https://www.city-cost.comCity-Cost is an interesting new way to find and share useful financial and living information in Japan. Make your life easier and help others with City-CostenCopyright © 2015 - 2026 City-Cost All Rights Reserved.webmaster@city-cost.com (CC Team)https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/ME4vD-food_musashino_shi_tokyoSpotted in Kichijoji last week: a row of vending machines topped with a cheerful sign proclaiming, "1 Coin Happiness!" These days, finding anything you can buy with a single coin feels like a small victory, given how much prices have risen.On closer inspection, however, the slogan was a little misleading. Most of the drinks in the machines cost at least two coins, with ¥110 appearing to be the most common price. It seems that, for years, the machines genuinely offered ¥100 drinks, but like so many other things, they eventually fell victim to inflation a few years ago.Even so, the promise of "1 Coin Happiness" still caught my attention. While the prices may have changed, the sign remains a nostalgic reminder of a time when a single ¥100 coin really could buy a drink from a vending machine.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/ME4vD-food_musashino_shi_tokyoThu, 15 Oct 2026 23:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/ME4vD-food_musashino_shi_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GlQeE-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamaOne of the popular attractions of the Kawagoe Festival is the Haunted House. It is an old school Haunted House, like the old "Misemono-goya" traditional Japanese festival show tents, which are really rare these days. Older people like it for the nostalgia, younger people embrace it for the retro vibe, something that is very popular with Japanese youth these days.This morning, when I was walking around Kawagoe, I was lucky enough to witness and capture this scene (photo); the Haunted House being set up for the festival. So, naturally, I can confirm that once again this year, the Haunted House will be available at the Kawagoe Festival. It is on the grounds of Renkeiji Temple. If prices are the same as 2024, it is 600 yen for adults, 500 yen for students and 300 yen for children.Have you ever been to a traveling Haunted House. They had them in my country (Ireland) when I was child too. But just like in Japan, they are not very common in recent years. In my home country, I suspect that increasingly strict guest safety rules and regulations made it difficult for them. Perhaps, that is the same in Japan too. Regardless, this is a rare travelling Haunted House, that we are lucky enough to have at the Kawagoe Festival each year.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GlQeE-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamaThu, 15 Oct 2026 21:18:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GlQeE-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/zDEvx-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamaOn a walk around Kawagoe this morning, I was drawn to the beautiful, distinctive sound of wind chimes. I followed the sound to Milk Do Dore Iku?, a highly rated donut shop that opened near Nakacho Tourist Information Center in spring last year.I found the small display down the side of the building, in a quaint little alley. (Video on Youtube). The shop has an entrance on the main street as well as doors into this alley, so I presume that the donut shop is responsible for them, but I don't know for sure. I would have asked in the shop, but it wasn't open yet.I will definitely be going back though, because the donuts look amazing and they have some rarer type of flavors available such as Earl Grey Tea, Pistachio and Tiramisu. Moreover, the reviews online verify that the donuts taste as good as they look.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/zDEvx-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamaThu, 15 Oct 2026 14:37:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/zDEvx-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GB4LD-living_shopping_saitamaToday, October 15th, marks the start of Japan's annual Newspaper Week. I know that print newspapers aren't the most environmentally friendly medium, but I would still champion a comeback. As the rise of data centers shows, even the Internet is becoming less and less environmentally friendly. At least newspapers can be recycled. At the same time, many of the most reputable online news sources are increasingly placing their content behind paywalls. If I'm going to pay for the news anyway, I would personally rather have a physical copy that I can read, keep, and share. Beyond environmental concerns and changing business models, though, newspapers may have a number of advantages in the AI age.Perhaps the most appealing of all is verified reporting. In a world where AI can generate convincing articles, images, videos, and even entirely fabricated stories within seconds, knowing that information has been gathered, checked, and verified by real journalists carries increasing value. Newspapers are accountable for what they publish. Articles are written by named reporters, reviewed by editors, and corrected when mistakes are discovered.Another advantage is original reporting. AI can summarise existing information, but it cannot independently attend a town hall meeting, interview local residents, witness events firsthand, or investigate a developing story. Newspapers employ journalists who do the legwork required to uncover new information rather than simply recycling what is already available online.Newspapers also serve as an important historical record. Long after social media posts have been deleted and websites have disappeared, newspapers provide a documented account of what happened and when it happened. In an era where digital content can be edited, manipulated, or generated on demand, preserving an accurate record of current events may become more important than ever.Finally, there is the human element. While AI can process enormous amounts of information, it cannot replace human judgement, experience, and perspective. Good journalism is not only about presenting facts but also about understanding context, asking difficult questions, and holding powerful institutions accountable.Ironically, the very technology that some predict will replace traditional media may help restore appreciation for it. The easier information becomes to generate, the more valuable trustworthy information becomes.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GB4LD-living_shopping_saitamaThu, 15 Oct 2026 14:11:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GB4LD-living_shopping_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/zV6V4-food_kawagoe_shi_saitamaThere are so many food options in Kawagoe, it can be hard to choose just a couple to try on a day visit. I am lucky that I have lived and worked in the area for 20 years, so over the years I have tried many. One I haven't tried yet, is the relatively new (by Kawagoe standards) Nankirou, which opened in April 2024.I attempted to tick it off my list this morning, but I arrived too early. I suspected it might not be open at 9 am, but I chanced it just in case. It opens at 10 am. Kawagoe tourist area generally doesn't really kick off until 10, even 11 am. The good thing about arriving before 10 am is that you can get photos of the buildings with few to no people in the foreground.I may not be able to review Nankirou yet, but I can share its existence for anyone visiting the area. What makes this cafe a little different from others is that you can make an "original dorayaki". The dorayaki uses freshly made pancake-style cakes, which are filled with your choice of gelato and toppings for a unique sweet treat. You can mix and match 16 gelato flavors and 11 toppings, creating one of 176 possible combinations.I love finding food experiences that go beyond simply buying a snack, and this feels like a perfect stop while exploring Kawagoe's famous streets. It also has a nice seating area outdoors, on a side street, but within earshot and sightline of the main tourist thoroughfare. Moreover, there is a beautiful old kura (where you can make your own pottery) in view. Nankirou on Google Maps.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/zV6V4-food_kawagoe_shi_saitamaThu, 15 Oct 2026 13:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/zV6V4-food_kawagoe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/weevb-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamaOne of the surest signs that the Kawagoe Festival is almost here isn't a float, a lantern, or even the growing crowds. It's the traffic signals.While out this morning, I came across a work crew at the Nakachō intersection preparing the signals for this weekend's festival. This isn't the first time I've seen them preparing the traffic lights for the festival. But it is the first time I have actually witnessed the traffic lights being suspended in mid-air! I grabbed a quick video for the occasion: Youtube.The preparations are more involved than simply turning the signal heads. Some traffic lights around the festival area can be swivelled, but others, including those at Nakachō, get replaced with temporary "kari-koti" signals for the duration of the festival. These changes help accommodate the towering festival floats as they make their way through the historic streets.For many residents, the sight of workers handling the signals may be easy to overlook, but it marks the beginning of the final transformation of the city center. Seeing the preparations firsthand this morning made the arrival of the Kawagoe Festival feel much more real. It won't be long before the streets are filled with music, lanterns, and festival floats.