http://www.city-cost.comTue, 16 Jun 2026 16:01:04 +0900Thrill-seeker. Normally crazy. Mediocrity bores me. Headset Killer. Thoughtless Discoverer. Never Ending Talker. Serious Joker. Jilai born in July.enCopyright © 2015 - 2026 City-Cost All Rights Reserved.webmaster@city-cost.com (CC Team)http://img.city-cost.com/static/blog_campaign_icon.pnghttp://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/Mn4nR-living_familylife_sumida_ku_tokyoA couple of years back, I had a rare opportunity to watch a sumo tournament in Kokugikan as I got invited by a former student along with some of my co-workers. It was indeed a wonderful experience not only for me but also for my fellow teachers. The only problem was that despite being interested in other things related to Japanese culture, I was not into its traditional sports. However, it was probably just because I was not into sports in general to begin with.Now fast forward to 2023, Netflix just released the series “Sanctuary” that consisted of 8 episodes in total. I just mindlessly chose to watch it since I thought I might be able to relate to it somehow because of my experience watching a sumo tournament a few years back.Lo’ and behold, I got hooked before I knew it. I binge-watched it and lost hours of sleep because I couldn’t stop clicking the “Next” button. And if I find something new that catches my attention, I would automatically recommend it to my husband.Amid a busy work week, the only constant thing is watching our “One Piece” episodes and shows and movies that Netflix has to offer. The same goes for “Sanctuary”. I just knew he would thoroughly enjoy it as much as I did.And enjoyed it, he did! I have to say, it was also satisfying watching it all over again. I got curious about the sport since it has strong ties with Shintoism. I studied the different sumo ranks and watched videos about it on YouTube. I realized I was hooked and couldn’t wait to watch another sumo tournament.So, my husband and I decided to target getting tickets for the January tournament this year. We didn’t want to spend so much so we bought the cheapest tickets. Then, after all the trouble I had with the online booking, I finally got them!After months of waiting, we were finally going to be in Kokugikan! In my case, it would be my second, but this time, I weaponized myself with the knowledge of sumo compared to my last visit. All this information made us both feel more giddy as we got inside. We arrived at the venue in the afternoon just in time for the “Makuuchi” (higher-ranked) division bouts. We also saw the lone Yokozuna Teronofuji’s entrance, which was pretty cool!The arena was jam-packed, and I have to say I truly regret getting the cheapest tickets. We sat at the farthest seats, and there was nothing behind us but the walls on the second floor. I had to squint my eyes to see the wrestlers. It got tiring after a while. However, this did not stop me from enjoying the game.I swore that in the next grand tournament in Kokugikan, I would step up my game and get better seats. By the way, for those interested, you can check out the annual schedule and the ticket information here.Now let me share with you my takeaway from this experience! First, give yourself a chance to explore things you did not like a few years back. The result might surprise you.Second, if you are in a relationship, it would be best to try and learn new things together that you can both potentially enjoy. This way, you can add something that you both appreciate together. It will be great for your relationship. Lastly, don’t be stingy on the tickets!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/Mn4nR-living_familylife_sumida_ku_tokyoFri, 15 Mar 2024 17:23:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/Mn4nR-living_familylife_sumida_ku_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wrnq0-food_makinoharacity_makinohara_shi_shizuokaShizuoka has a lot of things to offer its visitors; from its beautiful beaches to premium shopping outlets, from the gorgeous view of Mt. Fuji to its well-known product, green tea. One particular place that will be worth a visit if you are keen on looking for great-quality green tea is a city called Makinohara located in the western part of Shizuoka prefecture.I have to admit that before coming to Japan, I was not a big fan of green tea. Back from where I am from, tea is meant to be only sweet and thirst-quenching. After coming here though, my world changed. From matcha-flavored drinks to other green tea-flavored sweets, to simply the humble hot unsweetened green tea, life would be difficult to imagine without it. A few things that I got my hands on from City-Cost which I’d like to introduce are these locally-produced green tea products from the tea farm / tea-themed park called Grinpia Makinohara.Shizuoka Makinohara Sencha Tea BagsFirst up would be the Sencha Tea which comes in 15 bags secured in an airtight sealable pack which is convenient for storage purposes. I drink green tea after eating dinner especially when I eat something a bit greasy. For my dinner, I made a pork and vegetable soup dish and paired it with rice. Due to the addition of pork in it, it felt greasy. Then, I decided to have my regular cup of green tea and as expected, the warmth of the drink cleansed my throat from all the grease.Nanaya Shizuoka Matcha Leaf PieNext up is this beautifully packaged Leaf Pie. This was such a splendid surprise as it reminded me of a similar snack famous in Cebu, Philippines called "Otap". This one was a more elevated version of it though since it was softer and more importantly, the matcha filling was exquisite! It did not have an overpowering matcha taste, but a subtle sweetness to it. I also love the design of the product as well. I promised to eat one as I was sipping my coffee at home but it just wasn't enough, I ended up eating three!Shizuoka Matcha SyrupLastly, this special Matcha-flavored syrup. I was thinking of using it to drizzle on top of my homemade pancake but since I had some sweet potatoes waiting for my attention in the kitchen, I decided to change my approach. I ended up making candied sweet potatoes which I usually prepare for my husband using brown sugar. This time around, I chose to add at least 4 tablespoons of white sugar and fried the potatoes. As I toned down the use of sugar, the sweet potatoes were not as sweet as I usually make them. To add some twist, I used the matcha syrup and drizzled it on the candied sweet potatoes. As a result, my husband gave me a thumbs up and I couldn’t agree with him more. The flavor of matcha with the less sweeter candied sweet potato was meant to be combined! I hope you try it out at home when you are craving for something sweet!Let me wrap up by choosing the best out of the three products above. Without any hesitation, I would have to say that the Leaf Pie would be my favorite. Everything was great of course, but I guess the presentation and the way I am familiar with the texture of the product are additional factors for my choice. I hope readers who have not tried these products shall get a chance to do so as well in the future.This post is supported by Makinohara City, one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wrnq0-food_makinoharacity_makinohara_shi_shizuokaFri, 08 Mar 2024 11:13:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wrnq0-food_makinoharacity_makinohara_shi_shizuokahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/Mn49o-living_shopping_howto_koto_ku_tokyo I have read somewhere that Japan is notorious for long queues especially when something new in town opens, be it a restaurant, an amusement park, or a small shop. I have experienced such in the past so I have always made it a point to avoid going to these places a week or even a month or longer after their opening. I would rather go on a weekday too when people are mostly at work and I can have space to breathe as I enjoy whatever the establishment offers. It might be because I am getting older but it might also be that I have been living here for so long that I can already see what is going to be busy and I can manage what I can tolerate and what I don’t. And there is nothing I love most in the world here than baths! So, I made an exception when I found out that a 24-hour spa was opening in the Toyosu Area called Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai. I immediately contacted a friend of mine to accompany me to this experience since we both haven’t been to the Toyosu area before. Unfortunately, due to our schedules we could only go on a Sunday. I had to dig deep within myself and just accept the fact that there would be throngs and throngs of people in the area. In this case, I was not wrong, and given that “Senkyaku Banrai” can be translated to the constant flow of customers coming and going, I was not stunned at all.As Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai just opened on February 1, it is not a surprise to be amid a crowded Yurikamome line monorail that stopped at Shijo-mae Station. The fish market was closed on the day we went but that didn’t affect the crowd that this new establishment had attracted.But you might ask, what exactly is Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai? This facility is located just next to the Toyosu Fish Market where you can see Edo-themed wooden buildings using timber taken from the Tama Area in Tokyo and roof tiles from Awaji Island. The facility also boasts a variety of restaurants and shops that offer fresh seafood, souvenirs from all over Japan, and matcha sweets here and there. However, what I was looking forward to visiting was the free foot bath on the 8th floor of the 24-hour spa connected to the long array of shops.And of course, you can’t skip the long queue here either. As I am not the only one who is down on trying out a free foot bath on a cold afternoon, the wait time was estimated to be 20 minutes which was not bad if you think about it. When we got on the elevator that took us to the 8th floor, we were shocked to see that there were too many people huddling in the foot bath area so we had to wait behind them. But the view was fantastic since you could see the Rainbow Bridge so we had to snap some photos before lining up. Although I would recommend going there at night because the view would be more gorgeous with all the lights. When we finished taking snaps, we chose our target in the corner of the foot bath and waited for two girls for about 8-10 minutes. Now, you might be wondering if the foot bath was free, will there be free towels as well? Unfortunately, the answer to that is no. Towels were sold for 200 yen each in small vending machines on the same floor. Luckily for us, we came in prepared and brought our towels so hurrah for us! Albeit the awkward feeling of being with too many people in the foot bath, the hot water still was comforting enough for us to relax, chat, and take in the view. I liked that even though there were many people, I got to be in my element which is to be in the water! We stayed for about 15-20 minutes before we decided to let others take our place. Now, I am left with a final question. “Am I going to go back and get more than just a free foot bath?” I would say, “Yes!”