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staringvoids · 7 years ago

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Rules: Answer the questions and tag 20 blogs to get to know them better.

Tagged by: @flaminhotcheet-hoe <3

Nickname: don't really think i have one?? Matthew calls me "dear" and "love" tho so I would count that.

Gender: Cis female (she/her or they/them pronouns are fine w me tho, so I guess non-binary?)

Star sign: virgo

Height: 5'1"

Time: 3:02am

Favorite bands: siousxe and the banshees, the cure, gorillaz, dethklok, st. Vincent, purity ring, panic! at the disco, baby metal, paramore, mystery skulls, black sabbath, queen, the ministry, there's others but I can't remember anymore atm

Favoite solo artists: nicki minaj, kyary pamyu pamyu, marylin manson, utada hikaru, beyonce, voltaire, I'm upset I can't think of anymore rn

Song stuck in my head: I cannot for the life of me remember the title of the song, but it's the "if you like piña coladas" song

Last movie I 👀: in theaters, black panther. At home, coco bc I got it on digital

When did I create my blog: I believe 2011? Or 2012?

What do I post: usually cute or spooky aesthetic stuff, political stuff, meme shit

Last thing I googled: I googled where in your animal crossing new leaf town you could plant hibiscus plants

Do you have any other blogs: no but I have considered getting a pair/ship sideblog to support the art work I like from the ships i like

Do you get asks: no

Why did you choose your URL: for this one I was inspired by welcome to night vale and the "please stop staring into the void, that's very rude" bit they did early on in the podcast. My other url I usually use "DarkDarkRoom" is from the kids book by the same name

Followers: 236

Favorite colors: any shade of purple, dark blues that remind me of the ocean, and baby pink/light soft pinks

Average hours of 💤: somewhere around 8-9, although I still never feel very well rested :/

Lucky number: 11

Instruments: I took violin lessons as a child, but I didn't go very far with it... I still have the violin and I have considered getting it tuned up by a professional so I can play for fun. I also took piano in college, and have a full keyboard, I've been meaning to pick it back up again as well.

What am I wearing: my work clothes :/ I just got home from work and I was so hungry I made some food first and I got on tumblr while I ate and still havent gotten changed yet

How many blankets do I 💤 with: a thin sheet, 1 or 2 fuzzy blankets if its cold, and my comforter. When its really hot tho i only sleep w the thin sheet

Dream Job: writer of my own original published stories

Dream trip: Japan, Scotland, Italy, New Zealand, and Germany

Favorite food: pizza, sushi, donuts, pho, curry, tamales, floutas, tacos, bratwurst, tempura shrimp and tempura veggies, snow crab, any cooked form of a potato, cheeseburgers, cheesecake, many kinds of cheese, milk and white chocolate, rice in general, FRUIT most all fruit, squid/kalimari, teriyaki chicken, honey-baked ham (basically, I love a lot of food, and I am not picky at all. I will try all food at least once. The only food I legit hate is kale)

Nationality: p much white American. I'm Scottish on both sides, Irish on my mom's side, and Mexican on my dad's side. I'm other stuff too but I don't know of how much

Favorite song now: "I'm the best" by nicki minaj, which is one of her much earlier songs

I tag anyone who wants to do this post, which i now is a lazy cop-out for actually tagging ppl but tbh if you want a chance to do this and no one's tagged you, consider this ur tag

#personal

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jaouad2d · 7 years ago

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37 Places to Eat in Tokyo

On a whim, I went to Tokyo for a week. My friends and I had been talking about a food-themed trip to the city for years, and after convincing them that now was the time to cash in all our miles, we found ourselves at the airport on a cold November day with one goal: to eat as much as humanly possible.

Like me, they’d been to Tokyo before and each had a list of places to eat at. Along with our combined lists, I had received suggestions from friends, readers, and one of my favorite foodies, Mark Weins of Migrationology.

Even eating four to six meals a day, I was barely able to scratch the surface of the list of recommendations. Nevertheless, I wanted to share the combined suggestions of the community and my own investigations with you. (Those I ate at are denoted by a star.)

Afuri Yebisu (1 Chome-1-7 Ebisu, 117 Bldg. 1F, Shibuya 150-0013, +81 3-5795-0750, afuri.com) – Tom (@tjdj311 on Instagram) recommended this for yuzu-flavored ramen.

