The One about the Yamada Yoji Museum in Katsushika Part 1

Yamada Yoji is one of the most well-respected filmmakers in Japan.  Known for his “Otoko wa Tsurai yo” (a.k.a. “Tora-San”) films, he is also known for directing the “Samurai Trilogy” (“The Twilight Samurai”, “The Hidden Blade” and “Love and Honor”). Yamada has won the Best Read More …

The One about Otonashi Water Park in Kita

Located on the opposite side of Asukuyama Park and near Oji Station is Otonashi Water Park (Otonashi Shinsui Koen). The park was created to maintain the flow of water from Shakuji River when there is flooding. Created in traditional Edo-style, the park is often visited Read More …

The One about Gindaco Highball Sakaba

For Takoyaki fans, in Japan, you can find a Gindaco Highball Sakaba shop all throughout Japan. As the title indicates, you can drink highball (a mixed alcoholic drink that is composed of an alcoholic base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer) and Read More …

The One about Daishimae Station in Adachi

For anyone traveling to Adachi ward, especially to visit Nishiaraidaishi Soji Temple, will no doubt come to or leave from Daishimae Station. Operated by the Tobu Railway, the Tobu Daishi Line platform takes you only to Nishiarai. Opened back in 1931, the station number is Read More …

The One about Tamagawa Takashimaya & Nearby Stores

I recently wrote about Futako-Tamagawa Rise and the planning of Tama New Town and bringing people who were moving to Tokyo to planned developments. And it may be a surprise to people who are familiar with the popular Takashimaya department stores that the first western-style Read More …

The One about the Panasonic Living Showroom in Minato

Next to Shiodome in Minato is the Pansonic Living Showroom. Panasonic may be thought my many, especially in America, as an American company but Panasonic is actually a Japanese company formerly known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Founded in 1918, Panasonic was a producer Read More …

The One about Minami-Senju Station in Arakawa

Located in Arkawa, Tokyo is “Minami-Senju Station” (which means South Senju Station). Opened back in 2008, the station is operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), Tokyo Metro and the Metropolitan Intercity Railway Company. The primary lines is JR East Joban Line, Tokyo Metro Read More …

Travel Guide: The One about the Differences between Temples and Shrines

When going to Japan, it’s easy to confuse temples and shrines. But they are quite different. Temples are Buddhist sites, while shrines are Shinto sites.  It’s even more confusing by the fact that there are some areas that meld the two religions together.  And that Read More …

The One about the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame Part 1

Located at Tokyo Dome City, next to Tokyo Dome, is the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. Opened back in 1959, 20-years later after the establishment of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame is no doubt Read More …

Travel Guide: The One about Tax-Free Shops in Japan

In Japan, especially in Tokyo, in major foreigner-friendly shopping areas such as Akihabara, there are logos showcasing “Japan Tax-Free Shop”. It’s important to for people traveling Japan to know that shops will NOT give you tax-free if you don’t ask for it.  Afterall, how would Read More …

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 …