. Although I don’t think it’s going to be this month or the next. Probably a few months later! To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/Mn49o-living_shopping_howto_koto_ku_tokyoMon, 19 Feb 2024 10:10:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/Mn49o-living_shopping_howto_koto_ku_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GonPl-living_familylife_chuo_ku_tokyoMy husband and I in the heart of Ginza is indeed a rare occurrence. Given that upon hearing the word Ginza, expensive is the next word that follows, it is not shocking that we don’t frequent this area. However, if you have a 10,000 yen lunch coupon that you won from last year’s Christmas party that is about to expire, then it is best to just go.And so we went on a beautiful, sunny Wednesday. But things didn’t go as we planned because we had to make a reservation which we did but had to reschedule it because we got sick a week ago. And probably that was where we made an error and ended up rescheduling the visit to the week after. Now here we are, expecting to have a nice lunch in Ginza. Instead, we ended up not knowing what to do. My husband is good at making plans when plans get out of hand. Meanwhile, I had to get myself together for half an hour to function. It’s either we go home or just make the most out of the day by looking for something else. Then I realized my husband had not been to Tsukiji before and even though I have been, it has been years since I went so I thought we could just go there and have sushi for lunch instead, so off we went.But before that, there was one thing I wanted us both to experience which was not on the list of things we planned to do and that was to watch a Kabuki performance. I have watched a single act before but it was ages ago. I thought it would be a good opportunity for my husband to experience it as well. So before we went to Tsukiji, I checked the list of performances for the day and found a single-act performance that starts at 17:45 and costs 900 yen! Granting it was a 20-minute performance, it was all we needed just to see if we would want to commit to watching full performances in the future. As you can see in this photo below, you can buy tickets from the ticket counter in front of Kabukiza Ginza Theater for 900 yen in cash but mind you, that would be for non-reserved seats. Getting reserved seatsI have always been anxious about not getting a seat and we were hungry so I decided to buy the tickets online which was convenient since there was English support. On the downside, I had to pay an additional 110 yen per ticket for the booking procedure. I don’t regret it though because I was able to enjoy lunch and a cup of coffee after. So it was time for the performance so 30 minutes before it started, we went back to the theater but got confused as to where to enter and reach the 4th floor. For those who would like to go, make sure you go back to the front of the theater and the staff will guide you to an entrance that will lead you to an elevator that will take you straight to the 4th floor. If you booked online, you will be given QR codes and all you have to do is to have it scanned before going to your seats. Taking photos during the performance is not allowed and staff will be showing a board with all the things that you are not allowed to do but I was able to take a photo of the stage before the show started so I guessed this photo is allowed. Understanding the storyAs I mentioned above, I visited this theater years ago but one thing I knew from this experience is that it is hard to go and not understand the premise of the story that I watched. All I knew is that there is an audio guide (which is not free by the way), that you can get to understand the story, and if I am not mistaken the cost ranges from 900-1,300 yen. Now it is likely that this guide might not be available for single acts.This did not deter me from looking for a synopsis of the show I am going to watch that is written in English. And yes, you can leaflets near the ticket counter and find one that explains the story behind the performances of that day. This means you can have a glimpse of what you are going to watch, for free! The performance So we watched the story of a sake peddler and two sake-living spirits known as “Shojo” and it didn’t disappoint. Despite only understanding only a word from the show, the singing, the accompaniment, and the dances did not disappoint. My husband and I were both engrossed in the performance. I was hoping it was longer but that was such a delightful experience that I hope you can all try out. Due to this experience, I am now on the hunt for other traditional Japanese performances such as Noh, Kyogen, and even Bunraku!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GonPl-living_familylife_chuo_ku_tokyoThu, 14 Dec 2023 10:54:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GonPl-living_familylife_chuo_ku_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wrnQr-foods_productAlong with the new products that came out in the past couple of weeks, this one has been on my favorite list. Another delicious offering from Family Mart.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wrnQr-foods_productTue, 28 Nov 2023 21:44:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wrnQr-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/z4WBr-living_familylife_tokyo"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees."Growing up in my hometown, abundant with lots of different types of trees, it wasn't strange to hear mystic and supernatural stories about them passed on by older relatives. Spooky stories about them were always a hit among cousins and childhood friends in my neighborhood.Now that I am in my early 30s and I do not see the usual coconut and cacao trees back in my home country, I marvel at the pine trees, cedar, and cypresses here in Japan. Luckily, I do not hold a grudge against the trees here because I haven't developed pollen allergies yet (crossing my fingers).I grew up with the ocean just a few minutes away from home back in the Philippines. When I moved to Japan, I knew I had to find a way to love the outdoors here. From where I lived back in Tokyo to where I currently reside which is in Chiba, the ocean is not impossible to reach, however, it would take a bit of time to get there.Everything changed when I stumbled upon "Shinrin-yoku" also known as Forest Bathing. I mean, I obviously have been to a forest before because I used to hike a lot. I have seen way too many anime to understand that in Japan, trees are sacred. I am no expert but I do understand that when I walk in the middle of trees, I feel more at ease. Time slows down and the shade is like a warm hug on a cold day. No scary stories about them like the ones I used to hear about from home!And if there's one thing besides the safety that Japan offers that I am always thankful for, it would be the abundance of parks that have mini-forests. I know it's not fancy or anything but if you are like me, you would get it. These public parks are free and most of them are easy to access.One such park is Mizumoto Park -水元公園in Katsushika Ward. I've only been here twice, once in spring and now in autumn (or early winter?). The first time I went, I didn't have much time to walk around the entire park and I ended up entering a different entrance.However this time around, I ended up taking the bus in front of Kanamachi Station that took me to a different entrance to the park. I must say, this was such a wonderful coincidence.I'm afraid I can't recall which entrance I took but this one led me to the part of the park where 1,500 metasequoia trees are planted. It was truly a majestic experience. I say this still albeit seeing the gigantic sequoia trees in California so that says a lot, right?What I love about it is that picnic tables and chairs are placed in the middle of this forest so you are not only forest-bathing, but you can also enjoy eating snacks in the midst of all these trees!The park also boasts a dog run, a bird sanctuary, and a big pond. I know that they can't beat the beaches and the tropical trees we have at home, but the view and atmosphere of this park are at the top of my list of best places to visit again. The other big parks in Tokyo could never beat how tranquil, wide, and wholesome this park is.You will definitely walk away with awe and a heart that is more at peace and content.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/z4WBr-living_familylife_tokyoTue, 28 Nov 2023 16:42:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/z4WBr-living_familylife_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wNvoB-foods_productA new bread product from Seven-Eleven for those who are huge fans of melon bread. This product is also made from Otome Watermelon which is a classic personal melon in Japan.