Catching up a bit… Inn Tajimiya, Magome Yesterday was a day I’d been building to for a long time. I’d skipped the Kiso Valley in the Japanese Alps on my first two trips despite really wanting to visit – it’s a tough place to fit into an itinerary because it […] Read more
Belatedly, a few pics from Day 1 in Tokyo. The first is a short video of panic in Tokyo. This is how it was reported on CNN. Mt. Fuji from the Shinkansen Read more
Well-known Hanshin Tigers Fan Col. Sanders Shrine Entry, Arima Onsen Day two. I was reminded again today of just what a little miracle the Shinkansen really is. One of my guidebooks calls it “frighteningly punctual” – and that really fits. Kyoto is perhaps 40 miles from Osaka, and […] Read more
Greetings from Kyoto. No pics tonight – the ryokan has wonky internet so I`m on the house machine with a kana keyboard… Quite a full day today. As always when I`m here, lots of interactions with thoughtful locals. Like the salaryman at Shinagawa who offered to help me when I […] Read more
Good evening, All. It’s Midnight on the dot and I’m writing you from the Toyoko Inn just outside the West gate of Shinagawa Station, Tokyo. It’s been a long, long day – I’m exhausted. I’ll update the blog as often as I can during the trip, with pictures. For now, […] Read more
Obviously, I’ve been following the events of today with great interest. It’s hard to even imagine the destructive power of an 8.9 earthquake – had this been centered near Tokyo or another major city, the destruction would have been beyond comprehension. As it is, comprehension is difficult – though the […] Read more
This is not a political site. And while I certainly have no qualms about debating politics in real-life, I have no desire to turn it into one. Nevertheless, since this site (like it’s owner) is obsessed with Japan and otaku culture, I don’t think it can ignore what’s happening in […] Read more
One of the great things about living in the Bay Area is that one can get a little Japanese culture fix without jumping on a plane. I live smack dab between the only two recognized Japantowns in the US – San Francisco and San Jose. Periodically we have matsuri – […] Read more
Great Buddha Hall, Nara Interesting things about Japan: – You can buy underwear at convenience stores, but not ziploc bags – You have to take off your shoes at an inn, but not at airport security – It’s absurdly rude to wipe your nose in public, but perfectly fine for […] Read more