When it comes to well-known ramen chains in Japan, Ichiran Ramen, Ramen Jiro and Ippudo are the two most well-known. Ippudo is known for its Hakata-style of ramen and best known for their tonkotsu ramen. (note: “tonkotsu” refers to the pork bone broth while “tonkatsu” Read More …
I have had the opportunity to review numerous travel books from different companies over the years and for New Zealand, this is the first time I have reviewed a travel book of the country from DK Eyewitness. One of the things that I like for Read More …
Possibly the most touristy/CROWDED place to be for cherry blossoms is Ueno Park. If you are going to the park for the art museums, aquarium, zoo (in other words, paid areas), no problem… the cherry blossom crowds don’t go in there. But the highest level Read More …
Another site to visit if you are wanting to see cherry blossoms during the day and also at night is Meguro River. My advice to see it… I recommend the following. Take the metro to Nakameguro Station. The reason why I suggest this station is Read More …
For those looking for a more fancier experience for cherry blossoms, I recommend visiting Tokyo Midtown (Roppongi/Akasaka area). As the place is absolutely lively during the Christmas time, it’s just as lovely during the cherry blossom weeks. The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo tends to have a CHANDON Read More …
I have already written about Inokashira Park in the past and that was during the fall/winter time when the leaves are red, orange, green, yellow, etc. But around the end of March and April, Inokashira Park is the place to be for the Cherry Blossoms. Read More …
I’m sure everyone has an answer of what they love about Hanami. For me, it was the amazing people I’ve met. I’ve been to many Hanami parties and they are all fun during when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Afterward, with the cherry Read More …
If there is one thing that one should partake in after the Hanami party and that is the cleanup. Everyone cleans up! And I’m going to bring up something I have written in the past… One thing I often see in Japan is how Japanese Read More …
When going to a hanami, you will want to bring drinks, food and if you want, games. If anything, buy extra food and drinks because if you are in a circle with others, some may not know and do not bring anything. And the last Read More …
In yesterday’s post, I discussed the history of hanami. But for this post, I want to discuss how one is able to secure a spot for hanami. No matter where you go, the last two weeks of March and the first two weekends of April Read More …
Hanami means “flower viewing” in Japan and is typically reserved for the cherry blossoms which bloom from March to April (Southern Japan starts earlier, Kanto/Kansai region around the end of March and early April and Northern Japan in April). Of course, it always depends on Read More …
I really do like Fodor’s creating these “25 Best” travel books. For one, they are not huge, can be kept in a bag or backpack and it’s not heavy. But most importantly, it features a lot of specific information, maps and more! And for their Read More …
I really do like Fodor’s creating these “25 Best” travel books. For one, they are not huge, can be kept in a bag or backpack and it’s not heavy. But most importantly, it features a lot of specific information, maps and more! And for the Read More …
Near the Port of Kobe is a very popular hot dog stand known as Copenhagen, which serves the Hansen original hot dog! It’s also quite popular among fans of the mega popular Japanese rock duo, B’z (which features lyricist/vocalist Inaba Koshi and legendary guitarist Matsumoto Read More …
I have watched and also read news of various tour groups canceling their trips and people who were planning to travel overseas, canceling their trips due to the coronavirus (2019-nCov). As a traveler, I don’t blame people for canceling. As much as I want to Read More …
Sometimes I walk around Shibuya and get lost and discover something new each time. In the Dogenzaka area of Shibuya, where a lot of bars are located, is a hidden shrine known as Chiyodainari Shrine. The shrine was founded around 1457 and Inari as the Read More …
It has become a trend for travelers to own a scratch off poster of the World Map. May it to be in their home or their office, it’s one way for those to keep track of where one has traveled and to look at daily Read More …