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wNvoB-foods_productFri, 24 Nov 2023 15:19:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wNvoB-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/G6oqV-living_food_howto_chibaIn my workplace, there are a total of four women including myself. One of the things that we would just randomly blurt out during breaks almost every month is our periods.Sometimes we would make comparisons and share ways on how to deal with it as it comes since we basically could relate to each other despite being in different age groups. One day as we were having lunch, I saw one of them drinking something from a pink bottle, and out of curiosity, I asked what it was. She said it's called BB Chocola and it's an iron supplement that helps her with her period. It hasn't come out in 3 days when it was scheduled to do so and the drink helps her with it. She doesn't particularly like the taste, as a matter of fact, she despises it because of its aftertaste. My other co-worker who is a registered nurse mentioned that you can check if someone is low on iron by checking their eyes which she did with mine and she noticed how my eyes were pale. When I found out about this, I got more curious about this iron drink supplement, and as my period was late for 2-3 days, I thought it would not hurt to try it out.So the next day, I went to the nearby pharmacy and bought a bottle which cost about 240 yen. I had dinner and drank the bottle afterwards and to my surprise, I liked how it tasted! And to add to that, the following day after drinking BB Chocola, my period finally came. It could have been a coincidence for all I know but I was glad I tried it out. I found out that they are sold on Amazon for a cheaper price and as I planned to buy it online, I stumbled upon a cheaper version of the item at my local Seiyu store! Today, I have had my second bottle and the reason I am drinking this even after my period is that I feel more tired than usual probably because of this super confusing autumn weather we have been having! As the bottle says it can be helpful when you are tired, I figured it would be nice to see if it can be of any help at all. It did work before I had my period so it's worth a try this time around. I will let you know next time after I finish all four bottles! Two more to go!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/G6oqV-living_food_howto_chibaFri, 24 Nov 2023 10:47:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/G6oqV-living_food_howto_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GlRoR-foods_productManufactured by Koikeya well-known for its potato snacks, this product is another good addition to their list of products for all chip lovers out there.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GlRoR-foods_productTue, 21 Nov 2023 21:22:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GlRoR-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wm8jm-living_food_health_chibaAs a resident of Japan for almost 8 years now, I am a proud fan of hot springs and it is my sworn duty to introduce them to friends of family. It's such a nice place not only to relax but also to renew my vitality after weeks or months of grinding it out at work.A year ago, as I was walking at the station waiting to transfer to my next train, I saw this big poster advertising a newly opened sauna and hot spring just a few minutes away from Nagareyama-ōtakanomori Station called Spa Metsa Otaka.At first, I thought it would be a nice place to check out since it's not too far away from where I live which is in Matsudo. So along with my husband and a friend of ours, we headed out there and explored this amazing new place.The place blew our minds because it had everything! A restaurant offering great and affordable food (as you can see in the gallery) and a cafe with a variety of options from detox drinks to salads and desserts. At first, it was challenging to navigate it since there were so many things that you could do it could get overwhelming!On the second floor where the entrance is, you can rent clothes to sweat and you can see the cafe and the longue which offers a wide array of comic books. Most people would go into the rooms with bedrock baths on this floor and enjoy the offers the cafe has.When you go to the first floor, you will see the restaurant, a big open area for getting rest, a small arcade area, a big massage room, and a small room for massage chairs. And of course, you can't forget the hot spring area for men and women on this floor. They have different saunas that you can go into and my favorite is probably the one with steam and you can use salt for scrubbing and lotion for your face. I don't clearly know how but it feels so good on my skin afterwards. My husband loves the electric bath which I think it's good but it gives me anxiety so I only go in whenever I feel more brave.I strongly believe that everyone visiting Japan should try at least once to go to a spa facility like this one. I understand it might not be everyone's cup of tea but there are options that offer privacy and such. Unfortunately for this place, they only have a public area for bathing.I just wish this place was open 24 hours a day, but they close at 2:00 AM and open at 6:00 AM. I wish I could go there every day! I feel like I'd be so much healthier. However, for this year I have visited the spa a total of 5 times already and I would say it helped me keep myself sane for the entire year!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wm8jm-living_food_health_chibaMon, 20 Nov 2023 10:35:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wm8jm-living_food_health_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/MnrvR-living_familylife_matsudo_shi_chibaMy usual Sundays at home involve waking up late and just lazing around without even getting out of the door of my apartment. I haven't been doing a lot of online shopping lately as well so I don't usually check the door for deliveries.Just to give you a bit of context, I live in a UR (Urban Rennaisance) apartment. For readers who are not familiar with this term, it is a housing system in Japan under Urban Renaissance Agency (独立行政法人都市再生機構, Dokuritsu gyōsei hōjin Toshi saisei kikō), which is also known as (UR, 都市機構, UR都市機構); a semipublic Independent Administrative Institution. UR apartments are known for being a reasonable alternative to renters who are not keen on paying key money, renewal fees, or the need for a guarantor.I have been living in this apartment for more than a year now and my husband and I have never experienced losing our water supply ever! So the other day when I woke up to the sound of the doorbell ringing and a small thud coming from the door. I didn't get up right away because obviously, it was a Sunday and I knew I didn't order anything. So, I toiled away with my smartphone for about 30 minutes before becoming thirsty and so I had no choice but to get up.I usually just drink from the faucet so I went straight to the kitchen but alas, nothing came out from the faucet. I went to the sink in the wash area to check and there was still no water. I was really surprised and before the panic starts kicking in, I thought about the doorbell earlier.I went straight to the door and checked if there was something in the mailbox, but there was nothing as well. I opened the door and voila, there they were, two big water bottles and an announcement written in Japanese. And right from the get-go, I understood the reason why there was no water supply.I tried my best to read the announcement without checking Google Translate but there were too many unfamiliar Kanji characters so I ended up translating anyway. Based on the information I gathered, there was a water leak down the road close to our house so they have to temporarily cut off the water supply while they fix the issue.Now, I wrote this article because I was just thinking about the way it was back in my home country. First, they won't let you know when the water gets cut off, and second, there were never free bottles of water. You are always on your own figuring out a way to find a temporary water source. Hence, I was so happy and surprised at the same time. I hope that in the future, my home country adapts to such action because I think it is not impossible! I felt like an important part of the community which should be a standard worldwide!And to end this article, yes I still need to sleep in on Sundays since we all deserve to get some rest after a busy week of work, work and work! Take care, folks!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/MnrvR-living_familylife_matsudo_shi_chibaFri, 16 Sep 2022 14:17:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/MnrvR-living_familylife_matsudo_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/Mdom0-living_medical_health_matsudo_shi_chibaI was diagnosed with mild scoliosis 10 years ago, around my mid-20s. I was really careless about my health and even when I came to Japan in 2016, all I thought about was finding new things to explore, adventures, and so on.I went hiking, paragliding, visited many beaches, and went on many drinking sprees. Over time, I guess all my carelessness has now balled up into one and the fact that I am in my early 30s doesn't help that either.Where I lived previously, I started swimming in the public swimming pool as suggested by my chiropractor at that time. I think one day I must have positioned myself weirdly and I heard something crack on my left shoulder. I did not pay much attention to it but later on, I started feeling pain in my neck, shoulders, and even my chest and left rib cage.I have been to two chiropractors and orthopedics. I was recommended to take painkillers, which was something that I personally did not like. I stopped swimming for about two years because of the pandemic and that did not help my situation either.After moving to Matsudo, I started seeing another chiropractor who can speak English. Although he lives in Ichikawa, I still go there twice a month for adjustments. I also go to the nearest public swimming pool from where I live.The Wanagaya Sports Center is probably my new safe haven these days. You can take a bus from Matsudo Station to reach this center. Although if you don't mind walking for about 22-25 minutes, you can take the Shin-Keisei Line from Matsudo and stop at Minoridai Station or Matsudo-Shinden Station.I usually stay there for about an hour and a half and for the first hour, I would pay 310 yen. The extra 30 minutes require me to pay an additional fee of 150 yen so in total I would pay 460 yen per visit. It's really not bad compared to private gyms with pools.The only downside that I find is that they don't provide shampoo or body soap in their shower rooms. In summer, it can get really crowded as well because there are swimming classes for kids. As for me, I find that around 4:30 to 6:00 PM on weekdays is the least crowded time.If you live around the Matsudo area, I highly recommend this place to you. I have been going there once a week during my days off and to be honest, the water puts me in a safe place. I hope this post will help you explore other activities that would make you feel safe and satisfied with the imperfection you currently have. This is exactly what swimming at this sports center makes me feel like.For more details about this sports center, please click thislink. If you want to know more about their heated pool, please check this one.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/Mdom0-living_medical_health_matsudo_shi_chibaMon, 12 Sep 2022 11:49:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/Mdom0-living_medical_health_matsudo_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/MERrY-drink_productInfused with fruits like grapes, lychee, and grapefruit along with some special salt in Okinawa, this drink can easily be found in convenience stores and supermarkets all over Japan. My husband's student always gives him this and I have had the honor to drink some when he takes them home. This product that I am going to review though is the pouch version of this product as it was a first for me to try it!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/MERrY-drink_productThu, 08 Sep 2022 14:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/MERrY-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GLqpN-drink_productThis drink as I initially thought is not a new product released by 7/11. As to my research prior to writing this review, this has been around since 2020. This is another addition to the long list of latte drinks with special flavors in Japan.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GLqpN-drink_productMon, 05 Sep 2022 19:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GLqpN-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GQ2pm-foods_productAt first, I had no idea what Cajun means but it gave me an idea that it's somehow related to Spain or Mexico. According to my research, Cajun cuisine is sometimes considered '"rustic cuisine". This particular product that I bought consists of the main dish which is chicken, Jambalaya, and a piece of sausage. With origins coming from the Southern part of the United States, I was really curious to try this new offering from 7/11. Given that the nearest convenience store in my office is 7/11, it could be a challenge to find something new for dinner and it can get a tad bit frustrating, especially now that prices have increased. I had to make sure that I try a new dish which is worth the price and this means it has to be filling and delicious at the same time. This meal did not disappoint.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GQ2pm-foods_productFri, 02 Sep 2022 14:41:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GQ2pm-foods_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wN4PA-living_food_chiba_shi_chibaWhen you want to go and see the beach whether you would like to go for a dip or just to witness the sunset and you live in Tokyo, the first thing that comes to mind would be to go to Shonan or Enoshima in Kanagawa Prefecture.Ever since I moved to Chiba a year ago, I have always checked options within my reach before I go farther from where I reside. I pay less for transportation and at the same time, I get to enjoy what this prefecture can offer without wasting much time sitting on the train to reach my destination.And in summer, Chiba still does not cease to surprise me. I was lucky enough to get a recommendation from my student about this beach somewhere close to Makuhari. So one of my holidays, I decided to head off and check out the sunset if it is indeed picturesque as how my student told me.I put the destination as Inage Seaside Park when using Google Maps and headed out to Inagekaigan Station. From the station, you can reach the seaside park on foot for about 25 minutes, but for those who are not into walking in this humid Japanese summer, then I suggest you take the bus just outside the train station. It would only cost you 168 yen and get off at 高浜南団地 (Takahama Minami Danchi) and from there you can reach the park after a 2-minute walk.As I wanted to feel the atmosphere of the area, I headed out on foot with some Burger King snacks in hand since I wasn't sure if I can find a place to buy food at the park. To my delight, the walk wasn't too bad since the sidewalk was wide. You can also pass by a Lawson on the way.There is a flower museum and even a glamping site (Small Planet Camp and Grill) within the park itself. I didn't get to visit the museum because all I ever wanted was to reach the beach before the sun sets.On the way to the beach, I was able to pass through the park!The place was wide enough for you to walk or run with your dogs or even play badminton or frisbee with your friends on a beautiful summer day!What I like about this beach, in particular, is that it has a park nearby and it's got this paved road which is really good for joggers and for those who want to rent bicycles and electric scooters to explore the area.And now for the best part, the beach does have decent sand and it's wide enough for you to socially distance yourself.Albeit the "No swimming" rule that greets you upon going to the beachside, I could still find some youngsters getting in for a dip after playing beach volleyball. It was such a place to relax on a humid day because the wind was just about right, blowing hard enough to dry my sweat and keep me feeling fresh.And alas, at 6:30 PM the sun decided to set and indeed it was a sight to behold. I just sat there as I ate my burger and appreciate the last remaining days of summer 2022. I had no regrets I didn't go somewhere else outside of Chiba prefecture just to experience such a sight.As a matter of fact, just two weeks later I decided to bring some of my friends to the place after my first visit. This time, we wanted to experience the beachside after the sun has set. Much to our surprise though, the atmosphere was way better than I have experienced!A bunch of people, from families to couples to high school students were present at the beach. They brought along some sparklers and lighted them up with glee! Another wonderful highlight of the evening was the fact that there was music blasting from a certain area stretching out to the sea as seen in the photo below.Music was on full blast as the open for all party was ongoing and I was in total awe after seeing this because it was something I would have never imagined on a public beach! First, the sparklers and now the loud music and partying...for free! It felt like I was transported back to my home country!It turns out that someone was celebrating her birthday party and decided to hold it there! I just thought we were so lucky! But our luck didn't end there because from afar we were able to see some fireworks display that lasted for about 20 minutes or so! Talk about a way to end summer, right?Unfortunately, the party ended around 8:00 PM but who was I to complain? I enjoyed almost 2 hours of free disco by the beach with me and my friends and ate watermelon which is a staple of Japanese summer.But for those who are keener on trying out food trucks, the Inage Seaside Park has them all lined up for you to choose from! There are food trucks that allow you to chill and sit on their wide and gorgeous chairs. And yes, alcohol is served!So yes, summer is not complete without going to the beach. But why go somewhere far, when there is one that is nearby that would definitely exceed your expectations?It surely exceeded mine and I can't wait to come and visit soon as long as the weather allows me to!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wN4PA-living_food_chiba_shi_chibaTue, 30 Aug 2022 16:58:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wN4PA-living_food_chiba_shi_chibahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/zKb0V-drink_productEvery now and then, convenience stores in Japan release new products at random. This happens especially every new season. In the middle of summer, I was so curious and nervous to try out something I always avoid buying at stores here in Japan and that is coconut juice. Will I buy it again next summer though? The answer would be yes!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/zKb0V-drink_productTue, 30 Aug 2022 13:45:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/zKb0V-drink_producthttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wZ6Ev-living_medical_health_chiyoda_ku_tokyoWhen COVID-19 hit, I was in the middle of getting all my wisdom teeth removed. The dental clinic that I went to was in Ningyocho and I was still living in Takadanobaba at that time. One day before my appointment, the clinic contacted me and informed me that the area around the clinic was prone to infection. It was so vague yet I somehow interpreted that someone at the clinic might have tested positive for COVID-19. Another downside to going there was that I had a suspicion the dentist that extracted my tooth smoked because I could smell cigarettes despite him wearing gloves during my treatment. I dislike the smell of cigarettes and I was nervous about the whole COVID-19 situation so I didn't go back to that place again after that.Two years passed and I was sure my teeth badly needed to be checked. So I asked my co-workers for a recommendation and I was introduced to Otemachi Place Dental Clinic. This clinic is located on the B1 floor of Otemachi Place East Tower. The nearest station would be Otemachi and the easiest exits if you are taking the Chiyoda Line would be C1-C3. As expected, my teeth needed help. With 4 cavities at hand, a much-needed cleaning and the final wisdom tooth extraction were in the works. However, I found out something I didn’t expect. It seems like due to stress or perhaps my endless love for meat, the dentist told me that I grind my teeth, medically known as bruxism.Hence, she ended up advising me to use a mouthguard. My co-worker had the same issue so I asked her for advice on whether she had difficulty adjusting to it. She assured me it was alright so I gave it a try. It comes with a case that I didn't get for free but if I am not mistaken, it was only ¥210.A few days ago, I finally picked up my mouthguard and it was surprisingly lighter and less bulky than I had originally expected. My hygienist explained how to take care of it in Japanese so it was a bit of a struggle but seeing her do her best to use English words was comforting despite all the awkward little giggles in between. So she told me to use denture cleaners which I had no idea about since I’ve never heard of them. She kept telling me “Poridento” (ポ リ デ ン ト) and that I could easily find it in pharmacies. Turns out, these are tablets that you use to prevent odor and bacteria that build up in mouthguards and dentures. Poridento” (ポ リ デ ン トThis one I got for about a little over ¥900 at Tomods and it has a total of 108 + 6 = 114 tablets. The mouthguard cost me ¥3,160 for getting my impressions in one visit and when I picked it up, I paid ¥3, 590 so the grand total would be ¥6,750. Note that I used my national insurance with all my treatments here so no wonder I didn’t pay much. Each sheet had 6 tabletsMy hygienist advised me to wear it every day when I sleep but also told me that if I couldn’t do that, I should wear it at least three times a week which was a huge relief.At the time of this writing, I have only worn it once and it wasn’t really that bad. As expected, it was uncomfortable. I had to listen to calming music before I could get settled with it. When I woke up, I even forgot I was wearing one. Time will only tell whether I can adjust to wearing it every night. However, all I know now is that I wouldn’t want more damage to my teeth so better keep up the maintenance. I also want to continue visiting my dentist every three months despite the recent surge in new COVID cases. This pandemic won’t stop me from taking care of my pearly whites!