's Advice List
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in Japan with a Different Kind of Sweet
As a pancake boom sweeps the nation, waffle shops are everywhere and gooey goops of chocolate sauce are merrily mixed into multi-flavored ice cream at Coldstone, it might be hard for you to imagine the the not-so-sweet sweet in Japan is a popular and beloved thing.If you take your friends or ho…(391 words)
Sweets Dessert Restaurant Hotel Art Roppongi Department store Green tea Wagashi Sweets MacchaParents Encourage English Learning in Japan After Watching Disney Movie Frozen
Take a look at this video of a sweet little Japanese girl with her Kanji chart visible in the background singing "Let it Go" for all the world to see. At the beginning you hear her mother say "Ikimasu!" which means "Here we go!"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFpGHF-oJKcWell, that is exac…(540 words)
English English Japan English Language Japan Frozen Film in Japan Japanese Culture and Style Japanese Culture Visit Japan Japan TravelTaxis in Japan, Are they even Better Now?
Okay, I admit it. I ride a taxi in Japan at least twice a day. I've been here 27 years and never felt the need to get one of those things you keep at your house in a garage that has four wheels and moves :)The Japanese public transportation combined with the convenience and extreme accessibil…(297 words)
Japanese Taxis Japan Travel Taxicab Getting around Tokyo Tokyo Taxi Ride Exploring tokyo Exploring Japan Only in JapanJapanese Geta, Traditional Shoes in Japan, To Getya Going!
Are you from Hawaii? If you are...help me out here. At Pearl Ridge Elementary School (during the 70s) we went through a footwear boom called "Klonks". It was just around the time that coolots (the jeans type) and those feathered clip-on decorations you put in your hair, were popular. Now, do yo…(611 words)
Geta slipper Japan Shoes Japanese Culture Japanese Summer Japanese Culture and Style Japan Travel Summer Japanese Kimono Japanese Footwear YokohamaBunny Signs are the New Cute Traffic Cones in Japan
Sometimes I wonder how Japanese life stays so placid. Placid in a good sense, like the surface of a deep ocean on a calm day. There is a lot going on underneath but the surface is flat, peaceful and non-threatening. In Japanese we call it "Joushiki" which to me is best translated as "civility" or "…(355 words)
Japanese lifestyle Japan Tokyo Station Travel Japan Kawaii Japanese Culture and Style Japanese Culture Cute Japan Exploring tokyo Shokudo TokyoA Gentleman's Kimono Completes the Outfit in Japan
Simple and clean, small Kobachi dishes contain lightly grilled fish, healthy Hijiki seaweed and a few other bites to complement an ochoko cup of dry rice wine. In the photo, the gentleman is taking his first sip of Sake after what may have been a long, stressful day. He may have come home around 8 …(281 words)
men in kimono Sake (Rice wine) Yukata (Light kimono) Sake Japan Kimono Japan Japanese inn yukata banshaku evening drink denim kimono Japan Japanese futon Japan Travel foodWhy Men Look Handsome in Kimonos in Japan?
I've noticed more men wearing Kimono on weekends recently. The obi belt tied just above the hips, masculine shoulders emphasized by a narrower line going down the body, a deep blue color. Try walking in back of one of these gents. Watch the way the geta sandals click on the stone walkway and how th…(251 words)
Kimono Asakusa Fashion Kimono experience Geta slipper Asakusa Kimono Fashion Tokyo Kimono Rental for Men Male Kimono Japan Japan Kimono Kimono fashion for menDoraemon, a Nostalgic Childhood Cartoon Character for All Japanese
I remember waking up early on a Saturday morning with my sister in Hawaii to watch our favorite Saturday morning cartoons. Of all, I liked Scooby Doo the best. Why? Because he was like me, he was creative, he was always scared but he always saved the day and he definitely liked and worked hard for …(433 words)
Japanese cartoons Roppongi Hills Rainy Day Asahi Television Doraemon Japanese Animation Japanese Animation Japanese Anime Japanese Pop Culture BuildingFiguring out the Green Car in Japan: JR Train Business Class Seats
JR Green Car is my favorite way to travel. After living here almost 27 years I still almost start to cry when I see the Green Car (premium seat car) slide past and go way down to the other side of the platform when I thought I was standing in the right place to meet it right when it arrives... Even…(825 words)
