Eating soba at Ouchijuku is a unique experience, especially their specialty, leek soba. Instead of chopsticks, you’re given a whole leek to use as both a utensil and a flavor enhancer—an unusual but fun twist! The noodles are perfectly cooked, and the broth is rich and comforting. It’s a delicious meal that perfectly matches the…
Ouchijuku, a quaint village along the historic Aizu West Road, is a picturesque step back in time. Nestled among lofty mountains, this former Edo-period post town once served as a vital link between Aizu Wakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture and Imaichi in Tochigi Prefecture, with goods like straw rice sacks transported along its route. The village…
To join my daughter in her RC adventures, Santa brought me a Tamiya Mercedes-Benz Unimog 425 on a CC01 chassis! This little beast is a dream for off-road fun—it’s built to handle rough terrain and tackle obstacles like a pro. Whether it’s climbing rocks, powering through mud, or just cruising alongside my daughter’s RC, it’s…
Last Christmas, my daughter asked for—and received—a Tamiya XB Neo Scorcher with the TT-02B chassis. It’s a fantastic RC buggy, combining speed, durability, and Tamiya’s trademark quality. We’ve had so much fun racing it and tackling all kinds of terrain. But, of course, I couldn’t let her have all the fun! That’s why I needed…
The Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja (北口本宮冨士浅間神社) holds a deep historical and spiritual connection to Mount Fuji. Once the traditional starting point for climbers approaching the mountain from the north, the shrine’s trailhead still exists behind the right side of the main hall. However, with modern infrastructure, most climbers now begin their journey from the…
With Spotify finally available in Japan, I decided it was time to upgrade my computer speakers. After thorough online research, listening tests at Yodobashi Camera, and an expensive disappointment with a pair of Audioengine HD3s I imported from the US, I think I’ve nailed the perfect setup. Compact enough to fit on my desk, reasonably…
My usual jogging track at night—quite a view, isn’t it? :) The glow of the lights, the calm atmosphere, and the crisp night air make it a perfect place to unwind and get those miles in. It’s hard not to feel inspired running through such a beautiful setting!
With elaborate lighting, a jelly fish simply look amazing. Shot at Sumidagawa Aquarium, next to Tokyo Skytree – great place for kids. All these shots (and more) are available on Getty Images.
Had a bit of fun taking the new Audi R8 V10 Plus from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji. What an incredible car—smooth, powerful, and an absolute delight to drive. The roar of that V10 engine on the open roads combined with the stunning views of Mt. Fuji made for an unforgettable experience. A perfect blend of…
At the northernmost tip of Ibaraki Prefecture, just two kilometers from the border with Fukushima, lies Izura, a series of rocky inlets overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Meaning “five inlets,” this area is celebrated not only for its striking natural beauty but also for its rich cultural and artistic heritage, particularly from the turn of the…