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wZ6Ev-living_medical_health_chiyoda_ku_tokyoMon, 31 Jan 2022 10:12:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wZ6Ev-living_medical_health_chiyoda_ku_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GO1j8-food_transportation_sapporo_shi_hokkaidoI have been living in Japan for 6 years now and every year I make sure I visit a hot spring. My love for hot springs is the only reason I haven't gotten a tattoo just yet. Although there are places where I could get away from the strict rules, I just want to avoid the hassle of covering them.After I hike, it is a must to visit a nearby hot spring to relieve the aching muscles and to relax. People around me say that the best time to visit hot springs is during winter and I couldn't agree more.After a year of postponing our trip to Hokkaido, my husband and I finally went a week ago. I had a blast, minus the flight cancellations that I experienced going back to Tokyo. And yes, I said cancellations, with an "S" because of the snowstorm.But despite the heavy snow, it didn't stop us from enjoying one of Sapporo's nearby onsen towns, Jozankei.Just a 55-minute bus ride from Sapporo Station (located below ESTA Building at Bus Stop 12), Jozankei is a lovely and quaint town that is worth visiting. Since it was supposed to be our last day in Hokkaido, we wanted to make the most out of what the town can offer.The earliest bus leaves at 10:00 AM but we got on the 11:00 AM one so we arrived around noon at Jozankei. The first thing we searched for was aRamen Karaku and found a small and cozy one just a few steps away from the bus stop that we got off at.Miso RamenSpicy Miso RamenAfter getting our fill of some delicious miso ramen, we paid a visit to a temple near the shop. This temple is called Iwato Kannondoand what's unique about it is that it is home to 33 statues of "kannon" also known as the goddess of mercy. These statues are placed in a cave that you can access behind the altar of the temple after dropping 300 yen as an entrance fee.Iwato KannondoAfter our visit to the temple, we decided to explore the area on foot. We originally wanted to go to Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei which is a few steps away from the temple for a dip but at the time we went, they were off-limits to non-staying guests so I recommend that you check in advance. The staff there was kind enough to recommend us to another hotel that offers day-trip hot spring visitors.So we wandered around dragging one suitcase with us because we couldn't find lockers around the area. As we explored, we couldn't help but feel mesmerized by all the white glory surrounding us. The mountains were wrapped in snow and it was still snowing as we roamed around.Perhaps we got so mesmerized by the beauty of the place or probably because as proper tourists, we ended up getting lost.Yet we were lucky enough to find a free foot bath along the way. The best thing about it is it was free! We soaked our weary feet in the "Taro-no-yu Footbath for Friendship". It wasn't my first time to experience free foot baths but what made this one special was the fact that I was surrounded by snow and I thought I appreciated the warmth in my feet more because of that.And if you visit a hot spring town, using the free foot bath is never enough. So while relaxing at the footbath, we searched for hotels in the area that offer a day trip visit. The search led us to Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione. You can reach this hotel after walking 4-5 minutes from the footbath area. You can also drop by Jozankei Shrine on your way there if that fancies you.Jozankei ShrineThe hotel charged us 1,100 yen per person (big and small towels included) to use their baths located on the third floor. Take note that we visited on a weekday so we were lucky enough to enjoy our baths more since it wasn't crowded at all. I could relax in the big baths by myself most of the time. It also has a small sauna which I enjoyed alone. There was also a shampoo counter where I could choose from different types of shampoo. Of course, I couldn't get a picture of that since using cameras are off-limits once you get in.Hotel LobbyBakery+Cafe located on the first floor of the hotel (next to the lobby)After our bath, we enjoyed more quiet time at the cafe on the first floor. You can also come out and enjoy a foot bath while eating but we were already satisfied so we decided to stay inside instead.The hotel also had a souvenir shop which was really convenient for those who are a bit pressed for time. After that, we decided to head back to Sapporo Station, but it was still snowing so we waited at the hotel. Luckily, there was a bus stop across the shrine just two minutes from the hotel.The bus that stops here will take you directly to Sapporo Station. You can pay by cash or you can use your IC Cards.As we head back, the snow kept pouring and we were starting to worry about the flight back to Tokyo. However, because we were so relaxed, it was more difficult to panic. Thanks to Jozankei, we felt like we ended our trip with a sense of peace and comfort which somehow prepared us for the stressful cancellations ahead. And no, I don't think I will be getting a tattoo soon.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GO1j8-food_transportation_sapporo_shi_hokkaidoThu, 20 Jan 2022 11:04:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GO1j8-food_transportation_sapporo_shi_hokkaidohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/MxWl2-living_shinjuku_ku_tokyoWhen the leaves start changing colors and then hitting the ground, our minds do not end up thinking about the winter that is about to come right after.We tend to enjoy this short period of time when the leaves look glorious despite the inevitable drop.For some odd reason, this is also that time of the year where I tend to think about my health more than ever compared to other seasons of the year. I believe that it's mainly because of the cold weather. Muscles tend to become stiffer and going out is such a bother.This year, I am taking the Japanese Language Test once again. It is such a stressful experience. All the studying whilst working full-time, using all sorts of apps just to make sure all those characters are imprinted in my mind can be so overwhelming that even after the leaves started changing colors, I could not pause and enjoy them.As I scroll down my social media timeline, I see that most people have been posting any signs of autumn that they could find. They have gone on trips here and there just to catch the leaves changing. I have to admit that it caused such pressure within me (which is always almost the case when you engage yourself in social media). However, I resisted this urge yet I was lucky enough to have gotten a chance to see the leaves without really seeing them intentionally. Here's how I did it along with a little bit of background on the side.I moved to Chiba in the middle of the year after living in the heart of Tokyo for two years. In my current neighborhood, the biggest park in the prefecture is only a 15-minute drive by bicycle. However, I really couldn't find the time to go there as much as I wanted to.When I lived in Tokyo, there was a park that was really close to my heart (and my apartment). This place is called Kansen-en Park. It is a small and quaint Japanese garden located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The garden covers an area of about 14,000 square meters. According to Wikipedia, it used to be the residence of the Shimizu family known to be one of the most prominent families during the Edo era.Last year, in the midst of the pandemic (well, we are technically still in the midst of it), I got engaged. My husband proposed to me in this garden. This garden made it a whole lot special to me. I used to visit this garden and eat lunch when I was working from home last year.As we moved to Chiba, my husband and I haven't had the chance to come back. However, a few days ago I had to take a Research Test at Waseda University which is located pretty close by. And that is how I ended up enjoying the leaves without really having any intention of doing it at all.I can thank the universe for making this happen. Synchronicities or not, my heart is full. I might not be fully ready for the test just yet and the anxiety is still very much there, but witnessing a bit of autumn is nothing but relieving. Mind you, I have failed the test once, but just like these autumn leaves turning green in spring after winter, I will take the test as many times as I need to until I see that green mark!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/MxWl2-living_shinjuku_ku_tokyoSat, 27 Nov 2021 07:51:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/MxWl2-living_shinjuku_ku_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/w5ZEX-foodI was bummed after my partner and I decided to cancel our trip to Hokkaido last December. We are still waiting for our refund and it may take months before we get it, which is another reason to be sulking.However, one day as I went on my daily hunt at the 7/11 convenience store near my office, something caught my eye. Mind you, I always go for the cafe latte at 7/11, but I gave it up on that day because of this Shiroi Koibito (白い恋人, literally "white lover") White Chocolate Drink!I was thinking how crazy and exciting it was to have one of my favorite snacks in Japan transformed into a drink! For only 170 yen with tax, you can get to enjoy the sweetness of Shiroi Koibito. To be honest, it was too sweet for my liking but it did make me feel as if I was in Sapporo which is where the Shiroi Koibito is manufactured and sold by Ishiya Co., Ltd.I hope you will also get the chance to try this drink since I know most convenience stores don't really sell these special drinks for a long time!