The One about Mount Takao in Hachioji Part 2 – On the Way to Kiyotaki Station

The One about Mount Takao in Hachioji Part 1 – Arriving at Takaosanguchi Station After leaving Takaosanguchi Station, now it’s time to walk to Kiyotaki Station. The eight minute walk is rather interesting because the path to the station is filled with souvenir shops and Read More …

The One about Mount Takao in Hachioji Part 1 – Arriving at Takaosanguchi Station

The One about Mount Takao in Hachioji Part 10 (Final): Okunoin Fudo-do Hall, Fuji-Sengen-sha Shrine and the Top of Mount Takao The One about Mount Takao in Hachioji Part 9: Yakuou-in Daishi-do Hall and Izuna Gongen-do Hall The One about Mount Takao in Hachioji Part Read More …

The One about My Classic Hollywood Photos 002: “Wizard of Oz” (1939), Marlene Dietrich promo photo for “Kismet” (1944), “Pennies from Heaven” (1936) Bing Crosby and Edith Fellows with “Our Gang” kids

It’s Sunday and that means it’s time for “Classic Hollywood Photos”. When I was 19-years-old, I purchased and acquired hundreds of classic Hollywood photos from a retailer who wanted to pass his photo collection before he passed. For several decades, friends and classic cinema fans Read More …

The One about Yamashita Tatsuro – Melodies (June 1983)

“Melodies” is a classic album from Yamashita Tatsuro that still is on my playlist to this day! ARTIST: Yamashita Tatsuro (山下達郎) TITLE: Melodies LABEL: Alpha Moon Inc./Moon Records CATALOG #: 32XM-27 DURATION: 41 Minutes RELEASE DATE: June 8, 1983 1. 悲しみのJODY (She Was Crying) 2. Read More …

The One about Fukuya Kuzuryuumochi in Hakone

For those who have traveled throughout Japan, one of the things you start to notice is that certain areas have their own dish and sweets that they proudly display. In Japan, specifically in the Kanagawa prefecture, is the town of Hakone. And it is one Read More …

Travel Guide: The One about Making the Decision of a Window Seat or Aisle Seat?

I’m often asked what seat I would recommend on an airplane flight, window seat or aisle seat? There are a few things I look for on a flight, if it’s a domestic, short flight, I don’t mind the aisle seat.  If I’m on an international Read More …

Travel Guide: The One about What to Buy for Mosquito Repellent and Anti-Itch Medication for Mosquito Bites in Japan

Japan is a beautiful country and when it gets warmer, while visiting the parks are enjoyable, some areas that have a lot of water will attract mosquitoes. And parks like Yoyogi Park at one time, had problems with mosquitoes that carried the dengue virus. While Read More …

The One about Pismo’s Coastal Grill in Fresno, California

I have heard about the Fansler Restaurant Group’s seafood restaurant, Pismo’s Coastal Grill in Fresno, California. Fansler Restaurant Group also operates the popular steakhouse, Yosemite Ranch and Westwoods BBQ & Spice Co. and having heard a lot of compliments about Pismo’s Coastal Grill, I figured Read More …

The One about My Classic Hollywood Photos 001: Billie “Buckwheat” Thomas, Laurel & Hardy, Carole Lombard and Clark Gable

When I was 19-years-old, I purchased and acquired hundreds of classic Hollywood photos from a retailer who wanted to pass his photo collection before he passed. For several decades, friends and classic cinema fans have asked me to share my collection and I decided for Read More …

The One about the Plantronics BackBeat GO 600 Noise-Isolating Headphones

I have been using the Plantronics BackBeat GO 600 Noise-Isolating Headphones for almost two months now and I have been able to find out the positives and negatives of these headphones. First, let’s begin with the positives. Plantronics is a well-known brand for creating headsets Read More …

The One about MATSUNOSUKE N.Y. at Hillside Terrace in Daikanyama

Located in southwest Shibuya is the town known as Daikanyama. The location is known for its elegance, may it be boutiques, cake shops, restaurants and cafes, but it was a town redeveloped after the end of the bubble economy. While the origin of Daikanyma is Read More …

The One about the Four Seasons of Edo @ Sunshine City in Ikebukuro by Kataoka Tamako

For those visiting the Sunshine City shopping center in Ikebukuro may come upon this large artwork titled “The One about the Four Seasons of Edo” by Kataoka  Tamako (1905-2008). The ceramic artwork was created back in 1978 for the opening of Sunshine City and was Read More …

The One about Dotonbori Takohachi Sohonten in Osaka

Back in 1979, Takohachi opened in Osaka. It is said that the popular Japanese snack known as Takoyaki, was born in Osaka back in the early Showa era.  While there are many opinions in regards to the roots of takoyaki, people feel the origin of Read More …