The One about SKY CIRCUS Sunshine60 Observatory in Ikebukuro (for Photography or Video)
In Tokyo, there are numerous observatories that really give people or photographers and videographers a great look of the city skyline. While the World Trade Center tops my list for best observatory for photographers and videographers, primarily because it gives you a look of all Read More …
The One about the Shops leading to Nishiarai Daichi in Adachi
Quite often in Japan, you will find a neighborhood of shops leading to a major shrine or temple. But if there was one area that caught my attention, it would have to be the shops that you see before or after visiting Nishiarai Daichi, the Read More …
The One about San Francisco Bay Gourmet Coffee – Chocolate Almond OneCup
I’ve blogged about San Francisco Bay Gourmet Coffee several times before. With their Dark Chocolate Bar and their famous Fog Chaser, this time I am trying their Chocolate Almond. And I always mention first, for those who never have read my coffee reviews, I don’t Read More …
The One about My Little Lover – “PRESENTS” (1998)
The album I am featuring in today’s “Discovering Japanese Music” is My Little Lover’s second album, “PRESENTS”. My Little Lover is a group that began back in 1995 with vocalist Akko, guitarist Kenji Fuji and producer/songwriter Takeshi Kobayashi (best known for producing hits for The Read More …
The One about Pompompurin Cafe in Harajuku
Naturally, as one would expect from Japan, there is a lot of love for Sanrio. From Hello Kitty to Gudetama, a plethora of characters that have plenty of merchandise that many fans clamor for and deeply love. A character that may not be as known Read More …
The One about the Upcoming Harajuku Omotesando Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade 2017
For those who will be in Tokyo during Halloween, the Harajuku Omotesando Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade 2017 has been announced. The parade will be held in Omotesando on Sunday, October 29th (Parade is usually at 1:00 – 2:30 p.m – But please visit the site Read More …
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Tropical Cyclone Talim (No. 18) Update (September 15, 2017)
September 15, 2017 The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo cautions U.S. citizens that Typhoon Talim (Typhoon Number 18) has shifted direction to the northeast and is expected to make landfall over southern Kyushu sometime overnight from September 16 to early September 17, 2017, and then Read More …
The One about Shakuji Park in Nerima
In America, when we go to a park, things are kept simple. You know where the parking lot is, you know where the bathrooms are, you know where the dining/BBQ pits are located. And for the most part, everything is self contained and easy to Read More …
The One about Finding Tokyo 2020 Official Merchandise in Tokyo
I have been often asked by people of where to find Official Tokyo 2020 Olympics merchandise? While there are a plethora of sports stores in Japan, a lot of them are niche catering to a certain sport. But there is a spot in Japan where Read More …
The One about Itsukushima Shrine in Nerima
For those traveling to Nerima will definitely want to head to Shakuji Park to check out Itsukushima Shrine, Sanbuji Temple and Pond. Created during the Edo Era, the shrine’s date of when it was founded is unknown but it is considered a water shrine. What Read More …
A Security Message from the U.S. Embassy Tokyo – Tropical Cyclone Talim (No. 18) – For those traveling to the Okinawa Prefecture
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Tropical Cyclone Talim (No. 18) September 12, 2017 The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo cautions U.S. citizens that Typhoon Talim (Typhoon Number 18) is expected to make landfall in Okinawa Prefecture near the Sakishima islands, which include Miyako, Ishigaki, Iriomote and Read More …
The One about the Chihiro Art Museum in Nerima
One of Japan’s famous artist and illustrators, Chihiro Iwasaki is best known for her water-color artwork which promote peace and happiness for children. Before I get into the museum, let me first introduce you to some of Iwasaki’s artwork: As you can see, Chihiro Iwasaki Read More …
The One about Macro Photography
For the past five years or so, I’ve often receive a lot of questions in regards to how I take photos close up of insects, flowers, a watch, food, dioramas, etc. The answer is that I use macro lenses. Macro lenses work as regular lenses Read More …
The One about Eric Valli’s “Himalaya”
For anyone who has watched the epic film “Himalaya”, one can easily feel nothing but respect for filmmaker Eric Valli and the film crew for attempting something so challenging and also dangerous. Eric Valli has lived in Nepal but he was not filming in a Read More …
The One about the Ikebukuro West Gate Park
Located in Ikebukuro is the Ikebukuro West Gate Park. While most people tend to head to the station or the massive shopping mall at Metropolitan Plaza, which is 22 floors and 4 stories down in the underground (the plaza is connected to the LUMINE department Read More …
Travel Guide – Japan: The One about Preparing a Budget and Knowing about Japanese Yen (Currency)
You are planning to go to Japan for the first time and are wondering about Japanese currency. Should you get currency at the American airport or local bank before going to Japan? Should I wait until you get to Japan? Here is my advice when Read More …
The One about Market Restaurant Agio by Mikasa Kaikan
Mikasa Kaikan is a company that owns many restaurants throughout Japan. Specializing in French, Italian and Chinese cuisine, their restaurants are hard to miss. As some who may want to experience southern European food, Mikasa Kaikan has Market Restaurant Agio, which specializes in Milano style Read More …