It’s heating up in Tokyo! With summer well and truly on its way, I thought it was time to introduce you to some of the great summer festivals of Japan’s Tohoku region. Two summer’s ago, we went on an 8-day matsuri (festival) camping adventure, driving from Tokyo all the way to Aomori in far-northern Honshu […]
Asia/Oceania
Unassuming Shibamata, Tokyo
Yesterday I had the pleasure of working at the Shibamata Festival. If you’re like me until a few days ago and have never heard of the place, Shibamata (柴又) is a quaint, Edo-style town in Tokyo’s north-east. Think Asakusa only without the insane crowds. Shibamata was put on the map when the film series Otoko […]
Tokyo’s Natural Side
Awoken suddenly to the earthquake alarm on our mobile phones yesterday morning, we decided to make the most out of the early start by heading out to one of our favorite places in Tokyo, Okutama. Okutama is a tranquil mountainous paradise in Tokyo’s north-west with breathtaking views that make it hard to believe that the […]
Cherry Blossom Season in Tokyo, Japan
You know sakura (cherry blossom) season is approaching when your latte turns pink and your kombini (convenience store) snack becomes a floral tribute. Just a couple of weeks ago, the cherry trees in Tokyo looked winter-bare. I had attended our local cherry blossom festival which unfortunately had to go ahead without the guest of honor. […]
Waking up with Shanghai
One of my favorite ways to experience any city is to wake up early and observe the locals stirring from slumber. Especially for crowded and busy cities, early morning is perhaps the only time you’ll see a quiet public space or streets free of the usual chaotic traffic. How do the locals start their day? […]
Magnetic Shanghai
Sorry about the lack of updates of late. Have been having some family time in Australia and during our stopover in Shanghai, well, they don’t much like Facebook there…or Twitter…or our blog it seems. Well, not just ours but certain hosts in general. In any case, it makes me feel better about the lack of […]
A Few Drops of Happiness
*Please note that this establishment no longer serves food. It now functions as a unique retail store selling the works of local artists and designers. The upper floor will soon be solely used as an exhibition space.* Who could not love a place that radiates with such positive sayings as “Happiness is the perfume you […]
My Afternoon with a Sushi Master
*It is with great regret that I announce that this restaurant has now closed.* Set back from a narrow street in Shimokitazawa, lies one of the city’s unassuming gems. Like so many restaurant jewels around the country, the home-like façade may have you wondering “Can I go in?” Rest assured that when you slide that […]
Hokkaido’s Miso Butter Corn Ramen
If I haven’t convinced you to make that trip to Hokkaido yet, then how about for a steaming bowl of the region’s specialty: miso butter corn ramen (味噌バターコーンラーメン)! The miso broth is made creamier by the thick knob of butter placed on top that melts its way into the hot soup, and the corn gives […]