrow, you're sadly mistaken.

NOTE: Before setting out I searched and searched for English Web sites with directions to the Tokyo Krispy Kreme, but no luck. So for anyone reading this in hopes of finding directions, let me help. Go to the JR Shinjuku Station, and head for the South Exit (studiously ignoring the NYC Doughnut Plant store you'll pass on the way to the exit -- puh-lease). Walk straight ahead to the sidewalk and head toward the Takashimaya/Tokyu Hands building, also labeled as Times Square. Wherever you spot an escalator, go up one level from the street, and head toward the side of the building that faces away from the street. Look for a pedestrian walkway that crosses over the train tracks directly in front of the Tokyu Hands entrance. You'll see the Krispy Kreme (and the tail end of the line) straight ahead. You could also leave Shinjuku Station's South Exit and find the walkway (one story above street level) that leads away from MyLord, towards the Microsoft building and Mitsubishi Motors. Walk past the Starbucks and Italian restaurant, and you'll see the Krispy Kreme storefront on your left.

Comments

[Adam]

First post. Woohoo!

Just wanted to say hello. I stumbled upon your blog by doing a webcrawl for Mitsubishi Motors (where I work, in PR). The Krispy Kreme post was a welcome bit of good news! Thanks!
I thought you might get a kick out of Buffalo Records, a record label and importer based in Kamakura (where I live). An acquaintance of mine, Doug Allsopp, runs the company and also does a bunch of nifty music events. To give you an idea of who he handles, look here:
http://www.buffalo-records.com/artistlist.asp
Take care!

[John and Sue]

Sue and I really miss Krispy Kreme the nearest one to us is on the island of Maui. Maybe Honolulu will get one soon. Give my love to my brother from another mother Geoff. Sue and I miss you guys very much.
Love,
John

[David]

Ahhh.. And to believe I used to live in Winston-Salem - the home of Krispy Kreme - where the smell would waft and mix with that of the Camels coming from RJR and Tobaccoville.. Good Sniffs!

[Janna]

Oh, my Lord! An hour and a half????

We had lines that long when they first opened in Denver, too. I must confess I don't get it, not being a great lover of the doughnut. But I understand the joy this brought you and G, since you are lovers of the doughnut.

(And in case you missed it: Psst! We've got Krispy Kremes in Denver! You're all set here.)

[Michael Wheeler]

Taiwan just got its first Duncan Donuts and it is the same way. Two hour line nearly all day. Just last year when Mr. Donut came to town it was the same. It must be an Asia-wide thing. Don't worry, in 6 months the lines will be normal.