Green Car JR Trains JR Train Etiquette and Tips Japan Travel Railway platform Extended distance travel Japan EtiquetteView the Most Beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Japan
A somewhat drab introduction in the metro underground of Kudanshita will quell your palate for something exciting outside. You have probably heard about the beauty of Cherry Blossom season in Japan, but NOTHING will prepare you for the jubilance and grace of huge Cherry trees stretching branch tips…(289 words)
Cherry blossom Chidorigafuchi Spring Jinjya (Shrine) Japan Travel Cherry Blossom Day Tour Tokyo Hanami Kudanshita TokyoSpring is Coming in Japan, Where to Find the Prettiest Cherry Blossoms
As I snuggle under my comforter, wallow in the warm rush of O-furo and deftly avoid cold rain drops as I walk to the station, it is hard to believe Japan will soon be alight with warmth and a blanket of pink. If you are a nature love like me, you will notice a difference in the hard brown of the Wi…(313 words)
Cherry blossom Cherry Blossom Viewing Japan Sping Travel Japan Japan Travel Spring How to Enjoy Hanami Spring in Japan March and April in Japan Travel Japan Sakura Enjoying Japanese Parks Year Round Travel JapanWhat is the Safest and Easiest Transportation in Japan
I've been in Japan and travelled around in taxis for 26 years. I average at least two taxi rides per day (at least over the last 20 years) so hmmm.. 600 taxi rides a year....hmmm......12,000 taxi rides? Wow!! Like my friend Claire, I have had many a very interesting conversation. I learned from my …(217 words)
Japan Taxi Taxicab Transportation Japan Transportation How to ride a Japanese Taxi Getting around Tokyo Tokyo Taxi Ride Japan Travel AdventureThe Japanese Zodiac and How it Relates to Feminism in Japan
2014 is the year of the Horse and actually for all of us ladies born between Jan. 1, 1966 and Feb. 1967, it really means a lot. The Chinese Zodiac is shared with Japan and Korea and every 60 years, a certain group of women come along known as the Hinoeuma or Fire Horse. The stigma against the Fire …(218 words)
Women in Japan Japan Hinoeuma Year of the Horse Fire Horse Chinese Zodiac Lucky HorseMineral-rich Hot Spring in Japan Great for Skin
It is a rare onsen (hot spring) where visitors can bathe in their bathing suits. When I first came to Japan way back when, I dreaded entering a hot spring area where naked bodies eased in and out of steaming mineral scented water. As I grew accustomed to the custom...I learned to practice the same …(431 words)
Enoshima Island Day Spa Japan Bathing suit friendly onsen Hot Spring Japan Shiatsu Massage Japan Onsen Shinjuku Shibuya Coffee Kaitenzushi (Conveyor belt sushi)Japanese People Love Hand-Made Gifts in Japan
I have always appreciated the simple gift-giving culture in Japan. Some of my friends describe it as cumbersome since upon receiving something there is always some pressure to reciprocate. Yes, I agree, but at the same time, the reciprocal gift can take various forms and hand-made items that serve …(358 words)
Japan love Iwate Japanese gift giving Gifts in Japan coffee gift beer gift Japan Holiday gifts Japan Food BeerThe Symmetry In Japanese Architecture
I step over the deep, brown aged gate step into the temple's welcome garden. To my left is a preparation space for visitors to this tiny, ancient temple and cemetery tucked far into the hills near Kanazawa Bunko station on the Keikyu train line. After gathering up a broom, some shears for the chrys…(415 words)
Japanese Architecture Chrysanthemum Japan Travel Japanese temple visit Jinjya (Shrine) Kanazawa Bunko Keikyu Train Line Temple garden Tera (Temple) YokohamaHow to Add a Touch of Cuteness with Your Gift in Japan
During the Holidays or during your visit in Japan, you might want to give your host, hotel concierge, or new friend a little gift of appreciation. You might also be planning to take things back home from Japan to your Japanese friends overseas. Guess what? You want a hint on how to up your polite l…(235 words)
Japan Gifts in Japan Hotel Convenience store Holidays Visit Art newThe Magical DisneySea Perfect for Families
It seems a no-brainer that Disney Sea would be one of the places you dont want to miss during your visit to Japan. Disneyland is in a few places around the world, but Japan is the only country to have a Disney Sea (the fourth most visited theme park in the world) that focuses on the nautical, explo…(375 words)
Amusement park Tokyo Park Hotel Sea VisitThe Delicious Combo of Japanese Crackers and Tasty Beer
