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  1. Taking a short break to Osaka for some makan trip. Japanese food begin on-route Breakfast - Japanese rice and fried chicken in sauce
  2. source: https://mustsharenews.com/grab-japan-middle-east/ S’pore Grab App Lets You Book Rides In Japan & The Middle East So Your Holiday Will Be A Breeze Book Rides In Japan & The Middle East Using Your Current Grab App From 19 Nov Planned an exotic trip this end-of-year holidays but worried about how to get around an unfamiliar country? Well if you’re visiting Japan or a country in the Middle East, Grab has got you covered. The company announced yesterday (18 Nov) that starting today (19 Nov), users in Singapore and the Philippines can book and pay for rides in Japan and the Middle East. Book & pay for rides in Japan & the Middle East This new privilege covers 5 cities in Japan and 94 cities across 13 countries in the Middle East. You can see the full list in the table below: Good thing is, the list includes major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto in Japan, as well as Dubai, Istanbul and Mecca in the Middle East. Those intending to visit these popular destinations anytime soon will have peace of mind knowing that it’ll be easier to get around from one point to another. How to book a Grab ride overseas Of course, it isn’t as easy as simply booking and paying like you’re in Singapore. You’ll need to prepare for your trip well in advance by ensuring that you have set up and verified your GrabPay Wallet. Make sure there’re enough credits inside! Grab has partnered with JapanTaxi in Japan and Careem in the Middle East to provide the seamless service. You can still access everything via the Grab app, and book and pay for a ride via these 4 steps: Tap on “Transport” to confirm your location upon arrival in Japan or the Middle East Enter your pick-up and drop-off points Choose your ride (rates will be in SGD) Tap “Book Now” Pretty neat isn’t it? Now you won’t have to install other countries’ taxi apps or hail a cab by the side of the road anymore. Yay for technology.
  3. OK, it not about the Go model, but the Datsun brand under Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance... Datsun Brand Might Bite The Dust As Part Of Nissan’s Recovery Plan Nissan might ditch the Datsun brand altogether as part of its upcoming recovery plan, which includes axing some of its unprofitable products and closing down under-utilized assembly lines worldwide. Quoting sources with direct knowledge of the matter, Reuters reports that the recovery plan marks a 180-degree turn with Nissan’s ambitious strategy under ex-CEO Carlos Ghosn, who was arrested and charged with financial misconduct. Things with Datsun, which was revived as a brand for emerging markets, didn’t exactly go as Nissan hoped after launching it in 2014 in regions like Indonesia, India, Russia and South Africa. That’s because, following a relatively good start, the budget-conscious brand started eating into Nissan’s own sales. “We ended up pushing two mainstream brands in a market where you have a one or two percent market share. You cannot do that,” one of the sources said. Shutting down under-utilized production lines will also impact Nissan’s factories in emerging markets tasked with producing Datsun models and other small cars, according to the same sources. “We need to chart a recovery but the rot goes deep,” one of them said. All markets with factories outside China are being examined for possible reductions in production capacity, but there are currently no plans to close an entire plant or withdraw completely from any country. Nissan, which is on course to post its lowest operating profit in 11 years, also plans to kill unprofitable variants of the Titan full-size pickup truck, like the single-cab and diesel models. The US remains one of Nissan’s biggest markets, but the recovery plan will demand a new effort to put a stop at the company’s practice of buying market share by selling its models to rental car and other fleet operators at heavy discounts, something that has plunged the company’s profitability and brand image. “We’re trying to clean up what had happened in the past,” one of the sources said, adding that under Ghosn, Nissan had to meet sales objectives at any cost, and that included “practically giving away cars” to fleet customers.
  4. Anyone visited there for holiday recently? Any recommended place for food and visit?
  5. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-asia-storm-jebi/typhoon-kills-at-least-nine-in-japan-boats-move-tourists-from-flooded-airport-idUSKCN1LL05K Typhoon kills 10 in Japan, boats move stranded passengers from airport So many cars wasted due to havoc wreaked by Typhoon Jebi in Japan. Airport became jetty liao too
  6. "In autumn, it's easier to pay attention to the little things." - Emily Bronte Autumn is my favourite season. I mean, who doesn't appreciate watching the tree and plant leaves turning into multi-coloured works of art before lastly falling away? There are many reasons why I enjoy fall and why I believe this is the best season to travel to Ishikawa. For those who have been following us closely, we recently partnered with Follow Me Japan for another exciting MCF HangOut last July. And for those who missed the event, I am here to share with you what I have learned. Ishikawa is very accessible. Japan is a country where one visit is not enough to satisfy you. I have backpacked and travelled from Tokyo to Okayama and I must say, I will go back again and again. And Ishikawa is highly recommended if you do not like to stay put in one city only. If your travel plans already include Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya, you should spare yourself some time and head over to Ishikawa! What is the best way to explore Ishikawa? Taking a Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Tokyo Station will only take you 2hrs 30mins, and driving from Nagoya will only take you 3 hrs 30 min. And definitely, I will highly recommend driving as it will be more cost-saving and there are tons of scenic roads that you will chance upon in Ishikawa. Follow Me Japan has a long-standing relationship with Toyota Rent-a-Car in Japan, and now you can easily rent a car in Japan at a great price using this link! The user interface is something you are familiar with, and the best part is it is in English! So no more guessing game for the time being. FMJ car hakusan white road by Jack Lee, on Flickr And Follow Me Japan is giving away a Free IDP with any car rental of 2 days or more. Check out this page to find out more! Where should I stay? That will depend on your budget. If you have a higher SES, then definitely you do not want to cheap out when you are travelling. However, Ishikawa is suitable for everyone and anyone! So here is my list of recommendations. From onsen to Zen, I am sure there is one right one for you! 1) MATSUNOMIDORI Better known as Kagaya Bettei Matsunomidori, this peninsula faces the Sea of Japan on both the east and west side. There are plenty of scenic spots where you can take in the traditional culture and superb views stretching back to the olden times. A hot spring with 1200 years long of history. A wounded white heron at this underwater hot spring is said to have recovered its injuries and regained its strength. The whole inn has the impression of a museum with an arrangement of local, traditional handicrafts that convey Japanese refinement. This inn promises a time of comfort and relaxation that gives mature couples an authentic Japan experience. The idea of this ryokan is an all-inclusive scheme. You can enjoy Junmai Daiginjo, Japanese premium sake during dinner time. It is a quaint onsen ryokan that brings the best of Nanao to your doorstep. So if you would like to have a "staycation" and still want the best of Ishikawa, this is it. And pro-tips for you, you can request to have your room to face Nanao Bay. So you can wake up with a majestic sea-view. 2) TADAYA Since its inception in 1855, Tadaya has been run by the same family for five generations. Unlike the other ryokan that occupies large, modern-style houses in the area, Tadaya features a classic one-story hiraya design that extends towards Nanao Bay and sits on a tiny mountain known for its beautiful sunsets. And when you stay in Tadaya, the best part will be the meals. You can have it served inside your dining room within your room and a selection of cuisine can be chosen from fresh seafood to Noto beef. All the delicacies that you can ask for in Ishikawa! And if you are adventurous, you can book Rikyu (a type of room category), and you can fish from your room! 3) The Share Hotels Kumu Opened in August 2017 after renovating an old office building of 44 years in the centre of Kanazawa city. KUMU is a community-based hotel aiming for a "cultural salon" where acclaimed creators active in Kanazawa gather and connect the traditional culture of Kanazawa to the future. You can enjoy the space that makes you feel Zen's aesthetic such as "imperfections and simplicity". As a place where tourists and local people gather, KUMU has shared spaces where events and workshops are held. 4) Hotel Nikko Kanazawa The reason why this might be a popular choice when visiting Kanazawa is it provides an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience. It offers a romantic setting with an array of amenities designed for travellers like you. And what’s more about this hotel is that there is a TOYOTA Rent a Car in Kanazawa Station East Exit inside the building. Now you can just pick up a car whenever you want and start driving! If you have already rented a car with Follow Me Japan and are looking out for accommodation, here's a promotion for you! Book your hotel through this link, and you will receive a $20 shopping voucher per night for every room booked! And it is valid for up to four nights! If you travel with a family of six, assuming 2 per room, and stay four nights in Ishikawa, you will receive a whopping $240 of rebates! Don’t forget to book the hotels using the same name as the car rental to be entitled to the promotion. What to do in Ishikawa in 2 days? So if you are already convinced to go to Ishikawa and are asking, what can I do there? I shall not bore you with my recommendation as each to his own. But. Every Singaporean is Kiasu. And when you rent a car in Ishikawa and pick up from certain outlets, the tourism board of Ishikawa will provide everyone with "present coupons"! All you need to do is to travel to the respective coupon venue and collect the gift inside — no need to pay. If you were to ask, everything inside is up for grabs! And I have spoken to a local, the stuff they give are worth JPY15,000 in total. Unleash the Ash Ketchum inside you. "Gonna catch them all!" Ten must-do things in and around Ishikawa 1) Drive along Hakusan Shirakawago White Road 2) Eat Noto Beef 3) Try at least one Ruby Roman 4) Try Malga Gelato, the gelato which is better than the Italian ones 5) Buy some Wajima lacquerware 6) Visit Kakusenki Gorge 7) Visit Omicho Market and savour a bowl of Kaisen don 8)Taste the gold leave ice cream 9) Take a photo of Tojinbo Cliffs 10) Walk down the memory lanes of Takayama And lastly, Ishikawa is a beautiful place where it has long scenic roads, beautiful views of mount Hakusan and the Sea of Japan. I wish I am there while I am sharing this with you. Maybe the next Autumn I will be there cruising along the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway.
  7. Nissan has updated its Skyline sedan with its latest ProPILOT 2.0 driver assistance technology. Drivers can now drive hands-off on the highway. For sale in the Japanese market, the new sports sedan has the “world’s first driver assistance system that combines navigated highway driving with hands-off single-lane driving capabilities” according to Nissan. In another words, the car will work with its navigation system and prompt the driver the activate the semi-autonomous driving system when it enters a highway. Nissan is so confident in the system that it says it allows for hands-off driving while the car is cruising in a given lane. However, drivers who want to switch lanes must still do it themselves. Of course, the system also takes note of the driver's attention level. It will turn on the vehicle’s hazard lights and bring the car to a slow stop if the driver fails to respond to its alerts. Elsewhere, the facelift allows the new Skyline to benefit from its he company’s signature V-Motion grille. The car is available in four grades: GT, GT Type P, GT Type SP, and 400R. The top variant, 400R, is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 that pushes out 400bhp and 475Nm of torque while the rest make do with 'just' 300bhp. There is also a hybrid variant with a 3.5-litre V6 that makes 359bhp.
  8. Over 60 MyCarForum (MCF) members, together with their partners and families, gathered at Singapore Recreation Club on Saturday afternoon to attend the MCF Hangout with Follow Me Japan. The event, a unique collaboration between sgCarMart and FMJ, offered MCF members insights into the many interesting sights and attractions in Ishikawa, Japan. During the event, sgCarMart Senior Automotive Journalist Desmond Chan spoke about some of his personal experiences driving overseas, as well as some key tips on how to best plan and enjoy a road trip. He also briefly touched on some of the unique road conditions and peculiarities when it comes to driving in Japan. Additionally, Mr. Yuta Abe from FMJ also presented on the many unique attractions that Ishikawa offers. Ishikawa Prefecture, located 500km away from Tokyo, is bordered on three sides by the Sea of Japan, and by Mt. Hakusan on the fourth. This allows visitors to enjoy the best of both mountainous and sea-facing scenery. Ishikawa is especially beautiful in the Autumn, with bountiful harvests making for delectable cuisine, and spectacular scenery thanks to beautiful natural sights. Ms. Mandy Tay, an award-winning photographer, also shared with MCF members her experience travelling in Ishikawa. She shared some of her culinary highlights, such as incredibly fresh oysters, as well as the ample hospitality and kindness of the people of Japan. FMJ Managing Director Ms. Risa Nishimura talks about how her experience in planning exciting journeys to Ishikawa Prefecture. sgCarMart Senior Automotive Journalist Desmond Chan speaks about his experiences with drive trips. Ms. Mandy Tay talks about her experience travelling in Ishikawa, and shared some of the photos taken there. Head over to her Instagram account to check out more of Mandy Tay's work. A specially curated guide to car rental journeys in Ishikawa has extensive information on unique attraction, beautiful scenery and ideal driving routes. Guests had the chance to sample snacks from Ishikawa. Lucky draw prizes include a selection of unique Japanese snacks, as well as car rental vouchers. To see more photos from the event, click here.
  9. A Japanese publication has suggested that Toyota/Lexus may share a rear-wheel drive platform and inline-six engine with Mazda. A couple of months ago, Mazda announced that they are developing a family of straight-six Skyactiv-X engines for use in its higher-end models and these engines can be matched to a rear- and all-wheel drive drivetrain. This prompted Best Car to investigate, revealing that Toyota’s first Mazda-based model could be a successor to the Mark X sedan that sells in Japan and other ASEAN markets. Lexus could then use the same plaform for a new coupe to sit between the RC and LC in its existing line-up. While this news might seem a little far-fetched, it is definitely a possibility with an increasing number of manufacturers coming together to share common architecture and parts.
