Time Article About Tokyo: 10 Things to Do

Headed for Tokyo anytime soon? Even if you're not, be sure to check out this article from Time about 10 Things to Do in Tokyo.

What do you think of the list? Would you agree with their choices? Have you ever done any of these?

If You're Not Ready for Genuine Japanese Recipes

If you're not quite ready to try authentic Japanese recipes, why not try some of these Japanese-inspired recipes instead?

• Pumpkin Mochi
• Ramen Burger
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Sushi Rolls
• Receta del Sushi Caribeno (Caribeno Sushi Recipe)
• Grilled Teriyaki Corn-on-the-Cob
• Japanese Inspired Quinoa
• Grilled Beef-Tenderloin Skewers with Red-Miso Glaze
• Japanese-Style Hamburger (Hambaagu or Hambaagaa)
• Fish Teriyaki with Sweet-and-Sour Cucumbers
• Wasabi Flank Steak and Miso-Glazed Potatoes
• Japanese-Inspired Pot Roast

Would you try any of these? Do you enjoy genuine Japanese cuisine?

Is Japan Cool?

I wanted to share this website with you guys: Is Japan Cool?

The website features photos and descriptions of popular things in Japan, and you get to vote on those things and decide what's cool and what's not. It's kind of a fun, quick way to learn about a wide variety of Japanese happenings and culture. :)

The categories include Discover, Cosplay, Tokyo, Okinawa, Kawaii, Ramen, Dreams, and Tradition. Check it out!

Enter to Win a Trip to Japan!

Squee! JapanTravelInfo.com is hosting a giveaway for a trip for two to Japan!! How exciting! And what's more, you get to pick the trip you want to take!! :)

• A cultural trip to Kyoto
• A luxury trip to a Japanese inn, hot springs included, at the foot of Mount Fuji
• A foodie trip in Tokyo
• An outdoor adventure trip in Okinawa
• A trendy, "be part of the scene" trip to Tokyo
• A pop culture trip, including admission to the 2014 Tokyo International Anime Fair

Wouldn't it be amazing to win?? Enter here through September 30, 2013: http://www.japantravelinfo.com/blog/sweepstakes/

Also, be sure to check out the rest of their website for all kinds of information about Japan.

Who Won the Bid to Host the 2020 Olympics?

And the winner to host the 2020 Olympic Games is....

Tokyo!!!!

Announced today at the International Olympic Committee's general session, Tokyo will be the host of the 2020 summer Olympics, making this their second time hosting the summer games and, with two winter games under their belt, their fourth time hosting Olympic games as a country.

Congratulations, Tokyo!! :D

And check out the announcement video on the official Facebook page of The Olympic Games; the reactions are tear-jerking. :)

Read more here:

• CBS News "Tokyo wins bid to host 2020 Olympics"
• The Japan Times "Tokyo wins bid to host 2020 Olympics"

A True Story From the Japanese Embassy in US...Or Is It?

There's a tale circulating on the Internet about a verbal gaffe Japanese Prime Minister Yoshirou Mori made with U.S. President Obama. The problem is...Mori isn't the Prime Minister anymore!

To read the story, and Snopes' investigation of it, check out "Who Are You?" on Snopes.com.

Although Prime Minister Mori had his fair share of verbal faux pas while in office, this particular conversation never took place. Mori was only in office from 2000-2001, and we've seen 6 other prime ministers since then. The current Japanese Prime Minister is Shinzou Abe, and he has also never had such a fumbled conversation with the current U.S. president.

Hakama-Style Pants and a Link to a Hakama Pattern

These pants from Shopbop are amazing. They are a "modern" version of Japanese hakama! Even though the description doesn't even mention hakama, the pants have pleats, a large belt that ties in the front, and a visually high back that mimics that back of a tied-up hakama.

Front and Back Views

If you're not familiar with hakama -- traditional Japanese pants worn over kimono -- here are some images of hakama from Folkwear to give you an idea of how they look.

What do you think? Do you notice the similarities? Have you ever had the chance to wear hakama?

On a little side note, that Folkwear hakama pattern I linked to is a pattern I purchased to make hakama for my husband (with my mother's help -- I'm not that skilled!!). They turned out great, although we made them a bit too long. :) Folkwear's historical clothing patterns are fantastic -- I highly recommend them!

McJapan: What's the McDonald's Menu Like in Japan?

While I've not yet had the privilege of traveling to Japan, I did some research the other day on what Japanese McDonald's has on their menu. The most shocking find? The fries.

Holy McHeart Attack, people, check out those fries!! I'm assuming you're supposed to share them with friends, but wow! In America, I could definitely see people eating one of these all by themselves. McDonald's in Japan also sells fries that come with a butter soy sauce to add to your fries.

Another item on the menu includes a teriyaki burger.

The teriyaki burger includes ginger, garlic, sweet lemon sauce, and, of course, lettuce. I gotta say, I'd try it! If you're not a teriyaki fan, you could try the grilled pork patty, topped with an onion ginger sauce, sandwiched between two roll-style buns.

For dessert: a banana Oreo McFlurry.

You could also have some sweet corn, pancakes drizzled with apple and cream sauce, and a Japanese vegetable juice.

And let's not forget McDonald's Japan's famous Shaka Shaka chicken.

A chicken tender is sold in a little bag with a flavoring packet. Pour the flavoring in, shake, and enjoy the chicken, seasoned by you! You could choose cheddar cheese or red pepper seasoning.

And if you're a morning fast food person, check out the breakfast menu, which includes tuna muffins and, oh yes, hot dogs. With a mustard relish and some ketchup, of course.

Is anyone else getting hungry?! :)

I researched several websites while finding out about McDonald's in Japan, but for their most recent menu, go to the Japanese McDonald's website.