Halloween @ Tully’s

They have the Starbucks in Japan.. and the Tully’s as well.  Some swears by Tully’s and others.. well.. die hard fan of Starbucks.  Tully’s is actually from Seattle .. well, it was there.. where i first had my first Tully’s coffee. The funny thing about Tully’s is.. where you see a Starbucks.. you will see a Tully’s directly opposite it.  A girlfriend of mine in Japan who does  motorhome insurance loves Tully’s so much.. thus influenced me to give up my frappuccino from the Starbucks.

I even got my first Halloween mug from Tully’s a few years ago.   Tully’s is into organic beans.. all their espressos are only organic.  I go to the one in Akasaka.. the staff there are very friendly.

Autumn Leaf Viewing

The different seasons in Japan is much admired by the Japanese.. and they make a big deal outta it.  I remember going for mountain climbing with co-workers.. just to view the autumn leaves.  The autumn leaf viewing also known as momiji gari means the changing of leaf colors.  Almost all Japanese tries to make a picnic outta every season they can think of .. it seems.  I even got my insurance quote during one of this seasonal picnic.  The autumn viewing seems to be a lot more quieter.. than cherry blossom viewing i noticed.

It was quite cold.. if i remember.. when we were up in Mt. Gassann and we didn’t really stay too long.  Luckily we used the lift chairs.. and didn’t have to climb all the way up to the top.

French Tea In Ginza

If you think that Japan is only about Japanese things.. then you are wrong.  The japanese not only have fine tastes for their own food and own stuff, they also have exquisite taste for other stuff and if you wonder how they stay so skinny, I heard they are into colon cleanse . Take for example this French Tea Salon called MARIAGES FRERES, they served all kinds of sweets and lunch from France, they have great teas of course.. and I know that this is a chain store because i had been to the one in Paris.  The one in Japan is located in Ginza.

Some earl grey for me.. and sandwiches for lunch, i hear they have 500 different kind of tea for you to choose from.   We did have some desserts too.. but i was way too hungry ..  and forgotten to take pictures of them.  Never mind .. another time.

Eyelash Essence

You think you’ve had it all .. the moisturizer, the perfume.. and anything wierd.. you can definitely find in Japan.. but t his new eyelash essence which is supposed to make your eyelash strong.. and thicker.. definitely tops it all and a lot cheaper than buy breeches for my kids.

This is a Japanese product from the cosmetics company Canmake Tokyo. Since I do not read Japanese, I don’t know what’s in this product. However, after searching Google for the ingredients, several sites have listed the main ones as being Panthenol and Lavender. Another Google search reveals that Panthenol is basically a moisturizer, and it’s used in mascaras and other eyelash treatments, along with hair shampoo and conditioner.  At $13 .. it’s not a bad buy!

Solar CellPhone Charger

Trust the japanese to come up with not only useful gadgets but darn cute one .. like this Hello Kitty solar Cellphone charger.  Unlike the 115334 vacuum motor this seems a lot less complicated eh.   This mini solar charger is so light .. it is also eco friendly.  But note that it only gives like 500 charges and then you have to throw it out and get another one.  But it’s darn cute.. and i’ll take this anytime.. then to carry my charger around.  What about you..??

Chocolate Design Changes

For those not familiar with meiji chocolates and milk, this is the new design for one of the most popular chocolates in Japan.  When I was in Japan I got hooked onto Meiji’s milk - and I don’t drink any milk - any kind because I need to use fat burners if i had too much milk.

This logo for meiji had been like this for the longest time.. but they had finally moved on to the above new design.  I love the new design so much better.. round and solid - like me eh .. ahahha!!

Fruit Sandwich & Juice Shop

You have to love the Japanese for their food and the presentation of their food.  Japanese takes pride in what they produce and you can rarely go wrong with specialty food stores and cafes like the Senbikiya.  This fruit shop is located in Tokyo and they specializes in fruits.. and beautiful food at that.  Very yummy .. but i cannot say it is the most healthy..  but very ex lor.It is customary to bring gifts when visiting a friend in Japan - so these sandwiches comes handy and there is always something for every occasion you can think of.

Juice are also very good.. and many flavors to choose from the menu.  Some sandwiches i heard .. are not only made with real fruit slices ..and sour cream but only lemon buttered breads.

Anime In Harujuku

Anime is a huge thing in Japan and this new (maybe) Kimi ni todoke anime cartoon will be aired on tv tomorrow.  So there was a huge promo about it in Japan in Harujuku - where else right?

The businesses such as coffee shop and hair salon were all rope in to celebrate and promote this event. A special menu was introduced and one can go to your favorite stylist and get them to cut and style your hair like one of the anime character.  Crazy much?  Nah ! it’s japan.. and the japanese can be really ardent fans.

Halloween @ Asakusabashi

Shinjuku is a great place to shop but if you want the really good stuff, I would recommend Asakusabashi - a wholesale area and also known as the handicraft town.   Halloween being round the corner, you can see a lot of Halloween stuff on sale now.

Vending Machines In Japan

One has gotta love the vending machines in Japan and not only in Tokyo or Kyoto.. but just about everywhere and anywhere.. where civilization exists.  it’s surprising that with so many convenient vending machines for just about everything  - from  selling tickets, noodles, juice, cigarettes, condoms and liquor.

But to consume or buy alcohol one has to be over 20 yrs of age - but because of the vending machines - the minors are also using it as a means to get their fix.  I’m just surprised they are not on a phentermine diet pills since everything is easily accessible.

The drinks weren’t cheap at all.. therefore - i didn’t really try much different drinks.. but another time to Japan.. i’m gonna try just about everything.