The Hangover Cure

Yes, Japan has hangover cures that actually work.  I have tested a few of them out, and the one that works best for me is called Ukon No Chikara.

Ingredients 

I have no idea.  I can't read kanji.  I do know that it contains a large amount of turmeric, as well as vitamins E and B6.  Turmeric is a relative of ginger.  It is native to tropical south Asia, and is used as a spice in Indian cuisine. 

Why it works

Turmeric is rumored to boost liver function.  I am not sure if that is why it works, but I can say that it does indeed work.

Research

What could be more fun than doing research for a blog about hangovers.  

Day 1 - Beer and Shochu Combo
What I drank? 6 beers and four glasses of shochu
Hangover Cure? 1 bottle of ukon no chikara before bed
Hungover? Not at all.  I woke up feeling great after 9 hours of sleep.


Day 2 - A Little Bit Of Everything

What I drank? 2 beers, 2 cans of chu-hi, 1 small bottle of sake, and half a bottle of schochu
Hangover Cure? 1 bottle of ukon no chikara before bed, 1 bottle first thing in the morning
Hungover? Felt a little strange in the morning.  Therefore, I turned up another bottle of the stuff.  In one hour, I felt 100% normal.  I think I slept 10 hours that night.


Day 3 - The Morning Cure Test
What I drank? 5 cans of 8% chu-hi
Hangover Cure? 1 bottle of ukon no chikara taken the next morning
Hungover? I didn't feel that great when I woke up.  I wouldn't say that I was really hungover, just really tired.  I don't remember how long it was after I drank it, but I felt great within minutes.

So there you go, a hangover cure that really works.  If you would ever like me to participate in any alcohol related research, and you are willing to fund it, I would be more than happy to volunteer.  Also, have you found an even better hangover cure in Japan?  I would love to know about it.

A Guide To Coffee Drinks In Japan

I admit it, I'm a bit of a coffee snob.  I enjoy a nice french press in the morning.  Unfortunately, I didn't bring my french press with me to Japan .  Until I figure out how to buy one, I am forced to drink vending machine coffee drinks. Some of them are decent, others are real bad. 


THE GOOD

 Boss Cafe au Lait - This coffee drink is the best one I have tried.  A nice blend of coffee and milk.  However, the coffee flavor remains nice and strong.  You can find cans like this in vending machines for 120 yen, or you can buy a larger plastic bottle at the combini for 157 yen.

Roots Aroma Impact - This coffee is another favorite of mine.  It also is a blend of nice tasting coffee and milk.  My favorite coffee drinks here all seem to be a blend of coffee and milk.  There are plenty of black coffee options, but I don't like any of them.  The strange things is, at home I drink black coffee.

THE BAD

 

Black Coffee Drinks (all of them) - I am only using the Boss silky can as an example, because I have met people who really like this stuff.  You can buy it hot or cold at any combini.  In my opinion, all the black coffee drinks here are gross.  Have you ever woke up and realized that you don't have time to make coffee? However, there is a bit of leftover coffee remaining from the previous day.  You pour the funky black stuff in a coffee mug, and heat it up in the microwave.  That is what black coffee drinks taste like in Japan. Yummy!

THE WORST

Wonda Morning Shot - Words really can't explain how bad this drink is.  A strong flavor of  tree bark, with a sour bitter finish.

COFFEE ADS

The coffee drink business in Japan is huge!  There are vending machines offering them on every other corning. You see ads for them on buses, trains, and almost everywhere you look.  One of more interesting things I noticed recently, Tommy Lee Jones is the spokesman for Boss. 

I am sure that there are plenty of different opinions concerning coffee drinks.  I know someone who thinks Wonda Morning Shot is the best tasting drink on earth.  I think she needs to go to the Doctor and have her taste buds examined.  If you are coming to Japan soon and you are going to live in the inaka (countryside), think about bringing a bag or two of fresh coffee with you.  If you are going to be living in a city, it won't be hard to find Starbucks or good coffee.  However, It will be more expensive!  Buying two vending machine coffees everyday will cost you about 7200 yen per month.($94)