The One about Starbucks in Japan
I’m often asked if I ever go to Starbucks because I’m more of a third wave coffee guy. What is third wave? What are the first and second waves? The first wave was long ago when coffee became widely accessible and that was around the Read More …
The One about Thomas Lockley and Geoffrey Girard’s “African Samurai: The True Story of Yasuke, a Legendary Black Warrior in Feudal Japan”
When Okazaki Takashi’s manga and anime series “Afro Samurai” came out, I know there were people who felt it was silly that there was a Black man as a samurai. In reality, there was actually a real Black man who was a samurai and his Read More …
The One about HAYABUSAs new 125g tungsten free-sliding tai rubber lure “Free Slide TG”
Hayabusa is based in Banshu Miki, Hyogo Prefecture, one of Japan’s leading metalworking towns, this long-established hook manufacturer was founded in 1970. They produce a wide variety of high-quality hooks suitable for numerous fish species! They also operate many popular brands, including the bass fishing Read More …
The One about Urth Caffé Omotesando
Back in 1989, Jilla and Shallom Berkman met a coffee farmer named Jorge from a farm in Peru producing organic, heirloom coffee. Intrigued by Jorge’s mission, the Berkman’s would launch America’s first exclusively organic, heirloom coffee company named Urth Caffe. Using the old Welsh root Read More …
The One about Dotonbori Konamon Museum in Osaka
Located in Dotonbori in Osaka is the Dotonbori Konamon Museum. Immediately the idea of takoyaki and a museum may make you excited like I was when before I visited the takoyaki museum in Odaiba. While museum is used in the name of the restaaurant, the Read More …
The One about My Latest Adventure to Japan in 2019 – The Next Challenge?
I’ve been asked what my latest challenge will be for this upcoming adventure to Japan. I’ve done the Tokyo Ward Challenge, the Kanto Region Challenge and there are so many other challenges I have on my bucket list from going north of Japan for Hokkaido, Read More …
The One about the Yokohama Motomachi Pompadour Bakery
Way back in the late 1800s, Yokohama was known for being the center of foreign trade thanks to the opening of the Port of Yokohama. In fact, many westerners moved to the area and shops flourished on Motomachi St. which was known for shopping, cafes, Read More …
The One about the Acer Aspire TC-885-ACCFLi3O Desktop PC
For the consumer looking for a PC to do their work, go on the Internet and do non-heavy duty gaming will find the Acer Aspire TC-885-ACCFLi30 Desktop to fit their needs for years to come. The PC comes with an 8th Gen Intel Core i3-8100, Read More …
TRAVEL GUIDE: The One about the Best Burgers in Tokyo Part 3 – Vegan Burgers
My Best Burger Locations in Tokyo + Metropolis Japan’s Top Picks Best Burger Locations via the Tokyo Premium Hamburger Mooks Best Vegan Burgers in Tokyo As we have discussed the top Burgers in Tokyo in parts 1 and 2, now we have to do a Read More …
TRAVEL GUIDE: The One about the Best Burgers in Tokyo Part 2 – Recommendations from the Tokyo Premium Hamburger Mook
My Best Burger Locations in Tokyo + Metropolis Japan’s Top Picks Best Burger Locations via the Tokyo Premium Hamburger Mooks Best Vegan Burgers in Tokyo The best burgers in Tokyo topic is always subjective. And what may be the best one day, can be off Read More …
TRAVEL GUIDE: The One about the Best Burgers in Tokyo Part 1 – Recommendations from Metropolis Magazine and Popeye’s Burger Issue
My Best Burger Locations in Tokyo + Metropolis Japan’s Top Picks Best Burger Locations via the Tokyo Premium Hamburger Mooks Best Vegan Burgers in Tokyo I’m often asked what is the best burger in Tokyo? Everyone has their opinion as it’s subjective but the top Read More …
The One about the Targus Voyager II Backpack
When it comes to backpacks to carry your laptop, the Targus Voyager II Backpack offers you the protection but also has an isolate pouch for those who want to keep their food in Tupperware warm or cold. The case will allow for a 17″ laptop Read More …
The One about Eikaninsaru Temple in Minato
If you are on your way to Atago Shrine or even the NHK Museum of Broadcasting, nearby is a Buddhist Temple known as Eikaninsaru Temple. Actually, you’ll find numerous shrines and temples throughout the area but it’s best to use Google Maps because it’s around Read More …
TRAVEL GUIDE: The One about ANA Mileage Club
Are you a frequent flier who often takes flights on Air Nippon Airways (ANN)? I would definitely take advantage of the ANA MILEAGE CLUB when flying to destinations around the world. Earn miles and get award tickets not only for ANA Group-operated flights but also Read More …
The One about Ryuzoji in Nikko
Halfway between the Heritage sites of Nikko and the stations is a Buddhist Temple called Ryuzoji. And the temple is of the Tendai sect Shuunsan Masamiin Ryuzo. This temple originated from Nikko mountains back in 1625 and was moved to the current area. The temple Read More …
The One about Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture Part 7 (Final) – Toshogu
We have now arrived to Nikko Toshogu Shrine,T the most famous shrine of the World Heritages in Nikko which enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo bakufu (shogunate). Most of the shrine was renovated by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun, in the Great Read More …
The One about Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture Part 6 – Before reaching Toshogu
As we come closer to reaching Toshogu, the area around it also has a lot of history. To the right of the torii is the Kamijinko and supposedly this is where a lot of the samurai outfits are kept for when the area has their Read More …
The One about Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture Part 5 – Ichi no Tori, Toshogu Gojunoto, Omotemon and Shimojinko
After leaving the Rinnoji Temple area, its time to move on north to head to the Nikko Toshogu area and it’s important to note that this area is actually quite large, especially with the huge trees around, it’s best to stay around the main path Read More …
The One about Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture Part 4 – Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple/Rinnoji Temple
The first major area I’m going to spend some time discussing is Rinnoji Temple because it’s an area where a lot of renovations are taking place. According to the Nikko website: The history of the Nikkosan Rinno-Ji Temple started 1200 years ago, when Shodo Shonin Read More …
The One about Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture Part 3 – Entering Nikko National Park and the statue of Shodo Shonin
It’s now time to go enter Nikko National Park and see the temples around the area. Because the area is spread out, let’s take a look at the map: As you enter the area, you will see the red locator mark of where you are Read More …
The One about Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture Part 2 – Nikkoshikyodo Center and area around Shinkyo Bridge
As I continue with my coverage of Nikko, it’s time to make my way to Nikko National Park. At first, I want to extend my gratitude to the locals of Nikko, as one of the things I like to do is get lost in a Read More …
The One about Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture Part 1 – Nikko Station and the surrounding area
Located in the town of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture is Nikko National Park, a park famous for its beautiful Toshogu Shrine (built in the 1600s) and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu (who founded the Tokugawa shogunate). And the ancient Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are Read More …
The One about BEAMS AT HOME 4 and TOKYO CULTuART by BEAMS in Shibuya
When it comes to books on Japanese approach on designing their homes, some very small to some very big, there’s one thing that I really appreciate and that is how many are able to fit and organize their livelihood in such a small space, especially Read More …