Where are the bins?!?
by On12uka
As some of you may have noticed, there seem to be a lack of bins on the city streets,and yet all the steets are clean! So you are left wondering what to do with your rubbish/trash as you don't want to drop it on the nice clean floor and you don't want to carry it all day with you...
Answer is you will always find bins outside stores like Lawson and Seven Eleven. You will also find them in nearly all the train stations on the platforms. Just remember to be good and throw your rubbish in the correct bin. They are seperated for cumbustable, and non combustable, and also cans and plastic bottles. So, don't be a litter-bug and be a little greener in your travels.
“Omamori” Japanese lucky charm (amulets)
by Avya
The lucky charms in Japan can usually only be obtained at the shrines.
They are usually categorized by the area of your wish such as “prosperous business”, “successful study”, “well-being of family”, "ward of evil" “fulfillment of love or wish for finding a partner”, etc.
The small shrine in Ueno park charges 700 yen per charm whereas the bigger shrines like Meiji-Jingu Shrine charges 800 yen per charm.
I was fascinated by how they look and i was touching each one of them but I later regretted it coz I think they didn't like me touching so many of the charms. I accidentally dropped one of the charms and put it back hastily and the lady quickly took the charm that I dropped, went to the back, did some cleansing ritual on it (I think) and put it back on the display. She wasn't smiling.
I felt bad... but oh well... I didn't know!
This red charm in the picture was the the one I bought for my sister, she requested for it!
Tokyo Tip
by rmiya84778
Motorcycle Shopping Mall. There is one street in Tokyo, Ueno district where many motorcycle shops are located all conviently within walking distance of each other. In Japan, the motorcycle Industry is declining each year as far as overall sales. You think in Japan this would not happen for this where all the major manufactors are located. Still you can find all the latest and newest gadgets, custom accessories and exotic machines not available anywhere else.
Japanese Beers
by machomikemd
The Dutch brought beer to Japan when they established beer halls for their sailors. Later, the Germans brought their beer and cemented its popularity. The Japanese started brewing their own version of beer shortly after the Meiji Era. A lot of Japanese people brew their own beer, and Japan also has three major breweries. The three breweries are Sapporo, Asahi and Kirin. The main product of all three companies is a lager beer. The available brands of Japanese beer include: Asahi Super Dry, Asahi Black, Asahi Hon-nama (happoshu), Kirin Lager Beer, Kirin Ichiban Shibori, Kirin Tanrei (happoshu), Sapporo Black Label, Sapporo Yebisu, Hokkaido Nama-shibori (happoshu), Suntory Malt's, Suntory Super Magnum Dry (happoshu), Orion Draft Beer and Orion Special. Beers are very popular in japan that everywhere you go you can find it. it is cheapest to buy at konbinis or supermarkets as a 500 ml can (yes the minumum is 500 ml instead of the average 330 ml) is 170 yen. If you find yourself fortunate enough to have a Japanese beer while visiting Japan, be sure to follow custom. For example, it is considered customary when drinking with a friend or colleague to pour some of your beer for them first. It is also customary to socialize with friends or colleagues in one of Japan’s many outdoor beer gardens.
Out of the ordinary architecture
by ChuckG
Being a fain of architecture, i was amazed throughout my trip at how Japanese don't hesitate to build very big flashy things. One good example is in the picture below. Not to design or modern but you can't miss it ! Makes me hungry for bread just looking at the guy !
order
I wanted to buy them all!
The shops leading up to the Temple
Set 4
