Ramen Is Life in Japan!

Ramen: Japan's beautiful dish (or is it bowl) best enjoyed with others!

I think it's safe to say that my favorite Japanese food is ramen.  And I'm not talking about the instant hot water stovetop stuff, but the kind you'll find at ramen places just about anywhere and everywhere in Japan.  From the business districts, restaurant areas, the Japan Ministry of Defense (!), and the shopping mall food courts, you can find ramen... and each place, each bowl, has a warm lovable a delicious charm to it.

Actually, rewinding the tape of the story of my life a bit, I thought I knew all about ramen, but until I tried it here in Japan, I didn't know what I was missing out on.  And for anyone who hasn't tried ramen in Japan, well, I'll say you haven't really had ramen in its true, fine form.

I won't go into the different types of ramen, or specifically into the ramen shops, but there's several reasons I love this dish, "easily":

- Easy on the wallet; unless you're getting a huge bowl with a huge amount of toppings, it won't cost you much more than, say, 600 yen.  That's cheaper than the typical fast food combo meal nowadays.  And while it might not completely "fill you up", it will keep you satisfied for a while.

- Easy on the palate; there's a definite taste to ramen but it doesn't come to you as "too strong", there are a few exceptions depending on the place and type of ramen, but usually it comes with just enough to satisfy your taste buds.

- Easy to find; as previously mentioned and as you'd discover here, ramen is everywhere in Japan!

- Easy to get into;  even at peak lunch/dinner hours if you're on the outside looking in, ramen tends to be relatively quick to prepare and consume, so unless it is a very popular place with a very long queue, the wait should not be too long.

- (Relatively) easy to enjoy with others.  I say relatively because since pork tends to be a staple of most ramen varieties, it does prevent some from enjoying this with you.  But otherwise, who doesn't look a good bowl of noodles with tasty broth?

And speaking of enjoying with others... I am not ashamed to admit that I love ramen and love all that I've ever shared a ramen meal/experience with.  The photographer in me never fails to capture my "ramen with friends" memories.  So I share those with you as well as some recommendations from the guy one of my friends calls "ramen boy"!

Recommendations:

- If you haven't quite mastered the skill required to eat with chopsticks, try to brush up on this!  If not, be prepared to either ask for a fork or bring one with you every time, which is not as uncommon here as you might think.

- Ramen is more enjoyable in the colder times of the year than the hottest ones, but I wouldn't recommend shying away from ramen in the summer, it's still good!

Ramen Slurping; customary but not mandatory!

- Regarding the "slurping" that is known/perceived to be a Japanese thing, even among Japanese not everyone slurps loudly.  Among everyone I go to ramen with I'd say about 60% are loud slurpers and 40% are not, and contrary to stereotypes not all women are quiet either.  So feel free to slurp in public (or not), either way you'll enjoy this heart and stomach-warming Japanese dish!

My Time With The Aomori Nebuta at Furusato Matsuri 2019

Through a local network/classifieds site called Guidable, I lucked out on the opportunity to participate in the performance by the Aomori dancers at Furusato Matsuri.  From what I understood, the Aomori dancers needed reinforcements to help with the Nebuta, a large and very heavy "float" which very few have the privilege/opportunity to carry in an event.

And, what an opportunity it was.  I love dancing among other things, but to be able to become part of the Aomori performance, help carry the Nebuta, and be part of something big at Tokyo Dome... the feeling and experience is indescribable.

One eye opening perk of the experience was getting to walk through the tunnels and by the locker rooms of Tokyo Dome, places where presumably only employees, athletes, and performers have walked.  I guess I now qualify as a performer, two times on that day anyway!

And after the first performance, I was insanely hungry... moving around and carrying a 4 ton float and dancing, while not being trained for such activity, does that to me.... lucky for me this happened to be Furusato Matsuri, where food from everywhere in Japan was offered!  I needed fuel for the second performance later, so I had Hokkaido snow crab, Hokkaido ramen, Hokkaido ice cream, and Okinawa soba, all in one afternoon!!!

I do feel very, very, fortunate to have landed this gig.  As a "gaijin" it's natural to have some fears/hesitation to join a group/event such as this one, and I didn't even know I'd be the only gaijin in the group.  I know others would love this type of experience, though, and I can only offer the advice of "keep your eyes open" for these types of opportunities, especially on Facebook of all places... and "fortune favors the bold".  Even I tend to be antisocial/shy to new settings/people, but I put that away for the sake of assisting others, as well as for my own wonderful experience as a Furusato Matsuri performer.  And I had the privilege of sharing the experience with some very cool people...

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. . . 毎年テレビで見てて行ってみたかったやつー！ おいしいものいっぱい😋 . . . #ふるさと祭り #ねぶた #竿燈まつり #十勝牛とろ丼 #名古屋コーチン #東京ドーム #ふるさと祭り東京

A post shared by @ hotasan_t on Jan 18, 2019 at 6:52am PST

For now my achy tired body will rest, while the mind reminisces that unique experience from yesterday... and I still have a weekend ahead of me to enjoy!

