Category Archives: Japan, Travel & Culture

Escalator Earworm

The chirpy voice in its sing-song style begins as the escalator starts up. Strangely enough, the one going down does the same. The result is a mad duet. JR’s Toccata and Fugue in Escarata Minor. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture | Tagged | Leave a comment

International Ikebana Class: Tokyo Sogetsu Headquarters

After registration, along with the other students I am introduced to Master Instructor, Suikei Sakaguch. Then we are directed to the bank of flowers and branches from which we are to choose our materials. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture | Leave a comment

Drastic Options for the Traveller

Thanks to some great advice I got decades ago from other travellers who go lightly, I have that down pat. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

An Unfortunate Trend

Somebody made a fortune on this unfortunate trend. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture | Tagged | Leave a comment

An Encounter with a Taxi Driver in Tokyo

Unfortunately, I had to work like stink to get him to figure out what should have been obvious. I could do that because I was familiar with the area, I knew where I wanted to go, and given provocation can be incredibly tenacious. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture | Leave a comment

When the Usual ‘Normal’ Isn’t How It’s Done

In an environment where my normal way of doing things doesn’t work as I expect it to, I am surprised by how long it takes to adapt. Sometimes I don’t. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture | Tagged | Leave a comment

10 Reasons to Love Japan Wireless

I rented a portable, secure WiFi router from Japan Wireless. That meant I had more reliable and secure WiFi than hotels or cafes provide. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture, Reviews | Tagged | 2 Comments

Tedorigawa Yoshida: The Birth of Saké

I am content (and honoured) to have the good fortune to taste a small but rich sampling of a venerable, centuries-old tradition. Continue reading

Posted in Food, Wine & Restaurants, Japan, Travel & Culture | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Postcard 10: Riding and Driving the Shinkansen

            This morning I took the JR Shinkansen to Nagoya and switched trains to Kinjofuto, the end of the Aonami line right, across from the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park. That has a fantastic collection of JR’s finest railway transport together … Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Postcard 8: Morning cRush

Okay, people, you’re gonna have to have to give me a break. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture | Tagged | Leave a comment