Many people go to Ikegami Kaikan (a four-floor government building right next to the big temple – Ikegami Honmonji) for meetings, the music hall, for exhibits, seminars, classes or just to hang out. But right on top of the building in the observation deck is Read More …
In the Kanto region and Nagoya, Moriva Coffee owned by Zensho Holdings, is a company that prides itself as a “Fair Trade Cafe” for selling delicious coffee beans from Kilimanjaro, East Timor, Mexico and Rwanda. The company purchases coffee and tea from farmers in developing Read More …
Yasujiro Ozu is one of the world’s beloved directors. Having made many films since the 1920’s up to his final film “An Autumn Afternoon” in 1962, his works have been appreciated by viewers and critics for his family comedies but also his serious family storylines Read More …
Located in southern Tokyo in the Ota ward is one of Tokyo’s larger temple sites, Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple. As many have gathered there for New Year’s Eve, going there during the day to see how vast the temple is but also finding many other smaller Read More …
Back in 1991, the Japan Rail Company (JR East) unveiled the Narita Express (N’EX). The train is a limited express train service that serves Narita International Airport from major Tokyo stations. Originally, JR wanted to run a high speed Narita Shinkansen underneath the airport terminal Read More …
While Christmas means different things for people in America. For those who are religious, look at Christmas as the day Jesus Christ was born, while others look at Christmas as a holiday of gift-giving and that time of the year where you get several days Read More …
On November 1st in Japan, the day after Halloween, Japan immediately goes into Christmas mode. By mid-November, major locations start to become key areas boasting “illumination” (this is a term you will see often in Japan to describe the many lights you see). Walking by Read More …
In several cities in Tokyo, one can find a Pancontomate Pasta House restaurant. A chain of Italian-inspired restaurants which opened in Japan back in 1981 and known for their 2.5mm noodles. But the name “Pan Con Tomate” is actually a simple Spanish snack which is Read More …
Located in Minamioi, Shinagawa is the commercial complex known as Omori Bellport. Built in 1996, the 18-floor building is the official headquarters for Isuzu Motors and the name is derived from the bell of Isuzu. The complex is known for its lavish interior and inside Read More …
The number of positive things I can write about Japan, the wonderful people I came in contact with to the customer service I have received where employees really made your day feel wonderful, there are just so many instances that it’s hard to keep count. Read More …
For those who are planning to travel and drive in Japan, one may see quite a number of gas stations that may resemble your gas station in your country. For those in the United States, one may look at the sign and think its similar Read More …
It has been a year since I last visited Clover Cafe in Asakusa. But with the popularity of the cafe’s animal designs on their coffee, the signs are now heavily promoting “Doubutsu Cappuccino” and of course, the cafe’s popular chiffon cake. With this latest visit, Read More …
While many people are familiar with the tall Gundam monument in Odaiba, at Kami-Igusa Station, one will find a 3 meters (9.84 feet) bronze Gundam sculpture in front of the station. For those riding the Seibu Shinjuku Line (Seibu Railway) to Suginami, Tokyo, Kami-Igusa (which Read More …
In 1999, French-American artist Louise Bourgeois created Maman, a spider that was sculpted from bronze, stainless steel and marble (for the spider’s eggs). And was created in part of her inaugural commission of The Unilever Series in 2000. Previously, Bourgeois created “Spider” in 1996 that Read More …
In 1950, the Paper Museum in Horifune, Oji, Kita-ku was opened and would later be moved to the four-story building in Asukayama Park in 1998. Kita was where the first western style paper manufacturing company was established back in 1873 and the museum would be Read More …
It was a rainy day in Suginami, a special ward in western Tokyo. My goal while visiting the area was to visit Ishizuka Cycle Bicycle Service, one of the few long standing family-owned bicycle shops in Japan. And it was great to meet with Hiroyasu Read More …
In Japan, Lawson convenience stores are well-known as one of the top convenience stores along with Family Mart and 7-11. But what many people may not be familiar with is that there are several type of Lawson convenience stores. The original “Lawson” are the familiar Read More …
Before I go into describing this building, I want to put this out for all photographers who want to take pictures of the Tokyo Skyline… The BEST OBSERVATION DECK in TOKYO to take pictures is the World Trade Center Building in Minato, Tokyo. OK, with Read More …
Located in Katsushika, Tokyo, Japan is Shibamata Hachiman Shrine. While not the largest shrine in Katsushika, Japan, there is something special about Shibamata Hachiman Shrine. The original shrine was reportedly to have been built on top of an ancient tomb of the Shibamata village according Read More …