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For one afternoon I had the honour of performing with Aomori dancers at Tokyo Dome! #furusatomatsuri #japan #tokyo #yolo

A post shared by akiba16 (@akiba16) on Jan 18, 2019 at 4:33pm PST

Tokyo Motor Show: The Big One!

You've been to other motor shows... but Tokyo Motor Show is the Godzilla of them all!

Japan is a nation almost synonymous with the motor industry... with names such as Toyota, Nissan. Mazda, Honda, and others come to mind.  And as cities go, they do not get any bigger, flashier, and more eventful than Tokyo.  So, put those together and you have the very grand spectacle that is Tokyo Motor Show!

There are other events held more frequently, more like annually, such as Tokyo Auto Salon.  While Auto Salon, though, features the aftermarket/custom realm of vehicles, Tokyo Motor Show is the motor industry's showcase, featuring the latest and greatest offerings from the major makers, both domestic and abroad.

Tokyo Motor Show is only held every two years...

Being a biennial event, it makes it even more of a must-see thing on those years when it does come around.  Aside from the amount of time between each iteration of Tokyo Motor Show, though, it is a massive event in that it takes up the entirety of Tokyo Big Sight.  Let that sink in: this event occupies every event hall at Tokyo Big Sight.  Not even the biggest otaku event, Comic Market (Comiket) can boast that kind of magnitude.  Tokyo Motor Show is huge.

So huge that words can't begin to describe Tokyo Motor Show...

So I'll just let the words (and some videos) do most of the talking.

Enjoy your time at Tokyo Motor Show, for it only comes every other year!



Recommendations:

- If possible, attend on the "preview day" (first day); though it comes at a higher price, it affords you not only smaller crowds to maneuver around, but the opportunity to see the treats of the Motor Show before practically everyone else does.

- Dress in layers; around this time the air develops a chill outside but it can still get stuffy inside of Tokyo Big Sight's halls, especially with the crowds.

- Wear comfortable walking shoes.  As the event is sprawled throughout all of Big Sight's halls, to be able to see it all, or most of it, be prepared to walk!

Specifics:
Tokyo Motor Show
Held every two years, for almost two weeks (2019 is a 12-day event)
Location:

Interlude: When A Typhoon Messes Up Your Weekend

Typhoons can be serious and have a significant impact on our lives.  Just take a look at the local (Japan) news, or search the internet for news on the recent Typhoon #19 (also known as Typhoon Hagibis).

There were instances of supermarkets running on empty shelves; while it may seem harrowing at first, it was only because people were doing somewhat routine errands (getting a nominal amount of food and drink) all at the same time, in a highly populated metro area.  Not from people buying cases of water and food for weeks, like you might see in other countries in similar situations.

I've been through a few of these typhoon things both on Honshu and Okinawa, and in the Philippines.  I may not be an expert on this but I feel like I can share some tips to those who find themselves struggling to find a balance between worry and easing through it all:

- Observe what others around you do to advance of the typhoon.  I don't necessarily mean fellow Gaijin (who are more likely to over/under react) but locals who have been here for years and have a good feel for what to expect from these things.  Watch what they buy, and how much of it, then follow suit.

- Don't stay out too late before the event.  These things can be somewhat unpredictable at times, and you wouldn't want to find yourself out too deep into town when transportation systems come to a halt.

- When you're home, don't be stressed about survival, at least not too much.  (Typically) we are housed in places farther from the danger areas (extreme slopes, rivers, ocean) so that's one less thing to worry about.

- Find means to entertain yourself while cooped up.  Self explanatory... whether it's a video game, a tv/movie series, a good book, an online or in-person conversation... find something that'll keep you happy and captivated for hours.

- Don't underestimate the post-event impacts.  Train services stopped, which resulted in massive traffic on the roads.  Depart very early the next day, or reschedule/reshuffle things to manage the impact.

Take care the next time a typhoon makes its way to your neighborhood... and take it easy!

Summer Night Cruise (And Party!) at Yokohama

Looking for a unique party setting?  Give the summer night cruise at Yokohama a whirl!

Want to experience a more "party-like" activity this summer, without too much of the festival crowds and summer heat?  Tired of the Tokyo Club scene?  How about a night party cruise in Yokohama Bay?

For about two hours you get to experience riding a cruise ship around Yokohama Bay.  On these parts of the internets I haven't spoken much of, if anything at all, so far about the second biggest city in Japan (Yokohama).  Though it may pale in comparison with nearby Tokyo, there is a lot to see, do, and like about the city of Yokohama. 

Especially from the bay.   And especially at night!

If your daily life and/or job doesn't involve being near or on ocean waters (like me), then being out on the sea can a treat just by itself.  But this experience brings you quite a bit more in addition to that.

