Tranquil Kyushu Island; 1. Aso Volcano, the world largest caldera !

October 30, 2008 - 2:06 pm by akko@hakata in Others  

After exciting Tokyo and traditional Kyoto, why not visiting tranquil Kyushu, where you can experience magic of nature, and what it bring out, such as onsen (hot spring) , beautiful nature, fresh local food, good sake, and friendly people!

Aso mountain is the general term referring to 5 mountains.
Nakadake (1592m) is one of them, and [...]

Fukuoka, introduced as the World Best Shopping City @ MONOCLE

June 26, 2008 - 2:03 pm by akko@hakata in Others, Travel  

Fukuoka, which already has a very good reputation among residents,
business people (especially Tanshin-Funin people* !), domestic tourists,
and also oversea visitors, first appeared in the latest MONOCLE magazine,
and introduced as the best shopping city, and the 16th livable place.

As a resident, Fukuoka is;
-Gourmet! Especially recommendable is ramen noodle, seafood, local shochu (distilled spirit).
-Friendly! People show [...]

Try Maiko Makeup @ Yoji-ya

June 3, 2008 - 3:42 pm by akko@hakata in Culture, Product, Travel  

If you are interested in trying Maiko makeup, not in a heavy, authentic way, but in a casual, easy way, Yoji-ya would be the best solution.

These are colors for your eyes and lips. Each is from Japanese traditional natural colors of flowers, fruits, snow, etc.
They may look unusual, but once you put them, you’ll find [...]

Yanagi-ya

May 7, 2008 - 12:58 am by norinori in Food  

Yanagi-ya is one of the most popular Taiyaki-store in Tokyo. Taiyaki is Japanese authentic sweet which include Anko, made from blace bean. When you reach Yanagi-ya, you have to make a line inside the store and may wait about 10 minutes. While you wait, you can watch that artisan cook Taiyaki by gripping really hot [...]

Visit Nagasaki!

April 16, 2008 - 2:39 pm by jason in Food, Others  

I think I’ve found a new favourite city in Japan. Sapporo’s snow festival was great, Kyoto is beautiful, Tokyo is exciting and Yokohama has my favourite baseball team.
But Nagasaki seemed like a great place to live. There’s great food (though this is true of just about every city in Japan) - try the Saraudon for dinner in [...]

Shinto Shrine, Graceful Monthly Event @ Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

April 2, 2008 - 3:32 am by akko@hakata in Travel  

Shinto Priest is getting the evel spirit away from the people.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is the most popular Shinto Shrine, especially for those who want to pass the entrance exam.
For many Japanese students, entrance exam of high schools and universities is a big challenge, so they make special wish at Shinto Shrines.
By the way, Shinto [...]

Back to the 50-60’s Japan -Andy’s Izakaya

March 2, 2008 - 12:34 am by sachie_kobayashi in Food  

Feel like yakitori with some beer? Japanese fish dish?
You may image that the traditional Japanese food is quite expensive. Oｆ cause that’s right to some extent, so is haute cuisine, but actually such food is not everyday diet.
Then, try Izakaya food. it’s not so expensive but yummy! Find a red lantern! Red lantern indicates “Izakaya”, or [...]

Cafe -Hatoh(Shibuya)-“Kodaman’s J-TRIP”

February 19, 2008 - 1:04 am by kodaman in Food  

There are coffee shops everywhere serving strong taste but not all of them serve good coffee for me. Since I got bored it, I’ve always looked for a shop which cares not only beens but also a method of drip,coffee cups and quality. Some Cafes in Tokyo have served good coffee with a [...]

Hamburg steak -Gold Rush(Shibuya)- “Kodaman’s J-TRIP”

February 18, 2008 - 11:00 pm by kodaman in Food  

As you know, there are many shops and restaurants in Shibuya. Gold rush is one of the most popular restaurants among young men. This restaurant is located in front of “Tokyu Hands” which is a tool specialty store. The name of Gold rush comes from the time of Gold rush in San Francisco in [...]

Soba -Taga soba(Taga)- “Kodaman’s J-TRIP”

February 14, 2008 - 2:33 pm by kodaman in Others  

Many people living in Tokyo go to Atami for taking hot spring. Atami is the gate of Izu peninsula. Many people take some rest in Atami for going Izu shuzenji , Shirahama beach in Shimoda or somewhere in Izu.
On the way to going Itoh or Izu peninsula from Atami, there is “Taga soba” [...]