  10. In support of this. Shopping trips my wife bring 2 recycled bag or wad we cal as zhao lor bag. Dont need plastic bags at all since everything just dump inside and then repack at hotel. For day to day folks will need to bring a small recycled bag everywhere with u. Support this and SG should consider implementing this in phases. Right now only certain places charge. IKEA? Forgot still got where Japan to introduce charges for single-use plastic bags at all retail stores by 2020. Japan is set to introduce charges for plastic bags at stores, making free plastic bags a thing of the past. Charging plastic bags is a “symbolic” effort Japan’s Environment Minister Yoshiaki Harada announced on Monday, June 3, 2019, at a press conference that the country will be prohibiting retailers, including supermarkets and convenience stores, from giving out plastic bags for free, The Japan Times reported. The price of a plastic bag is to be determined by the retailers, however, the ministry expects them to charge around 10 yen (S$0.13) for a bag. Retailers are also requested to use the money for environmental purposes, such as afforestation and spreading awareness of marine pollution. While the proportion of plastic bags among plastic waste is “not big” according to Harada, charging a fee for it is symbolic of Japan’s efforts to reduce plastic waste. The law is set to kick in by the end of 2020. The push comes ahead of the G20 Summit set to be held in Osaka on June 28 and 29, as well as the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Despite the attention they give to sorting out trash and recycling, Japan produces the largest amount of plastic waste per capita after the U.S. The country is known for its obsession with immaculate packaging. It is not uncommon to see individually-wrapped snacks lined up neatly in beautifully-printed boxes that people then buy as omiyage (a souvenir that people give to friends). Japanese manufacturers have recently started to tackle the excessive use of plastic for packagings. Rather than single-use plastic packaging, they are turning to alternatives such as biodegradable plastics or paper bags, according to Nikkei Asian Review. 7-Eleven convenience store chain targets to use paper bags at all outlets by 2030. Another large convenience store chain, Lawson Inc., will also be looking at renewable bags to replace plastic bags. Compared to foreign companies, however, Japanese manufacturers are deemed as late to the game. Having said that, the move to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags will likely prompt companies in Japan to invest in developing new materials that are more environmentally-friendly.
  11. Those who always go Japan I'm sure you're a big fan of their convenience stores - FamilyMart, Lawson, 7-Eleven!Another reason to go JB! Onigiri,Omurice,Katsu Curry Rice, Oden, Sandwiches, Japanese cheesecakes etc! Why are they not in Singapore already?
  12. My 2nd trip to Tokyo! Via Delta Airline this time. Plane tix at $500+/pax. First meal after touching down at Harajuku vicinity: Ore-Ryu Shio Ramen. Nothing beats having a bowl of hot soup in cold weather as the saying goes: Life is hard, and winter is cold, but there's always ramen! Temperature: 10 Degrees Celsius, with slight drizzle. Lawson to start the day: Rainbow Pancake at Harajuku. We queued up for this under the rain simply because of the rainbow color decor. The Macadamia Nut Pancake is a must try. Better than the pancakes at Flippers! Sauce is deliciously good. My first trip to Tokyo I visited the Owl Cafe. This time round it was to Hedgehog Cafe & Pet Store HARRY. Per pax we paid about 1600Yen+ for 30 mins of playtime with the hedgehogs and some meal worms as their snacks. Hedgehogs sleep most of the day and these ones are so accustomed to sleeping in people's hands you don't really get to interact much with them other than them curling up in a ball to sleep on your hands. There's also a minder assigned to each table/group of customer to ensure customers don't mishandle them, for those concerned about the welfare of the animals in such cafes.
  13. Damnjian

    Mazda3 SP

    Any comments on the new Mazda3 SP?Thanks
  14. Pics from my recent trip to Osaka during CNY. Fly by scoot $450 per pax. Considering it is over the CNY holidays, it is super cheap. 1) At our hotel lobby. Stayed at Mimaru kyoto aparthotel. $200/per night for an apartment which sleeps 4. Pretty cheap. comes with kitchen too. 1) outside kyomizu temple We took a Bento making class in Kyoto. Final product
  15. So arrived in Osaka this morning went to lunch at a shopping mall known as Lucua, had beef shabu-shabu On the 10th floor, the entrance of the restaurant Preparing the wine Starter Salad Pan fry beef Assorted dishes Seared marbled beef Preparing sauces for the shabu-shabu Here comes the thinly sliced marbled A5 beef Just don't know what to say The vegetables Great lunch
