Monthly Archives: March 2017

Interesting Japanese Playground Structures #1 – Camel Slide

Posted on March 30, 2017 by tokyofox

Many of the parks and children’s playgrounds in Japan, particularly in Tokyo, are quite poor compared to other countries in terms of space, surroundings and a lack of grass. However, a handful of them do tend to possess extremely creative structures … Continue reading →

Posted in Quirky Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 41 Comments

London Filming Locations: Octopussy (1983)

Posted on March 27, 2017 by tokyofox

1983 was an interesting time for James Bond fans with the release of two films. Sean Connery was back in the role of Bond in the non-Eon release ‘Never Say Never Again‘ twelve years on from his last appearance in ‘Diamonds Are Forever‘ (1971) … Continue reading →

Posted in James Bond, London Film Locations | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Dining Out: One Of A Kind In Tokyo!

Posted on March 24, 2017 by tokyofox

Tokyo may possess some of the world’s finest local delicacies but there’s also plenty of room for international restaurants to compete. Naturally there are dozens and dozens of Chinese, Italian, Indian and French restaurants serving up food which is famous all … Continue reading →

Posted in Food & Drink, Japan Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Review: Films Set In Japan – The Challenge (1982)

Posted on March 21, 2017 by tokyofox

Once released as a TV movie called ‘The Sword of the Ninja‘, this John Frankenheimer directed film features Scott Glenn as the frustrated sparring partner of a champion boxer. One day his character Rick Murphy decides enough is enough and fights … Continue reading →

Posted in Review: Films Set In Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

On The Fox Trail……At Kasama Inari Shrine (Ibaraki)

Posted on March 18, 2017 by tokyofox

  Japan loves to categories things into ‘Best 3’ lists such as gardens, castles and so on which I’ve mentioned before. The same also applies to Inari Shrines with Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and Toyokawa Inari (which is actually a … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Tokyo Daytripper: Mito City In Ibaraki Prefecture

Posted on March 15, 2017 by tokyofox

The fermented soy beans dish known as natto is one of those foods which really divides opinion due to it’s smelliness and stickiness. My wife served it up (along with tofu) during the early days of living together and I haven’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan Travel, Tokyo Daytripper: | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Tokyo Daytripper: Kairakuen (Ibaraki Prefecture)

Posted on March 12, 2017 by tokyofox

  As one of the three main gardens in Japan, a visit to Kairakuen had to be done but with no time to go after the Mito Hollyhock football match had concluded, there was no real choice but to view them mid-morning … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan Travel, Tokyo Daytripper: | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Playing Away Again As The New J-League Season Kicks Off

Posted on March 9, 2017 by tokyofox

Away day travel is good at most times of the year but there are some grounds which are just that bit more appealing during certain periods and Mito Hollyhock certainly fall into that category. This Ibaraki-based side may live in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Sport | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Tokyo Daytripper: Ofunakannon-ji Temple

Posted on March 6, 2017 by tokyofox

  Over the years I have passed through Ofuna in Kanagawa prefecture a few times and have always noticed a giant white goddess statue looming in the mountains looking down on the station. The sight of this has always been … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan Travel, Tokyo Daytripper: | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Tokyo Daytripper: Taya Caverns In Ofuna

Posted on March 3, 2017 by tokyofox

Undeterred by my failed attempt to see the Iko-ji Temple Benten Cave near Keio Yomiuriland station last year (it had closed down), I decided to head off on a 30 minute walk from Ofuna station to locate Josen-ji Temple. This one was mentioned to … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan Travel, Tokyo Daytripper: | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments