On October 30th, the 2016 Omotesando Halloween Pumpkin Parade took place. A parade in which parents and their children and literally entire families can dress up and take part in the Halloween festivity (including dogs) was no doubt a success. I have heard about how Read More …
Back in 1953, toy company Kotobukiya established themselves as toymakers that care about craftsmanship. Fastforward to 2016 and the company still prides itself in craftmanship and quality and have become the #1 toy company specializing in collector toys and creator of statues, figures and kits. Read More …
If there is one shrine in Japan that is controversial, it’s Yasukuni Shrine. For those not familiar with Yasukuni Shrine, since 1869, the shrine is where people go to honor the souls of those who died in service of Japan. Known back in 1869 as Read More …
While many countries around the world celebrate October 31st as the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallow’s Day. Somewhere in the past, the day known as Halloween has changed to being a day full of pumpkins, ghosts, witches, spiders, bats and a Read More …
In October and November, I will be embarking on several travel challenges. The main travel challenge is known as the “Tokyo Ward Challenge”. The challenge is quite simple: Visit each of the 23 wards in Tokyo. For those in the United States, think of it Read More …
Shibuya, the trendy city for teenagers and young adults for their shopping needs. And since 1979, Shibuya 109 (Ichi-maru-kyu) and 109Men’s department stores have stood tall in Shibuya. It’s name is a word play on the owner, Tokyu Mall Development. In Japan, 10=to, 9=kyu and Read More …
In Tokyo, one of the more popular department stores is Marui. While most people are familiar with the “○I○I” logo, the symbol “O” is not the vowel but the Japanese symbol for “Maru” and the “1” is pronounced “i”, hence the “Marui”. The first store Read More …
I have written about my final visit to Tsukiji Fish Market but I decided that because I love sushi so much, I had to be in Japan for the final closure of the Tsukiji Fish Market before its transition to Toyosu in November 2016. With Read More …
For those who are fans of Studio Ghibli animated films, there are a few locations one should visit in Japan. The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, the Hayao Miyazaki Nittere Ohdokei Clock and a Donguri Kyowakoku store located throughout Japan. A Donguri Kyowakoku store is where Read More …
For those visiting the Shinbashi area in the Minato ward in Tokyo, the location is best known for the NTV Shiodome and Panasonic Museums, but many flock to the area for a clock. Designed by Hayao Miyazaki and sculpted by Shachimaru Kunio, the Niterre Ohdokei Read More …
During the month of March and April, Kitanomura Park is one of the pleasant areas to visit. Located in Chiyoda, Tokyo and north of the Tokyo Imperial Palace, part of the allure of this park is that Nippon Budokan (where many concerts and events take Read More …
If you are heading east from the temples of Asakusa, toward Tokyo Skytree, before the Sumida River is a park known as Sumida Park (Sumida Koen). Just five minutes from Asakusa station at 1 Mukoujima Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Sumida Park is extremely popular in March and Read More …
In America, we are used to seeing shoe stores such as Foot Locker, Famous Footwear, Finish Line, etc. In Japan, possibly one of the most popular shoe stores to find throughout Japan, especially in Tokyo, in the mega trendy special ward of Shibuya, and that Read More …
Shibuya is the trendiest area for young people in Shibuya and there are a ton of restaurants and shopping areas. And to get there, you need to cross the road at the popular Shibuya crossing (or Shibuya Scramble Crossing). And if you are going to Read More …
In Japan, there are many restaurants that serve curry. But there are a few that have managed to create a brand that has done well for the company and had allowed companies such as Curry House and CoCo Ichibanya but another curry restaurant that has Read More …
Nakano Broadway, the otaku shopping area of Nakano (a special ward in Tokyo). A ward that epitomizes Showa era (1926-1989) and the bubble economy, back in 1960, the construction of Nakano Broadway building was created. The goal was to create a 10-story shopping and apartment 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 …
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 …
While in the neighborhood of Kudanshita, I decided to visit EXCELSIOR CAFFÉ which is owned by the Doutor Coffee Co., Ltd. (which deals with importing of coffee beans, roasting and processing, wholesale sales and restaurant management). The purpose was to create an Espresso Italian cafe Read More …