*Bifteck Kawamura Ginza (6 Chome-5-1 Ginza, Ginza MST Bldg. 8F, Chuo, 104-0061, +81 3-6252-5011, bifteck.co.jp) – At the suggestion of our hotel’s concierge, we went there in our quest for Wagyu beef. The steak basically melted in my mouth and exploded with flavor. However, I don’t think I’d go back, as I found it a bit too high-end and overpriced for me. The décor is incredible, the service over the top, and the wine list world-class — but all that is more than I needed. That said, if you want to spend money on delicious steak with out-of-this-world service, you can’t go wrong here.

BrewDog Roppongi (5 Chome-3-2 Roppongi, Minato, 106-0032, +81 3-6447-4160, brewdogbar.jp) – Recommended by Matt Chandler (@mchandler07 on Twitter), this bar has 20 craft beers on tap, 10 of which are brewed on site. So if you’re tired of sake and want some fancy beer, you probably can’t go wrong here!

CoCo Ichibanya (1 Chome-2-12 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, 160-0023, +81 3-3345-0775) – Recommended by Char (@charmatcha on Twitter), this ramen restaurant is supposed to offer hearty and filling ramen as well as good chicken and pork curry in a fast service environment. I haven’t been here, but I’ve been to similar places in the past.

*Genki Sushi (24-8 Udagawacho, Shibuya, 150-0042, +81 3-3461-1281, genkisushi.co.jp) – Yummy sushi, recommended by Jeremiah Cooper (@jeremiahcooperphotography on Instagram). There wasn’t anything fancy about the place — it just had solid, satisfying sushi. Very attentive service too!

Ginza Kagari (4 Chome-1-2 Ginza, Chuo, 104-0061, +81 3-3561-0717) – Bethany (@bjbitler on Instagram) suggests coming here for incredible chicken broth ramen.

*Ginza Sushi-Dokoro Shin (7 Chome-12-4 Ginza, Way Fair Bldg. 1F, Chuo, 104-0061, +03-3543-9339) – A spectacular sushi spot in Ginza. It was one of the best I ate at. The portions are huge. Go for lunch, when you get more bang for your buck. And definitely get the uni — yummy! (Suggested by Mark Weins)

*Ichiran Shibuya (1 Chome-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya, 150-0041, +81 3-3463-3667, en.ichiran.com/index.php) – Recommended by many people, this ramen spot served one of the best meals I had my entire trip. The thick, flavorful broth is to die for. I also like how you eat in your own little private booth. Funky. Expect a wait during peak lunch and dinner times.

*Isakaya Juban (2 Chome-1-2 Azabujuban, Minato, 106-0045, +81 3-3451-6873, izakayajuban.com) – A little hole-in-the-wall izakaya restaurant (think Japanese tapas) with locals getting drunk on sake and eating tasty small plates. I was big fan of their salmon and grilled squid. They have a small English menu, but judging how my friend ordered for me, I think it doesn’t list everything, so if you see something, point at it and get it!

JBS Bar (Jazz, Blues, Soul) (1 Chome-17-10 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, 150-0043, +81 3-3461-7788) – A cool bar (recommended by Anna Klebine on Facebook) that is basically a one-man shop filled with records, whiskey, and smoke. It’s tucked away on the second level of an office/shopping plaza.

*Kakimaru (6 Chome-1-6 Roppongi, Minato, 106-0032, +81-3-5413-3689) – While catching up with my friend, we found this awesome place. There was an older couple next to us and a wedding party getting drunk across from us. As the night went on, the couple helped us pick food (try the speciality crab dish, it’s served in the shell and to die for), and the wedding party kept asking how we loved Japan and refilling our sake glasses, sang songs, and talked baseball. It was an amazing experience. The food is also outstanding. Be sure to get the oysters. Note: While Google Maps will list the restaurant as Kakimaru, when you go there the restaurant will be called Uohama.

Kanda Matsuya (1 Chome-13 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda, 101-0041, +81 3-3251-1556, kanda-matsuya.jp) – Bethany (@bjbitler on Instagram) also recommended this for authentic soba noodle dishes.

*Kyubey (8 Chome-7-6 Ginza, Chuo, 104-0061, +81 3-3571-6523) – Suggested by my friends, this restaurant (which has a couple of locations) offered the fanciest sushi I had in Tokyo. You sit at the bar and are served whatever the chef decides to bring (this is called omakase). It was expensive (at $150 USD) but worth every penny. Check out this video where the shrimp they served me is still moving.

