McDonalds in Japan

So, you're an American walking around Japan, and you'd LOVE to try some new foods, but you're broke and running out of time! Or, what if it is late and most of the Japanese places you'd like to go to are closed for the evening?

Strange as this might sound, why not give Japanese McDonalds a try?

"But I don't like McDonalds. Their food is too greasy. There is nothing good there. I can get that back home. *whine whine whine*"

Alright, I see you're point. But I didn't say that you should go to just any McDonalds; I suggested you go to "Japanese" McDonalds. Anyone who has been to a Mickey-D's outside of America, you know that it is a different experience all together. The food actually looks like it was made from other food, they present it to you as if it were the model food in the posters, and eating at McDonald's isn't viewed as trashy or gross, but fashionable and smart (there is even a 100 yen menu for those of us trying to save money). And just as we have different names for our beloved fast food empire:

# Golden Arches (U.S. slang)
# Mickey-D's (U.S. slang)
# Mick-dicks (U.S. slang)
# Macca's (Australian slang)
# Mackey-D's (British slang)
# MakDo (Filipino slang)
# MacDoh (French Canadian slang)
# McDo (French slang)
# Makku or Makudo (Japanese slang)
# McDoof (German slang)
# McD's (Scottish slang)
# Meki (Hungarian slang)
# Mec (Romanian slang)
# Donken, ''Mackid nnkan'' (amongst tweens) (Swedish slang)

So do the Japanese! The Sakura Hostel Staff put these helpful words on their blog:

In East Japan, it's called MAKKU （マック）.
In West Japan, it's called MAKUDO （マクド）.

But recently,
nicknames other than " MAKKU " and " MAKUDO " got infiltrating on the Internet.

What is it ????

Although various nicknames such as MAKUDONA and DANARU are spreading,
the one widely used on the Internet now is MAKUNARU （マクナル）.

Tantalizing names, I know, but you should check out the special offers and sides. The Japanese love to stress how limited these options are and even have calendars to show when they will end. Gotta get there soon if you want to try these tasty treats!

Teritama (teriyaki and egg sandwhich)
Side of corn kernels
Maccha flavored ice cream
Shaka Shaka Chicken strips
And a Shrimp Filet (Fireo) burger

You used to get a side of rice or the wasabi burger, but they fazed those out and put in other specials. They used to have a world tour, which was interesting because the USA was represented by about 5 burgers and every other country just got one.

Breakfast menu for a limited time only! (Ended already. No more AsaMaku anymore.)

And don't think they skimp out on commercials!

For another foreigner's take on this McDonald's comparison, why not read this blog? Or this famous foreigner's help guide?