Author: amojamoja

Researcher by choice Wanderer by chance.

Flashnote: The Gundam Pursuit

The Gundam Cafe in Akihabara is located just a few walk from the Electric Town exit of JR Akihabara Station. Outside, two Gundam robot models will welcome you for the unique dining experience. The interiors of the cafe is with relaxing futuristic ambience with Gundam-inspired decorations.The menu is also Gundam-inspired like the cup of coffee I ordered with the face of Gundam robot on the froth and the cheesy macaroni.

Flashnote: Cafe Of Owls

There are a number of owl cafes in Tokyo. And the most famous on the internet is the “Fukuro no Mise” which has many positive reviews. The name literally means “cafe of owls”. Located few blocks away from the Tsukishima station, its place is not that easy to find.

Flashnote: One Night In Yokohama

A city by the bay, Yokohama is located just south of Tokyo. It is Japan’s second biggest city and was one of the first port to be opened for foreign trade towards the end of the Edo Period in 1859. From just a small fishing village, Yokohama quickly grew into a major city in Japan.

Sunset From Matsuyama Castle

Standing at the top of the Mount Katsuyama is the Matsuyama Castle. The castle got assigned to a branch of the Matsudaira family in the 17th century. We went there after having a conference and we waited until we see the sunset.

All About Squirrels

The Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a tree squirrel common throughout Asia and Europe. Their number have declined drastically in parts of Europe due to the introduction of another tree squirrel from North America, the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).

The Ethereal Blue Pond

The Blue Pond or Aoiike is an artificial pond created brought by the eruption of the nearby volcano Mt. Tokachi in 1988. The government decided to construct a dam on Biei River to protect the region from mudflows if ever the volcano erupts again. The accumulation of the water blocked by the dam in the forest lead to the formation of the blue pond.

Maple Trees In Winter

The tunnel of barren maple trees protruding from the thick snow is like a gate leading to somewhere magical. I guess this symbol of autumn is also worthy of a glance in winter.

Tour Around The Yaeyama Islands

A tour company called “Ishigaki Dream Tours” is offering a tour package for the 3 Yaeyama island: Iriomote Island, Yubu Island and Taketomi Island. Yaeyama Islands is the name given to the archipelago in the southwest of Okinawa Prefecture covering 591.46 square kilometres which also includes Ishigaki Island. And it was a great opportunity for me to further enjoy my Okinawan trip by visiting some of the Yaeyama Islands.

Hyakudan Hina Matsuri

Considered as one of Tokyo’s fanciest display of Hina Matsuri dolls, it is held at hotel’s culturally relevant Hyakudan Kaidan. This is a series of seven traditional rooms linked by a 100-step staircase. It was preserved from the old Gajoen building that was tore down in 1988 because of the constructions done at the Meguro River. It was assigned as one of Tokyo’s tangible cultural properties since 2009 by the Tokyo Metropolitan government.

Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

When they announced that the Universal Studios Japan will open the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I was so excited. So when it opened almost two years ago, I immediately booked my flight to Osaka and went there on its second day of opening. Luckily, it was a long weekend with Monday as a holiday.

Into The Batu Caves

Batu Caves is a popular tourist attraction in Selangor, Malaysia reachable by train for 57 minutes. It is one of the most famous Hindu shrines outside India and the focal point of the Thaipusam festival in Malaysia. Batu Caves took its name from the Batu River (Sungai Batu) flowing past the hill and its is the tenth (Pattu in Tamil) limestone hill from Ampang.

Leap Year Snow

I don’t know but I am no longer enjoying the snow. Maybe it’s because the winter here in Hokkaido is quite long (nearly half the year). Or maybe because the rest of Japan is already enjoying the cherry blossoms. I can really feel why the word “Winter” in the “Game of Thrones” is so negative for the House of Starks (lol).