Archive of Past Blog Entries

Afternoon Tea at The New Otani Tokyo Rivals the Savoy in London 優雅なホテルニューオータニでのアフタヌーンティ

Tokyo’s Garden Lounge in the New Otani Hotel rivals London’s Savoy afternoon tea. Japanese is famous for improving on an idea. Floor to floor windows reveal traditional Japanese gardens taken to the zenith. Dramatic waterfalls, well-fed koi and paths wind through manicured perfection. (It’s a great place to explore after consuming the gourmet afternoon tea.) Real estate comes with a premium price in Tokyo. Yet no expense was... Read Full Article17

Healthy California Style Ramen Bento #UmaiCrate

A free Umai (yummy in Japanese) box of an assortment of Japanese ramen noodles was gifted to the Ninja Baker from the lovely people at JapanCrate.com. All opinions are my own. Ramen is standard go-to fare for students. Exhausted moms and workers love the miracle noodles, too.  Fast in prep work, tasty to the palate, what’s not to love? Testament to the yummy factor is the Japanese ramen shops burgeoning all over LA and San... Read Full Article18

Secrets to Southern California Travel, Part 1

LAX is a hub for many tourists. By all means, head to the original Disneyland in Anaheim. Make it a point though to include the Citadel Outlets or the Outlets at Orange on the itinerary. Especially if you love shopping and the victory of scoring multiple bargains on dreamy dresses, handbags and shoes. If you need an extra burst of energy, both spots offer scrumptious sushi, sweets shops, Jamba Juice and of course, coffee! Traveling north to San... Read Full Article19

忍者ベーカーこと、キム・ワトキンソンの南カリフォルニアの秘密、パート1

忍者ベーカーこと、キム・ワトキンソンの 南カリフォルニアの秘密、パート1 東京育ちでロサンゼルスに住んでいる忍者ベーカー(NinjaBaker.com)こと、 キム・ワトキンソンがガイドブックにはきっと載っていない南カルフォルニアの秘密をお伝えします。 ロサンゼルスには日本からたくさんの観光客がいらっしゃいます。 もちろんディズニーランドをおすすめしますが、その前後にショッピングはいかがでしょうか?特にOutlets At OrangeまたはCitadel Outletsを数時間でも旅行日程に入れることをおすすめします。 デザイナー・ブランドの洋服、靴、ハンドバッグ等は割引価格で販売しています。 サンフランシスコからサンタバーバラ海岸行く手前にCamarillo Premium Outletsに立ち寄ると、とてもリーズナブルな値段で贅沢なブランド品を購入できます。 今、紹介したアウトレットモールは、... Read Full Article20

Dance Journey with Kabuki Actor Ichinosuke Umekawa

Japan travel articles are populating the internet like busy bunnies. However, American newspapers’ coverage of Japan seems to stick to: 1. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics 2. Robots 3. The rapid rise of elders and the decline of Japanese babies. But those concerned about Japan have yet to meet Kabuki actor and dance master, Ichinosuke Umekawa. After seeing him perform at the Japan Foundation in Los Angeles; Japan’s future looks bright... Read Full Article21

Healthy Delectable Carrot Cake Dessert #GlutenFree

You can have your cake and eat it too! Carrot cake hails from Medieval Europe when sugar was rare. And reserved for royals. Carrots served as sweeteners for commoners. Today the rich and famous like supermodel, Chrissy Tiegen covet cake made with carrots.  Did you catch her Instagram post about her towering carrot wedding cake? Carrot cake is also now a common sight in Japan. Twenty years ago the dessert was hard to find. Perhaps the... Read Full Article22

Send A Pink Champagne Cake

A Mini Cake Explosion Box was delivered free of charge to the Ninja Baker from SendACake.com. All opinions are my own.  An explosion cake was promised. But what did that mean? With caution, awesome designer friend and birthday girl, Vanessa and I approached the SendACake package. Camera ready – 1-2-3, Vanessa lifted the lid. In Harry Potter Hogwarts style, the sides of the seemingly single-sided box turned into triple-tiered... Read Full Article23

Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens #LosAngeles

Do you imagine a cosmopolitan city when you think of Los Angeles? It’s an accurate image. However, in the heart of the City of Angels, you’ll find the extraordinary Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens. The property is close in proximity to the hustle and bustle of downtown LA and Hollywood. Enter the cypress tree surrounded parking lot and your worlds away. There’s an immediate calming of the senses. In order to get to... Read Full Article24

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