Dolphin Watching In Japan

Someone asked me the other day if one can go dolphin watching in Japan while we were out shopping for rustic furniture for the summer.   And that reminded me of a trip i had gone in Mikurajima Island - a very small island in Tokyo but on the south side of Tokyo if I remember correctly.   There are a few island surround the Mikurajima island and if you ask your concierge - I’m sure - he or she would be able to book you a tour for Dolphin watching.

You won’t be disappointed because I remember I’ve seen as many has 20 swimming around us.  Getting to the island is by ferry but if you like and is adventurous - you can use fishing boats to get to the island from its neighbouring islands.  I would write more about our dolphin trip if i had more pictures or if i can still find them - but the island has lots to offer but the only think i hated was the ferry right and having to sleep in the ferry.  If you have the money - or a choice then - i would have taken the day trip.

Japanese Eats Weird Stuff

Yes!  the Japanese can come up with some strange concoction for their food - seaweed in their buns - or squash or sweet potatoes - pickles! mannn! i’m asian but when the girlfriend sent this picture of the food she just had as a snack when she was on trip to an island around Hokkaido - i had to tell her - that I won’t be able to stomach that - thank you very much.   If you ever wonder why I never put on much weight when i was in japan - well it was definitely not the best weight loss product one can find in Japan but the more healthier choice of food and the weird ones of course that we won’t touch.   I know, i know ! i said i would eat anything once - but really!  seaweed???? blah!

Famous Theater In Ginza

The girlfriend wrote to me after a trip to Japan that the Kabukiza Theatre in Ginza Japan is no longer there - apparently it was torn down in April this year. I went on a search for some pictures that I had taken of the famous theater that I had visited several times when i lived in Japan and even bought some  personalized gifts for family and friends from the theater to bring home.

The Kabukiza was located in Higashi and it’s a traditional kind of theater for art shows for many, many years.  The girlfriend said that they had planned this move since 2008 and staged their last performance for about a year now entitled Kabukiza Sayonara Koen.   But one can watch their matinees at about 11am and also in the evenings at 4.30pm.  The performances usually last for about 5hrs - tickets are sold between 600 - 1200 yen and are usually sold out a day before the acts. If you have been for any performance at the Kabuki, you will know that it is an unique experience.  The reason for the demolition is a new place is needed to within earthquakes - structural safety.

Seasons In Japan

Japan does enjoy the 4 seasons - like we do here in the West but when it comes to the weather - I’ll have to say that mother nature is a lot kinder with Japan than they are with us here.  My girlfriend who wanted  prenatal vitamins asked me when was the best time for her to visit Japan - and I told her that I’m biased when it comes to Autumn in Japan while the spouse loves spring time in Japan.

Look at how awesome Japan looked during Autumn.

The changing colors of the trees

The houses, the scenery, the temples - everything looks really peaceful during autumn.

Square Enix, Japan

For the geeks going to Japan and thinking of visiting Square Enixin Hatsudai - don’t be too disappointed because i found that it was way too expensive for my liking - even though the engineers that was with me did buy some very expensive t-shirt.   But it was a good trip as far as I can remember - and if anything - the life size statue of Sephiroth was pretty impressive. And then we went on a eating spree of course and I was like thinking to myself - i need to find some  diets that work because even though you can get the healthiest food in Japan - one tends to overeat while you are there… and I was there for 6 months.  Next - food in Japan - I promise.

Waseda University

My girlfriend is more thrilled with the cafe at Waseda University and its Kichler lighting than the university herself - she once told me.  Waseda University is one of Japan’s elite universities and it has an exchange program that I, myself had attended briefly.    The campus is really nice - and there are many ramen stores surrounding the campus and by now - they should have lots of apartment up for the students.

The famous Waseda statue of Waseda Walker.

As you can see - it’s a very busy place.

Karaoke Kings Is Japan

I know ! I know !  who goes to Japan for Karaoke right?  but - but Japan is Karaoke town - not only because they have the most high tech joint I’ve seen in Asia - but they are the most expensive.  But if you go in a group - and making sure you go during happy hours - then that is a different story - that was what my Japanese co-workers told me.   But when you go Karaoke with the Japanese - be prepared to stay till the morning - yes - they are crazy - i had joint pain when we were done at 6am the next day.

But I’ll have to say that the private rooms were decorated so well and the service staff were attentive and everyone very cute looking - you would think that this was some kind of exclusive club.

Forget about those 13 inch tv with songs playing on it - these joints are high tech and have little pads - that controls the songs and the volume and even let you order food. They not only have extensive selection of songs but food and desserts as well - one of the Karaoke that we went to - had the calories recording - that tells you how much calories you lost while singing a particular son - or how many songs you need to sing - in order to eat a sunday - totally hilarious!  Karaokes are everywhere in Japan - whether you are in Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka - so make sure you visit one - you will probably be looking at $50 for 2 person for 6 hrs worth of singing - and don’t forget there are food and drinks charges too.

Tokyo By Evening

If you’ve ever been to Tokyo - you would agree with me that Tokyo by night has gotta be the most interesting place you can be in.  It’s vibrant and one of the most colorful cities I’ve been too.  The first nite i was in Tokyo - i was kinda in awe - not that Singapore wasn’t bright and colorful but it’s very crowded and conjested.  There are eateries and shopping centers everywhere - one can spend the nite in Tokyo without sleeping for nites - no wonder we all go back from vacation with dark circles because there are just way too much things to see, do and eat.

Japanese Sitcoms

It is not only the japanese who loves the Japanese sitcom but my girlfriends who are permanent residence in Japan who are more fixated with them than any of her Japanese co-workers.  So fixated with catching the sitcoms on time and everyday - she had even forgotten that she had an appointment to take care of that acne on neck problem - she have had for weeks.

It was like two years ago - this sitcom was up for watching - the last friend i think it was.  So what was the fascination you might be asking right about now.  Well, like any sitcoms - it has it draws on certain people and Last Friends was one of the best drama I’ve watched made in Japan toady.   The story addresses issues which exist in modern society – Michiru is a young woman who starts getting bullied at work, but unfortunately after she decides to move into her boyfriend’s apartment she also becomes the victim of domestic violence. Ruka is Michiru’s friend since high school, but Ruka starts to become worried about her parents finding out about the truth of her sexuality as feelings for Michiru grow stronger. Takeru is also a friend of Ruka’s, however he also has stronger feelings for her but he has a phobia of sex as a result of a past trauma. The 3 eventually end up living together but how will their friendships end up? So if you are into Japanese sitcoms - check Last Friend out.

Picnics & Parks In Japan

Parks and Picnics seems to be one of the most popular thing - any Japanese would do - I was talking to a friend about best term life insurance and we were discussing about our stay in Japan some many years ago.  A very popular park in Japan is the Yoyogi Park - young people flock there during Sundays and Public holidays because of the many talented young people there.  Various bands are all set up like pros with their equipments to play in the park. Mostly, these bands are not well - known but very talented from what i’ve seen and heard so far.  They are actually promoting themselves and giving out flyers and stuff for their upcoming gigs.

Of course, you have those who loves dressing up and mostly they just stand around.  It’s pretty amusing but the younger kids they are quite frightened of these artist.  So if you are in Tokyo on a Sunday - don’t forget the Yoyogi Park.