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/w5ZEX-foodSat, 20 Feb 2021 11:34:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/w5ZEX-foodhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/Gy6nb-living_badexperiences_tokyoOne day, it just dawned on me. I was becoming a stranger to myself. I was walking on my way to my workplace and I was in a hurry just like most days and just like how most people in Tokyo are. You know those times when you want to soak up all the sun and walk as slowly as you can to remind you that you’re alive? I couldn’t do it on that day.But as I happened to pass by a bus stop, an old lady got off and fell flat on her face. I’m not one for theatrics but I’m pretty sure surprise was painted all over my face. What was more surprising though was not the fact that the old woman fell, but my reaction to it. I just stood there and paused for a couple of seconds mentally arguing whether or not to help out immediately. I waited for others to help her out instead.I’m not sure if this only happened to me or if you’ve had that dilemma before. I’m pretty sure that if that happened where I come from, which is the Philippines, I would jump right up to help an old woman, a kid or anyone, unless it’s a dog that is willing to bite me right then and there, without an ounce of hesitation. And I got scared instead. I got scared that I might step on the social boundaries woven invisibly in Japanese society. It was weird and foreign and I just suddenly didn’t know myself at that point. The fact that I hesitated to do a good thing was very scary. I knew that it wasn’t in my nature to not help. There were other people around her who also slowed down a bit before finally helping her get up. Her glasses were shattered into pieces and while the other two Japanese helped her get up, I decided to come closer and take the umbrella that flew near her and gave it to the man who was already helping her sit down on a nearby bench.To tell you honestly, I've never been so scared of old people in all my life than I ever did in Japan. I remember going to a public bath house during the first few months here. I was dumb enough not to know the local rules so I ended up getting my long hair in the water. Then, here comes this grandma who yelled at me in Japanese. I had no idea what it was all about but a couple of months later, I figured out the reason. So at this point, every time I go to a public bath house, I never not tip toe and take care about any social mistakes I might commit. It's a lot scarier than making a mistake in an examination, I tell you. I'm not evenexaggerating. It gave me chills down my spine and that’s probably because I wasn’t used to getting shoutout at or that I didn’t expect to be shouted at for an honest mistake I’ve committed in a foreign land.And when I try to assess the behavior I have shown when the old lady from the bus fell down, I realized that I am scared of getting shunned again for making a move. A move that might even help someone in a tough situation. I hated myself for it. I remembered all these news stories that have been coming out of the tube where people don't know what's going on with their neighbors.I admire the privacy that Japanese people give others. I believe that it's important to always consider others before taking an action. Japanese society has that and it has resulted in a very organized and harmonized place. However, it can also have its dark repercussions.From that moment, I told myself that I'm going to try my best not to doubt myself, especially when it comes to helping others. That's how I was brought up and that's how I want to continue on living, be it in Japan or in another part of the world that I might be in, and I hope you feel the same way, too.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/Gy6nb-living_badexperiences_tokyoFri, 12 Oct 2018 17:53:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/Gy6nb-living_badexperiences_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GBgkn-living_food_shopping_galleries_kamakura_shi_kanagawaHumidity levels soaring high making you kind of want skip autumn and just go straight to winter.Yes, July is my favorite month of the year and I adore summer out of all the seasons. It's not difficult to do so if you were born in a tropical country, yeah?However, the past few weeks have been such a drag with all heat that we’ve been getting all over the country. A few steps outside and you would feel your sweat dripping. That is not a very pleasant feeling, right? We’ve all been there.So what is the best thing to do when the country you’re currently residing in puts “Ocean Day” in the calendar in summer?Of course, you hit the beach. But, what if you live in the East Side of Tokyo? But, what if it would be too hot and I’d end up getting heat stroke? But, what if you stop asking all these questions and just head out?That’s exactly what my friends and I decided to do on Ocean Day. Although at first we really didn’t have any idea which beach to go to and how to spend the rest of the hours after. Well, luckily we all managed to do just fine.For those who don’t know, if you live in Tokyo, you can either decide to go to the neighboring prefectures, Chiba and Kanagawa to see the ocean. We chose to go to Kanagawa since it’s near Kamakura and one of my friends haven’t been there.I have been to Yuigahama and Kamakura Beach in the past and despite the crows trying to get a share of your food and the crowded and less attractive beaches compared to that of home (Philippines), you just embrace everything that is given in front of you if you truly love the ocean.What we truly wanted was just a dip in the sea, hear the waves and to chill after working on the weekend. We ended up making a choice between Shichirigahama and Inamuragasaki Beaches in Kanagawa Prefecture. ( I know, the names are quite long.)For no specific reason, we chose to hit Inamuragasaki carrying with us a rather low expectation. It took almost two hours from the East Part of Tokyo to reach Kamakura. If you haven’t been there, remember that you can stroll your way to the different beaches from the train station. However, I would recommend you to try the Enoden Train. It’s this old-school train which is usually crowded but would efficiently take you to the coastal parts of Kanagawa.Just a few minutes from Inamuragasaki Station, you can find a 7-Eleven. I recommend you to drop by for some refreshments since there aren’t a lot of shops near the beach. After our short shopping spree, we head out to the beach. I think the best part of this beach is that it’s accessibility from the station. After a few minutes, you can witness this scene below.I suggest you to go there before noon so you can grab a perfect spot for your tent and to avoid the crown (not that there it was really crowded though). We set up our tent and started eating our snacks/lunch. One important thing to take note though, there are no lifeguards around the area since it’s not really a place recommended for swimming. Surfers dominate the area so if you wish to go swimming, avoid this beach. As for us, we were just satisfied dipping into the cool waters and had a blast waiting for waves to hit our backs by the shore. Another downside is that, unlike other beaches in Kanagawa, this one didn’t have an area where you can take a shower.Yes. You got that right. We ended up staying salty all day.Oh, and remember when I told you to come here earlier? Well, there’s a reason for that. Kamakura has tons of stuff to offer so going to the beach is not the only thing you can do satisfy your wanderlust.After taking a nap by the beach, we decided to head out and go wiped ourselves with towels since there weren’t any showers around. And what’s the best way to enjoy Kamakura?Drop by Kotoku-in Temple.As it was my second time going there, I served as the awesome and trustworthy guide to my friend. I hope you see my sarcasm in this. Once we’ve reached Kamakura Station, we decided to go for the Big Buddha. How to go there? Ask the friendly bus staff sitting nearby the bus terminal. Don’t fret, they can speak a bit of English. We hopped into the bus with the number mentioned by the staff and reached the temple in no time.Admission Hours:April- September: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.October- March: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Price:General Admission (13-above) : 200 yenStudents (6-12): 150 yenOnce you have done your meditation, you can now leave the premises and wander around the area. If you took the bus on the way to the temple, I would highly recommend you not to do so when you’re heading back. Although the walk is going to take a good 20-minute one or so, it is all worth it and scroll down to know why.To refresh your brains on a very humid day in Kamakura, you should these homemade popsicles!Although it was my second time in the area, I never really paid much attention to the shops but this time, it was a different story. You HAVE to stop by these place! So worth your 100 yen!And that's all it takes folks! Enjoy the summer heat! Stay salty and hydrated!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GBgkn-living_food_shopping_galleries_kamakura_shi_kanagawaWed, 08 Aug 2018 16:36:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GBgkn-living_food_shopping_galleries_kamakura_shi_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GQbjq-food_transportation_hakone_machi_kanagawaSeeing the beautiful Mt. Fuji as we passed by Odawara by the Romance Car. I've been living in Japan for more than two years and I have a number of Japanese friends. It's not a long time, but with all the talks I've had with my friends, I've gathered a lot of information as to where or how to reach places in the most convenient way. Car rentals, bullet train or booking an LCC flight ( Low cost carrier ) are a few of the ones that they have recommended. If you search online, there are a lot of blogs that tell you where to go and buy tickets. Again, I have to tell you that I've been to many places in Japan. Some places are typical tourist spots. I've climbed Mt. Fuji in the summer of 2016. I've been to Kyoto and Osaka. I've slept at Yoyogi Park during the "hanabi" season. But surprisingly, I've never been to Hakone! Well, not until a few weeks ago to be precise. As a hot spring fanatic like me, it is a sin not to visit Hakone for its hot springs. I've been to Nasu in Tochigi and Ito in Izumo but Hakone was not just in my list before. The reason for this is probably because most of the people I know have been there and it's so hard to drag them along because they're too busy with their jobs and all. However, I was finally able to invite my two co-workers to go there with me. I volunteered to make the itinerary since it's