I found a pretty handy book, called Japan for Kids. Actually it’s exactly the kind of book I needed and wish I found it sooner. Although the print edition I found is a bit old (1992) a lot of information is still quite relevant. Anyhow, since since the book is used and was also on [...]
Posts under ‘Stuff’
Shinkansen Viewing
Shinagawa JR Station 品川駅
So today Keiji finally got a closeup look at the shinkansen 新幹線しんかんせん (bullet trains). We were at Shinagawa station and decided to buy the viewing ticket (I think its called nyujyoken kippu）for only 130 yen. That allows you to just stand on the platform and watch the shinkansen come and go. An [...]
More Matsuri Fun
There are matsuri (festivals) all over Tokyo during the summers. The matsuri, apart from being a time when the mikoshi is carried around for good luck, is actually like a big Japanese block party. Not only is it ok to drink beer outdoors from early morning until late at night, but there are lots of [...]
Marunouchi for Kids
We were looking for a close place to do a little sightseeing, where Grandma hasn’t been yet so we decided to go to Marunouchi and check out what’s there. The area is not one I associate with children so it was a bit of a challenge finding some place fun for Keiji and Arisa. [...]
A Trip to IKEA
IKEA Kohoku Yokohama 横浜, Kanagawa-ken 神奈川県
I don’t know why but I decided to take a little trip to IKEA with the kids. I think maybe its because I actually do feel slightly homesick rather than have a need for furniture. Not that I am from Sweden, but our old NY apartment was furnished [...]
Windowshopping
At LaZona Kawasaki
Here are some Japanese brand children’s clothing shops….
I Love Boo
Gacha Gacha
Gacha gacha are toy vending machines, named after the sound it makes when you turn the knob after inserting money. There must be a gacha gacha minature of nearly everything out there. The prices range from 100-300 yen (maybe more? I just haven’t seen any for over 300 yen). Buying from these machines is really [...]
One-of-a-kind Quilts
These beautiful quilts were made by Keiji and Arisa’s obaa-chan. The pink one was all sewn by hand.
Rockabye Baby
I wish I had known about this sooner…lullaby versions of songs by The Cure, Radiohead, Nirvana, Bob Marley, Bjork, even The Pixies. Baby Rock Records
Not bad for 300 yen….
I love to find fun stuff for the home. I love to visit apartment therapy for inspiration. But after moving to Tokyo and trying to settle in, home decorating is the first thing to be cut off the budget. So if I can find something super cheap but still pretty cute I am happy [...]