The One about How I Paid Off My College Loans
This morning, I was reading Eric Levitz article on “We Must Cancel Everyone’s Debt, for the Economy’s Sake”, especially reading the comments on universities should be “free” (for engineering, science and mathematically-founded degrees). For me, my college loans were sold while I was in Read More …
The One about the Tomb of Kondo Isami (Commander of the Shinsengumi) in Kita ward
Located across the street from Itabashi Station in Kita ward is a memorial for Isami Kondo, the Japanese swordsman who is known as the commander of the Shinsengumi (a special police force organized by the military government – Bakufu). The Shinensumi was established by the Read More …
The One about Ichiran and their awesome ramen
It was 1960 when a ramen stall known as Futaba Ramen was opened in Fukuoka but when the first generation shopkeepers, a married couple were going to closed down, many of their loyal customers begged for them to continue their business. Many wanted to make Read More …
The One about Ikebukuro Suitengu
When I am heading out to Ichiran Ramen, often I pass by an area of Ikebukuro that I usually don’t visit. There is a shrine in the location known as Ikebukuro Suitengu and for those who enjoy exploring small shrines, this one is a little Read More …
Q&A: The One about Answering Your Questions Part II
Hi everyone! I get asked a lot of questions in regards to traveling, so once in awhile, I’ll feature a Q&A on the site! So, let’s begin… If I need to make a phone call, are there pay phones around Japan that I can Read More …
The One about How I Became Interested in Japanese Culture
I’m often asked of how I became interested in Japanese culture. I know a lot of people get into it because of their interested in Japanese animation, the music, cinema and often pop culture-related. I think it would be a shock to some if I Read More …
Travel Guide: The One about How to Read a Tokyo Subway Route Map
In Tokyo, It’s quite easy to use the JR Trains, especially the main Yamanote Line. But there are times where you need to get to an area that is only served by a metro subway line which is NOT a JR East Train and you Read More …
The One about Pomme no Ki – My favorite place to visit for omurice!
I’m often asked if there is a restaurant that I always visit when I’m in Japan. There are a few, but there is one that I keep coming back for their excellent omurice and that’s Pomme no Ki. For those not familiar with omurice, this Read More …
The One about the Odaiba Takoyaki Museum
One of the popular Japanese snacks that you will often see or hear about is takoyaki. Invented in the city of Osaka during the 1930’s, now this popular Osakan street food can be found all over Japan and abroad. Made of wheat flour-based batter and Read More …
The One about Udagawa Cafe “Suite” in Shibuya
Udagawa Cafe “Suite” is a place for those looking to chill in Shibuya, eat and drink with friends ’til midnight Formerly known as “Udagawa Sweets”, the cafe promotes fancy meals and cakes and because of the vibe and convenience, it’s a location (found at Shibuya’s Read More …
The One about the G-Shock Rangeman GPR-B1000 and the 35th Anniversary RED OUT Series
Casio announced in January the latest model in the RANGEMAN G-SHOCK Master of G series, “GPR-B1000″. Two models are planning to be released on March 9th, a black and khaki version for Y100,000 in Japan/$800+ in the US. The GPR-B1000 was announced at CES 2018 Read More …
The One about Jacoyaki at Kamakura
In the Shonan and Kamakura area of Kanagawa, there is one street food that I absolutely love and it’s called jacoyaki (or jakoyaki) While takoyaki (a popular Japanese snack made of wheat flour-batter and cooked in a molded pan and inside is octopus, tempura, pickled Read More …
The One about Terrace House: Opening New Doors
As a big fan of the “Terrace House” Japanese reality TV series, I was looking forward to the fourth series titled “TERRACE HOUSE OPENING NEW DOORS” which airs on Fuji TV, shown on Fuji on Demand (FOD) but also on Netflix Japan. And is a Read More …
The One about NEWYORK PERFECT CHEESE at Tokyo Station
For those who have gone to Tokyo Station and passed by NEWYORK PERFECT CHEESE, there is something that is consistent since the confectionery shop opened back in March 2017 and that there is always a line and it’s always packed. The sweets were chosen by Read More …
The One about Hakone-Yumoto Station in Hakone, Kanagawa
For those planning to go to Hakone, will no doubt end up arriving or departing Hakone-Yumoto Station via the Hakone Tozan Line. Located in the western Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan in the Ashigarashimo District, a mountainous district that is sparsely populated, but a location with Read More …
The One about the Taiyaki at Kurikoan
When it comes to taiyaki, you can find numerous places throughout Japan. But one of the popular restaurants specializing in kurikoan style taiyaki is Kurikoan. Made from soft, fluffy pancake-liked batter put in a mold with filling and baked in the shape of a fish, Read More …
The One about the Blue Bottle Coffee Aoyama location in Minato
In the early 2000’s, W. James Freeman founded Blue Bottle Coffee in Oakland, California. The name was inspired by one of Europe’s first cafe, The Blue Bottle Coffee House. Freeman’s original intention for Blue Bottle Coffee was to roast coffee in small batches and sell Read More …