HSBC Sevens World Series Tokyo Sevens
Mar 13, 2015 By
Rugby sevens is a variation of the standard rugby union in which teams are made up of seven players, instead of the usual 15, competing in shorter matches generally during summer months. Sevens is popular with professional and amateur players throughout the world. Besides the many multi-sport events where games are...[ Click to read more ]
Spring Pickings – Strawberry Picking around Tokyo
Feb 13, 2015 By Bert Wishart
Japan has a wonderful association with fruit. While it tends to be a little expensive (at least to the eyes of foreigners used to supermarkets crammed with the stuff for next to nothing), it is revered in status: apples are grown to extraordinary sizes and famed for the ‘honey’ within, mangoes are...[ Click to read more ]
Dive on in – Public Swimming Pools in Tokyo
Nov 11, 2014 By Bert Wishart
Swimming is, it is often stated, perhaps the best form of exercise, and as a nation that takes its health particularly seriously, it is perhaps no surprise to find that there are swimming pools for public use all over Japan. So, whether it is to improve stamina, help with muscle...[ Click to read more ]
English language bookshops in Tokyo
Oct 14, 2014 By Bert Wishart
With the advent of e-readers and smartphones, getting your hands on English language literature in Japan isn’t the challenge it once was. However, whether the book you are looking for isn’t available online, or you just like the feel and smell of turning pages, sometimes you just have to hold...[ Click to read more ]
Securing your Home in Nagoya Against Burglary
Jul 28, 2014 By Ray Proper
Although a very safe country to live in generally, not even Japan is completely free of crime. It is easy to let one’s guard down living in a safe and comfortable city like Nagoya, but continued awareness and vigilance will ensure the safety of your home and family. The goal...[ Click to read more ]
English Speaking Hairdressers in Tokyo
Jul 14, 2014 By
In a large city such as Tokyo, not excelling in Japanese isn’t too much of a problem. Tokyoites are accustomed to foreigners being around, and understand that we may be less than fluent. In daily lives gestures and body language are often readily acceptable as communicative currency. However, for some...[ Click to read more ]
Sushi Dokoro Shiki in Tokyo’s Ginza District
Jun 16, 2014 By Ray Proper
Sushi Dokoro Shiki - すし処 志喜 in Tokyo's Ginza District is a surprisingly good and affordable treasure. They specialize in "course menu" sushi set at JPY 10,500 , or you can order off the menu; which is quite reasonable for being located in Ginza. The set menu selections are extremely fresh and well chosen, and...[ Click to read more ]
Golfing in and around Tokyo
Jun 12, 2014 By Bert Wishart
Being packed, seemingly shoulder-to-shoulder, with people you could be forgiven for thinking that Tokyo is not the best place to, to paraphrase Mark Twain, spoil a good walk. However, there are plenty of excellent golfing areas around the capital. Of course there are many roof-top driving ranges, hammering balls into...[ Click to read more ]
Experience the Tea Ceremony in Tokyo or Nagoya Japan
Jan 19, 2014 By Ray Proper
Tea; from the ever present green varieties that line shelves in the convenience stores here, to the black varieties that my English and Australian room-mates preferred when I first arrived, living in Japan has been an learning experience. As an American, and especially one from Seattle, it is hard to...[ Click to read more ]
Obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Japan
Jan 09, 2014 By Ray Proper
You can get an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on your Japanese driver’s license. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be used in conjunction with your Japanese License. The process of getting an IDP generally takes one hour, and requires a visit...[ Click to read more ]