  16. Sharing nice video of safety features of Japan brands.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SIch-88wtI&index=60&t=29s&list=WL
  17. Hi Guys, Am going to Osaka, Japan for a short trip(1week). Planned to take train to tokyo from Osaka as well. Might stop over at Hakone on the way to Tokyo if time permit us. All feedback and advise are welcome.... Thanks in advance
  18. A total redesign of the compact SUV from Daihatsu / Toyota stable. Sadly, it is not longer that cute, tall but compact SUV we have been used to, since it introduction some 10 years ago (2nd generation). Is it just me, but I find the latest version have heavy hint of another ASEAN SUV, Honda BR-V... Technical Specifications: Exterior Dimensions = 4,435 mm (L) x 1,695 mm (W) x 1,705 mm (H) Wheelbase = 2,685 mm Tread = 1,450 mm (F) / 1,450 mm ® Transmission = 4 Speed Auto / 5 Speed Manual Brake = Disc (F) / Drum ® Tyre Size = 215/65R16 Engine Type = 2NR-VE, 4 Cylinder In Line, 16 Valves, DOHC, Dual VVT-i Engine Capacity = 1,496 cc Bore x Stroke = 72.5 mm x 90.6 mm Max. Horsepower = 104ps / 6,000rpm Max. Torque = 13.9Kgm / 4,200rpm Daihatsu Terios Toyota Rush
  19. For the military enthusiasts here. I am not very familiar with naval arms but destroyer technology has certainly evolved Link Arms race in Asia is heating up. China sure jump high high In other news, this one is called armoured car: This one is personal air transport:
  20. So I recently went on a 7 days trip to Tokyo - my first ever visit to Japan and I thought I'll do some posts about it since it's been almost four years that I last did a travelogue style entry. This was back in 2014: http://www.mycarforum.com/topic/2694643-australia-gold-coast-experience-2014-with-pictures/?hl=%2Bgold+%2Bcoast I don't have much pictures because weather was pretty cold and rainy so I was reluctant to take my hands out of my jacket for phototaking. Pictures are all casually snapped using iPhone 8 Plus. Travel dates: 7th March to 15th March. I chose these dates because flight tix via Singapore Airlines cost me just SGD650 - this would also mean missing the Sakura bloom by just a week plus but I was cool with that. Day 1 here we go! Midnight flight via SQ. Some beer before resting and inflight breakfast before landing. When we touched down Tokyo at about 7am, it was about 3 to 4 degrees out there. For those who have not been to Tokyo, you will get confused with their transportation system! They have far too many different lines. So this was how I traveled from Narita Airport. I purchased tickets for the Keisei Skyliner (round trip) to downtown Tokyo and 72 hours Unlimited Metro Pass to travel around. Total cost was about 5000+Yen for the Skyliner and Metro package. Don't forget to exchange your Keisei Skyliner voucher for the actual tix before boarding. Found some pics online so you have an idea. I took the Skyliner to Nippori and changed to the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya. You can take the Skyliner to either Nippori or Ueno and change from there. To board the JR line you'll need a Pasmo or Suica card. It works just like our ezlink. Because it was so cold, first thing I did was to visit Lawson for hot coffee and fried chicken once I was at Shibuya. Pretty amazed with their selections of hot canned drinks. Never had anything like it in SG. Fried chicken also solid - crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. First proper meal upon settling down - lunch at the popular Ichiran Ramen at Shibuya. It's touted as having one of the best tonkotsu ramen in Japan if not the best out of the mass market selections. Honestly it was good! Very tasty, rich and thick pork based broth but nothing out of the ordinary. I think it's similar to Keisuke Tonkotsu King in SG. But it was damn enjoyable having a bowl of hot ramen soup while it's chilly and rainy outside. Took the JR Yamanote line to Takeshita Street at Harajuku. This youthful shopping district is located right outside the station. Angel's Heart crepe. Zaku Zaku - a bit like churros with Hokkaido Cream Fillings. This is very popular with the crowd over there. I find it too rich for my liking. Takoyaki at Harajuku. Dinner at Harajuku Gyozaro. One of Tokyo's best Gyoza eateries. Lucky me, didn't even have to queue to get in! Ordered both the steamed version and the panfried. I like both! Love the juicy pork fillings! Lots of walking around in Shibuya and Harajuku. Steep upslope and all. I conclude the Japanese people really love walking and there are no plus size Japanese out there. Maybe there are but few! Just the walking around to get from one train line to another is enough to make me pant. To be continued...!
