Standing Bars are not only for middle aged men any more. They once were as they were used by salarymen to drop in after work. They would drink, perhaps have an appetizer, and talk there around the big barrels discussing what ever it was that happened to be happening around the office. That was yesterday. Not today. Today standing bars are a lot more hip and diverse.

For a stylish Standing Bar near Azabu Juban Station, try the Bistro Juban Stand. It is open …

His private visits to the Yasukuni shrine provokes the ire of many Asian countries. Why does Prime Minister Koizumi visit the Yasukuni shrine? I didn’t know. As it so happened, I had moved to Shinjuki and was living within walking distance of the shrine. So, one April morning, I made my way there to find out.
In my mind’s eye, I had thought the shrine itself would be larger and more imposing than it was. I was struck by its simplicity. I had double checked with one of the security guards …

The story of Hachiko, the Akita-ken who symbolizes loyalty, devotion, and friendship has been brought to the screen recently in a new movie, Hachi (also called Hachiko- A Dog’s Story). It was released in Japan on 8/8 (to correspond with ‘hachi, hachi’), and will be out in America on December 18. Whether or not you know the story of this inspiring canine who waited for his master at Shibuya Station everyday for over ten years, I recommend Hachiko Waits, by Leslea Newman, to fill you in. Leslea’s book is faithful …

Are you tired of exploring parks, temples, or nice restaurants in Tokyo with your partner? Then, I recommend trying something a little different like the Meguro Parasitological Museum.

This museum is literally showing specimens of parasites. You will hardly and hopefully never get the chance of ever seeing these specimens in your normal everyday life…Well unless you are in Meguro, Tokyo or you are scientist or researcher.

For the first time ever the Tokyo Film Center will be holding an International Film Festival which will be screening short films made by talented filmmakers who come from different parts of the world. The event will be held on Sat 25th and Sun 26th of July.
So, if your asking yourself “Is this one of those movie buff festivals where they’re just after your money?”, I have to say YES, we are movie buffs but not after your money because it’s a no charge event, yes you got it …

I spent a lovely afternoon taking in the permanent collections of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. The was my second visit. I was here a few years before to see the Van Gogh exhibit. On exhibit are the works of Japan’s artists spanning from the Meiji period to the present. You start on the fourth floor and work your way down. And there’s a lounge on the fourth floor that provides a breathtaking view of the Imperial gardens across the street. So, you …

Almost ready…This giant 35-ton, 18-meter tall, full-scale Gundam is in Shiokaze Park within Odaiba, Tokyo to commemorate 30 years of Mobile Suit Gundam. The Gundam sports a moving head and is able to shoot mist and light from fifty points on its body. Check out the cool video below.

While I was taking a walk in Shinjuku 2 cho-me after lunch, I found a nice place to stay and be calm. Shinjuku 2 cho-me is well known as an area of gay bars. I usually hear people at those bars still singing karaoke or sitting on the street drunk and talking in the early morning while I’m on my way to work.
So, I couldn’t believe that there is such a quiet place in the middle of this area.
The name of the temple is Taisoji, which was built by a …

In loving memory of Ling Ling…may she not be forgotten nor the friendship she symbolized.

Today I visited Ueno zoo and was pleasantly surprised. I had gone mainly to see the star of the show, Ling Ling, a giant panda. I have never seen a panda before. She alone was worth the price of admission. She was charming. She was sprawled on a platform dozing. Sometimes, she would roll on her side and scratch her tummy. She was adorable. She was oblivious to all the gawking and ogling of the little …

Shinjuku Gyoen – Sakura season is almost over…but here are some pics to let you know that you haven’t missed out completely, yet.