I went to a maid cafe in Tokyo once a few years, but I can’t recall the name. It was as something different. Yet, once was enough at least me. However, I would like go to a Band-Maid concert someday.
If you’re going to be in Tokyo at the time (typically in August), there’s a nice toro nagashi (floating lantern) ceremony on the Sumida River.
https://tokyocheapo.com/events/asakusa-toro-nagashi/
I think Obon varies somewhat depending on the locality.
Roppongi Hills usually has a Bon Odori (Bon Dance).
https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/roppongi-hills-bon-odori/70055
Several others are likely to be held in Tokyo during the summer this year.
Yes, true Korean food can be good even if it’s often too spicy for me. My point was that Lotteria is arguably Korean fast food because of its historical connection to the Lotte Group.
Fortunately, “Bosintang” is not on the menu at Lotteria either in Korea or Japan😉
If I recall correctly, it was unlocked during the day, but a card was needed after a certain time in the evening.
The side entrance would only be viable if you stay in the section nearest to it.
By the way, I recall seeing an apparent love hotel nearby. So, that could be Plan B, if needed...
I’ve been to Fukuoka a couple of times. FWIIW, there are several hotels near Hakata Station, which is the main train station for Fukuoka. The Shinkansen stops there. The airport is just a few minutes by subway from Hakata Station.
Didn’t try to bring in any outside guests during my visit last...
Sadly, a Japanese coast guard plane that was about to fly to the disaster area was involved in a collision with a passenger jet at Haneda tonight.
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/fire-breaks-out-plane-runway-japans-tokyo-haneda-airport-nhk-2024-01-02/
Foreign tour groups too often seem to be full of poorly behaved tourists. That doesn’t seem to be limited to any one nationality.
Not sure why that is. Some sort of group psychology might be going on?
I’ve become rather fond of pizza buns sold in various conbini. If you haven’t tried them yet, they are available among other steamed buns by the counter.
Steamed buns are originally a Chinese dish, but so far I’ve only seen pizza buns in Japan.
I’ve seen quite a few Japanese couples where the man looks older than the woman. Significant age gaps seem to be more socially acceptable here than in the states.
It’s not just Japan. An older friend of mine has spent 40 years in Korea. He doesn’t have much to show for it at least financially. However, he has traveled around Asia and seen things that relatively few Americans get to experience.