Masaru (1 Chome-32-2 Asakusa, Taito, 111-0032, +81 3-3841-8356) – Daina (@headedanywhere on Instagram) recommended this as an excellent option for tempura dishes.

*Memory Lane (Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, +81 3-3342-1589, shinjuku-omoide.com) – On this tiny alley of yakitori joints, some require an entrance fee, but they are all worth it. I ate at about three of them, but I don’t remember any of the specific restaurant names.

Mutekiya (1 Chome-17-1, Minami Ikebukuro, 1F Sakimoto Bldg., Toshima 171-0022, +81 3-3982-7656, mutekiya.com) – Carly Sabo (@carly_sabo on Instagram) recommended this spot for its amazing ramen. Honmarumen is its most popular dish.

Narisawa (2 Chome-6-15 Minami Aoyama, Minato, 107-0062, +81 3-5785-0799, narisawa-yoshihiro.com) – One of the highest rated sushi restaurants in Tokyo. This was suggested to me by many people and, very sadly, I did not make it here but you probably should! I doubt it is cheap though!

*Ostrea Oyster Bar and Restaurant (8 Chome-9-15 Ginza, 8F Jewelboxginza, Chuo, 104-0061, +81 3-3573-0711, ostrea.jp) – I found this while wandering Ginza, and being an oyster lover, went in for some giant oysters. Japanese oysters are big and meaty, and the ones here were no different. They also lacked a very briny, oceany taste to them (I prefer my oysters to be more sweet than salty). The restaurant doesn’t get too busy, so you won’t have a wait.

Robot Restaurant (1 Chrome-7-1 Kabukicho B2f, Shinjuku, 160-0021, +81 3-3200-5500, shinjuku-robot.com) – There are a lot of weird restaurants in Tokyo, and I was sad I didn’t get to this one. Dinner comes with a show featuring robots, lasers, monsters, and dancers. It was recommended by just about everyone.

Rokurinsha (1 Chome-9-1 Marunouchi, Tokyo Station Ichibangai B1F, Chiyoda, 100-0005, +81 3-3286-0166, rokurinsha.com) – Located on Tokyo Station’s “ramen road,” this tasty ramen restaurant is easily to spot: it has the longest line. I didn’t eat here as I didn’t want to wait; I went to one further down the “road” and it wasn’t super good. I mean it wasn’t bad, but it made me wish I had waited here!

Shin Udon (2 Chome-20-16 Yoyogi, 1F Soma Bldg., Shibuya, 151-0053, +81 3-6276-7816, udonshin.com) – Recommended by Macaera (@macaera on Twitter), this is supposed to be great for tasty udon noodles at an affordable price.

Sometaro Okonomiyaki (2 Chome-2-2 Nishiasakusa, Taito, 111-0035, +81 3-3844-9502) – Housed inside an antique building, it is well known for its okonomiyaki (a Japanese savory pancake). Recommended by Mark Wiens.

*Standing Sushi Bar (1 Chome-12-12 Nishishinjuku, Kasai Bldg. 1F, Shinjuku, 160-0023, +81 3-3349-1739, uogashi-nihonichi.com) – Recommended by my other food guru Jodi, this standing sushi location is one of many in town. It’s great for a quick bite: you stand, eat sushi, and get out. It has a robust menu, so you can get anything you want, and a meal here will only set you back around 1,000 yen ($9 USD).

Sushi Yuu (1 Chome-4-15 Nishiazabu, Minato, 106-0031, +81 3-3403-6467, sushiyuu.com) – Lauren Michelle Stow (@lstoweaway on Instagram) raved, “Sushi Yuu was possibly the best culinary experience I’ve ever had. Expensive, but worth it. Make a reservation and ask to sit at the bar. Shimazaki-san makes the meal extremely personal and answers all your fish-related questions.”

*Sushi Zanmai (11 Chome-9-4 Tsukiji, Chuo, 104-0045, +03-3541-1117) – This sushi restaurant has locations over the city. I ended up eating at the one in the fish market on one of my last days there. The fish was fresh, the servings were large, and the staff was attentive. I can’t speak for the other locations, but this one gets very crowded around lunchtime (expect a 30-minute wait).

*Tenmatsu Tempura (1 Chome-8-2 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo, 103-0022, +81 3-3241-5840, tenmatsu.com/english.html) – The tempura here is well known for its lightness. It’s a small establishment with set tempura menus. The staff doesn’t speak great English (the clientele was mostly Japanese businessmen), but they were super friendly and accommodating, and the food is outstanding.

Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten (4 Chome-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya, 150-0001, +81 120-428-485, mai-sen.com/restaurant) – A legendary tonkatsu place. Allyson (@wanderwithheart on Instagram) recommended this one.

Tonkatsu Tonki (1 Chome-1-2 Shimomeguro, Meguro, 153-0064, +81 3-3491-9928) – Recommended by Kimberly Ann (@kimberly_ann113 on Instagram), this restaurant specializes in pork tonkatsu.

Tonkatsu Wako (1 Chome-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, 100-0005, +81 3-3214-6987, wako-group.co.jp/shop/detail/3147) – This restaurant reputedly makes the best tonkatsu in town. Megan (@megameg71 on Instagram) suggested it; put her recommendation to the test.

*Tsukiji Fish Market (5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, 104-0045, +81 3-3542-1111, tsukiji-market.or.jp) – This world-famous fish market, whose auction powers much of the world’s sushi supply, is truly breathtaking. You can’t get in before 10am these days, and when you do, most of the vendors are already breaking down, but it’s beautiful to walk through. All around you are fish with colors and shapes you didn’t know existed. I have never had seen more seafood I couldn’t identify. Most of the restaurants nearby source their food right from the market. Some must-eats in and around the market:

*Nakaya (5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Tsukiji Ichiba Jonai 8, Chuo 104-0045, +81 3-3541-0211, tsukijigourmet.or.jp/46_nakaya/index.htm) – Located in the Fish Market itself, it’s a great place to go for a sashimi rice bowl breakfast. I loved the uni salmon bowl. (Another Migrationology suggestion)

Sushi Dai (5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Tsukiji Fish Market 6th Bldg., Chuo, 104-0045, +81 3-3547-6797, tsukiji-sushidai.com/shop/honkan.html) – As it is the most famous sushi spot in the market, people line up at 4am for when it opens, and wait times can last up to three hours. I hear it’s good, but frankly, in a city with so much good fish, I wouldn’t wait three hours for a meal.

*Sushi restaurant with no English name – One of the best value meals I had the whole trip, it included a delicious 15-piece sushi lunch (1,200 yen, or $10.76 USD), with huge cuts of fish and a tasty miso soup. The restaurant is small, so try to avoid peak eating times. There’s no real good signage, but it’s the only restaurant-looking place on the street. (Another Migrationology suggestion)

*Tsjukiki Dontaku (5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Bldg. No. 6, Chuo, 104-0045, +81 3-3541-9408) – A few doors down from Sushi Dai, this restaurant has a great omakase (though slightly expensive at 2,500 yen ($22.40 USD)), but the service and fish were impeccable — the uni and mackerel were some of the best I had all week. And there’s hardly a wait.

Tsuta Japanese Soba Noodles (1 Chome-14-1 Sugamo, Toshima, 170-0002, +81 3-3943-1007, ameblo.jp/yuki-onishi) – Another recommendation from Tom (@tjdj311 on Instagram); it has a Michelin star so the noodles are probably pretty out of this world. They also use truffle-infused ramen oil.

Yakitori Ton Ton (2 Chome-1-10 Yurakucho, Chiyoda, 100-0006, +81 3-3508-9454) – This tiny stall near the railroad in Yurakucho specializes in skewered pork and chicken. Suggested by Mark Wiens.

***While I can’t vouch for every suggestion on this list, I never ate a terrible meal in Tokyo (although there were some “meh” restaurants that didn’t make the list). I suspect that it’s hard to eat a bad meal in Tokyo, where even the worst thing is ten times better than what you find back home!

So the next time you find yourself in Tokyo, you won’t be short of food options! Half the fun of travel is trying something new. (If it’s someplace I didn’t make it to, let me know how it is!)

Thanks to everyone who gave me recommendations. And special thanks to Mark for being my Tokyo food ninja. You can check his blog for more posts on Tokyo and food in general.

The post 37 Places to Eat in Tokyo appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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tamboradventure · 7 years ago

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37 Places to Eat in Tokyo

Afuri Yebisu (1 Chome-1-7 Ebisu, 117 Bldg. 1F, Shibuya 150-0013, +81 3-5795-0750, afuri.com) – Tom (@tjdj311 on Instagram) recommended this for yuzu-flavored ramen.

Ginza Kagari (4 Chome-1-2 Ginza, Chuo, 104-0061, +81 3-3561-0717) – Bethany (@bjbitler on Instagram) suggests coming here for incredible chicken broth ramen.

