The Need For Speed?

Being a commuter in Australia has its quirks. Mainly punctuality and reliability issues with trains in some states. Our interstate trains feel slightly faster than the local trains, however, the overall experience and interior is inferior to those you may experience in other countries. Since this blog is about Japan, this post is about the…

While You’re Here…

More than likely, if you are planning a trip to Tokyo, the name Tsukiji Fish Market would have been mentioned as one of the ‘to-do’s. Also you may have heard about the planned move (which had some delays due to various reasons), the temp closure of the market some years back (rumoured to be a…

Hiding in the corner is…

… Winter! It is almost here [Post #2] and tourists from around the world will be flooding into the alpine resorts of Japan for their renowned powder snow and amazing onsens (hot springs). Back in Aussieland, people would drive many hours to get to a decent snow resort, whereas, Japan’s amazing public transport will get…

A Good Life for…

If you’ve roamed the streets of Tokyo before, you may have come across pets that appear to have a better life than humans… such is the luxurious life that pets now have. Some of them don’t even have to walk and get transported in pet prams, handbags, etc. An interesting one is ‘accommodation’ for your…

Daimaru

Found in the mix of shops and connected buildings in Tokyo station, Daimaru has a variety of food and retail shopping sections (https://goo.gl/maps/oYCH8). The basement level is where the food stuffs are – fresh food, pre-marinated food, packed food (bento, etc), food gifts, coffees, chocs, and much more. There is also a Kit Kat shop…

Instant Satisfaction (Ramen)

Ever craved for some yummy ramen but it’s not a good time to head out to Ichiran Ramen or some other good ramen restaurants? Have no fear, instant ramen is here. Unlike the typical Maggi brands that float around the world, these Japanese Instant Ramen actually hit the spot. And, you can get them easily…

Don Quijote

Have some spare time to burn? Looking for souvenirs? Looking for discounted items? Looking for food/drinks? Beauty products? Bicycles? Toys? Costumes? (the list goes on…) Don Quijote (pronounced Don Ki Hot Teh) is a one stop shop where you can get things from clothes to food to bicycles. The price is pretty competitive, too. Some…

Sim Card for Gaijins

One of the early challenges for gaijins in Tokyo is to find a sim card for your phone. Many mobile service providers require your phone to have a Japanese compliance symbol  displayed on the phone itself or within the operating system of your phone. Unfortunately, majority of the phones from overseas do not have this symbol…

Sleepless in Shibuya

Shibuya is constantly full of life, people and things to do. From restaurants to shopping to sports to music to entertainment and much more. The list is endless for things you can do/find here – sushi shops, ramen places, izakaya (japanese style pubs), karaoke, internet cafes, arcade centres, shopping, sports shops and centres, music shops &…

What the buttons?

Japanese toilets are of the future. With functionalities that we all envy/wish to have in our own toilets back home. Sometimes, however, it does confuse gaijins to the point of therapy… well not really, but you get the point. Here’s one you may find in some hotels/airbnb places… I’ve added in some labels (in red)…