In Northern Tokyo, outside of Shibamata Station is the statue of Tora-san. The character is best known for the long-running film series “Otoko wa tsurai yo” (which translates to “It’s Tough Being a Man”) directed by Yoji Yamada and stars actor Atsumi Kiyoshi. With a Read More …
Earlier this month, I traveled to Nagoya, Japan to visit Nagoya Castle. And I will say it was one of the most breathtaking experiences that I have ever seen. Just from a distance and seeing the castle, you are literally in awe. According to Wikipedia: Read More …
Located at Tokyo Dome City, right between the Under Armour Tokyo Giants shop and the Japanese Hall of Fame is “The Burgers Tokyo”. The restaurant which is owned by Italian Tomato (who operates restaurants such as Faribeurre, IL VIGORE, Italian Tomato Cafe, Caffe Superiore, Panes Read More …
RIP to travel blogger Ryo Izaki. A young man full of life and was traveling the world and blogging about it since Feb. 2016. This past weekend, Ryo’s next country to visit was Colombia. On Saturday afternoon, his latest stop was in Medellin, the second Read More …
Back in 1999, Kawaguchi Station and the area surrounding it was not so crowded as it is today. As the location was still developing (as I wrote in my May blog post), I wrote that I would be returning to the area in November 2016 Read More …
I have always heard of Yosakoi, a unique style of dance that originated in Japan and you can see at festivals and events all throughout Japan. The first Yosakoi festival was held in Kochi back in 1954 but has now become a huge event in Read More …
In Japan, my favorite beverages that I tend to drink are milk tea and milk coffee. And for the latter, Cafe Au Lait (Coffee and Milk), I absolute love it! For milk coffee, I absolutely love Coca-Cola’s hot Georgia Milk Cafe Au Lait and Kowai Read More …
For those who have read my post about the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), I first recommend after activation at a JR Station to discuss with them on getting shinkansen tickets in advance (as you want to make sure you get your seat before finding Read More …
Nishiarai Daishi (西新井大師), known formally as Sojiji (総持寺), is a relatively large Shingon Buddhist temple located in the northeastern part of Tokyo. It is said to have been founded in 826 by Shingon Sect founder Kukai. This temple of the Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism, Read More …
So, you are traveling to Japan and want to figure out how to travel Japan on a budget and are interested in the Japan Rail Pass. Should you get a 7-Day, 14-Day or 21-Day JR Pass? Should you get one at all? If you are Read More …
For those who have looked at the night sky, tonight’s supermoon (a.k.a. perigee-syzygy) is 14% bigger and 30% brighter than usual. Since 1948, this is the closest the moon has been to Earth in 69 years and the next time it will happen is in Read More …
Located in one of Tokyo’s largest park areas is Ueno Zoo, one of Japan’s oldest zoos which was opened back in 1882. Only a five-minute walk from Ueno Station and one that can be reached via train or the Ueno zoo Monorail, the Ueno Zoo Read More …
You have probably been introduced to PIKOTARO’s “PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen)”, as the 50-second music video from the comedian Daimaou Kosaka turned viral. Personally, I never expected the video to become so popular and the fact that it debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Read More …
Tsukiji fish market may be known for its fresh fish and its many sushi restaurants, but the location is also well known for its tamagoyaki. Think of tamagoyaki as a Japanese omelette with its egg rolled together to make up several layers of a cooked Read More …
Located in Arakawa, Tokyo and in an area with loud trains passing by over the location is the Kozukappara Execution Grounds. A location, one of the three of what was then known as the vicinity of Edo, was where criminals were executed by the Tokugawa Read More …
Today’s cinema selection goes to…. no, it’s not Oliver Stone’s “JFK” but to filmmakers who have created JFK documentaries that air on television during this time to commemorate the death of President John F. Kennedy. First, let me say that I enjoyed Oliver Stone’s “JFK” Read More …
Folgers is one of the best well-known coffee brands in the United States. The company’s history dates back in 1850 when it was known as Pioneer Steam Coffee and Spice Mills based in San Francisco, California. As owner Michael Eden wanted to produce roasted and Read More …
And the Tokyo Ward challenge has been completed! I have visited all 23 Tokyo Wards and it was definitely one of the more exciting adventures I have taken part of. It was a blast! And now to end my final week in Tokyo an Read More …
For those who are being initiated to coffee, many start off having a disdain because of the bitterness. Some start off with medium roast or dark roast because they hear other coffee connoisseurs talking about it, blogging about it. And then they try it and Read More …
