The Minato Mirai District in Yokohama transforms into a Pokemon County where literally uber cute Pikachu is on outbreak.

Fortunately for Ghibli fans in the country (and out-of-country if you’re planning to visit this Summer 2016), there’s yet another reason to stay indoors – The Ghibli Exhibit at Mori Tower, Roppongi Hills!

After the crowd in Central Kyoto, the wide and sprawling space and parks in Nara is such a welcome break. You can almost feel you are one with nature, especially since deer are roaming freely around. One such place is the Kasugayama Primeval Forest and the Garden of Kasuga Taisha Shrine. A World Heritage Site and considered a sacred forest. But then as you walk further down the road, this warm and cozy-looking café is right there by the roadside. Welcome to the Kasuga Ninai Jaya!

For those who hail from Christian and Catholic nations (who are not active at Church, if I might say), the Christmas Season is probably the most nostalgic season in Japan if by chance we get to spend Christmas here in Japan; the homesickness is just almost unbearable at times for some.

Ghibli gave their fans a taste of this wonderland - The Ghibli Museum, Mitaka. If you are expecting your usual theme park suffused with rides though, I’d recommend you head over to Disneyland and DisneySea; Studio Ghibli Museum is not that kind of theme park.

Nestled in the midst of the grand Tanigawa Mountain Ranges in which the mighty Tone River courses through, Canyons Minakami offers outdoor adventures that can cater both to neophytes and professional adventure seekers.

This series is more of acquainting the newbies and first-time visitors on the conveniences available that is currently in effect with the Japanese transportation system with which even the most OCs of persons would marvel at. Read on and enjoy your stay in Japan!

We all need to celebrate our individuality. With that acceptance and expression of our own individuality, is the understanding and respect for the individuality of others as well.

Sanuki udon is probably one of the most (if not the most) popular udon or wheat noodle in Japan. Hailing from Kagawa, the modern name of Sanuki , Sanuki udon is most well-known for its very firm and elastic, chewy texture or what the locals describe as “Koshi ga aru”.

Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, Rurouni Kenshin, Doraemon, Studio Ghibli anime. These are definitely very popular to the rest of the world not only for the kids but us adults as well. But there’s only one anime that young Japanese children from aged 0 to 12 would yell when asked what their favorite is – ANPANMAN!

In Japanese tradition, the Hina matsuri or Doll Festival or Girls’ Day is celebrated every March 3 to wish good health and a happy life to the house’ little girl/s.

The open-for-all traditional Japanese New Year event Mochitsuki or Rice Pounding Ceremony in the The Sacred Heart Cathedral (more commonly known to foreigners as the Yamate Catholic Church) organized by the Japanese community was held the morning of January 18 at the Church grounds.