What Conveniences are on Offer at Your Local Convenience Store?

Jun 27, 2018 By Jason Gatewood

The ubiquitous conbini that you look to whenever you need to buy a beer, dish soap, hot meal, or even an emergency necktie (because you may or may not have spilled ramen on the one you had on before) is definitely the answer to many a prayer in most Japanese...[ Click to read more ]

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Let’s Tour Tokyo: Kichijoji

Jun 26, 2018 By Jason Gatewood

It’s been awhile since I last introduced a part of Tokyo you may not be so familiar with, so this time we’ll head westward from Shinjuku to visit the Kichijoji (吉祥寺) district. This area is centered around the junction of the JR Chuo Line and Keio Inokashira Line at its...[ Click to read more ]

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Cupcakes or Muffins? Why Not Do Both?

By Bert Wishart

Whether you are throwing a small party, want something to pair with your coffee, have kids who deserve a tasty treat, or (like me) you have insatiable sweet tooth that demands to be fed, cupcakes and muffins are the perfect indulgence. Japan loves a these delicious delicacies in that they...[ Click to read more ]

Flea and antique markets in Tokyo

May 29, 2018 By Bert Wishart

One of the joys of living in a different country is absorbing its culture and aesthetics. One of the best way of doing that is by filling your home with fashionable goods and furnishings that reflects both your personal taste and that of your adopted country. Now, to do this in...[ Click to read more ]

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Tokyo Midtown Hibiya: Upscale shopping at the Emperor’s front door

Apr 26, 2018 By Jason Gatewood

Tokyo’s Hibiya district is known mostly for its namesake park right next to the Imperial Palace grounds, and being home to many Japanese government offices as well as corporations. If you want to shop, then you’d just need to wander a bit east into the Ginza and Yurakucho areas... But...[ Click to read more ]

Nagoya Antique Fair

Apr 23, 2018 By Bert Wishart

No matter how long or short your stay in Japan is, when you eventually end up going home, you really ought to bring a piece of the country back with you as a reminder of your time here. Antiques are perfect for this, as placing an object in your home...[ Click to read more ]

Grocery Delivery Services In Tokyo

Mar 26, 2018 By Jason Gatewood

When I moved to Tokyo proper last year, I made sure to position myself in between two 24 hour grocery stores so even if I’ve run out of sugar at 3 am, I can take care of it. That extremely rare condition notwithstanding, the bigger reason is that I tend...[ Click to read more ]

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8 Most Popular Antique Shops in Kobe

Mar 23, 2018 By Justin Hanus

There are a lot of people who have a penchant for antiques or just about anything old that can be used or just put on display in their home. It’s not a cheap hobby considering that these items have values that were appraised for their age and authenticity. Still, enthusiasts...[ Click to read more ]

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More Apps to Get the Most Out of Tokyo

Jan 31, 2018 By Jason Gatewood

We’re back again to give you a few more good apps to try out on your smartphone or tablet to make life a bit easier here in the Metropolis for you. For more iphone apps, and android apps for living in Japan, click those links. Trash Day Alarm As we’ve...[ Click to read more ]

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International Supermarkets in Tokyo

Jan 20, 2018 By Bert Wishart

Japanese food is celebrated the world over, and you are perhaps lucky to live in a country in which the cuisine is held in such high regard. However, sometimes you just hanker after something that tastes of home. Fortunately, some supermarkets cater in particular to those wishing to purchase international foods....[ Click to read more ]