In Japan, Toho Studios is a famous studio known for the films of Akira Kurosawa, the anime films of Studio Ghibli and many classic Japanese films directed by auteurs such as Yasujiro Ozu, Kenji Mizoguchi, Miki Naruse, Masaki Kobayashi to name a few. But the Read More …
Not far from Aoto Station in Katsushika, Tokyo is one of the older shrines in the area. Located in a residential area, Nakahara Hachiman Shrine is estimated to be built in the early Edo Period (possibly in 1811) and would serve as the guardian for Read More …
As I discussed visiting Toyota’s amusement park, Mega Web in Odaiba, Japan, in a previous blog post, I focused on the exterior of the building but not what’s inside. So, as I visited Mega Web once again, I figured why not show you the interior Read More …
Located in Shinjuku is yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant called IWA and it is produced by former AKB48 (a popular Japanese female idol group) member, Mayumi Uchida. Mayumi Uchida, during her time at AKB48, was a vibrant performer who was known for being the first member Read More …
In Tokyo, there are cities known for shopping. Shibuya area is known to attract the teen to 20s demographic, omotesando shopping district in Shibuya for those who are in their 20’s through 40’s. But there is one city known for attracting major luxury brand shoppers Read More …
Back in 1895, Rengatei in Ginza opened its doors as a Western-style restaurant. The restaurant is known as the first restaurant in Japan to be called a Western-style restaurant, as dishes such as pork cutlet, other fried foods, omurice (omelet rice) and hayashi rice (hashed Read More …
Located in Shinjuku and not far from the JR Shin-Okubo Station is Kaichu Inari Jinja (Kaichu Inari Shrine). According to the Shinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau: The Kaichu Inari Jinja was established back in 1553, Kaichu Inari became the local deity of Okubo. During Kanei Read More …
I arrived at Itabashi Station and decided to give the Swan Bakery & Cafe franchise in Takinogawa, Kita a try! Swan Cafe is known for their baked bread and coffee and they also take pride in supporting people with disabilities and also hiring those with Read More …
In Tokyo, while many areas have that metropolitan city feel, there are areas that have a traditional-style, a traditional-feel which the term “shitamachi” is used. Yanaka in Taito Ward is one of those areas where people can get away from the metropolitan areas and immerse 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 …
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 …
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 …