#28: Pizza for Buddha — January 28, 2013 It's not every day that we get to enjoy New York style pizza in Japan. So, when we happened to come upon Rocco's pizzeria near Oji Station in Tokyo, the Manga University Daibutsu made us an offer we couldn't refuse. One pepperoni slice to go.

  #27: Gateway to Buddha — January 27, 2013 The University of Tokyo campus is a fantastic spot that rarely gets more than a passing mention in tourist guidebooks. Just a short walk from overcrowded Ueno Park, Todai (as the university is affectionately known) features wooded paths, a lush pond, arched passageways and stately buildings.  On the southwest side of the campus is the famous Aka Mon (red gate), which many consider the main entrance to the university. The Manga University Daibutsu's favorite, though, is Yayoi Gate on the east side of the century-old campus.

  #26: Buddha at Bentendo — January 26, 2013 A weekend in central to Tokyo isn't complete without taking a few moments to enjoy the various landmarks within Ueno Park. The Manga University Daibutsu is particularly fond of the colorful Bentendo shrine, which sits on an island in Shinobazu Pond. The structure was built to honor Benzaiten, a goddess of the arts.

  #25: Buddha's Bottles — January 25, 2013 A few days ago we showed you the Manga University Daibutsu posing in front of a stack of traditional sake kegs in front of the National Theatre of Japan. Today, we find him sitting outside a nearby izakaya, where colorful bottles of rice wine are on display in front of the establishment. Buddha clearly has good taste!

  #24: Garden-Variety Buddha — January 24, 2013 Spring is still a couple of months away, so we couldn't help but notice a patch of wildflowers in bloom along the main route through Tokyo's Itabashi district.  The Manga University Daibutsu has never looked so peaceful as he does in this lovely little garden.