Monthly Archives: November 2017

On The Trail Of John Rain (雨) Part XI – Tokyo

Posted on November 30, 2017 by tokyofox

In 2014 Barry Eisler penned a prequel book called ‘Graveyard Of Memories‘ which took us back to the Tokyo city of 1972 and the ninth John Rain novel ‘Zero Sum’ throws forward a decade to 1982. I’m not sure if Rain … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Cycling | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Japan’s 3rd Largest Buddha Statue Is Actually In Tokyo!

Posted on November 27, 2017 by tokyofox

When it comes to buddha statues, the ones in Kamakura and Nara are the most likely to be at the forefront of most peoples minds (and rightly so!) but there is an impressive one tucked away far from a station … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Tokyo Modern Architecture #3

Posted on November 24, 2017 by tokyofox

For all its good points, Tokyo ain’t half one ugly looking city with buildings pretty much erected (and pulled down) willy nilly without any thought to the environment around it. However, amid all the chaos of such a concrete jungle … Continue reading →

Posted in Quirky Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

One Of The Most Dense Temples In Japan!

Posted on November 21, 2017 by tokyofox

  The Japanese have many customs and traditions when it comes to visiting shrines or temples and this one in Gunma prefecture helps

Posted in Japan Travel, Quirky Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Interesting Japanese Playground Structures #8 – Red Boot Play Park

Posted on November 18, 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 , , , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Dining Out: Jihanki Shokudo (Vending Machine Restaurant)

Posted on November 15, 2017 by tokyofox

No doubt Gunma prefecture possesses a wide range of great and tasty local delicacies but sadly all I wanted to do was go to this quirky place in the middle of nowhere. I say that last bit based purely on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Food & Drink, Japan Travel, Quirky Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Watching The Worst Team In J2 On A Cold Night In Gunma!

Posted on November 12, 2017 by tokyofox

The idea of travelling over 100 kilometres north to watch a team rooted to the bottom of J2 play against a team floating in mid-table nothingness is probably not too appealing for many. However, with games running out this season … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan Travel, Sport | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Day Trip To Mount Fuji 5th Station

Posted on November 9, 2017 by tokyofox

The chance of seeing the beautiful and sacred Mount Fuji is one that can’t really be turned down so when my father-in-law suggested going there on a family trip I was delighted as it is quite far from our It0 base … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Mount Omuro Is A Picture Postcard Perfect Volcano

Posted on November 6, 2017 by tokyofox

  As ever the aftermath of a typhoon brings about some glorious weather and so my father-in-law took us to Mount Omuro on the first full day of our recent trip to the Izu Peninsula. This mountain is a very … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

A Week In Ito On The Izu Peninsula

Posted on November 3, 2017 by tokyofox

The first few weeks of October were busy for me with three consecutive six day weeks but there was always light at the end of the tunnel as I knew I had a six day holiday in Izu coming up. … Continue reading →

Posted in Japan Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments