The One about Chion-in in Higashiyama, Kyoto – Part 2: Has the temple and structures been rebuilt?

In the first part of my post about Chion-in, the large temple in Higashiyama, Kyoto, I wrote about how it was the headquarters for Jodo-shu and how it was founded by Honen. But like many temples in Japan, the originals were often destroyed during a Read More …

The One about Chion-in in Higashiyama, Kyoto – Part 1

Located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, is Chion-in (which translates to Monastery of Gratitude). The location is the headquarters of the Jodo-shu (Pure Land Sect) founded by Honen (1133-1212) who proclaimed that sentinient beings are reborn in Amida Buddha’s Western Paradise by reciting the Nembutsu (Amida Buddha’s Read More …

The One about Bakudan-ya in Hiroshima

So, you are a tsukemen enthusiast?  You have ventured the Kanto and Kansai area trying the best tsukemen. But in the Chugoku region, specifically in Hiroshima, is a restaurant known for Hiroshima tsukemen and its Bakudan-ya.  A restaurant that is popular and has many celebrities Read More …

The One about if what you see now in Japan is a Cherry Blossom or a Plum Blossom? What is the Difference? And when is the best time to see it?

One of the things I notice from people is that in February, many say they saw the cherry blossoms. In Japan, typically in Tokyo or Kyoto the cherry blossoms are seen during the tail end of March and early April, but the more you go Read More …

The One about Carl’s Jr. in Akihabara

Back in 2016, Carl’s Jr. Inc, a subsidiary of Mitsuuroku Group Holdings, Co., Ltd. (MGHD) opened its first restaurant in Akihabara.  And the goal of CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc. (CKE) and MGHD to develop 150 Carl’s Jr. restaurants in Japan for the next ten years. Read More …