Vending Machines

Japan has probably discovered the right method of convenience with its vending machines. Whether it originated in Egypt, the Brits capitalizing on it or the US mass producing it, the Japanese wish they invented it. And why not? The number vending machine users in J-land outnumber the US and European users. For its sheer convenience, it is even more convenient than going to a corner shop. Depending where you are geographically, not only it offers drinks but newspapers, batteries, hamburgers and even undies too.

UNIQLO

UNIQLO's flags fly proudly around J-land. The store offers menswear, womenswear and childrenswear. It’s probably the only shop that has my size. Although the long sleeve stuff is still fairly short on my arms even if it’s an XL, the quality isn't too bad. I got a short-sleeve shirt three years ago and it's still fine. Zara, Benetton and FCUK are also available here but they are usually located in the larger towns and cities. Whereas Uniqlo is everywhere from a tiny concession shop in a train station to a hypermarket style drive-in. It's also a bit cheaper compare to London's High Street prices. And when the sale kicks off, they are practically giving it away. I got a Polo Top for 790 yen the other day. That's just over 3 pounds which is a bargain. For something relatively fashionable and good value for money Uniqlo really rocks!

Nukumori World

This place is special. Purely because of its organic Modernist style. It's kinda like Ghibli meets Gaudi. It's called Nukumori World. It's quite difficult to pinpoint what this world exactly is. But it appears to be a small village in Hamamatsu-City, Shizuoka which consists of 6 quirky houses. The eccentric architect Sasaki offers his services to anyone who visits the world and there's even a video to show you how he can transform your dingy house into a Turkish Delight style cottage. For instance, the Cottage of Warmth is a store that sellls a vast array of interior goods from all around the world. In case you blink, there are some odd European antiques, hand-made African crafts, Fair Trade products and lots of smiley pig figurines. Once you enter this cottage, it is evident that it is unique from its dome like interior to its recessed-displayed pots and rustic appearance. The other is donceur which has the same aura as the Cottage of Warmth but it's a restaurant. It offers French cuisine lunch and dinner set menus. I must say it was breathtaking to see it all at beginning but it was short-lived. Classiying it as a gem will depend entirely on one's taste.

TrainRouteFinder

Being a gaijin can be hard sometimes when one cannot read hiragana, katakana or kanji. So how can one get from A to B when using the public transport in J-land especially on the tube or subway or train? Don’t panic! Help is at hand with TrainRouteFinder. Just type in the stations' names to and fro, date, time of arrival or departure, and then click enter. Hey, presto! It’ll give you all the train details from the fastest way to get there, where to change, the cheapest fare to how long the entire journey will take. But with the Shinkansen, the Bullet train, booking a reserved seat in advance is advisable from the main JR station ticket office. The service is absolutely terrific, sugoi! It’s so accurate and runs like clockwork. I just wish the London Underground or British Rail could operate like this.