  21. September 6, 2018 Tokyo (CNN)Yet another natural disaster has struck part of Japan, continuing a summer of chaos that has seen the country weather deadly floods, typhoons, earthquakes, landslides and heatwaves. At least two people were killed when a magnitude-6.7 quake struck the northern island of Hokkaido early Thursday, causing landslides which buried a "large" number of homes at the foot of a ridge. Dozens of people were injured by the quake, mostly in Sapporo, said Kazuya Isaki, an official with the Crisis Management Office of Hokkaido Prefecture Government. Around 20 people are missing in Atsuma, near the epicenter of the quake. Public broadcaster NHK reported that flights and public transport across the region had been brought to a standstill. Nearly 3 million households lost power, according to the Hokkaido Electric Power Company. Officials said a main power station lost operations, affecting other sites. Independently owned power generators were assisting. "The electric supply was stopped to Tomari nuclear plant, but it can operate without external electric supply for one week," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said. Risk of aftershocks The powerful quake lasted almost a minute, jolting residents from their beds and collapsing roads. Near the epicenter, landslides wiped out houses in the tiny town of Atsuma, home to 40 residents. Officials told NHK at least five people were buried in the rubble. Photos from Sapporo, Hokkaido's main city on the western part of the island, showed huge cracks in the street and subsided houses. More than 4,000 defense force soldiers have been deployed to help with rescue operations, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, and that number could rise to 25,000 if needed. Helicopter rescue crews were also dispatched and have airlifted around a dozen people to safety. Evacuation shelters have been set up in many towns and cities around the region. Aftershocks were continuing Thursday morning, and could pose a risk for the next week, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, which warned residents of the increased risk that buildings could collapse near the epicenter of the original quake. Copy from https://edition.cnn.com/2018/09/05/world/japan-earthquake/index.html
  22. Noticed this black model in KM showroom. Test drove the car. Sales rep told me that KM is doing a promotion on this 2016 model. Registration by end of May. OMV for this car is the same as Odyssey ! Still thinking.
  23. Have i ever told you how much i love going to Tokyo? I LOVE GOING TOKYO! Besides the obvious reasons (cars, cars, cars…), another aspect of travelling to Tokyo is the absolutely crazy amount of food available. When even just hitting up a local Matsuya for a quick bowl of Gyudon (i go for one with copious amounts of Negi) can be thoroughly enjoyable, Tokyo can be a true gastro-something-something’s delight. Which is why i implore you to please take whatever non-Japanese “foodie’s” blog recommendation with a big pinch of salt. Or shoyu if you prefer. If i ever hear someone mention Ichiran having the “best ramen ever”, imma gonna go all stabby stabby. Seriously, ichiran? All jokes aside, there are just so many great places to dine in this city that most foreign writers (me included) would really only have just scratched the surface on dining options. So, my friend, don’t take our word as Gospel, get out there, be brave, and explore. If all else fails, if there’s a line of locals out front, you’re in luch! Bonus points if the menu does not come in English! That’s half the fun no? There’s also Tabelog if you’re into researching beforehand, with most reviews written by Japanese, we think it shows up more interesting food options than tripadvisor or google. This brings me to my most recent trip just a couple of weeks back, we hit quite a number of new eateries and revisited some delightful familiar haunts and overall even though there were a few misses here and there (not my choices!), we had some pretty enjoyable meals during our week in Japan. While our trip this time took us over to Kanazawa, i figured i’ll do up a separate post for that leg. For now, here are some of the more memorable meals we had whilst in Tokyo. Our first night in Tokyo brought us over to a Horumon Yakimiku joint situated right next to our Airbnb. It was somewhat of a hit & miss, we actually visited this establishment twice and while our first visit was thoroughly enjoyable with a great service staff recommending some extremely choice cuts and delicious meats, our second visit (not my idea!) was a little disappointing as most of the tastier meats were sold out. Although they did have a super tasty TKG, JDM speak for rice with a raw egg on top. Theirs came with a special savoury and spicy sprinkle on top for some extra flavour. It was really good. But perhaps, not quite enough to make me want to go back. One place i will definitely return on a future trip though is Yakitori Tsukada. One word, Sublime. It’s a relatively new place that just opened a few months ago but boy was it memorable. This was one of the most memorable meals i’ve had for this vacation. I’ve never had chicken yakitori so good in my life ever. Just writing about it now makes me go all giddy with excitement. Best part about this restaurant besides the food? It was one of those accidental and unexpected finds. We somewhat walked by it the night before and were pretty impressed with the facade and made a mental note to return. Boy, was i grateful we did! Tsukada uses a special singular breed of chicken for their skewers and if you are the sort that loves meat and isn’t afraid to be a little adventurous with the doneness of your chicken, this place is perfection. And if you are really adventurous, try this one. Lightly seared with a dash of wasabi, shoyu and wrapped with a small piece