Japan’s Only Temple Devoted To The Russo-Japanese War

Posted on February 22, 2019 by tokyofox

 

Prior to last years FIFA World Cup in Russia, I started searching for things in Japan related to the worlds biggest country. Not surprisingly the majority of the suggestions were Russian restaurants, there was also the Russian cathedral in Tokyo and way, way down the list was this interesting little temple tucked away in the middle of nowhere in Shizuoka prefecture.

Early on Boxing Day (December 26th) morning I departed the Tokyo Fox Global Operations Centre and made my way over to Shizuoka prefecture for a few days at my parents-in-law’s house whilst my wife was working back in Tokyo. Rather than heading south at Atami I took a bit of a detour and continued on west to Continue reading →

Posted in Japan Travel, Quirky Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Hidden Treasures Along The Keio Line #6 – Inter-University Seminar House

Posted on February 19, 2019 by tokyofox

The Keio Line principally connects Shinjuku to the western side of Tokyo with seven different lines running through to the likes of suburban city Hachiōji and the mountainous area at Takaosanguchi. All of it’s stations actually lie within the boundaries of Tokyo and, thanks to regular free tickets, Tokyo Fox has dug deep to come up with a few places worthy of visit beyond perennial favourites like Mount Takao and Tama Zoo……

#6 – Inter-University Seminar house @ 1987-1 Continue reading →

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

Interesting Japanese Playground Structures #16 – Octopus Slide

Posted on February 16, 2019 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 and they will be explored in this series.

Nickname: Octopus Slide

Location:  Continue reading →

Posted in Quirky Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 34 Comments

Dining Out: Chocolate Ramen – The Ideal Japanese Valentines Meal!

Posted on February 13, 2019 by tokyofox

When it comes to ramen, there are many tastes and regional variations whether it be shio (salt), shoyu (soy sauce), tonkotsu (pork bone broth) in Kyushu or miso ramen which is served up in Hokkaido. On top of that come the crazy novelty ones which include things like cheese, coffee, ice-cream, tequila, kiwi, ham, pizza, sake, pineapple and so on. The kind of things that the true ramen masters would most definitely turn their nose up at!

Surely chocolate ramen is surely a step too far isn’t it? Only one way to find out! I came by this restaurant chain in Continue reading →

Posted in Food & Drink, Quirky Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

How To Make A Garbage Incinerator In Osaka Look More Interesting!

Posted on February 10, 2019 by tokyofox

The phrase “only in Japan” is often bandied about willy nilly for all kinds of unique thing in this country but it’s very apt when it comes to this “sight” in Osaka. What other country would even think to decorate such factories relating to waste matter!

  

It had already been an early start for me that morning and, after a minor detour to a bizarre big head temple in Kobe, I found myself at Nishikujo Station where I then took a bus (#81) along Hokuko-dori Street to the bizarrely-titled Continue reading →

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

Around The World In An Hour Or Two At This Quirky Park In Hyōgo Prefecture

Posted on February 7, 2019 by tokyofox

  

The world is full of many wonders but time and money restraints mean it’s not so easy to just fly off to the likes of China, Egypt, Mexico, France, Belgium or Easter Island. None of that is necessary though as you can see the whole lot (and more!) at this slightly strange park in Hyōgo Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan.

Having begun the day in Tottori, I ventured south (via a stop to see the turtle-shaped station) to Okayama and then on to Himeji. I’d actually spent Continue reading →

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

A Turtle-y Awesome Looking Station In Okayama Prefecture

Posted on February 4, 2019 by tokyofox

It seems that Japan has a fair few strangely unique train stations. Last August I went to a couple of really interesting-looking ones up in Aomori and Akita prefectures and this is one to rival them.

Having left Tottori in the early hours of the morning I was keen to get to Himeji (via Okayama Station) as soon as possible but when I knew I’d be passing through this unique looking station I just had to Continue reading →

Posted in Japan Travel, Quirky Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Beautiful Sand Sculptures & Eggs Cooked In The Desert!

Posted on February 1, 2019 by tokyofox

Sapporo has it’s ice festival with all manner of ice sculptures on display but this place in Tottori manages to do similar but using sand.

The sand dunes are of course the main attraction in Tottori but I also had a real desire to visit this incredible sand museum which was set to close Continue reading →

Posted in Japan Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

If You’re Fond Of Sand Dunes…Then Tottori Is The Place For You!

Posted on January 29, 2019 by tokyofox

Ever since I first heard about there being sand dunes in Japan I have really wanted to visit Tottori prefecture to see them for myself. I’ve mentioned this to many students over the last five years or so and most of them are quite surprised. Some of them really couldn’t believe that it’s been on my Japan bucket list for a while when they found out that I have been to some pretty decent deserts in the likes of Tunisia, Jordan, Australia and the USA. You would maybe expect to see deserts in those countries but you really wouldn’t forecast Continue reading →

Posted in Japan Travel, Quirky Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Taking Japan’s Most Terrifying Bridge En-Route To Supernatural Monster City

Posted on January 26, 2019 by tokyofox

This terrifying bridge has featured on the Only In Japan YouTube channel before. (Watch it here). I’d even looked it up on a maps app to see where it was in the past. However, that had all been long forgotten when I boarded a bus at Matsue to go to Sakaiminato Station which was a much quicker and easier option than taking the train. To my surprise there was actually Continue reading →

Posted in Japan Travel, Quirky Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments