The Creative Noodle Factory Nakiryu was on my short list of ramen places to visit in 2025. This classy ramen shop had won a Michelin star in 2017, so it is going to be good. How good was the question.

This spring we took a bus tour to a few beautiful locations for viewing cherry blossoms, referred to in Japan as sakura. The first stop in the tour was Byodoin, an ancient Heian temple located in the southern part of Kyoto. Most folks visiting Kyoto are not aware of Byodoin. It is a bit out of the way in Uji, and well, there are so many temples and shrines closer to the center of Kyoto that Byodoin is kind of an afterthought, if thought of at all.

It's been a long time since I posted a lesson about a restaurant. I was intending to last fall, as I visited a couple of well known ramen shops. But for whatever reason I never got around to it. So, here is a quickie review of Nobunaga, a tasty ramen shop on the edge of Ginza.

Being a sports fan from Philadelphia can be a blessing, or a curse. Success breeds contempt, as can be seen from online trolls trashing the Eagles and their fans. 

As some of you know, I like to explore. And having an information techology background, and living not too far away from Silicon Valley, I thought it might be fun to take in some computer industry history.  So I took a look at the map, and identified three places to check out if this is your thing too.

John Muir is often referred to as the "Father of the National Park Service." If you ever wanted to learn about John Muir this is the place for you. He lived here with his family for over 20 years. Lots of info on his life in Martinez as well as his wife’s family.

Located in the western suburbs of Tokyo, the Edo Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum is a unique collection of buildings that were transported onto this 17 acre site.  The buildings span quite a bit of Edo era history, and provide a glimpse into what it was like to live during that time.

Hatoyama Hall is one of those important residences in Tokyo that many people overlook. Some Japanese folks may know of the Hatoyama family because of their legacy, but your typical tourist will have no idea who they were.  Include me as someone who knew nothing about the Hatoyama's until I stumbled on their little palace in Google Maps.

One sunny afternoon in December we strolled up to the Ministry of Justice building, or more commonly known as the Red Brick Building.  Getting in to see the museum inside was a bit of a challange, but I have a tip for you so you don't run into a roadblock.

Ever wonder where dignitaries from other countries get entertained in Tokyo? I never thought about it until I came across pictures of Prime Minister Kishida welcoming the Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Akasaka Palace.  I was pleasantly surprised that I could tour this magnificant estate.