Costco Ringing in People’s Ears in Kyoto
Costco has projected the new Kyoto store located in Yawatashi would open around the end of July beginning of August. From the outside, the building looks ready to open for business. But the doors aren’t open yet. Residents living just across the street from the unfinished store have been complaining to other residents about hearing loud construction noises, banging and clanging, late at night. My guess is probably because Costco headquarters is flexing their corporate muscles to make the...
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Saturday’s Gonna Be a Great Day for Hanami
Rain is forecast for tonight and early into tomorrow morning. But by sunrise tomorrow, the rain should taper off and the sun should come out to dry up the rain-soaked grass and dirt where most people will sit to enjoy cherry blossoms. For diehard hanami participants, the rain is actually a blessing. Wet grass and dirt deter many from leaving their homes, which means those who do venture out will not have to beat the crowds to popular cherry blossom places. So if you are thinking that the rain...
Read MoreRadiation Air-flow Pattern Over Osaka and Kyoto
According to the Norwegian institute for air research, tomorrow is not a good day to go outdoors in the Kansai region or anywhere else in western Japan, unless you don’t mind taking a chance on getting irradiated. According to them, radiation coming from the Fukushima plant will be passing over the Kansai region starting tonight and throughout the rest of the day tomorrow. Click this site for the air pattern and map. Radiated Air-flow Map
Read MoreHanami: Late Start
Cherry blossoms got a late start this year. The season is about a weekend a half later than it has been in the past few years. The cherry blossoms right now are at about 20 to 30% bloomed. Mountain and hillsides are turning a light shade of pink. If you wish to see a mix of cherry blossoms and cherry blossom buds, now’s a good time to go. If you wish to see them in full-bloom, mankai, this weekend would be the best time to...
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Crash Course in Driving in Snow
Many people in the Kansai region are getting a crash course in driving in snow. People do not normally get many opportunities to drive in snow in Osaka or Kyoto cities because it snows very little. The latest storm has dropped between three and five cm of snow. Along the roads today, during the snowstorm, many cars were backed up because of fender benders. The snow will continue into the morning for a short period, which may cause more traffic congestion if the temperature drops below zero...
Read MoreSnowy Weather Ahead in February
Snow came to the Kansai region and much of Japan today. Where the prior storm brought tons of snow, this one isn’t dumping as much. However, more snow is predicted to fall for the end of this week into next week as well. If traveling in Japan, be prepared for cold snowy or rainy weather.
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