by joanna on August 17, 2009
And left Japan kicking and screaming…
The first time I traveled to Hong Kong, I fell in love. I had an inexplicable affinity for the place, and on subsequent trips, discovered many new parts that ultimately led to Hong Kong’s classification as my favorite city in Asia. Now I think Tokyo has equally captivated me, if not possibly surpassing Hong Kong in my personal ranking…in fact when my travels came to an end, I honest to goodness did not want to leave! What is it that makes Tokyo so special? [keep reading…]
by Paul on August 14, 2009
Japan = Cute.
Japan = Cosplay.
Japan = Rockabilly?
A Sunday stroll through Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park is unlike a visit to any park anywhere else in the world. Sure you can find couples enjoying the day quietly on blankets, dad’s playing catch with their children, hippies whipping about frisbees in many parks… but there’s so much more on show at Yoyogi Park. I’d go so far as to say it’s a must visit for any traveler to Japan as it offers a unique glimpse into the wackiness that can only be found in Japan 
[keep reading…]
by Paul on August 4, 2009
Take me out to the ballgame
Take me out with the crowd
Buy me some yakitori and edamame….
Stepping out of the cab at the base of the massive Tokyo Dome I immediately felt the same frantic pre-game energy I knew from my childhood. It was just like seeing the Rangers or Rockies, men walking excitedly to the gate decked out in the team apparel, rows of souvenir stands, etc. The closer I got the stadium however, the more I began to notice subtle differences.
[keep reading…]
by Paul on August 3, 2009
So maybe all the meals weren’t adventurous while in Tokyo. Sometimes one simply needs junk comfort food… particularly one that’s been missed for over seven years! So yes, we broke down and chowed down at Krispy Kreme in Shibuya, Tokyo Japan. [keep reading…]
In celebration of our 100th post we’re going to do something a bit different this time around…first post to feature video content! A word of caution for vegetarians and those who are easily offended, overly squeamish or just fussy…don’t watch the video, you’ve been warned.
Growing up in Texas, it’s safe to say that I’m no stranger to the concept of charcoal grilling. Seated on a one foot high stool in the Hakano area of Tokyo, Japan, watching abalone writhe and wriggle as it cooked in front of our eyes… I realized just how limited my concept of charcoal grilling really is. [keep reading…]
Lots of pictures of the market at the end of the article so scroll all the way down
Muslims have Mecca, lovers of Trance have the lovely town of Goa, surfers and single, middle-aged women looking for a spiritual awakening have Bali 
For lovers of sushi the most sacred pilgrimage of all is to the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan.
[keep reading…]
by joanna on July 20, 2009
My favorite Japanese noodle
After a thorough survey of noodles in Japan, I am ready to pronounce udon as my personal favorite. Some people favor buckwheat soba noodles – it is said that to make a soba noodle takes a lifetime to learn and thus it is considered somewhat of an art form in Japanese culinary culture. And yet others love the thin ramen noodle – people this is a far cry for the late night snack of our impoverished university years. But for myself, I prefer the fat, chewy texture of the wheat based noodle, udon. While it really cannot fairly be compared to pasta…if I had to for explanatory purposes…I would say it is similar in that it shares the same rough shape as spaghetti but this is where the similarity ends as it is about 7-10x times the diameter in thickness with a richness of flavor that barely needs enhancing. It is this toothsome thickness and density of flavor that provides the chewy mouthful that I love. [keep reading…]
by joanna on July 15, 2009
Like Brooklyn is to Manhattan, Kichijoji is to Tokyo – with some damn good spare ribs and octopus!
If you want to see real local flavour in an easily accessible Tokyo neighbourhood, take the 15 minute ride to Kichijoji. Kichijoji, in the Western area of Tokyo, is about 5 stops on the express train from Shibuya on the Keio Inokashira line (¥190 / $2 USD) and is to Tokyo what Brooklyn is to Manhattan – a cool little area where a lot of people live when they want a city feel but with a bit more space. [keep reading…]
by joanna on July 12, 2009
I want to live a Muji life
Actually I first encountered Muji in New York. A creative director at the ad agency I worked at was hoarding Muji notebooks that he bought in London. Being a fan of a minimalist aesthetic, Muji suited me perfectly. But while I love spare design, I am not one of those minimalists that would choose design over functionality. And this is what impressed me most about Muji products…they are smart, really smart. Not only clean and spare in design, but designed for use…for real life…for me and you. Products are stripped bare of unnecessary bells and gratuitous whistles to focus on the pure design and in use experience of each individual element. When we had the opportunity to visit the flagship store in Tokyo in Shinjuku featuring its 7,000+ products…we were in Muji heaven. [keep reading…]
by joanna on July 9, 2009
Cocktails with a panoramic view of Tokyo
Every big city has one – the high-rise hotel with the sweeping, panaromic view of the skyline. In the case of Tokyo, one of our favourites is the Bello Visto Bar on the 40th floor of the Cerulean Tower Hotel in Shibuya. [keep reading…]