kind of entertaining to make such things. However, before I made the itinerary, I had to make sure to get the tickets and reservations needed for the trip. I know about the Romance Car by Odakyu. But I didn't know how to book a round-trip ticket. I thought at first that it was only for tourists wanting to travel in Japan and I'm currently a resident. The odds were on my favor of course. All I had to do was check online and typed Odakyu Romance Car and I found their website pretty easily. The website offers day trips, two-day and three-day trips to locations such as Hakone, Enoshima, Yamanashi and so on. I was even able to choose the option of adding a Free Pass ( a pass that allows you to move around Hakone with different modes of transportation for free all from the same company). Please do not be fooled, it's not free. For a Free Pass valid for two days, you will pay 3, 200 yen which is something I really recommend since you'll be saving some money if you do so. I've been more curious about the Romance Car ever since I've heard of it from my friends. Is it solely for lovers and couples or what? What's in the name? I checked online and the explanation as to what the website said was pretty vague. It mainly mentioned that it's a name coined to attract travelers to a convenient way of traveling.Hakone Ropeway: Included in the Free PassWaiting playfully for the cable car that will take us to Sounzan Station. I have to say it's pretty catchy! I have to admit too, that I wanted to go to Hakone just to see how a Romance Car looks like. So I booked a round trip ticket for me and my friends and included a hotel accommodation and the Free Pass and paid a total of 20,900 yen for a two day and one night trip to Hakone.Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Also included in the Free Pass) I had trouble booking at first since I didn't have a credit card and it says on their website that I have to have one. I lost hope for a little bit but tried my luck again by sending an e-mail to Odakyu Travel. If you happen to have the same issue like me, do not fret since what I did totally worked! They replied two hours later and told me that I can pay through a convenience store of my choice which was what I did later on. I finally booked the ticket and the day of taking the Romance Car came. I printed the itinerary sent by the company and showed it to the Tourist Center at Shinjuku Station. I expected to just claim tickets and hotel vouchers and the Free Pass, but the staff organized a travel kit with the timetables, tips and guidelines as well as the recommended autumn leaves viewing spots in Hakone! I was super impressed! And as for the Romance Car, it wasn't necessarily romantic at all, but it was very comfortable and cozy enough. It has toilets and departed the station on time as well. For those who don't have time to buy food before your trips, there's no need to worry because they offer snacks inside the train. I personally recommend the coffee and the snacks that I will be posting below for only 500 yen! If ever you're in doubt about taking the Romance Car because it might sound like a funny name to you, please don't mind the name and just get on with it. It's all going to be worth it. If you have your loved on with you, the travel is all going to be romantic!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GQbjq-food_transportation_hakone_machi_kanagawaMon, 04 Dec 2017 17:14:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GQbjq-food_transportation_hakone_machi_kanagawahttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wrmRG-living_tokyoI grew up near the beach in a tropical country. When I moved here, I almost gave up on seeking new adventures with water. I was already aware that Japan doesn't have the pristine white beaches (except Okinawa and a few islands) we had back home in the Philippines.However, that was a year ago and with that amount of time that passed, I happen to prove myself wrong. And since we are celebrating Ocean Day pretty soon! Let me share to you some of the awesome places that I have been to for more than a year of being here in the Land of the Rising Sun.Let's begin with the one that I recently visited.SARUSHIMA Working as an English teacher here in Japan could be tiring. And I am that soul that begs to get out of the city every now and then. Luckily, I have this awesome housemate that would keep on bugging me to do the same whenever we share the same day-off. One day, she told me we were going to this place called Sarushima in Yokosuka. The island can be reached by a ferry from a port in Yokosuka for 15 minutes. I recommend you to bring your own snacks and enjoy them in the picnic area of the island.2. YUIGAHAMAI recommend you to buy beer from a nearby convenience store and chill at Yuigahama if you happen to visit Kamakura. Just a walking distance from the station, you will enjoy watching surfers or you can also enjoy a quick dip yourself! Please don't focus your attention to my feet. The beer would love some love though.3. KOJUKURIBefore last year's summer ended, I was lucky enough to have a road trip to Chiba with my friends. We headed out to Chiba for a beach picnic but ended up having a free paramotor session instead! Talk about lucky, right? We got to see the awesome view of the beach from above and below! I wasn't able to take a good picture while I was flying so let's just say, "Mottainai".4. OKUTAMA ( TAMA RIVER)I got hooked to camping and hiking here in Japan. I was basically a beach gal and a couch potato back at home. But how could I just sit still and stay home if Japan offers a lot!Uhm, obviously I couldn't find a good photo of the river but if you trust me, it was cold enough to have our beer bottles in perfect condition before we consumed them! Camping by the river was definitely a must in summer!5. OARAI BEACH - IBARAKIWe tried to learn how to surf here last year, but the waves were crazily strong so we had to end up swimming. Or should I say, being pushed by the waves as if our lives didn't matter.I have more places to share but I will save it for my next blog! For now, I hope everyone will stay hydrated in this crazy humid summer!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wrmRG-living_tokyoSun, 16 Jul 2017 13:30:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wrmRG-living_tokyohttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/MJ62M-living_tokyo_setagaya-kuSpending my weekday days-off is a difficult task especially because I can’t just drag someone I know and hang out with that person. So, what would I do to keep myself entertained? I’d take my camera with me and go somewhere different without having to spend a lot or perhaps nothing at all.THE ENTRANCE OF THE VALLEY NEAR TODOROKI STATION.For those who live in Komazawa like I do, going to Todoroki Valley is your best option to escape city life. If you like trees, hiking and breathing a different kind of air, then this place is a must. It’s also a good point that there is a temple/shrine (not really sure about this one though) at the end of your hike.If you are someone who doesn’t like to travel by yourself, then you better brace yourself because if your day-off falls on a weekday like I do, as I’ve mentioned earlier, your only option would be to go out alone. Expect a lot of self-talk, monologues and the like. I felt like I was talking to my camera the whole time. Surprisingly, it was fun. It was liberating.I ended my short trip with a short walk to Futako-Tamagawa and I would recommend you to walk by the river so you could witness the beautiful sunset. I was surprised to see a lot of people who were at the park near Rise in Futako-Tamagawa just to wait for the sunset. So I did what they did and sat down on the chairs near the Starbucks coffee shop and enjoyed the different colors dancing in front of me. When it comes to self-travel, I still have a lot of learn, but I am curious. I am more curious about myself and the way I think and going to Todoroki Valley opened this door of curiosity. I hope you’ll never fear to travel by yourself, too.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/MJ62M-living_tokyo_setagaya-kuTue, 06 Dec 2016 17:43:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/MJ62M-living_tokyo_setagaya-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/weLJG-living_medical_tokyo_shibuya-kuI worked as an English teacher online for almost three years before and after that, I had a short stint as a web content writer. And that my friend, is how you ruin your eyesight.I’ve had three pairs of eyeglasses already with different grades for each since I was born to be stubborn. I only used them when I needed to. I didn’t fancy the idea of something being placed on my face, but I know I had to.Here are some of the frames that they offer.Before leaving the Philippines, I had to do an eye check-up and I learned that I have a severe case of nearsightedness. The doctor told me I had to wear my glasses all the time. And I decided to do so..in the first few days after having them.So I came to Japan fully-prepared being a four-eyed human being. However, a month ago my mind just went blank and I couldn’t remember where I placed them. And don’t start telling me about contact lenses.Ever since I saw my college classmate struggled placing those lens on one of her eyes, I cannot fathom the idea of putting them on my own eyes. However, I want to try to use them in the future, as awful as it seems to be, at least for me and my weird self. As I’ve said, I lost my glasses and it feels bad not being able to see everything well from afar. Back in the Philippines, I have experienced taking the wrong public transport because I would often not wear my glasses. In Japan, I want to prevent it from happening so after a month of parting ways with my third pair I finally went to this optician in Shibuya. One of my students recommended me this shop called Jin’s. I chose to visit the one located on the third floor of the Lumine Man building on Meiji-dori.Luckily, a foreigner works in that branch so I did not struggle when it comes to communicating with the staff. My Japanese is terrible and it’s difficult to know the English speaking ability of the Japanese staff, so props to the company for having a foreigner-friendly branch.The cheapest frames cost 4900 Yen excluding tax and they already come with the lenses. Others range from 6900 - 9900 Yen. If you want to attach the special lens then you need to add 4000 yen to the price of the frames that you have chosen. The service was pretty fast although I did not expect the place to be busy at around 8 - 9 PM. I went back for my glasses the next day because I didn’t want to wait. Overall, I would say that this pair is actually a lot better than my previous ones. Cleaning it is easy and it’s light so it’s not that much of a hassle to wear it. They have magazines on the corner for the bored souls.Ah, but the best thing of them all? After a month of being blind, I couldn’t contain my happiness of finally seeing everything clearly again. I can avoid getting lost and I can do people watching again. Oh, well. Goodness me! So if you have problems with your second set of eyes, then I recommend you to check out Jin’s. See you guys in my next blog!Here's my new baby with my favorite coffee.Here’s a link of their website if you want to check out their locations and frame designs.