"It is important to travel to make more memories. Countries have politics and war, but us people, we can be friends. That is why I open my house to foreign visitors, to show this and to make friends from all over the world." YuTaka Ueno - retired mechanical engineer & founder of Taka Homecoing Japanese culture experience in Tokyo.

I'm so glad that of all the Japanese cultural experiences to choose from in Tokyo, I chose Taka Homecoming. It was a privilege and an honour to be welcomed to the home of Taka and Keiko. They graciously and patiently taught and demonstrated true Japanese culture to me, one-to-one for over 5 hrs.

I learnt how to make udon noodles, sushi and tempura from scratch. How to make a meal of it and how to eat slowly and correctly, enjoying every moment. I was also taught how to fold an origami crane, a symbol of love and piece and how to write our names in calligraphy.

I left with a bag full of keepsakes, gifts for my family and two new friends. I am proud to part of Team Taka and that my photo is now on their wall of visitors. As their first South African guest, they were excited to put a pin onto that part of their world map for the first time.

It's a family-friendly experience. They love kids, so don't be shy to take the family to meet Taka and Keiko.

It was an unforgettable experience im Tokyo and I think everyone should make this one of the first things they do in Tokyo.

👉His website is called homecoming-taka dot com. Tell him Lindsy from familytravelexplore (or the South African) sent you.

#thingstodointokyo #takahomecoming #thetakaway #thejapaneseway #takahomecomingexperience #japaneseculture #lovejapan
#travelhighlights #unforgettablemoments #learnaboutculture #howtomakesushi #learntomakesushiwithjapanesemaster #learncalligraphy #howtomakeudon #learnorigami #origamicrane #familytravelexplore #familytravel #travelblog #traveltribe @ Omari

Tonight's entertainment in Kenda,Tokyo: Patchinko and Karaoke

Patchinko originated in Japan and is similar to western slot machines. Gambling is illegal in Japan but the people are obsessed with gaming, so Patchinko fills that gap. It's loud, it's bright and you don't know what's happening most of the time, but when one of the little silver balls fall into the right hole and the weels spin, it's fun.

Karaoke here is a bit different to what we're used to. Your group is assigned a private room where you sing, eat and drink to your hearts content. Less people around so it's less embarrassing for me this way 😊 I can't sing to save my life, but it was fun and the others did great!

In Japan, people smoke inside restaurants and public places, while it's illegal to smoke in the streets, unless you're in an outside designated smoking area. As non-smokers, we're surprised everytime someone lights up next to us at dinner. We had to request a non-smoking karaoke booth at Big Echo. Strange, isn't it?

#japaneseculture #japanholiday #japanesekaraoke #bigecho🎤 #bigechokanda #kandatokyo #patchinko #japaneseentertainment #funinjapan #familytravelexplore @ Kanda, Tokyo

That was fun!

✔Completed training about Antigua & Barbuda

🏖It's basically the perfect travel destination in the Caribbean for all types of travelers.

Ask me to quote 👌

#travel #antiguaandbarbuda #caribbeanislands

Traditional Japanese Rickshaw tour of Asakusa district in Tokyo was the most fun I've had so far.. Highly recommended! Our guide, Hiro, was fabulous. Asakusa is full of traditional market stalls, shopping areas and iconic buildings. Very touristy and busy area.

Hiro showed us the Asakusa Japanese stand-up comedy theatre and explained the culture behind it. During the 45 minute tour, we were mostly in stitches because naturally he demonstrated it throughout the journey.

The Geisha district and central headquarters plus an explanation about the culture and history was interesting. To be a Geisha girls must train for 5 years. It's a highly respected occupation where girls become educated talented and artistic entertainers, working long hours.

Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and leads to the Nakamise shopping street where you get traditional Japanese gifts and street food.

There's so much to see and do here it's quite overwhelming, but Asakusa is a place you can't skip if you're in Tokyo.

@ebisuya_rickshaw
#japaneseculture #asakusatempletokyo #sensojitemple #nakamisestreet #tokyostreets #visitjapan #ebisuyaasakusa #ebisuyarickshaw #familytravelexplore @ Asakusa, Tokyo