Blogs from Tokyo, Japan, Asia - page 2

One of the absolute best things to do on the train, usually a longer distance on the Shinkansen, is to buy some food at the departing station. Not only is the food interesting and delicious, but it is also reasonably priced and quite varied. Here is a story about ekiben. From Culinary Backstreets: Any journey on the Shinkansen – Japan’s bullet train – is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an ekiben, the iconic bento filled with an assortment of delicacies tucked into a container and eaten in bite-size pieces. The term comes from the Japanese words for station (eki) combined with ben for bento (or “lunchbox”). These little jewel boxes are sold at concessions in train stations across the country and occasionally via pushcarts on trains. Different regions of Japan offer up varieties of local ingredients ... read more

Omakase sushi doesn’t need to be reserved for special occasions planned weeks ahead. This casual open kitchen at the new Shinjuku Yokochofood hall allows for casual spontaneity while serving up first-rate sushi. The restaurant playfully likens itself to a petrol station because of the way its course selection is formatted, but instead of diesel, you’re getting fueled on sushi. A ‘regular’ omakase set is priced at ¥4,000 during lunch while the more voluminous ‘full tank’ set is available for ¥6,000. The former includes roughly eight pieces of Edomae-style sushi, where the rice has been lightly seasoned with red vinegar. Varieties of fish vary depending on the season, but even the standard course often includes favourites like chutoro (fatty tuna) and anago (saltwater eel). Within the flashing neon lights and clutter of Shinjuku, you can take refuge ... read more

Although famous for being an American sport, baseball is actually quite popular in Japan, surpassing even soccer. As such, there are many professional baseball teams in the capital, including the Yomiuri Giants who boast the most impressive arena in the city. One of the best ways to experience the Japanese love for baseball is to catch a game at the Tokyo Dome. Fans come out in large numbers and go into a frenzy when a player hits a home run, culminating in a festive atmosphere worth being part of. The Giants are the oldest (12-26-34) professional sports team in Japan. Being a Giants fan since they moved from NY to San Francisco, I must see the Tokyo version of the Giants at the Tokyo Dome. I arranged for tickets, delivered to our hotel front desk for ... read more

Here are some rather unknown things about TravelNoire: Japan Has Over 6,000 Islands-but the majority of the population lives on four islands, Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. 40% of Publications Sold in Japan Are Manga-a world wide phenomenon, comic book story telling has become big business. Anime Was Once Used as War Propaganda-during WW2, anime was used to send messages, boost morale, and promote nationalistic sentiments. Nakizumo Crying Baby Festival Is a Yearly Tradition-can you believe sumo wrestlers compete to make babies cry? They say "crying babies grow" and the loudest crying baby is declared the winner. Japan Has the Highest Life Expectancy in the World-life expectancy is 84, and attributed to a healthy diet, active lifestyle, and access to advanced healthcare. Maybe I should move there to squeeze out a few more years? Japan Has ... read more

I am headed to Japan because it is my mother country. It was home to both sets of my grandparents, who came to the US at the end of 1800s and beginning of the 1900s. I am going to show my best buddy, Mr. Mike around my home country. We will focus on food, Michaelin stars, hole in the wall joints and big city walks, and less on temples and museums. From the MoneyFesto: Japan really has the best of both worlds, and its juxtaposition is what entices travelers in the first place. You see, Japan not only has a rich cultural heritage and unique traditions, with ancient temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies for visitors to learn all about. But Japan also has cutting-edge technology and futuristic cityscapes like no other place on the planet. url=https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsamplingamerica.com%2F10-foreign-cities-that-feel-like-america%2F&data=05%7C ... read more