The One about CyberLink PowerDirector 17 Ultra
When it comes to video editing, I have been a long time user of Apple’s Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro on my Mac. But when I travel and want something out on YouTube or social media while I’m in another location, I have Read More …
The One about the Racism endured by Japanese American Farmers in California in the 1900s
One of the things I love about visiting the Obon Festivals in Central California is not just to see old friends but to also learn the stories of many who lived during the time when California, especially in the Central Valley around Fresno, Tulare, Kern Read More …
The One about taking a few days off…
Greetings everyone, I’ll be taking a several days off from full on blogging, one to recuperate because of health reasons and the other is that we had another tragedy in the family. Once I’m better, I’ll be back!
The One about the BELLA 5.3 Quart Touchscreen Air Convection Fryer
It’s important to note first that because the Amazon reviews combine the touchscreen version and the dial version, the version I am reviewing is the 5.3 quart touchscreen air convection fryer from BELLA. And having used it multiple times, I can say it’s the best Read More …
The One about Fukubukuro (Lucky Bags) for 2019
Right after New Year, Japan’s version of Black Friday kicks in as it becomes “Fukubukuro” (Lucky Bag) Time! Each year in Japan, on New Year’s Day (and sometimes a few days before), many partake in Fukubukuro. Fukubukuro is a New Year’s custom in which merchants Read More …
The One about the Tokyo Cafe Guide 2019 (C&Life Series)
I’m often asked how I prepare for my coffee/cafe tours around Japan and while there are websites that are good in showcasing cool coffee shops and cafe, one guide that I pick up at the end of November each year is the “Tokyo Cafe Guide” Read More …
The One about Ringing in the New Year for 2019
I want to take the time to wish everyone a Happy New Year! 2018 was a year filled with a lot of happiness, a bit of pain but hopefully a year that we can learn from, and move forward to a more positive and productive Read More …
The One about wishing I knew more about blue light back then…
If there was one thing I wish I knew about back then, it was how much blue light can damage ones eyesight. I’m a person who has worked on a computer from the day to night and each time I went to my eye doctor Read More …
The One about Kusatsu Part 8: Yubatake at Kusatsu Onsen pt. B
In part A, we talked about the filtering process through the wooden boxes at the Yubatake (Hot Water Source). This time, we see the final steps after going through the wooden boxes for filtration of the sulfur, then going through a waterfall or this wooden Read More …
The One about Kusatsu Part 7: Yubatake at Kusatsu Onsen pt. A
Kusatsu, home to one of the largest sources of hot water derived from nearby Mount Kusatsu-Shirane. With around a hundred hot springs in Kusatsu and a total of about 34,000 liters of water coming off the ground that is sulfurous and acidic, for centuries, many Read More …
The One about Kusatsu Part 6: Gozanoyu
Once you go down from Kosenji, you will see onf the largest public bath houses right in the center known as Gozanoyu. During the Edo and Meiji period there were five communal hot springs and one of them was Gozanoyu. Gozonoyu features a wooden building Read More …
The One about Kusatsu Part 5: Kosenji (Outside Main temple grounds)
As you go to Kosenji’s main grounds, you will notice there are more pathways, may it be to the right of the temple or midway on the steps. While the temple grounds are not huge, there are still numerous things to see around the area. Read More …
The One about Kusatsu Part 4: Kosenji (Main temple grounds)
Located across from the Kusatsu Yubatake Onsen is a temple known as Kosenji. To get to the area, you will need to go up a few stairs and one will want to take it slow if you are going in the winter, as there are Read More …
The One about Kusatsu Part 3: Walking past the Shops and Ryokan
Now you need to go through a path to reach the Kusatsu Onsen (Yubatake). But first, you’ll be making a stroll through many shops and restaurants. Kusatsu-machi unfortunately had to be reconstructed. Back in 1869, ther e was a devastating fire which burned the town Read More …
The One about Yamashita Tatsuro – Christmas Eve (November 1988)
Yamashita Tatsuro’s “Christmas Eve” is just one of those must-play songs and for me, this single is one of the few that I own that will always be played every year! Recommended! ARTIST: Yamashita Tatsuro (山下達郎) CD SINGLE: Christmas Eve (クリスマス・イブ) LABEL: Moon Records CATALOG Read More …
The One about Kusatsu Part 2: Arriving at the Kusatsu Bus Terminal
Kusatsu in Gunma Prefecture is no down a popular destination for travelers because of the famous Kusatsu Hot Springs. The location is about 3.9 thousand feet above sea level (1200 meters) and surrounding the area is an active volcano (Kusatsu-Shirane), an inactive volcano (Mount Tengu) Read More …
The One about Kusatsu Part 1: Tokyo to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station (in Gunma Prefecture)
For those in Tokyo who are wanting to go to Gunma Prefecture for the Kusatsu onsen, the first stop on your list will be Naganoharakusatsuguchi Station in the town of Naganohara in Gunma Prefecture. A small mountainside town in the western part of Agatsuma (northwest Read More …
Travel Guide – Japan: The One about Cold Medicine for Children
I have covered Medicine and Drug Stores in Japan and also Mosquito repellent for adults and children. One of things I have been asked during this winter is: I’m in Japan, which cold medicine should I purchase for my child? You will see a pharmacist Read More …
The One about AKIBA ICHI at Akihabara UDX
You are in Akihabara and you are hungry. While Akihabara is known for its anime, manga, games, resin models, idol and maid cafe’s, niche cafe’s are not going to exactly fill one up. While niche restaurants are great, you can find restaurants off the beaten Read More …
Travel Guide: The One about How to Get Tickets for the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka
One of the biggest questions I get from those looking to travel to Japan is how they can get tickets for the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka (Tokyo). For those not familiar with the Ghibli Museum, the museum is dedicated to Studio Ghibli animated films such Read More …
The One about the 10,000 Yen Bank Note
For those who withdraw money at the ATM and look at yen note, you may be wondering who the individual and the art depiction on the back may be. On the front side of the 10,000 yen note features an image of Fukuzawa Yukichi, a Read More …
The One about Conbini Food Part 1: Chicken Karaage meal at 7-Eleven
I realize that whenever I’m in Japan, I take a lot of food photos at restaurants but also the things I eat at a convenience store (shortened to “conbini” in Japanese). All for the purpose of blogging about it. And I figured on days where Read More …
The One about Franze & Evans London in Shibuya
The original Franze & Evans London has been around since 2008 when it featured Italian classics reimagined for London living. Serving salads, brunch, coffee and cakes in the heart of Shoreditch, the restaurant opened a sister deli in London and creating a Tokyo outpost since Read More …
The One about Sarutahiko Coffee Omotesando
Back in June 8, 2011, Sarutahiko Coffee established their first coffee shop in Ebisu. The original concept was to have a coffee shop that serves a cup of happiness. Since them, multiple shops have opened and even is included in Beams Japan’s Shinjuku store. But Read More …
The One about Pe’z Magic in Roppongi
For those who are looking for a burger place or a place to eat right next to the National Art Center – Tokyo, one might want to give Pe’z Magic Organic Hamburgers & Sandwiches. Popular for their catering services of hamburgers and sandwiches, they have Read More …