Well, it took long enough. Sorry about that. But here its is. Much longer than I meant it to be, but I suppose its because my house is bigger than the last time I gave a tour.
If you are interested in learning more about the details of renting a house in Japan I recommend you look at my video titled.
FYI Housing.
Here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anLP4uKdjh8&feature=PlayList&p=D98FCEFF05959B7A&index=1
Duration : 0:18:39
THIS IS NOT A FLEA MARKET! Its a Matsumoto tradition and a fine craft fair known across Japan! I have to say: There are no resellers here its all original hand made and one of a kind stuff.
The Annual Craft Fair in Agata-no-mori on its traditional last weekend in May is always a really nice event with a pleasant atmosphere. Its a real family affair and child-friendly. There is plenty of space to sit down on the grass and have a picnic, and watch the world go by. This event seems to be getting bigger every year. There are many more vendors and the park is positively bulging with visitors looking for something special to take home.
The stalls here offer everything you could possibly imagine at a craft fair and then some. Some things you might expect: the knick-knacks and trinkets, beads and bracelets, from toys to furniture, cloth, clothes and fabrics, incense, candles and one of kind hand bags and shoes. Would you expect to find a working metal smith or a glass blower? Right there! Need a straw brush or bamboo works, hand made fabrics and beautiful Japanese pottery, ceramics, glass and fine carpentry. I even saw a clock maker and some one of a kind hand made watches! Theres a tent for everyone. Not sure what to get for that impressive birthday gift? Look no further! Wander about and have a look around. You will need some yen though, bargains are few & far between. All of the craft workers here are professionals not hobbyists. Cash baby cash!
As for food there are a few tents that offer coffee, beer, ice cream and awesome curry! There was even a person making candy sculptures that were quite amazing and a shame to eat.
To get there: Head away from Matsumoto station on the main street (eki mae dori) and keep walking for about 20mins - until you can go no further. Its a strait shot right out of the main exit at the station.
Check out the city website here its super gaijin friendly and packed with whats up in Matsumoto:
http://welcome.city.matsumoto.nagano.jp/
Duration : 0:10:4
My folks visited me in Tokyo. It was great to have them here, but now that they are gone, the house seems kind of sad. We did a lot of traveling during the trip but probably the most fun thing we did was work. Ive been appearing on a show for Japanese public Broadcaster NHK for the past few years, and I was able to convince the producers to film an episode about my parents visit.
If you would like to watch the broadcast of the episode itself, tune in May 20th to the website jibtv.com
Website:
http://jibtv.com/
Tokyo Eye
http://jibtv.com/program/?page=2&program_id=1680
Im actually working as the community/editorial manager for the site, so more about this will appear in a future vlog. In the meantime, check out the site and be sure to watch Tokyo Eye on the 20th if you can. But an important note!!!! The website is currently only available outside of Japan due to copyright issues. Sorry for those of you in Japan, but hopefully the site will be accesible in Japan in the not too distant future.
Lastly my parents stopped by the studio filming of a show Im doing thats airing right now. If you are in Japan, watch and laugh at me weekdays at 11pm.
http://www.nhk.or.jp/gogaku/english/100go/index.html
Tons more videos on the way… so sit tight!
Duration : 0:10:26
PLEASE READ I ran away from home for a bit and had a wonderful time. I went to clubs ShopPed And met so many people IT WAS A MUCH NEEDED VACATION …
Duration : 0:4:8