The food, for one, is great and plentiful.  An all you can eat feast of standard Japanese izakaya-type food, with a touch of Chinese flavor taking its hint from the nearby Yokohama Chinatown.  Drinks are free flowing and served in a pretty wide variety.  As for me, I am always very happy with draft Kirin Ichiban, and the occasional Oolong tea to keep myself more traditionally hydrated.  And the hydration part comes in importantly for the other part of the cruise.

The party!

A live band plays and gets everyone up to dance with the sway of the music and the ocean currents.  Great party atmosphere and lively fun for all who get up for the dance, all in a very unique setting on a ship on the Yokohama bay waters.

You won't find a more unique, eye-catching, and fun experience than being on a party ship in the bay!

Recommendations:

- Recommend reserving in advance on their website.  The website seems to be in Japanese only, so you might either need a friend to help, or just show up early onsite (around 17:00 or so) on the afternoon to get your ticket(s).

- Though it's held at night, dress as if the event were held during the summer day.  It can get pretty hot especially if you like to dance!

Specifics:

Summer Night Cruise, Yokohama
Price: 6000 yen for cruise, drinks, food
Operates early July until end of September:  Board the ship at 18:00.
Location (embarking from):

A Fresh New Place To Photo Shoot in Akihabara!

A New, Fresh! Place for Photography every day at Akihabara!

Fresh, in Akihabara, goes straight to the point for those who love photography and the main point of going to events/cafes is getting to do photography.  As opposed to other places where there such obstacles as food, drink, or scheduled events, Fresh simply lets you do photo shoots in a studio setting with various local models, in various outfits, to include swimwear.

I've been to Fresh a couple of times, and the system is fairly smooth/simple even for a Gaijin; arrive and let them know you'd like to participate in the Photo Session, and you're given a card to keep on you until you "check out", at which time you'll pay for the time spent at Fresh.

Photographers are given 40-second turns to take photos of individual models.  In case this sounds complicated or difficult to keep track of, it really isn't; you'll hear the beeping of the timer signaling the end of each 40-second turn.

The admission starts at 3500 yen per hour, with some other rates available the longer your stay is here.  So far I've enjoyed hourlong sessions and have had lots of shots fired over those sessions (over 400) so you get a lot for the yen even at the minimum.   There are other options/packages on offer, including hourlong individual shoots with a model and other photo shoots in other locations outside of the studio, but I haven't given those a try quite yet.

From what I've seen, Fresh is the first of its kind to offer this type of experience/opportunity to photographers, no matter what your skill level or previous experience may be.  Definitely a highly recommended experience from me, if you love photography like I do.  Fresh, indeed!

Recommendations:

- Bring your own camera!  Or if you don't have a "good" one on you, you can rent from Fresh.  Just bring your own SD/memory card to save your images to.

Specifics:

Fresh, Akibabara
Photo session hours: 14:00-22:00, every day
Location:

Yomiuri Land WAI: The Waterpark Run by the Giants of the Tokyo Amusement Park Scene

Run by the Giants of the Tokyo Waterpark Scene, but not overwhelming... just right for water park fun for all ages!

Yomiuri Land probably evokes visions of amusement park fun and baseball's Giants, if you've been in Tokyo long/often enough.  It does serve as home to a pretty nice and fun water park called WAI (Water Amusement Island) which is worth a visit if you love to enjoy the water park fun of Japan during the hot humid summers in the Kanto Plain as I do.

For a treat before the fun, though, I recommend travelling to the park's Keio Yomiuri Land station (instead of from Yomiuri Land Mae station) because you then get to ride the "sky shuttle" which not only takes you on a very scenic cable car ride high above the park and gives you beautiful views of the surrounding area, but it also takes you practically to the entrance to WAI.

There are three water slides to satisfy your inner thrill seeker (if you have one on the watery side of things).  The view from high above the rest of the park just before you slide is something to behold:

And on the slide the thrill is definitely there as well!

There is an Entertainment Pool where one can stand in the pool water while taking in a performance from the adjacent stage.  Actually, it's lots of fun to watch (and dance the day away!), especially when water comes falling down on all the "partyers" after being sprayed up high in the air.

There are also the lazy river type of pool, and some general purpose pools.  Also, there's an abundance of "fun" park type stuff here, as you might notice.

Yomiuri Land WAI tends to generally cater towards the younger ones.

Though, that doesn't keep us adults from playing with the kiddie stuff (whenever possible)!

So, there you have it; I've given you insight into all of my water park experiences (so far).  Go out there and enjoy the water park scene, no matter which one you choose!

Recommendations:
- Bring money (especially coins) with you into the park, don't leave it in your locker, as you'll need it for food/drinks/rentals/etc.  No cashless wristband/system that I know of here.

- Footwear wasn't needed too much here as most of the walking surfaces are relatively cooled/moist, though I do remember a few hot spots.

Specifics:
Yomiuriland WAI (Water Amusement Island)
Open from late June or early July until around middle of September
Location: