Meeting capybaras was one of the things I had wanted to do after seeing them for the first time during our visit to the Hell Onsens in Beppu. So when I learned that there is a capybara onsen and a petting zoo where you can meet them up close at the Izu Shaboten Zoo, I had to make a side trip to this place!

Who would’ve thought you could get Japanese rice wine from sake vending machines in Tokyo? Yes, you read that right. A vending machine where you just pop in your change, select the sake of your choice and voilà, your cup is filled with delicious sake. In this post, I’ll tell you what kind of sake is available, how to use the sake vending machines and where you can find this little gem. With 30 different sake to choose from, this is one unique and fun experience that I’d highly recommend for all sake lovers.

2018 marks the 30th anniversary of Final Fantasy (FF) and they held a special exhibition at the Mori Art Center Gallery in Roppongi Hills, Tokyo. Titled “別れの物語展” (Memories of You), the Final Fantasy 30th Anniversary Exhibition recaps all the FF series most memorable parting moments starting from their very first game. Here’s a recap of my experience at this exhibition that brought tears to my eyes.

On Fridays to Sundays, the Karato Market (唐戸市場) will host a Sushi Battle event. During this period, participating fish stalls will sell sushi and other edibles that they in the market area. Wanting to experience this event, I made sure to schedule our visit to the fish market during the weekend on our Northern Kyushu trip.