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 …
So often, while walking in Japan, you will discover shrines or temples in the middle a neighborhood or right next to a station. Right next door to Kohoku Station is Koroku Shrine in Adachi, Tokyo. Kohoku Station was opened back in April 1, 1901 as Read More …
One of the restaurants and cafe that I wanted to try when I visited Harajuku is Hanami. The restaurant is best known for showcasing cuisine from different countries and so, the menu is changed every few months to showcase something different. Also, once in awhile, Read More …
Outside of Asakusa Station and not far from the major temples is one of the oldest Japanese sweet shops in Tokyo, Funawa Cafe. Established in 1902, the place is known for selling “imo yokan” (sweet potato paste), various an-mitsu offerings (red bean+ fruit or cream) Read More …
In Northern Tokyo, outside of Shibamata Station is the statue of Tora-san. The character is best known for the long-running film series “Otoko wa tsurai yo” (which translates to “It’s Tough Being a Man”) directed by Yoji Yamada and stars actor Atsumi Kiyoshi. With a Read More …
Earlier this month, I traveled to Nagoya, Japan to visit Nagoya Castle. And I will say it was one of the most breathtaking experiences that I have ever seen. Just from a distance and seeing the castle, you are literally in awe. According to Wikipedia: Read More …
Located at Tokyo Dome City, right between the Under Armour Tokyo Giants shop and the Japanese Hall of Fame is “The Burgers Tokyo”. The restaurant which is owned by Italian Tomato (who operates restaurants such as Faribeurre, IL VIGORE, Italian Tomato Cafe, Caffe Superiore, Panes Read More …
Back in 1999, Kawaguchi Station and the area surrounding it was not so crowded as it is today. As the location was still developing (as I wrote in my May blog post), I wrote that I would be returning to the area in November 2016 Read More …
In Japan, my favorite beverages that I tend to drink are milk tea and milk coffee. And for the latter, Cafe Au Lait (Coffee and Milk), I absolute love it! For milk coffee, I absolutely love Coca-Cola’s hot Georgia Milk Cafe Au Lait and Kowai Read More …
Nishiarai Daishi (西新井大師), known formally as Sojiji (総持寺), is a relatively large Shingon Buddhist temple located in the northeastern part of Tokyo. It is said to have been founded in 826 by Shingon Sect founder Kukai. This temple of the Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism, Read More …
Located in one of Tokyo’s largest park areas is Ueno Zoo, one of Japan’s oldest zoos which was opened back in 1882. Only a five-minute walk from Ueno Station and one that can be reached via train or the Ueno zoo Monorail, the Ueno Zoo Read More …