Kanda Matsuya (1 Chome-13 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda, 101-0041, +81 3-3251-1556, kanda-matsuya.jp) – Bethany (@bjbitler on Instagram) also recommended this for authentic soba noodle dishes.

Masaru (1 Chome-32-2 Asakusa, Taito, 111-0032, +81 3-3841-8356) – Daina (@headedanywhere on Instagram) recommended this as an excellent option for tempura dishes.

Tonkatsu Tonki (1 Chome-1-2 Shimomeguro, Meguro, 153-0064, +81 3-3491-9928) – Recommended by Kimberly Ann (@kimberly_ann113 on Instagram), this restaurant specializes in pork tonkatsu.

Yakitori Ton Ton (2 Chome-1-10 Yurakucho, Chiyoda, 100-0006, +81 3-3508-9454) – This tiny stall near the railroad in Yurakucho specializes in skewered pork and chicken. Suggested by Mark Wiens.

So the next time you find yourself in Tokyo, you won’t be short of food options! Half the fun of travel is trying something new. (If it’s someplace I didn’t make it to, let me know how it is!)

Thanks to everyone who gave me recommendations. And special thanks to Mark for being my Tokyo food ninja. You can check his blog for more posts on Tokyo and food in general.

The post 37 Places to Eat in Tokyo appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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landcruising · 7 years ago

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What a journey it has been! 9 months, 11 islands, 12,000 kilometers from Kyushu in the south to Hokkaido in the north. We kept you updated through our ‘Where are We’ posts (find them here) but there was never enough space to do justice to all the beautiful and hospitable people we met. So I’d like to do that here.

On Tsushima Island

A one-day trip to renew our visa for South Korea turned into a weekend as a typhoon prevented us from returning the same day (read about it here). Stranded without money, Jinha and Mizuki took us in for the night, introducing us to the elegant style of Japanese houses with tatami mats and low tables and their traditional bedding: quilted mattresses (called futons) that are laid on the floor.

Meeting the Land Cruiser Community

What better introduction to a new country than being invited to an event with like-minded people? Thank you Mr. Nakashima for the invite, and big thanks to all Land Cruiser Community members for sharing your event with us. Here we had our ‘Firsts’ of soaking in a Japanese onsen (hot spring) and drinking sake. Read the full story here.

Masa (Coco Cruiser), Yasuko, and Masaya thank you for your friendship throughout our journey, and Masa in particular for connecting us with so many of your friends. The Land Cruiser had its first fender bender, but Coco Cruiser, his friend Mr. Sakaguchi and Mr. Kenske fixed it working on Saturday until midnight (read about it here). We are so grateful for the work you did!

Masa, Yasuko, Masaya

Fixing our first fender bender.

Along the Way

To Masa’s friend Diesuke, thank you for teaching me some Japanese over a sushi dinner. Along the road we met Yukino who took us to her home where we prepared lunch. Thank you for bringing such a spontaneous, fun moment in our journey.

Japanese is not easy to learn nor easy to teach, it seems…

In Usuki, Suematso arranged a tour for us in the miso factory of the Fundókin Company, under the enthusiastic guidance of Mr. Shinji. With 30 years of experience under his belt, he sure knew how to explain the process of fermenting soya beans into a delicious paste. We came to love it and often ate miso soup.

After we met Kayo at a Shinto Shrine we followed her home for dinner. Her husband Hiromitsu had done several long-term cycling trips throughout the world. Thank you for introducing us to eating in a Japanese restaurant and sharing your inspiring stories about lifestyles and travel!

Suematso and Mr. Shinji

Kayo and Hiromitsu

Friendee Auto

Akihiro Nakashima went more than out of his way to get our Land Cruiser in top shape again (find his workshop here). He and his mechanics worked on it for three full weeks, replacing many parts. We are forever indebted for all the love and attention you gave to our home on wheels, which is now ready for so many new adventures! Read about it here.

But it was more than fixing the Land Cruiser. Miki shared her kitchen with me so I could feed the crowd lunch while she took care of breakfast and dinner. Over the weekends we spend time at Tomo and Masa’s homes, meeting the mechanics’ families and doing some sightseeing. It has all been such a pleasure! And Eisuke, thank you for all your translating!

Sightseeing with Tomo and his friend.

Dinner with Masa and his family.

Foreigners on Honshu

After 2 months on Kyushu we crossed the bridge to Japan’s biggest island, Honshu. For a while we had been in touch with a number of people who followed our journey, among whom a couple of foreigners.

Daniel and Kyoko, what a pleasure it has been and thanks for doing it all over in Shikoku. We hope our roads will cross again soon!

Kyoko, a great cook and with Dan, great companionship!

Andy, thank you for taking us out for dinner and sharing your stories. Dave, it was a pleasure to meet you and see your shop Japan 4×4 in Kobe. Peter, thank you for giving us a peek in the art of glass blowing (read about it here), and what a joy it was meeting you and Itsuka again at the Land Cruiser Meeting East.

Will, Jennifer and the kids. We loved staying at your house (the one night growing into a full week), to have shared so many meals and Jennifer, thank you for our candid ‘women talks’. Let’s meet again at an international HASH!

On that note. A big thanks to the Nagoya and Kobe HASH for having us. Two awesome runs!

A well deserved treat after the Nagoya HASH run.

The Land Cruiser’s First Aid Crews

All of a sudden we had a serious problem with the clutch. We called Masa, who called Taku, who drove 180 kms to get us back on the road. We drove to his workshop where he replaced the clutch and we stayed at his and Ayako’s home. What a beautiful couple. Thank you for all your help and the fun we shared with you and your sister’s family!

We kept having some problems with the brakes. Mr. Nakashima figured out what the problem was, Masa ordered the part and his friend (oh my, we forgot his name!) fixed it. Thanks! While in Kyoto we didn’t have car problems but felt privileged to camp in Mr Fujita’s parking lot among the grandest of Land Cruisers.

In Tokyo we had no car issues but were hosts of Kuma and his family. Not only that, but Kuma organized a great get together in his garage for families and friends of Land Cruiser aficionados. It was such a pleasant surprise. Thank you all!

In Naka, Omori fitted the Land Cruiser with second-hand studless tires so the Land Cruiser was ready for Hokkaido’s winter.

Winter in Hokkaido

We indeed got our fair share of snow! Joshei, whom we met in Wakkanai later invited us for lunch in Sapporo, which was well deserved after this walk in the white world. Thank you for the insightful talk we had over coffee!

In Hokkaido we had a string of warm welcomes. Among them a spontaneous invitation for an Italian meal and we were literally drawn into a restaurant – “We love your car, let me buy you lunch!” – and served these meals before the couple had shaken our hands, introduced themselves, and were on their way.

The owner of the Italian restaurant.

A delicious lunch offered by strangers.

We loved the freshly brewed coffee at the Refined Coffee Bar prepared by Kouki Hiwatashi and Kumagai Tomoyuki. Thank you for giving us a sense of a warm home for an evening!

The World of Toyota

Thanks to the Land Cruiser community we got a tour in the Land Cruiser Factory in Nagoya and visited the excellent Toyota Automobile Museum. Thank you for making this possible, in particular Marumatsu. We are so grateful for this unique opportunity! Read the full story here.

In Yamagata

On our way up to and down from Hokkaido, we had a blissful stop at more Land Cruiser aficionados. Thank you Takihiro, Mito and Mitsuyosha for your hospitality and the time we shared!

The Land Cruiser Community Meets Once More

Luckily we could include a second Land Cruiser Meeting, this time at the foot of Mount Fuji. With more than 200 Land Cruisers we shared a weekend of admiring each other vehicles, drinking, laughing, taking the vehicles for a spin. What a perfect organization. Thanks for having us! Read the full story here.

In Miyazaki

Last but not least, just before left Japan we met Kochan and Mika. Kochan spent hours phoning with bureaucrats after we learned that our ferry back to Japan was out of order, which would result in us overstaying. He managed to get our visa extension organized as well as tickets for the ferry. Thank you for all your help, sharing your home with us, the conversations we had, and time with your beautiful friends. It was a blast!

On the Road, Everywhere and In Between

On the different islands, people came for a chat when they saw us parked somewhere. Some brought coffee, others gave us produce. Many of these meetings brought a smile to our faces and made our day. Thank you all for making us feel so welcome in your country!

These women from the michi no eki came over to hand us a cup of coffee.

Photo okay?

A kind villager daily brought us produce from his garden.

To All Whom We Didn’t Meet

We had expected an additional two months on our visa but they were denied. Sorry to all the people who reached out through social media or otherwise. We would have loved to meet you. One day we’ll be back!

Thank You Japan! What a journey it has been! 9 months, 11 islands, 12,000 kilometers from Kyushu in the south to Hokkaido in the north.

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