Foreigners are indeed flocking to Tokyo! In my almost 27 years in Japan, I haven’t seen such great interest in visiting this beautiful & peaceful country, specifically the capital city. The local government is doing their best “omotenashi” (hospitality) by …
As I have only 30 minutes for my lunch break this Saturday, the first to come to mind is sushi restaurant. I was just at the other sushi bar the other day but I can’t help it. It’s like no …
Need to live for a purpose and reason to live in Japan. When I was young, I thought sushi is just for the rich and famous. Reading celebrity lifestyles, I wonder why they brag about their fave dishes. Once I …
In my adult classes at YMCA from 2000~2010, I asked my students to research and report in class (aka English Public Speaking) anything that makes Japan unique. Throughout our lessons we learned many new things about the past and I …
Days fly so fast! It’s been a week since I visited the Imperial Palace and I haven’t posted yet my captured memories of this annual downtown Tokyo adventures commencing from Route 1 of Japan. Oh yes, years fly faster than …
Just a stone’s throw away from the Imperial Palace is a beautiful garden full of history — Hibiya Park! This is the place Ms. Pura Crisologo Yajima, my companion, and I decided to go after listening to the last New …
As I’d been asked many times interesting places to go around Tokyo, I compiled what I recommend to my family, friends, guests and contacts. Enjoy discovering what makes Japan unique — realize OIJs (Only in Japan/Originated in Japan)! This is …
In the latest survey, Japan has the strongest passport! No need for a visa for their nationals to visit 190 countries — the most globally. Like my students, many Japanese enjoy traveling abroad. Great to hear their stories and how …
In my travels around the world, only in Japan (OIJ) that I was exposed to communal bathing in “birthday suit.” As I was onboard a ship for more than 2 years, I’ve visited & swum in various beaches. What a …
Freebies nature healing, anyone? Just about 5 minutes on foot from Tamagawajosui Station along Seibu Shinjuku/Haijima Line is a free hot foot bath. Komorebi no Ashiyu is in the middle of a mini-forest so you can also enjoy fresh air with a …