Anything related to traveling in Japan
For the second part of Kotoku-in in Kamakura, we will take a look at the actual statue of the renown Great Buddha (Daibutsu) bronze statue of Amida Buddha. Looking at the area and seeing how much has changed over a hundred years later since the Read More …
Located in the city of Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture is the renown Great Buddha (Daibutsu) bronze statue of Amida Buddha. The Jodo-shu Buddhist temple is known as Taiizan Kotokuin Shojosenji (“Kotoku-in” for short) brings in travelers all over the world. The bronze version was created Read More …
There is something magical about going to Japan around the Christmas time. Although Christmas in Japan is seen much differently than in the United States and other countries, who celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ or a holiday as gift giving to family and friends. Read More …
In America, there are numerous diners that people flock to for breakfast or late night meals, may it be Denny’s, iHop, Sizzler, etc. or even local diners, in Japan, a family restaurant that is well-known for its western-style cuisine is Cafe Restaurant Gusto. Operated by Read More …
Located in Odaiba in the Pallette Town area is a shopping mall known as VenusFort. The mall has been called a “Theme park for women” and the mall is operated now by Mori Bulding. VenusFort opened back on August 25, 1999 and is located on Read More …
From Eiichi Kunitomo, known for his famous OMOTESANDO KOFFEE (which closed down in 2015, due to building being demolished), has two popular coffee shops in Tokyo. KOFFEE MAMEYA is considered the reincarnation of OMOTESANDO KOFFEE, while TORANOMON KOFFEE (which opened back in 2014) located in Read More …
I have to say that I was quite surprised by Bandai Namco’s announcement that J-World Tokyo in Ikebukuro will be closing down on February 17th. Beginning on December 21st through February 17th, J-World Tokyo will be hosting it’s “Grand Finale Event”. I covered my visit Read More …
A question that I am often asked is my approach to taking photos of people or inside stores in Japan. One thing that I can say is that one should always ask permission if I get a portrait or if I am inside a store. Read More …
Right outside Katsuta Station, near the bus stops, I discovered a Christmas decoration I’ve never seen anywhere else before. Seeing a Christmas tree next to a station is common, but in this case, we have a Christmas tree via lights and an octopus made with Read More …
For those who are traveling to Ibaraki from Tokyo will no doubt be taking the Joban Line from Ueno Station to Katsuta Station in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki. The station (which is operated by East Japan Railway Company – JR East) first opened back in March 1910 Read More …
I’m a big fan of the manga and anime series “Neon Genesis Evangelion” and visiting Hakone, one of the coolest things was to visit the Evangelion store in Hakone “EVA-YA” during the holidays! Of course, there were a lot of cool Christmas Evangelion merchandise but Read More …
In America, we grown accustom to seeing huge Christmas trees. My hometown still has a Christmas tree they put up right after Christmas near the downtown area and a lot of cities and towns celebrate with a huge Christmas Tree. In Japan, Yebisu Garden Place Read More …
A question that I am often asked is “is it easy to see Mt. Fuji?”. To be truthful, in my experience, the answer is “no”. A big part of seeing Mt. Fuji is always depending on the weather. One of the best places to see Read More …
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 …
Located near JR Shinjuku Station is Terrace City, which receives a good does of Christmas illumination but also lasts through Valentine’s Day. While not long, part of the beauty of this area is its pink lights which brings out a lot of couples and families Read More …
The Rikugi-en Gardens is one of the beautiful traditional Japanese gardens in Tokyo. Rikugi, which means “Garden of the Six Principles of Poetry”, while the “en” means park consisting of a small pond, trees and a hill. The construction of Rikugi-en was around 1695-1702 and Read More …
I’ve written about visiting Tokyo Dome City to check out the illumination for the past few years. And this year’s theme is to feature Illumination via Japanese style for the “Tokyo Dome City Illumination ~Edo no iki Nihon no hana~” event. Part of the fascinating Read More …