Over the weekend, we went on an two day trip to Kyoto to re-live being tourists in Japan. It’s been years since I last visited this place and it is always a treat, especially since the weather was good and the cherry blossoms were in full bloom! Upon arriving at Kyoto station on Saturday noon,…
Category: Japan
Jet Skiing at Sumida River
One sunny Tuesday morning, I was walking along the riverbanks of Shioiri Park (汐入公園) and I chanced upon this jet skier enjoying the beautiful morning at Sumida River. It’s amazing how people can enjoy jet skiing right in the middle of the city, right on its main river. I wonder if there are companies that…
Minami-Senju Cherry Blossoms
On the way home from tennis, I walked through Shiori Park (汐入公園) in Minami-Senju (南千住) and was pleasantly surprised with the cherry blossom trees that dot the park. Even on a Tuesday morning, there were many locals setting up tables and blankets under the pretty cherry blossom trees. There were also streets surrounded by cherry…
JR and the Tax Increase from 5% to 8%
JR has started covering the old prices posted near the ticket area, I guess in preparation for the new prices once the tax increases from 5% to 8% starting on April 2014. It’s also nice of them to remind people to buy/extend their commuter pass early as the prices will increase from April. When I…
Nishi-Matsuya Minami-Senju Opens on April 4
In what used to be the space occupied by Tsutaya, three new shops will be opening in April, and one of them already posted this big poster just outside what will be their shop. Nishi-Matsuya (http://www.24028.jp) is opening their shop at Lala Terrace Minami-Senju on April 4, 2014. I have to admit, I didn’t know…
No Starbucks in Minami-Senju Yet
Just saw a poster at Lala Terrace Minami-Senju announcing new shops that will open from April 2014. The old Tsutaya space is big enough to accommodate these three. Unfortunately, none of the Starbucks that the guy who cuts my hair was telling me about. This is the second time he told me Starbucks is coming…
Minami-Senju West Gate
The West Gate of Minami-Senju station has seen massive changes since I moved here about half a decade ago. Back then, the east side was the more progressive side with its high-rise condominiums and community malls, while the west side was just a bunch of old houses and old shops. There are still many old…
Karting Place in Tokyo
Not very many people are aware but we do have a Karting place in Tokyo, albeit a little to the north east of Tokyo, but still within the 23 wards. The place is called City Kart. My friends and I have tried this place once and it’s lots of fun. It’s outdoors so be wary of…
Starbucks at Lala Terrace Minami-Senju?
The Tsutaya shop at Lala Terrace Minami-Senju closed shop last month, and people are now making guesses as to which shops will occupy the big floor space Tsutaya once occupied. When I went for a haircut last week at Ichi BDO, this was one of the topics I talked about with my stylist. He mentioned…
Doubles Tournament at Ariake Postponed
My partner and I were supposed to participate at this mixed doubles tournament at Ariake Tennis no Mori Park but unfortunately, it was cancelled because of the rains. Only seeded players can move on to the main draw scheduled next week. 僕らは有明テニスの森公園で開催するミックスダブルス大会に参加する予定が、雨が降っているため、中止になってしまった。シード選手だけが来週の本戦に参加出来るのです。 Here’s the message from the organizer (in Japanese): 本日のミックス大会、全て中止です。シード選手だけ本選に出場します。その他の選手は参加費を返却します。 中央区テニス連盟:馬場
When foreigners associate Filipinos with domestic helpers
When foreigners associate Filipinos with domestic helpers, the immediate reaction of many Filipinos, is to feel insulted. This is something I’ve given some thought, and I am sharing my thoughts on this. I believe there is no reason to feel insulted, because feeling insulted, is in itself, an insult to the many Filipino domestic helpers….
Where The Trains Park
Minamisenju is home to two rail terminals – the Hibiya Line Terminal and the Sumidagawa Freight Terminal. The Hibiya Line Terminal is located at the north of Minamisenju to the right of the Joban/Hibiya/Tsukuba train tracks and just below Sumida river. This is where they park all the Hibiya line trains when not in use….
Enrico in Tokyo 