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/weevb-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamaThu, 15 Oct 2026 13:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/weevb-living_kawagoe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/z4Ed9-food_kawagoe_shi_saitamaWhile walking through central Kawagoe this morning, I spotted an opening announcement that may interest local food lovers. The building that was home to the long-running eel restaurant Fukaiya, which closed earlier this year after decades of serving visitors and residents, has welcomed a new tenant: Takahashiya, an eel restaurant that officially opened yesterday, October 14th, 2026.For many people in Kawagoe, the location itself is well known. Situated in Nakacho, close to the city's historic sightseeing district and just a few buildings down from the gorgeous Nakacho Tourist Information Center. The building has long been associated with unagi dining. Seeing a new restaurant move into the space marks the beginning of a new chapter for a site that many locals will remember.According to local reports, Takahashiya specialises in domestic Japanese eel, particularly the Miyagi brand "Washo Unagi". Their style is a little different from traditional Kawagoe eel restaurants. The sauce is intentionally restrained so the flavor of the eel stands out more. Diners can choose between preparation styles, including a steamed-then-grilled option. Its not cheap though, I noticed the Unaju is 4100 yen!With late evening hours, counter seats, and a more casual approach to enjoying unagi alongside drinks, Takahashiya is aiming to offer something a little different. The fact that its Ginza sister restaurant was recognized in the Michelin Guide 2024 only adds to the interest. In a town already famous for its eel restaurants, this newcomer could prove to be an exciting addition.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/z4Ed9-food_kawagoe_shi_saitamaThu, 15 Oct 2026 11:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/z4Ed9-food_kawagoe_shi_saitamahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/MPK2n-living_shopping_fashion_musashino_shi_tokyoHaving previously written about the Kichijoji Halloween Festa on my personal website, but never having the pleasure to participate in the event, I was delighted to spot this poster in Kichijoji last week. The event is returning for its 15th year and is scheduled to take place from October 23rd to 25th, 2026.For anyone living in or visiting Kichijoji, it looks like there will be plenty to enjoy over the three-day event. According to the poster, activities include a candy rally for children, a Halloween fashion show, and a photo contest, all designed to bring local families and the wider community together. The event's theme, "raising children throughout the town" (街ぐるみで子育て), highlights its community-focused approach.The colorful Halloween-themed poster, complete with pumpkins, ghosts, bats, and festive decorations, certainly caught my attention and helped build excitement for the season ahead. If you're in the Kichijoji area this October, the Kichijoji Halloween Festa may be worth checking out, especially for families looking for a fun and festive seasonal outing.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/MPK2n-living_shopping_fashion_musashino_shi_tokyoWed, 14 Oct 2026 23:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/MPK2n-living_shopping_fashion_musashino_shi_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/MAkvQ-food_shopping_musashino_shi_tokyoI spotted this restaurant, pictured below, in Kichijoji last week and I was really intrigued. First the bright, cheerful yellow shop front grabbed my attention, and then my eyes fixed on the price: only 399 yen for a kebab.I had just eaten, so I didn't get to try it yet, but I thought I would share for anyone who is looking for affordable eats near Kichijoji station. Especially as a quick look online shows that this kebab shop is very highly rated. For example, on Google Maps it has a rating of 4.5 (out of 5) from 138 reviews. This kind of rating is fairly rare on Google maps for a restaurant.If you've ever visited this shop and tasted their kebabs, do please tell us about your experience. For those who want to check it out: its called UZ Kebab and its address is 1 Chome-3-4 Kichijoji Minamicho, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0003.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/MAkvQ-food_shopping_musashino_shi_tokyoWed, 14 Oct 2026 23:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/MAkvQ-food_shopping_musashino_shi_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GL4j8-living_shopping_kawagoe_shi_saitamaEvery year, I get so excited in the lead up to the Kawagoe Festival. It is the largest autumn festival in my area and indeed one of the largest in the Kanto plain. It is on this Saturday and Sunday, October 17th and 18th 2026.I have previously shared how I always go for a walk around Kawagoe in the week leading up to the festival. And I will in the coming days. But I was in the old town for an appointment today and was delighted that much of the bunting was already up. On my drive home (so I couldn't take a photo) I saw more of it being put up in real time.So, if you are planning to be in Kawagoe in the next two days, before the festival, you can still enjoy the sight of miles of festival bunting all around the tourist area. The red and white banners really add to the already beautiful streetscape.Postshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GL4j8-living_shopping_kawagoe_shi_saitamaWed, 14 Oct 2026 23:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/GL4j8-living_shopping_kawagoe_shi_saitama