Every year feels hotter than the earlier one and maybe it really is. In Tokyo, the arrival of summer heralds the refreshing delight of shaved ice, known as “kakigori” ／ かき氷” in Japanese. As the mercury rises and the sun blankets the city in its golden warmth, locals and visitors alike seek solace in this
The Enoshima Touroku 2023 (江の島灯籠2023) is an illumination event that allows visitors to experience the evening coolness while surrounded by 1,000 lanterns of various sizes inspired by Enoshima’s folklore and the illuminations at Enoshima Shrine. 2023 marks the 23rd edition of the event. Over the years, I have visited this event multiple times, but this
Nestled in the heart of Yokohama, Sankeien Garden offers a serene escape from the bustle of city life. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy the changing landscapes, but it’s during spring that the garden truly comes alive with the beauty of cherry blossoms. Among the various attractions, the night-time cherry blossom display steals the spotlight,
When it comes to setting up an aquarium, one thing’s for sure – our finned friends need their cozy enclosures! It’s a no brainer that glass plays a starring role in making that happen. It’s like the invisible force that allows us to peek into their aquatic world while keeping them safe and sound. Ginza
In 2023, where Generative AI is all rage, and if you want an escape from the digital cacophony, the art and aquarium fusion experience at Mitsukoshi, Ginza is the exact break you are looking for. Watching “living”, real aquatic life in carefully crafted tanks, resembling works of art themselves, and blossoming season wise flower-like creations
Are you a roller skate fan in Tokyo? Want to enjoy inline or roller skates for relatively cheap, but don’t want to buy skates just for a couple of hours? Head to the Tokyo Dome Roller Skate Arena in Korakuen. Tokyo Dome Roller Skate Arena is one of the largest indoor roller-skate rinks in Tokyo!! I
When it comes to finding peace and serenity amidst nature’s splendor, Kodai Hasu no Sato (古代蓮の里) in Gyoda, Saitama Prefecture, stands out as a hidden gem. This charming lotus park offers a sanctuary of tranquility, where visitors can immerse themselves in the mesmerizing beauty of ancient lotus blooms. The city of Gyoda has a long
July 16-17 2023 Odaiba, Tokyo’s captivating waterfront district, becomes a beacon of light and enchantment on Marine Day. This special holiday celebrates the ocean’s beauty and significance, and in Odaiba, it takes the form of a mesmerizing lantern festival. In 2004, the festival of lights, known as the “Sea Illumination Festival,” began at Odaiba Beach.
In the bustling world of airports, where stress and chaos often dominate, finding a tranquil haven seems like an unattainable dream. However, hidden within the magnificent Narita Terminal 1 in Tokyo, lies a hidden gem that offers solace and serenity—the Lotus Pond. Just outside the Terminal 1, amidst the modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere, this
Harajuku, the hip and vibrant neighborhood of Tokyo, has become even sweeter with the opening of a brand new Coldstone ice cream parlor (June 30, 2023). This delightful establishment offers an enticing menu of ice cream, crepes, and matcha treats, making it a haven for dessert enthusiasts. Not only does it offer delectable treats, but
Over the years, I have posted articles on attractions in Japan, but this article is more about the journey than the destination. Traveling to the attraction is an attraction in itself for over 200K visitors every year to Yubu Island in Ishigaki. In today’s age of bullet trains and jet travel, the attraction lies in
Updates July 10, 2023 : The flowers are now on FULL BLOOM mode in our visit yesterday. Tokyo has a couple of Lotus flowers spots with my favorite one being the Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park. The summer festival in Ueno Park is accompanied by beautiful lotus in the Shinobazu Pond which bloom late July
In the age of ChatGPT when mostly all information is on the internet, and we all research our travel destination before hand, the fun of “discovering” gets diluted. But then again, there are always surprises when we physically start exploring and today, I want to share with you an incredible discovery I made during my
As every year, I forget the “humid and sweltering season” of Tokyo’s summer heat. Every year it feels “more hot than ever”. The moment you venture outside, the suffocating wall of heat hits you like a ton of bricks. It’s relentless, draining, and enough to make you question your sanity for leaving the comfort of
Tokyo, a city I have been in for now over 25 years, is known for its technological marvels and innovative solutions. On a recent stroll with my family through the bustling streets of Ginza, I stumbled upon a peculiar sight—a vending machine installed unusually high, with its top slot buttons seemingly out of reach. Curiosity