If you are going somewhere in the suburbs late at night you will notice a lot of people choose to take a breather on the Green Sha (green car first class seats) on the way home. A nice Green Car attendant comes through the car to offer drinks and snacks and I always choose Asahi Super Dry beer and …(216 words)
Persimmon Train Drink Ticket Soy sauce Beer Etiquette Wine Rice cracker Railway platformTokyo Midtown is A Great Place to Hangout in Japan
Since the trains start so early and there is an Oedo line exit for Roppongi station under the Midtown shopping area, this place is buzzing and fun from about 7:30 a.m. If you get there too early, you can rest right outside in the park right next store. There is a lovely little stream there, open ya…(227 words)
Tokyo Shopping Park Roppongi Tea Art CoffeeCraziest Amusement Park in Japan, Fujikyu Highland
I was at Fujikyu Highland the other day for a speech and from the window in the hotel I spied this unbelievable drop on their huger roller coaster. Yes, you are right, it actually inclines like that and you could hear the screams of delight all through the day. The park did not seem very crowded on…(125 words)
Fujikyu Highland Japan Tokyo Park Hotel Bus Onsen FoodCleanliness in Key in Japanese Shops
One thing I absolutely love about Japan is how clean everything is. Today I was at a soba shop and I noticed the little cup of toothpicks was knocked over and that about 20 toothpicks were strewn across the countertop. I noted this to the staff in the restaurant and he immediately said "So Sorry!" …(183 words)
Fast food Tokyo Restaurant Etiquette Soba noodles Coffee ShopThe Cutest Cartoon Character in Japan, Funasshii
My daughter and I love the character representing Funabashi City in Chiba Prefecture named "Funasshii". Recently the characters or mascots from different areas of Japan are on TV a lot and there is actually a Sumo contest on TV between these adorable and playful characters. Each of them has a perso…(225 words)
Japan cartoon City Souvenir Chiba Sumo Camera KidsWasabi! Watch out when Eating in Japan
If you dont really like having a lot of wasabi in your sushi, please make sure you ask the Chef "Wasabi wa karume de". This literally means, "Please go lightly on the wasabi". Or, you can ask for "Sabi Nuki" which means they wont put any wasabi in the sushi at all. However, the wasabi flavor actual…(146 words)
Sushi Japanese cuisine Japan Horse radish Soy sauce Vinegar Fish CuisineThe Real Sushi Experience, Don't Miss Out!
I always went to "kaiten sushi" because it was easy, you can calculate expense based on color and design of the plates and you could see what you are ordering as you take a plate off the conveyer belt. I still go to kaitenzushi when I want a scrumptious meal of sush (I want to eat a lot) or when I …(351 words)
Sushi Sashimi (Raw fish) Kaitenzushi (Conveyor belt sushi) Japanese cuisine Restaurant Fast food Food WinterMake sure in Japan to drink tea at a restaurant
Today, we stopped in at a beautiful little Sushi Shop in Ginza in Tokyo. The warm tea that came out right at the beginning prepared our palate perfectly for the lovely fish to come after. It was a truly perfect experience. We would recommend that when you come to eat sushi you make sure to prepare …(76 words)
Japan Dining Tokyo Sushi Ginza Tea Green teaNissan World Headquarters in Minato Mirai, Japan great place for Tech-Savvy people
If you want to see cutting edge green cars of the future getting ready for mass production, the Nissan World Corporate Headquarters in Minato Mirai is a great place to visit. The Showroom is state of the art and you can take a look at the history of Nissan and how the cars have evolved over the yea…(103 words)
Japan Nissan Technology Yokohama History Visit WalkEat the Best Ramen Noodles in Japan
You can see here that we have ordered Jumbo Ramen with Nori (seaweed) as one of the best toppings. Floating quietly in the hot and tasty soup is the Onsen or boiled soft egg. If you cut it open with your chopsticks the soft yellow yolk will flow out into the ramen soup and add that last amazing tas…(90 words)
Eat Japan Drink Ramen noodles Onsen seaweed chopsticksSpecial Fairs and Shops to Check Out in Japan
Yesterday, we went to see a movie at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Theatre and were happily surprised with the Akita Bisaikan specialty shop right across from the entrance. You can try different produce from this beautiful prefecture, buy rice samples and taste the lovely Amazake of the area. It was r…(185 words)
Hotel Akita Shop Tokyo Movie TheatreDid you know you can eat Raw noodles in Japan?
