At first, Kumamoto was just a place on map where the bus from Kagoshima stopped and we could transfer to the near by train station and move on to Mount Aso. It didn’t take long to find out that it is home to one of the finest castles in Japan next to Himeji outside ofContinue reading “The Last Samurai Castle of Kumamoto…Tom Cruise wasn’t here”
Tag Archives: japan
Circling the Flame
The one thing to not miss while staying in Kagoshima is making a day trip to the volcanic island of Sakurajima. The last major devastating blast was almost 50 years ago and hopefully it won’t go off again anytime soon. One of the three peaks still gives the surrounding area a daily coat of greyContinue reading “Circling the Flame”
Spring NYC…what’s going on at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
Now that the temps are rising and the sun has made its way through the thick grey clouds of this winter we here in NYC now look forward to many things that begin to open up and remind us that summer is on its way. This means we can comfortably dine outdoors without the assistanceContinue reading “Spring NYC…what’s going on at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens”
Green is the new grey in Central Park this Spring
In Central Park the new spring season makes green the new grey of the season past. Rain showers are in the forecast today but they don’t prevent me from visiting. It’s hard to stay away and not see the park when the landscape is at it’s best. Central Park is in full bloom. TheContinue reading “Green is the new grey in Central Park this Spring”
Hoi An..better part of the Banana Pancake Trail
It’s no wonder Hoi An is on most travelers itineraries while visiting Vietnam and South East Asia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, a place to do some serious shopping and learn how to cook authentic Vietnamese food by a trained chef. Hoi An represents everything Vietnam is and more. French, japanese and chinese influencesContinue reading “Hoi An..better part of the Banana Pancake Trail”
Takayama: A great day trip from Tokyo or Kyoto
Takayama has the looks of what “old” Japan used to look like. Located in the mountains in the northern Gifu prefecture, Takayama has been protected from modernization. Well…to some degree. The snowy winters, fertile land for rice fields and mountain spring water make it a a perfect place for sake brewing. The snow can cutContinue reading “Takayama: A great day trip from Tokyo or Kyoto”
What to do outside to Tokyo: Kawagoe “Little Edo”
There are so many reasons to find a Matsuri or Japanese Festival while in Japan. Amongst those are eating your way through the street food selections, participating and watching the festivities of the Matsuri and to see the Japanese taking the time to enjoy life after a long work week. One particular place which holds aContinue reading “What to do outside to Tokyo: Kawagoe “Little Edo””
What to see outside of Tokyo: Kamakura..shrines, the Giant Daibutsu and a great bar!
If there is one place to visit outside of Tokyo Kamakura is it. The city itself can’t be fully seen in one day so see what you can and try to get back in the future. Here’s a great online guide to Kamakura Shrines. The city has many transportation options if needed but it is aContinue reading “What to see outside of Tokyo: Kamakura..shrines, the Giant Daibutsu and a great bar!”
Where to go other than Tokyo or Kyoto: Beppu
It’s 7:15am on a monday morning (weekend after spring-back daylight savings to boot) and I’m be-gowned and getting conveyed into the tomb or otherwise known as an MRI machine. I know, what does a MRI have to do with any trip to the spa to relax? I guess it was a combination of what IContinue reading “Where to go other than Tokyo or Kyoto: Beppu”
Farflungistan 