Anything related to traveling in Japan
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 …
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 …
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 …
I’ve written about the beauty of Jorenji Temple in Itabashi and the history in my last post. But now let’s take a look at what else is around Jorenji Temple. I went during the cherry blossom season and the cherry blossoms were out in full Read More …
Typically when people think about a large Buddha statue, it’s typically of Kotokuin in Kamakura, Kanagawa or Todaiji Temple in Nara. But if I was to say that Tokyo also has a large Buddha statue, some people may be surprised. The location is at Jorenji Read More …
In Japan, the cherry blossoms are among the best things to see in March and April. But depending on when you are visiting Japan and what location makes a huge difference. If you are in Southern Japan (which experiences warmer weather0, early March is when Read More …
Back in April 1915, Kawagoe Nishimachi Station was opened. It was a location which Tojo Railway would run through and in 1920, the railway became known as Tobu Railway Toju Main Line Station before receiving the name Kawagoe Station in July 1940. Fastforward to 1987 Read More …
One of the popular artisanal French Boulangerie around the world is Maison Kayser Paris, which was founded by Eric Kayser in Paris back in 1996. Eric Kayser has a reputation of being one of the most talented artisan bakers of his generation. Starting his baker 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 …
If one is going to visit the Pokemon Cafe, you might as well visit the adjoining Pokemon Center Tokyo DX. I’ve written about the Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo Store in Ikebukuro, but the Pokemon Center Tokyo DX is no doubt a great location for Pokemon Read More …
When I was in Japan, I waited a few weeks until visiting the Pokemon Cafe (which opened on March 14th) in Nihonbashi, as I expected it to be extremely crowded. Note: There is also a Pokemon Cafe in the Kansai region in Shinsaibashi, Osaka. Located Read More …
Here is a second part to the popular Fukubukuro of 2020! Right after New Year, Japan’s version of Black Friday kicks in as it becomes “Fukubukuro” (Lucky Bag) Time! In 2020, it’s rather interesting as some stores requested for people to pre-order fukubukuro back in Read More …
The day 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. In 2020, it’s rather interesting as some stores Read More …
I’ve written about Moriva Coffee, Jonathan’s, Cafe Gusto and numerous other coffee shops, western style cafes in Japan. But when it comes to large chains throughout Japan, Komeda’s Coffee is one, perhaps the largest? With over 700 coffee shops in Japan, it goes to show Read More …
There are a lot of people who have asked me, “Is Kabukicho safe?”, “Is it OK for me to walk around the area?”, “Is it safe, I hear it’s full of yakuza?”, “I heard stories about that place!”, etc. First, let’s establish this. Kabukicho is Read More …