of seaweed. JDM chicken goodness. I need one right now. So so very good. Having accommodations in Nakameguro was a real treat with numerous dining establishments to choose from in the evenings and in the morning, there’s a lovely cafe that opens rather early, Onibus. Having previously stayed in Shinjuku, Omotesando, Daikanyama and Ebisu, i think Nakameguro might have dethroned Daikanyama as my location of choice from now on. It really is a lovely neighbourhood to be in. If you prefer to have some pastries whilst sipping your cuppa, there’s a rather pleasant cafe just below Nakameguro station where you can people watch. Them Nakameguro locals sure dress well. Did we also mention Nakameguro station has a direct line to Tsukiji market? Nakameguro station has a direct line to Tsukiji market. It’s about a half hour ride but sure beats having to make a transfer. As you can possibly surmise, we returned to Tsukiji once again but have wisely decided to just grab some morning grub in the outer market and not entertain any thoughts of hitting Sushi Dai. The Uni was faboulous. As were these pieces of Chutoro and Ootoro on sale from a makeshift table hastily set up outside a store. It was super good and all the packs were sold out super quick. I wanted to get another pack but it was all gone. I mean, just look at it! Wouldn’t you? Speaking of revisits, we hit Rokurinsha once again for their fantastic Tsukemen. We sort of arrived really early for dinner and only had to wait 30 minutes, so it was all good. So so tasty. Personally i would have liked to try Afuri but with time not on our side during this vacation, that will have to be kept for a future trip. On our final leg of the trip, after we returned from Kanazawa, our accommodations shifted slightly towards Shibuya and on our first night back in the capital, we hit up a local Pork steak joint, Tokyo Tonteki. They only do pork, so… if you don’t like pork, better luck elsewhere. But if you do enjoy your pork, then you’re in luck! The servings are generous and yes, it’s good (Interestingly, my travel mates much preferred the Hamburg Steak variant, so perhaps you can go for that one if you are adverse to thick porky slabs). After navigating around in a rain soaked city, a delicious thick cut of pork loin and a cold glass of beer really lifts one’s spirits don’t you think? There’s just something about the beer here in Tokyo. Am i gushing already? Speaking of meats, we once again returned to Blacows for their World-class burgs. I was once again in my happy place. Unfortunately even though my Bacon Avacado Cheese Burger was sandwich perfection, my partner’s burger patty was slightly overdone and less enjoyable. Hopefully that was a one-off since we did have a rather large group of diners. We found ourselves back in Tsukiji on one of our last mornings in Tokyo because we were hungry for some Katsu from Yachiyo. (Or maybe that was just me). As expected, there was a line but nothing as crazy as Sushi Dai’s. We waiting roughly 40-45 minutes and considering it was a Saturday, i think we did good. Interestingly most of the people in the queue were local tourist, looks like we’re doing something right! Once inside, i went for my usual seafood katsu combo but my partner glanced a picture on the wall and enquired what it was. What THAT is, is a fried egg and char siew with rice meal that used to be prepared in rather limited quantities and only for breakfast. It was an interesting dish and somehow became a rather popular item, even making it to the local tabloids. No prizes for guessing what my partner ordered. (Psst, she LOVED it.) As for me? I was in Katsu heaven! Bring on Kanazawa!
  24. will be goin japan coming oct for 7days, totally no idea how abt the country. will b touching down at Tokyo Haneda airport, in my mind oni 3 place to go, Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto... my aim is is not for shopping, i more sua ku, so like to see some scenery... I duno wat to expect when in japan. 1 thing i like to try is their shinkansen bullet train. any expert can giv some tips & advise whr to go, eat, sleep, see, enjoy etc... thanks
  25. Finally come to an end after more than 2 decades. Japan executes AUM doomsday cult founder Asahara, 6 members https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2018/07/2f080e7e4f87-bulletin-aum-founder-asahara-mastermind-behind-1995-sarin-gas-attack-executed.html AUM Shinrikyo cult founder Shoko Asahara, who was convicted of numerous murders including the 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system, was executed Friday along with six former senior members of the cult, the Justice Ministry said. Asahara, 63, whose real name was Chizuo Matsumoto, was sentenced to death more than a decade ago for masterminding the subway attack and other acts that resulted in the deaths of 29 people among a total of over 6,500 victims. He was among 13 people placed on death row in connection with the string of crimes perpetrated by the doomsday cult. The six others executed on the same day are Yoshihiro Inoue, 48, Tomomitsu Niimi, 54, Tomomasa Nakagawa, 55, Kiyohide Hayakawa, 68, Masami Tsuchiya, 53, and Seiichi Endo, 58. Asahara was executed at a Tokyo detention center, while the others were hanged at the same detention center as well as those in Osaka, Hiroshima and Fukuoka. "Their death penalties had been finalized after sufficient deliberations at courts," Justice Minister Yoko Kamikawa said at a press conference in the afternoon, adding that she made careful considerations before ordering the executions on Tuesday. Kamikawa, however, declined to comment on how the seven were selected among the death row inmates. In March, seven of the 13 AUM death row inmates were transferred from the Tokyo detention center to other facilities across the country, fanning speculation they could be executed anytime. Some