Tsuke-men can be one of the best Ramen Experiences ever! You can get a soft boiled egg along with the dish and I like to cut the egg in half with my chopsticks and put it in the sauce to add the juicy egg-yolk to the mix. You pick up cooler noodles and then dip them into the sauce. This is differen…(163 words)
Eat Japan Tokyo Restaurant Ramen noodles Soba noodlesJapan has the Cleanest Shops in the World
If you happen to be a bit jet lagged and feel like walking around some of Tokyo's downtown neighborhoods (Roppongi, Shinjuku, Shinbashi, etc.) early in the morning, you will see some interesting culture that has to do with how this city stays clean. In the Summer time, shop owners will often do som…(170 words)
Japan Tokyo City Etiquette Shinjuku Roppongi Salt Shinbashi SummerFrom Luxurious Shops to Majestic Gardens: Tokyo Midtown
There is almost too much to see at Tokyo Midtown to write it all down here. One of the best things about the area are the floor guides who wear beautiful uniforms that change with the season and can help you in several different languages. There are many different shops that feature excellent Japan…(182 words)
Tokyo Tokyo Midtown Park Building Tea Art UniqloThe Best Spa in Japan
Enoshima Island Spa is located just outside Tokyo (direct ride on the Romance Car from Shinjuku Station..60 to 70 minutes). This ancient healing spot is just off the Shonan Coast and you take a 10 minute walk over the bridge to the island itself. The spa entrance fee of 2,650 yen gives you access t…(136 words)
Tokyo Enoshima Island Japan Shinjuku Swimming Spring WinterPacked Trains, Bustling Streets, How to survive as a foreigner in Japan
You may see someone move to another seat when the person next to them starts to nod off as the sleepy passenger might actually accidentally rest their head on the person sitting next to them. Or, you might see someone who has partied too hard, stretched out sound asleep on a station bench. Well, th…(164 words)
Transportation Japan Train Park Etiquette Railway platformJapan's the Best Place for Cute Tiny Gifts
Look closely at the little knick knacks in the various shops along a street or shopping arcade in Japan and you will be amazed by the ingenuity that goes in to one little item and how it can grace the home with a bit of sweetness and be useful at the same time. I believe Japan has kind of mastered …(166 words)
Shopping Japan Art Coffee Souvenir Milk ArcadeWhen Shopping in Japan Live as the Japanese Do
Shopping in Japan can be a dream. The stores are beautiful and the shopkeepers are very civilized and unaggressive. One thing to remember is that when the staff say "Irashaimase" it basically means welcome and is a set phrase at every establishment. They are just welcoming you and not being pushy i…(113 words)
Shopping Japan Shoes Etiquette Phrase ClothesTake a risk and emerge yourself in the fine Japanese Art of Ikebana
Okay, well, I have never studied Ikebana (Japanese style flower arrangement) but I love the style and I admire all the work of art I see all around (even in local train stations done by loyal and dedicated Ikebana artists each week). I believe Japan is confident enough in the art and the style it o…(152 words)
Flower IKEBANA Train Train station Art Hair styleExperience Japanized Style American Breakfast
There is a Denny's just down the street from my house and I used to go there all the time for bacon and eggs with a side of toast. But....in Japan, Denny's also offers the opposite of the all-american breakfast. Fried fish, white rice, miso soup, umeboshi, dry nori (seaweed), an egg and some otukem…(127 words)
breakfast Soy sauce Miso soup Toast Umeboshi StayHome of the Emperor of Japan, Ornate Edo Castle
I think the best way to access this area is from Yurakucho station. It is an open area that used to be the Edo Castle. It is now home to the Emperor but you can see the remains of the buildings, the moat is huge and if you are really lucky you might actually witness a dignitary visiting the Emperor…(90 words)
Castle Japan Emperor Tokyo Lucky Horse usedWeird Japanese Devices: Vegetabrella
I found this site Japan Ichiban that is an online shop for cool things from Japan. I particularly like this vegetable umbrella and will probably by this for my mom to take back to her for Christmas this year. It is fun to browse through the different items since they have sourced them from around t…(102 words)
Umbrella Japan Tokyo Souvenir Christmas Shop