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/weLJG-living_medical_tokyo_shibuya-kuSat, 01 Oct 2016 13:21:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/weLJG-living_medical_tokyo_shibuya-kuhttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GWoQG-living_transportation_kanagawa_zushi-shiI was lying on my bed feeling all comfy and mushy thanks to the cold weather brought about by the rain when my roommateNice woke me up. A typical scene in the morning although I have a very annoying alarm passed on by a Korean housemate. I bet it also annoyed the hell out of him.The view from the deck. Reminds me of Angkor Wat. No, never been there.So, I remembered that we planned to go somewhere in Kanagawa so I pulled myself up which was not an easy thing to do by the way. All I knew was that we were going to see a giant Buddha sculpted on a big wall near Kamakura (our favorite spot; been there thrice) and do a little hiking. Nice sent me a link and because I was very busy I wasn't able to dissect all its contents. That day, there was no sign of the rain stopping but we pushed through with our plan. Despite the warnings of a typhoon coming to Japan, we thought that it would be better to do something than get stuck in the house the whole day given the fact that we had to go to work again the day after which is obviously not a pretty sight.Pretending to be cool kids.A holiday in the middle of the week ain’t a bad thing as long as the weather’s all fine and dandy. However,life just brings out somebeautifully wrapped surprises from time to time.It turned out to be one of the most “fun-tastic” trips that we’ve ever had here in Japan.We started our trip by taking a train to Yokohama using the Tokyu - Toyoko Linefrom Shibuya and transferred to the Yokusuka Line heading to Jimuji Station. As we got off the train, the rain started pouring hard and we decided to put on our trusted 500-yen raincoats that we bought from Lawson.We headed off toward our destination and followed Google Maps. Well, as for me a lazy traveler, naturally Nice was the navigator. I was basically the entertainer? Nah.So she said based on her online research, we will find a temple before we see the Buddha Wall. Unfortunately, as we started to follow the hiking trail, we realized that Google Maps didn’t work (obviously) so we just followed the trail.The signs were not written in Englishbut we just continued our journey. There were some signs with numbers on them but we were not sure exactly where we were heading.Signs.More signs.As for me, I enjoyed the lush green trees and since it was raining, water was flowing on the trail. I am a water baby so I really didn’t mind the rain as I hiked. As we went further, we passed by the temple but no sign of the Buddha at all.We hiked a little more and this time, we had to climb some hills here and there. We assumed that were already getting closer to the end of the trail. However, there was no sign of any big walls. Despite all the suspicion of us probably getting lost, we couldn’t miss the chance appreciating the beauty of the rocks, trees and the view that we saw along the way.We even joked that we might end up on top of the Buddha because we were just climbing higher and higher. We passed by areas with electrical towers, too. As we continued our journey, we passed by this beautiful cliff and decided to stop by to enjoy the view despite the foggy sky. After that, we decided to move a bit further and when I saw this big wall in front of me, I ran to it while calling Nice’s name. And I was like, “Here it is! We’re finally here!”.Much to my surprise, there was no Buddha behind the wall. NICE!However, the area that we discovered was still awesome. It turned out to be a place where rock climbers often visit. There was even a small area where we ate our lunch, a restroom and a vending machine. We had to drink cold coffee though. We met the caretaker and it was really nice of him to speak to us in straight Japanese (my brain cells gradually dying at that moment). Kidding aside, it was really sweet of him to say that he felt sorry for us because we went there when the weather was not nice. It made me feel so warm inside. Ah, and I realized again how amazing these old countryside folks are.We asked him if he knew where the Buddha was and luckily, he said that we just had to hike a few more steps and we’ll definitely find it. And so he left us with a warm goodbye and we had our lunch. It was still raining and we felt so cold because of our damp clothes. I already felt like my raincoat was about wet from the inside as well. We headed out to find the Buddha and the idea of not really knowing where it was located excited me so much. Add the threat of seeing spider webs (I am not a big fan of arachnids.) all over the area and you can just imagine all sorts of feelings I had inside. And as we head out with our bags we wanted to take a risk we then took a different trail and on the end of that trail, we finally met the Buddha on the Wall!And when I recalled this whole experience to some of my students, I was surprised to know that most of them didn’t know the place that I visited. It made me happy finding some kind of a secret place on a day with terrible weather. It made me realize that sunny days do not assure good times. The rainy days can be really good if not, better than the sunny days. And that night, I got a call from a friend and we talked about how things will definitely get better. We can start slow like the way I had to drag myself out from bed in the morning and end up feeling oh so ecstatic on a gloomy day. You and I, we just got to believe in ourselves and what our beautiful world has to offer so get out of there and find your happiness.To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GWoQG-living_transportation_kanagawa_zushi-shiSat, 24 Sep 2016 19:00:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/GWoQG-living_transportation_kanagawa_zushi-shihttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wrNgw-living_transportation_tokyo_hachioji-shiFor as long as the world won’t stop, I swear not to stand still. I’ll twist my hair when it gets too warm and feel every drip of sweat that comes with it. The rain will dampen every inch of me, but I will keep on whispering as its drops make music to fill my ears. The smell of life and all its glorious atrocities and its beautiful surprises. "Generally, these sculptures are called Dosojin, protector of travelers and pedestrians. "Funny how twenty-six years have passed and I still feel like a little kid inside. It’s such a joke trying to be an adult. It was always a struggle. I thought coming here would seal the deal. It was like, “Hey, you’re going away. Welcome to the adult club!”. Nope. It was more of like, “Hey, silly. Live and learn and learn some more.”Trail 6 was a good choice.Every single day, I find a piece of a puzzle. A puzzle that I was always trying to complete for I have always believed that I needed a purpose. Now, I know it doesn’t have to be a requirement to find that purpose for us to find a direction in life. Jeez, that’s tiring. What if you end up not finding that purpose and realize that all you did in life is trying to find it. Green DayI just appreciate every puzzle piece that I come across. A new song that makes me bust some moves, that silly commercial on that huge electronic billboard, my glasses confirming how scared I am of spiders, the limited edition Coke bottle, the old man asking me if I was okay as I was panting like crazy, having dinner with a new found friend on my birthday. Some of the pieces I have collected for the past few days. I’ll keep them all in there. They don’t have to match each other. They’re just there and I’ll wait until they pull some strings. They all matter to me. The Panting Monster greeting other hikers.I take pride in how my parents have showed me a small part of the world which holds the biggest portion of my heart. ( Please excuse me for just spitting out random verses. My brain is a commotion. Kisses to you. )Stairs are inspiring. Not.Love, Family, Friends. I love you from my bones to its marrows. Thank you to all who have given me pieces of your lives, may it be good or not. Yep, you’re all a part of this 26-year old human being.Worst part of solo travel? Taking my own picture. The best? No need to pose awkwardly. But here? Still awkward.Oh and I traveled by myself on my birthday! A first of hopefully more solo strikes and misses. I still don’t feel like an adult by traveling solo and I think I don’t have to be. The so-called cool feet shots. Uncool and cool. Nah.I’ve always feared of walking the path alone because I thought it was scary and I thought I would just end up with a dry mouth ( I managed to talk to myself for almost half of the short hike though. if you’ll ask) . But I did it on my 26th and my heart was just about to burst. Nope, it wasn’t because I had to drag myself on this hiking expedition and got too tired ( I am obviously exaggerating things, am I not? ), but because I am happy I did something that I thought I could never do because I have set borders upon myself for I thought it wasn’t my purpose- you know, traveling by myself. But yeah, I did it and you can, too!Was not tired. Was not sleepy. I just tried to fool myself. It worked!Okay, me want to have a bit of a shut-eye now and think of ice cream and elephants as I sleep. All I want to say is that don’t stay still, walk the earth and share your love.I heart you.Fog watching with my new friend, Maz!To view the full contents of this page visit www.city-cost.comPostshttps://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wrNgw-living_transportation_tokyo_hachioji-shiSun, 18 Sep 2016 23:39:00 +0900https://www.city-cost.comhttps://www.city-cost.com/blogs/booyeahricecooker/wrNgw-living_transportation_tokyo_hachioji-shi