The first city that I slept overnight (back in 1999) for the first time in Japan was in the city of Kawaguchi. Located in Saitama prefecture, in the central Kanto region of Japan, Kawaguchi is the 9th most populated city in Greater Tokyo and the Read More …
Tower Records, the music store that was created by Russell Solomon back in 1960 in Sacramento, California. The music store would become a record store giant opening stores several years later in San Francisco, West Hollywood, New York City and eventually opening stores all over Read More …
When going to Shinjuku, one of the most interesting buildings to see is the Yunika Building and its advertising concept aka Yunika Vision, a communications facility near Shinjuku East Exit. Unveiled on April 2010, Yunika Vision is showcases its three, giant LED screens in HD Read More …
Located in eastern Yamanishi prefecture is the city of Otsuki (nearly 50 miles away from Tokyo). Once a heavily settled area during the time of the Jomon Period (12,000 BC), the city of Otsuki has a rich tradition of 80 Jomon sites. But the area Read More …
The concept of gourmet food trucks is big in the United States and in Japan, it’s starting to grow but there is one caveat… space. Not many spaces in metro cities in Japan for these vehicles to park. Where you can follow a gourmet food Read More …
For those who were traveling in southern Japan which were were rocked by two devastating earthquakes and continued aftershocks, and happen to be in the Kumamoto area, please visit the Kumamoto City International Center. The center is offering shelter for non-Japanese residents and they also Read More …
You probably have read about it. You probably have heard about it. Sushi Dai is the must-go place in Tokyo if you are a fan of sushi! Granted, Sushi Dai has received the love for those who love to eat sushi early in the morning Read More …
One of the most unique structures in Sumida, Tokyo is the Asahi Beer Hall (Super Dry Hall). One of the building of the Asahi Breweries Headquarters, many will see what many call “Kin no Unko” (“The Golden Poo” or others like to say, “The Golden Read More …
If you are heading to Tsukji early in the morning or sometime in the day for the ultimate sushi experience, right before you arrive to the fish market and once you get out of the station, you will see the Tsukiji Hongan-ji temple. A Jodo Read More …
Tokyo Station is one of the few stations in Tokyo in which many will no doubt experience the feeling of getting lost. Similar to Shinjuku Station, it’s a large railway station that is like a labyrinth. Located in the Marunouchi business district of Chiyoda, Tokyo, Read More …
As a long time reader of Nikkei’s GOETHE (and frequent visitor of WEB GOETHE), the magazine has remained consistent as a men’s fashion and lifestyle magazine catering to a more upper class and older demographic who appreciate the more finer things in life. And at Read More …
As I went to Tsukiji (Tsukiji Fish Market, the place for fresh fish and best sushi restaurants) early in the morning to get into the world renown Sushi Dai, by the time I got there, it was 5:55 and the lines were already pretty long Read More …
Tokyo Tower is one of the most recognized towers in the world. Now the second-tallest structure in Japan (#1 is Tokyo Skytree), Tokyo Tower functioned as a communications and observation tower. Built in 1958 and did its job of broadcasting radio signals, unfortunately when Japan Read More …
The popular manga and anime series “One Piece”, created by Eiichiro Oda has entertained audiences since its first debut in “Weekly Shonen Jump” in 1997 and the hit Toei Animation anime series which began broadcasting 1999. As the manga and anime series continue on, “One Read More …
Meguro is a special ward in Tokyo that was founded back in 1947. Formerly two towns: Meguro and Hibusama, that were part of the former Ebara District of Musashi Province, the two were merged in 1932 into Meguro Ward. Meguro (which translates to “black eyes”) Read More …
The Tsukiji Market (Tsukiji-shijo) has been the destination for fresh fish for chefs but also the destination for food lovers who wanted to try the best, freshest seafood in Tokyo. It’s possibly the most important foodie destination for seafood lovers visiting Tokyo. This fall, Tsukiji Read More …
There was a time when I would to go to Japan and select dress shoes and socks, until I realize that stairs in Japan have quickly become my arch-rival. From carrying your multiple luggage, your travel bag/backpack and when going to the subway or train, Read More …
With Japan coming down on Airbnb, I get asked the question of what hotel to stay in Tokyo, but also saving the most money and a room that’s not too small with good privacy. There are many places to stay throughout Tokyo but the cheapest Read More …
One thing that can possibly put a damper on your vacation to Japan is getting sick. Especially if you are traveling between November-April. While I get my flu shots in the winter, I often recommend friends to do the same. But you will be near Read More …
Odaiba, the large artificial island in Tokyo Bay is known for the place where anime fans can find the Gundam statue (at Diver City), entertainment fans can find Fuji TV, idol fans can see their favorite idol group at Aqua City or where a lot Read More …
Each year in Japan, on New Year’s Day (and sometimes a few days before), many partake in Fukubukuro. Fukubukuro is a New Year’s custom in which merchants bundle items and put them in mystery lucky bags (or boxes if purchased online) in which people spend Read More …
If you are heading to Tokyo Tower, right across the street is the Zojoji Temple. The Buddhist temple is located in the Shiba neighborhood of Minato, Tokyo and it is the Great Main Temple of the Chinzei branch of Jodo-shu Buddhism. Back in 1393, the Read More …
I went to Meguro in Tokyo to look for the Daien-Ji temple. In 1615, a temple was created to honor two groups. One is a small temple connecting trees to commemorate stillborn, miscarried children and aborted fetuses. The second is a tribute to the 14,700 Read More …