Travels in Tokyo: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in Japan

Traveling to Japan was every bit the incredible experience I thought it would be. Huge numbers of people crammed into small spaces. Restaurants no bigger than my living room. Geishas walking down the street decked out in their geisha wear. Hundreds of people crossing the streets every which way--directly across and diagonally all at the same time, rushing, rushing to get to their destinations.

But, hands down, the single most outrageous, unexpected observation I made in Japan was the Japanese people's insatiable hunger for Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Yes, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts have hit the island of Japan with more impact than their most recent storm.

All hyperbole aside, tens of hundreds of people in Japan stand in their perfectly straight, single file lines, waiting patiently to eventually step into the door of the Krispy Kreme restaurant. Then, more waiting, until they arrive at that coveted place: the front of the line inside the building. So cherished and important is this experience for the Japanese that they will wait a couple of hours before going to work to capture the holy dozen of Krispy Kremes to share with co-workers.

And, I haven't even mentioned the most fascinating part of this whole experience. You are not going to believe this but there is a police officer guarding the queue! I am not making this up. Yes, indeed, just to ensure no line-butting or "budging" as my son used to call it when he was in grade school, a guard watchfully and rather intensely keeps vigil over the line. Focusing on the first 20 or 30 people immediately outside the door of the shop, the guard is dressed in his meticulously ironed uniform, white hat with a bill, and gleaming white gloves.

However, once the line turns the corner of the building and continues across a bridge, the anxious patrons are on their own in maintaining their places in the queue. Interestingly, a short walk of about 100 steps leads to the Starbucks where there was no waiting on any morning during my visit. Each morning while in Tokyo, I marveled at the locals' efforts to obtain their Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

The people who waited in the queue were of petite build and short height. They looked quite delicate. The women wore their designer clothes and spike heels while donning the latest hairstyles. The men sported silk suits and beautiful ties. What they were doing seemed completely mismatched with their appearances: waiting in this line that never ends for a rather uninspired American treat-the doughnut.

So, if you think you are serious about your doughnut fix in the morning, consider the two hour queue in Tokyo for Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. The new storm in Japan is not a typhoon, it's Krispy Kreme.