Apr 25, 2026

Golden Week 2026 plans?

Are you venturing beyond your prefecture this time? Or sticking close to home? I'm planning on some day trips in my region, Kanto, as I'm committed to work on the Thursdays and Fridays that some people can take off.

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TonetoEdo

Living between the Tone and Edo Rivers in Higashi Katsushika area of Chiba Prefecture.

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genkidesu

on Apr 25

I'll be staying local but possibly doing some day trips here or there to see flower displays and koinobori. I try and see it as a good opportunity to just enjoy things happening in my community or as a time to relax at home than venturing out on long getaways.

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genkidesu

on Apr 25

Just blogged here about a survey I saw, too. Your question reminded me of it! https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/genkidesu/GBk1W-living_transportation The local Golden Week is on the rise!

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BigfamJapan

on Apr 27

I think we'll be staying close to home too. We also don't have any additional days, just the four public holidays, plus the weekend. The kids have various club / extracurricular commitments and family will come to visit. The kids will have friends stay over too. We do hope to squeeze in a day trip or two and possibly one night 'away' (within Saitama so we can avoid traffic).

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genkidesu

on May 5

I hope you've all had some relaxing downtime! I'm grateful for it every year, even if it just means staying local!

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BigfamJapan

on May 8

@genkidesu you too! I hope you enjoyed and "refreshed". It went by in the blink of an eye didn't it? Always does!

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Taking the bitterness out of Goya?

Today is "Goya Day" and as I wrote in my post about it, my MIL is growing some this year so no doubt we'll be given some to cook. I am not a big fan, because I find it unpleasantly bitter. So, following in the same vein as tonetoedo's mentaiko / karako question - what way do you serve goya? Have you any tips for taking the bitterness out of it?

BigfamJapan

on May 8

4 Answers

Mentaiko and tarako fans?

Do you and your tribe like mentaiko and/or tarako? How do you like to serve them?

TonetoEdo

on May 7

5 Answers

Your 2026 food omiyage / souvenir picks?

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BigfamJapan

on Apr 24

5 Answers

What's your favorite 'kushiyaki'?

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BigfamJapan

on Apr 11

2 Answers

Movie locations near you worth visiting?

The live action version of テルマエ・ロマエ Thermae Romae (2012) was shot at Nokogiriyama, Kyonan Town, Chiba Prefecture. It's one of my favourite getaways for hiking, the temple complex, and catching sea breezes. The movie is hilarious and heartwarming. Which Japanese live-action movies do you recommend, and are the filming locations worth a visit? Tell us the original title, English title, the year, and the location.

TonetoEdo

on Mar 23

4 Answers

Recent vending machine discoveries?

I always get a little kick out of finding a vending machine that dispenses something other than drinks or ice-cream. I have been seeing an increase in vending machines that sell religious items lately. I also like finding vending machines with unusual or attractive wrapping. Have you come across any unusual vending machines lately? Either vending machines that sell something other than the norm or a vending machine with eye-catching wrapping?

BigfamJapan

on Mar 21

5 Answers

What are our consumer rights in Japan?

Do you know your consumer rights in Japan? And if so, would you be willing to share anything about them? For example, what is the policy on returns? I am very familiar with my consumer rights in my home country, and they are very widely publicized back home, but information doesn't seem to be as transparent or readily available here. Or is that just me?

BigfamJapan

on Mar 15

18 Answers

What do you most associate with Ehime Prefecture?

Today, February 20th, is Ehime Prefecture Day. What do you most associate with Ehime Prefecture, what is the very first thing that comes to mind when I say "Ehime Prefecture"!?

BigfamJapan

on Feb 20

8 Answers

Do you have a favorite mascot?

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BigfamJapan

on Jan 17

7 Answers

Growing Mushrooms

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helloalissa

on Dec 29

6 Answers

Hair Color Treatments for Greying Hair

For those of you who have colored grey hair, I'm curious about the hair color treatments available in most drugstores. They seem simpler to use than box dyes. It's been many years since I've colored my hair. It's a chestnut brown and my grey is more silver. I don't hate it but the grey is dry and making me feel like I look older than I am. I'm especially interested in the natural brands that are non-permanent. For example Rishiri Kombu sounds like a decent option. Looking forward to your recommendations and experience.

helloalissa

on Aug 3

7 Answers

Entrance ceremony clothes

Soon my kid will have his entrance ceremony at school, and I'm looking for those typical Japanese style ceremony clothes for myself. I'm 1.80m, not so skinny woman, which has huge problems to even find normal clothes in Japan. Does anybody have the same problem and might have any advice, where to get those ceremony clothes in a taller size?

BlueButterfly

on Feb 17

Golden Week 2026 plans?

5 Answers

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