In Odaiba, Japan, the Fuji TV building is one of the more recognized buildings, as it has been featured on television and movies. It’s one of the coolest, modern designed buildings in Odaiba and even years after it was built, it is still an iconic Read More …
Going to Japan, one can see how public parks differ, when comparing to the United States. Almost near every neighborhood, one can find a park not far away. In Meguro, right next to Ryusenji Temple is Fudo Park. As I was traveling to Ryusenji Temple Read More …
Yokohama is the largest city in Japan and it is known as Japan’s prominent port city following the end of Japan’s isolation in the mid-19th century. And in the late 1800’s, Japan’s trade with the Chinese would lead to many settling in the city as Read More …
In Japan, Yodabashi Camera and Bic Camera are popular locations for those wanting to purchase electronics. Sofmap is a subsidiary of Bic Camera and an electronic retailer that sells both new and used products. Established back in 1982 by Kei Suzuki, the origins of Sofmap Read More …
French designer Philippe Starck is well-known for his interior, architectural, industrial and product design. Starck studied at the Ecole Camondo in Paris and he created an inflatable structure in 1969 that questioned materiality and would bring him to the attention of Pierre Cardin who offered Read More …
Probably one of the catchier looking buildings in the trendy area of Shibuya is the Bershka building and the home of the Bershka retail company. A company that is from Spain (since 1998), Bershka is part of the Spanish Inditex group (which owns Zara, Massimo Read More …
On Saturday night, I attended the Fresno Obon Festival 2016 in Fresno, California. It was an interesting drive to Fresno, as traffic was at a standstill as police and highway patrol were everywhere monitoring the large crowds of anti-police brutality rallies where people were nearly Read More …
I have had the opportunity to review a good number of travel guides over the years but this is the first time I will be reviewing Lonely Planet’s Ireland travel guide. For those not familiar with Lonely Planet, for the last few years it was Read More …
Between the Tokyo political buildings and Hibiya Park on the left and Ginza on the right is a neighborhood known as Yurakucho in Chiyoda ward. Part of the fascination of Yurakucho is how unlike it is from areas next to it. Thanks to its shops Read More …
Crepes. The very thin pancake made from wheat flour or buckwheat flour originated in France. And they have become so popular around the world that you can find many restaurants selling these thin pancakes with a variety of savory fillings. And in Japan, in Harajuku, Read More …
A question I receive a lot is whether I prefer to use a backpack or shoulder bag when traveling. I use both and both have their own positives and negatives. I tend to enjoy using shoulder bags, since I tend to prefer the classy black Read More …
I’m often asked by friends if Kabukicho, a red-light district in Shinjuku is safe. The area which was once known as Tsunohazu and was a swamp became a duck sanctuary during the Meiji period, but in 1893, as part of the Yodobashi Purification Plant, the Read More …
While I have discussed using Google Maps for traveling and how sometimes, it can get glitchy and is not 100% perfect, I know that when it comes to traveling overseas, I find it so important to have. Especially going to locations like Tokyo. I like Read More …
During the month of March and April, Kitanomura Park is one of the pleasant areas to visit. Located in Chiyoda, Tokyo and north of the Tokyo Imperial Palace, part of the allure of this park is that Nippon Budokan (where many concerts and events take Read More …
In 1960, Fujisawa Shashin Shokai was created and founded in the former town and ward of Yodobashi. As the store changed its named to Yodobashi Camera Co., Ltd. in 1974. The first store would open in Shinjku Nishiguchi and 1/3 of all SLR cameras were Read More …
If you are heading east from the temples of Asakusa, toward Tokyo Skytree, before the Sumida River is a park known as Sumida Park (Sumida Koen). Just five minutes from Asakusa station at 1 Mukoujima Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Sumida Park is extremely popular in March and Read More …
With the opening of Tokyo Skytree in 2012, the commercial shopping center Tokyo Solamachi created to provide shopping for people visiting the area. With over 300 shops, Tokyo Skytree, an aquarium, planetarium, museum and restaurants and shopping galore, it is no doubt a major tourist Read More …
A few days ago, I posted a blog about Obon festivals and this weekend, I went to my first obon festival for 2016 in the city of Visalia, California on June 25th. Visalia is located in Central California and its literally in the center as Read More …
Uniqlo has no doubt become one of the popular unisex clothing shops globally. Back in 1949, In Ube, Yamaguchi, a mens clothing shop operated by Ogori Shoji has been operating in the area. In 1984, the company wanted to create a unisex casual wear store Read More …
In America, we are used to seeing shoe stores such as Foot Locker, Famous Footwear, Finish Line, etc. In Japan, possibly one of the most popular shoe stores to find throughout Japan, especially in Tokyo, in the mega trendy special ward of Shibuya, and that Read More …
Shibuya is the trendiest area for young people in Shibuya and there are a ton of restaurants and shopping areas. And to get there, you need to cross the road at the popular Shibuya crossing (or Shibuya Scramble Crossing). And if you are going to Read More …
Napoli’s Pizza and Cafe is among one of the Neapolitan-style pizzerias in Tokyo. As part of the big Napoli chain throughout Tokyo and has a few branches outside of the country, including Hong Kong, Bali and Vietnam, Napoli’s is great for those who want to Read More …
A friend told me about BlackBall, a Taiwanese Dessert place in San Gabriel which specializes in…Grass Jelly. I have to admit that I was hesitant of trying out when she first told me about it but I figured that we had similar interests in desserts, Read More …