• Foie Gras Risotto

    Rich and creamy foie gras risotto from Ore-no French & Italian in Aoyama. Silky, indulgent, and perfectly balanced, it’s a dish that pairs luxury with comfort. Watching the chefs in the open kitchen prepare it with care makes it taste even better.

  • |

    Ore-no French & Italian

    Ore-no French & Italian in Aoyama serves up excellent French cuisine and pizzas just a stone’s throw from Omotesando. Like many Japanese restaurants, it features an open kitchen, offering a front-row seat to the culinary action. Watching the well-groomed chefs and staff meticulously prepare each dish is both entertaining and reassuring—no microwaves here, just skill…

  • Tournedos Rossini

    Tournedos Rossini from Ore-no French & Italian in Aoyama—a decadent tower of tender beef, foie gras, and rich sauce, perfectly executed. Fine dining flair without the wallet shock, served up in the stylish heart of Tokyo. A treat for the taste buds and the soul.

  • |

    Cloudy Tokyo

    A moody view of Tokyo from my favorite observation spot at the Bunkyo Civic Center. The city stretches endlessly under a blanket of clouds, with skyscrapers rising like silhouettes. Even on a gray day, the contrast of urban sprawl and distant hills makes this view unforgettable.

  • |

    Monopoly

    Monopoly: the ultimate test of family bonds, cunning strategy, and questionable real estate ethics. Sure, it’s “for the kids,” but we all know it’s about bankrupting Uncle Steve and securing Champs Elysées with a hotel.

  • |

    Star Wars ANA

    Unexpected delight in Munich: the ANA R2D2 Dreamliner! Boarding to the Star Wars theme song and being greeted by Yoda made the flight feel like a scene from the galaxy far, far away. A little extra magic for the journey—who wouldn’t want to start their trip with a bit of Jedi wisdom?

  • Manza Beach Resort

    Manza Beach Resort is a tropical haven on the western coast of Okinawa, offering a blend of luxury and natural beauty. Set against the backdrop of lush greenery and pristine waters, the resort features a stunning crescent-shaped beach with soft white sand and crystal-clear shallows perfect for swimming or snorkeling. With panoramic views of Cape…

  • |

    Ainokura

    Tucked deep in the valley, Ainokura (相倉) is the most secluded village in the Gokayama region. It boasts nearly 20 traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, their steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfalls. Unlike the more accessible Ogimachi, Ainokura has managed to stay quieter and less commercialized, offering a peaceful, authentic atmosphere. Many of the farmhouses…

  • |

    Kanazawa

    Kanazawa is a city steeped in history and culture, known for its Edo Period charm, samurai heritage, and vibrant artisan traditions. As the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan, it became a hub of art, craftsmanship, and learning, rivaling the cultural significance of Kyoto and Edo. Remarkably, Kanazawa escaped destruction during WWII, leaving much of…