As I walked around Ikebukuro, often do I see this bus going around playing a catchy song. So catchy that you can’t help sing it! The Vanilla Bus is what I call it: So, what is this Vanilla Bus in Ikebukuro? Apparently, the business recruits Read More …
Presented in painted wood, plaster and gold and was found in Egypt, the coffin was created during the late period during the 30th Dynasty of the Early Ptolemaic Perod ala the 4th Century B.C. The coffin is probably from the Middle Egypt. For me, I Read More …
One of the most difficult things about trying to time your trip to Japan during the cherry blossom time is when to go. Most people travel for the week, some for two. While the rule of thumb is last week of March to the first Read More …
In Japan, you will find Hiyori Cafe – Waffle & Tea- near stations. The primary thing sold is fluffy waffles and tea and the concept is quite simple, fluffy waffles (strawberry, matcha or regular) filled with cream and fruit. And the waffles range from Y280 Read More …
Located at Hanshin Koshien Stadium is the Stadium Shop. At this location, one can find merchandise for other teams, especially the Hanshin Tigers but most importantly, Hanshin Koshien Stadium merchandise for the baseball fan at heart. While the shop is not huge, Central League fans Read More …
I have had the opportunity to review numerous travel books from different companies over the years and for the first time, I believe “Rome 2019” is the first travel book I have reviewed from DK Travel/DK Eyewitness. One of the things that I like for Read More …
In my effort to visit all NPB stadiums and official team stores, I went to KFC Hanshin Koshien Stadium and in front of the stadium (about a 100-150 yards away) is the team’s Team Shop Alps store. For those who never been to an NPB Read More …
Located in Shibuya’s Cat St., right next door to the Ralph Lauren Polo Store is The Roastery by Nozy Coffee. Ran by the people behind Setagaya’s Nozy Coffee and by restaurant owners – Tysons Japan, The Roastery by Nozy Coffee in Shibuya has a simple Read More …
Right after New Year, Japan’s version of Black Friday kicks in as it becomes “Fukubukuro” (Lucky Bag) Time! Each year in Japan, on New Year’s Day (and sometimes a few days before), many partake in Fukubukuro. Fukubukuro is a New Year’s custom in which merchants Read More …
I’m often asked how I prepare for my coffee/cafe tours around Japan and while there are websites that are good in showcasing cool coffee shops and cafe, one guide that I pick up at the end of November each year is the “Tokyo Cafe Guide” Read More …
In part A, we talked about the filtering process through the wooden boxes at the Yubatake (Hot Water Source). This time, we see the final steps after going through the wooden boxes for filtration of the sulfur, then going through a waterfall or this wooden Read More …
Kusatsu, home to one of the largest sources of hot water derived from nearby Mount Kusatsu-Shirane. With around a hundred hot springs in Kusatsu and a total of about 34,000 liters of water coming off the ground that is sulfurous and acidic, for centuries, many Read More …
Once you go down from Kosenji, you will see onf the largest public bath houses right in the center known as Gozanoyu. During the Edo and Meiji period there were five communal hot springs and one of them was Gozanoyu. Gozonoyu features a wooden building Read More …
As you go to Kosenji’s main grounds, you will notice there are more pathways, may it be to the right of the temple or midway on the steps. While the temple grounds are not huge, there are still numerous things to see around the area. Read More …
Located across from the Kusatsu Yubatake Onsen is a temple known as Kosenji. To get to the area, you will need to go up a few stairs and one will want to take it slow if you are going in the winter, as there are Read More …
Now you need to go through a path to reach the Kusatsu Onsen (Yubatake). But first, you’ll be making a stroll through many shops and restaurants. Kusatsu-machi unfortunately had to be reconstructed. Back in 1869, ther e was a devastating fire which burned the town Read More …
Kusatsu in Gunma Prefecture is no down a popular destination for travelers because of the famous Kusatsu Hot Springs. The location is about 3.9 thousand feet above sea level (1200 meters) and surrounding the area is an active volcano (Kusatsu-Shirane), an inactive volcano (Mount Tengu) Read More …