of those transferred were not among the seven hanged Friday. Inoue, who was among the transferred seven, filed for a retrial at the time. Japan usually does not execute people who are seeking retrial. The move drew sharp criticism from some lawmakers as well as Amnesty International, which called capital punishment "the ultimate denial of human rights." Kamikawa said that capital punishment is "unavoidable" for such heinous crimes. The following are brief descriptions of three major criminal cases involving the AUM Shinrikyo doomsday cult. Tokyo subway sarin gas attack Under instructions from AUM leader Shoko Asahara, 15 senior members conspired to take plastic bags containing sarin liquid onto five Tokyo subway trains and release the poison by puncturing the bags with umbrellas, vaporizing the nerve agent, during the morning rush hour on March 20, 1995. The attack, one of Japan's worst terrorism incidents, killed 13 people and injured over 6,200. Matsumoto sarin attack Under instructions from Asahara, several AUM members released sarin gas from a vehicle mounted with a spraying device at a parking lot in a residential district of the city of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, on the night of June 27, 1994. The attack killed eight people and injured more than 100. Lawyer Sakamoto murder Under instructions from Asahara, six AUM members strangled 33-year-old lawyer Tsutsumi Sakamoto, who had been helping parents seeking to free their children from the cult's control, as well as his 29-year-old wife Satoko and their 1-year-old son Tatsuhiko, after sneaking into the family's home in Yokohama, near Tokyo, in the early hours of Nov. 4, 1989. Victims of AUM crimes and their families largely welcomed the move, which came decades after the crimes were committed due to prolonged trials. Some said Japan has now lost a chance to hear an account of the crimes from Matsumoto, who had stopped making meaningful speeches from the middle of his first trial, which started in April 1996. "The time has come. That was my only thought," said Shizue Takahashi, 71, who lost her then-50-year-old husband, the assistant stationmaster Kazumasa, in the Tokyo subway sarin attack, adding many others had been waiting for the day. "A third of my life has been affected by AUM. Thinking that makes me feel frustrated," Takahashi said. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said police have increased vigilance toward the cult's successor organization, Aleph, following the executions. "The police will take measures to be fully prepared," the top government spokesman said when asked by reporters about potential retaliation by people close to the cult. The Public Security Intelligence Agency on the same day inspected Aleph offices and other related sites nationwide. Asahara was arrested in May 1995, just under two months after the March 20 subway attack, which claimed the lives of 13 people and left more than 6,200 others injured. In a February 2004 ruling, the Tokyo District Court found Asahara guilty of all 13 charges and sentenced him to death, saying, "We cannot help saying that the motivation and purpose of the crimes were too outrageous and ridiculous, as he tried to control Japan in the name of salvation." Asahara was also convicted of masterminding a June 1994 sarin gas attack in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, which killed eight people and injured more than 100. He was also convicted of the murders of lawyer Tsutsumi Sakamoto, who had been helping parents seeking to free their children of the cult's control, and his wife and their 1-year-old son in November 1989. The death sentence against him was finalized in 2006. After his arrest and the start of his trial in April 1996, Asahara began exhibiting baffling behavior in the courtroom and detention facilities, often remaining silent or just mumbling. His execution came as a slew of trials involving AUM members came to an end after more than 20 years with the Supreme Court's decision on Jan. 18 to reject an appeal against a life sentence filed by Katsuya Takahashi, the last former member on trial. Japan forgoes executing death row inmates if an accomplice is still on trial. Around 190 people were indicted for crimes involving AUM Shinrikyo, and Asahara's first trial alone took seven years and 10 months to complete at the Tokyo District Court. AUM evolved from a yoga school established by Asahara in 1984 and had about 1,400 live-in followers and over 10,000 lay followers at one point. It renamed itself Aleph in 2000 and two splinter groups have been formed, including one established by high-profile former member Fumihiro Joyu. Following reports of the executions, Joyu reiterated his apology to people affected by AUM but said he is no longer part of the original cult. "As I also bear a heavy responsibility, I would like to apologize to the victims," he said, although adding, "I have left Aleph more than 10 years ago, and I don't have any special feelings (for Asahara)." The Public Security Intelligence Agency continued to monitor the groups, believing they were still under the influence of Asahara. The followers of the three groups total about 1,650 in Japan and about 460 in Russia, while the groups hold more than 1 billion yen ($9 million) in assets, according to the agency. Asahara told his followers he is the incarnation of Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and regeneration, and urged them to entrust themselves and their assets to Shiva and himself for life, according to prosecutors who indicted him. After he and 24 other AUM members unsuccessfully ran in the House of Representatives election in 1990 in an attempt to take over the state, he started planning mass murders of members of the public in revenge, according to the prosecutors.
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