

The One about Ikuta Shrine in Kobe Part 4 – Ikuta Shrine
As you approach Ikuta Shrine, you start to notice the shrine for its beauty but for me, it was interesting seeing the painting of dog. This may pertain to last year being the year of the dog but I found that interesting to see. Also, Read More …
The One about Ikuta Shrine in Kobe Part 3 – One last gate before reaching Ikuta Shrine
As I continue to feature Ikuta Shrine, located in the Chuo Ward of Kobe and is what may be one of the oldest shrines located in Japan, in the last two blog posts, I discussed entering the first two “torii” gates. After the second torii, Read More …
The One about Ikuta Shrine in Kobe Part 2 – The Second Torii
As I continue to feature Ikuta Shrine, located in the Chuo Ward of Kobe and is what may be one of the oldest shrines located in Japan, in the last blog post I wrote about going through the first torii (gate). Now we are heading Read More …
The One about Ikuta Shrine in Kobe Part 1 – One of the Oldest Shrines in Japan/The First Torii
Located in the Chuo Ward of Kobe is what may be one of the oldest shrines located in Japan. Ikuta Shrine is a Shinto shrine which was founded by the Empress Jingu at the beginning of the 3rd century AD to enshrine the kami Read More …
The One about Kobe, Japan Part 1
Although most of my time is spent in Tokyo, when I go to Japan, there are cities in the Kansai region that really captivate me in terms of atmosphere, food and vibe and one city I enjoy visiting is Kobe, Japan. The sixth largest city Read More …
The One about Martina McBride’s “Martina’s Kitchen Mix: My Recipe Playlist for Real Life”
Country singer Martina McBride is known as a country singer with numerous hit songs and as she has entertained audiences with her music, she also is known for entertaining family and guests with her cooking. Having released her first cookbook “Around the Table” in 2014 Read More …
The One about John Huston’s “The Barbarian and the Geisha” (1958)
“The Barbarian and the Geisha” is a film that would attract audiences today. People with open minds. People who accept other cultures worldwide and those interested in traditional Japanese culture would enjoy the film. It’s not the best John Wayne film but I do give Read More …
The One about Metropolis Magazine February 2019 and Time Out Tokyo (Jan-March 2019) issues
For those traveling to Japan in February 2019, will no doubt want to download the latest issue of Metropolis Magazine. Featuring a this month’s calendar, Metropolis Recommends, Metropolis movie reviews, Valentines at Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Japan in Love, a Tale of Two Confectioners, Ryozan Park Read More …
The One about the Vanilla Bus going around Ikebukuro
As I walked around Ikebukuro, often do I see this bus going around playing a catchy song. So catchy that you can’t help sing it! The Vanilla Bus is what I call it: So, what is this Vanilla Bus in Ikebukuro? Apparently, the business recruits Read More …
The One about the Painted Anthropoid Coffin at the Matsuoka Museum of Art in Meguro
Presented in painted wood, plaster and gold and was found in Egypt, the coffin was created during the late period during the 30th Dynasty of the Early Ptolemaic Perod ala the 4th Century B.C. The coffin is probably from the Middle Egypt. For me, I Read More …
The One about IZ*ONE’s Japan debut and their music video “Suki to Iwasetai”
On February 6th, global pop group IZ*ONE will be releasing their debut Japanese single “Suki to Iwasetai” (I want to say I Like You). IZ*ONE (pronounced as “Eyez One”/IZ=12 and the meaning is 12 members coming together as ONE). The group features Jang Wonyoung, Miyawaki Read More …
The One about the Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2019
One of the most difficult things about trying to time your trip to Japan during the cherry blossom time is when to go. Most people travel for the week, some for two. While the rule of thumb is last week of March to the first Read More …
The One about Hiyori Cafe -Waffle & Tea-
In Japan, you will find Hiyori Cafe – Waffle & Tea- near stations. The primary thing sold is fluffy waffles and tea and the concept is quite simple, fluffy waffles (strawberry, matcha or regular) filled with cream and fruit. And the waffles range from Y280 Read More …
The One about Rock Tape Blister Kit
A lot of people are unaware how much walking they have to do on a trip. This is probably something I read from people who traveled, including friends of how they have to stay in the hotel because their feet hurt and got blisters. I’ve Read More …
The One about the Stadium Shop at Hanshin Koshien Stadium
Located at Hanshin Koshien Stadium is the Stadium Shop. At this location, one can find merchandise for other teams, especially the Hanshin Tigers but most importantly, Hanshin Koshien Stadium merchandise for the baseball fan at heart. While the shop is not huge, Central League fans Read More …
The One about Susie Theodorou’s “Mediterranean: Naturally nourishing recipes from the world’s healthiest diet” book
I was recently recommended to look into a Mediterranean diet which is typically a high consumption of vegetables and olive oil with a moderate consumption of protein. Also, the benefits of being on a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease because it is Read More …
The One about the Lenovo 500 Multimedia Controller
Are you the type of person who has been keeping a wireless keyboard and mouse for your television or PC when lounging in your couch/chair or while laying on your bed? I used to do that until I discovered the Lenovo 500 Multimedia Controller. It’s Read More …
The One about the Benefits of Guava Leaf Tea and Guava Leaves
One of the things about growing up with a Filipino/American upbringing is having the best (and worst) of both worlds. My grandfather always had these things he did to heal people and it would often remind me of that scene at the end of “The Read More …
The One about April Anderson’s “Gourmet Cooking for One or Two”
April Anderson is the writer and blogger of personal food and recipe site, Girl Gone Gourmet. And her latest cookbook is “Gourmet Cooking for One or Two”, a comfort food-inspired recipe book and tailored for those cooking for one or two. The book is Read More …
The One about DK Travel’s “Rome 2019” Travel Guide
I have had the opportunity to review numerous travel books from different companies over the years and for the first time, I believe “Rome 2019” is the first travel book I have reviewed from DK Travel/DK Eyewitness. One of the things that I like for Read More …