Some years ago my husband and I stayed at a ryoken (traditional inn) in Kyoto, Japan. These are very expensive to stay in (over $1000. a night, but include breakfast & dinner). When the room maid would say goodnight each evening she would ask what time we wanted breakfast to be delivered to our room. It was the last of our three night stay and I was getting tired of orange juice so I asked if I could get something different. She asked if I would prefer some strawberries and I said yes and my husband liked the idea, so he gave up the juice for them as well.

We each got a lovely bowl of strawberries, each one perfect. When we checked out, there was a $50.00 surcharge for strawberries. We learned there are NO menu substitutes in Japan!

Candice NYC