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 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 Carrot Tower in Setagaya

Located in Sangen-jaya, Setagaya, Tokyo is a high-rise known as Carrot Tower. Completed in 1996, Carrot Tower is part of the redevelopment project around Sangen-jaya station, a station that it’s connected to and directly connected to the Tokyu Setagaya Line. 26 stories above ground and Read More …

The One about Yamashita Station in Setagaya

Traveling to Japan, I’m always fascinated by various train stations and the variety of trains that the country has. In Setagaya, Yamashita Station is right across the street from Gotokuji Station and unlike Gotokuji, has the look of a very old station. And old 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 …

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 …