Shops All Closed Down
Ever try to go shopping in Japan on January 1st? Even though there are shops like Costco and other large supermarkets that are open, finding most other shops open on the first day of the new year is difficult. Most shops in Japan close on January 1st and many don’t even open back up until after the 5th. Years ago, ATMs used to closed from before January 1st and wouldn’t be available for use until around the 4th or 5th. If you needed money, you had to get it out of the bank before...
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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 MoreOsaka Hikari Renaissance 2010
Enjoy another year of illumination in Osaka thanks to the efforts of Osaka Hikari-Renaissance Executive Committee. This year’s show should be another beautiful display of lights for holiday goers to enjoy. Locations - Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka In front of Osaka City Hall, Miotsukushi Promenade road and surrounding area, Osaka Central Public Hall to Nakanoshima Park(Rose garden, Kensaki Park) and the north public square of Osaka Science Museum. Dates – Saturday December 11 to...
Read MorePoor Momiji Reports
Talked with many momiji viewers who have already been to temples, shrines and parks to see the changing of the autumn leaves. Many seemed disappointed with what they saw. Most complained that only a few trees had changed colors so far. If you have not been to see momiji yet, fear not. You are probably a lot better off not having been somewhere yet. Look for trees to be more colorful this coming weekend. Trees out in open sunlight will have already begun changing if not already begun dropping...
Read MoreJapan Toll Road Fee for the Next Two Years
Do you drive a car in Japan or want to but are afraid of the high toll road fees? Well, at least for the next two years, you will be able to drive anywhere outside the Kansai region for a total of 1000 yen. That’s right, 1000 yen! Japan has decided to give drivers a break in normal driving fees on toll roads and will cap the toll charges at 1000 yen. Drives where distances before the cap were less than 1000 yen will still be less than the 1000-yen cap price, but drives for long disances...
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