Anything related to traveling in Japan
If you are in Japan and happen to be near the Sumida River, you can get to Asakusa and Odaiba easily via riding the water buses, the Himiko and the Hotaluna. The Himiko and Hotaline were both named by Leiji Matsumo. Making its debut in Read More …
In October and November, I will be embarking on several travel challenges. The main travel challenge is known as the “Tokyo Ward Challenge”. The challenge is quite simple: Visit each of the 23 wards in Tokyo. For those in the United States, think of it Read More …
Quite often, when you visit a home team’s stadium, there is an official store located right at the stadium. But for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, since their stadium is one of the oldest active stadiums in the world, the official good store is located a Read More …
In Japan, there are many forms of entertainment. While no different from the United States in its many offerings of entertainment, Japanese radio has managed to stay relevant. For one, unlike the United States where radio on the FM dial is primarily musically-driven, via AM, Read More …
Shibuya, the trendy city for teenagers and young adults for their shopping needs. And since 1979, Shibuya 109 (Ichi-maru-kyu) and 109Men’s department stores have stood tall in Shibuya. It’s name is a word play on the owner, Tokyu Mall Development. In Japan, 10=to, 9=kyu and Read More …
In the United States, we are used to seeing Starbucks almost in every city. In Japan, while Starbucks can also be seen in major cities, you can also find coffee shops everywhere and one prevalent coffee shop is Doutor Coffee. Founded by Toriba Hiromichi, there Read More …
For sushi enthusiasts, the name Jiro Ono is internationally known. The sushi chef is considered one of the greatest sushi craftsman alive and in Ginza, his restaurant “Sukiyabashi Jiro” has received a three-Michelin-starred rating. There is also a restaurant in Roppongi as well. And many Read More …
In Tokyo, one of the more popular department stores is Marui. While most people are familiar with the “○I○I” logo, the symbol “O” is not the vowel but the Japanese symbol for “Maru” and the “1” is pronounced “i”, hence the “Marui”. The first store Read More …
If you are visiting the Chiyoda ward and are in Jimbocho, if you are a fan of Japanese comic books (manga) and animation (anime), you will definitely want to visit Shueisha Inc. (Kabushiki Gaisha Shueisha). Founded back in 1925, Shueisha is the entertainment-related publishing division Read More …
I have written about my final visit to Tsukiji Fish Market but I decided that because I love sushi so much, I had to be in Japan for the final closure of the Tsukiji Fish Market before its transition to Toyosu in November 2016. With Read More …
I wrote about Fuji Q Highland Amusement Park and while it’s a popular location for those wanting to experience amusement park rides and theme-based attractions, for many people living outside of Japan, many flock to the location for Evangelion World. For those who are into Read More …
In 1926, Meiji Jingu Stadium opened in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. While many college baseball games are played at this stadium, including leagues such as the Tokyo Big6 Baseball League and the Tohto University Baseball League, the stadium is best known as the home stadium for Read More …
For those walking through the area of Minato Mirai area (nearest to the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse) in Yokohama, one is sure to see the Shikishima Class PLH (Patrol Vessel Large with Helicopter) vessel, the Akitsushima PLH32. Laid down in 2011 and launched in July Read More …
When it comes to concerts, one of the well-known indoor arenas in Japan is Nippon Budokan located in Tokyo ala the Chiyoda ward. Originally built in 1964 for the judo competition in the 1964 Summer Olympics, Nippon Budokan hosts many concerts, martial arts and sporting Read More …
For those who are fans of Studio Ghibli animated films, there are a few locations one should visit in Japan. The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, the Hayao Miyazaki Nittere Ohdokei Clock and a Donguri Kyowakoku store located throughout Japan. A Donguri Kyowakoku store is where Read More …
For those visiting the Shinbashi area in the Minato ward in Tokyo, the location is best known for the NTV Shiodome and Panasonic Museums, but many flock to the area for a clock. Designed by Hayao Miyazaki and sculpted by Shachimaru Kunio, the Niterre Ohdokei Read More …
In the central business district of Yokohama, if you ever go near Minato Mirai 21, you will come across the Yokohama Landmark Tower, the Pacifico Yokohama convention center, art musums, cafes, restaurants and malls. But one popular locations is the Cosmo Clock 21 ferris wheel Read More …