Bridging Japan and New York through Words and Culture
Affordable Sushi in New York: Yasaka on the Upper West Side Discovering Sushi Yasaka One of my favorite go-to sushi spots in New York is Sushi Yasaka. It has been around for years and is always popular—so popular that walking in without a reservation can be risky. Located just off 72nd Street on the Upper…
Why the U.S. I-94 Travel Record Matters: My Experience with Green Card and Visa Applications Losing an I-94 Form Can Change Everything Not long ago, a friend of mine was preparing her green card application when she realized something terrible—she had lost her I-94 Form, the U.S. entry and exit record. Even worse, it was…
Is the Japan Rail Pass Worth It in 2025? A Complete Guide for American Travelers What is the Japan Rail Pass? The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) –Website-is a special ticket designed for foreign tourists. It allows unlimited travel on most JR trains — including Shinkansen (bullet trains) — within a set period (7, 14,…
Apple Card 2025: Features, Savings, APR, and How to Open an Account. Apple Card isn’t just a credit card — it’s part of Apple’s growing financial ecosystem, created in partnership with Goldman Sachs. In 2023, Apple launched its Apple Card Savings account, offering competitive interest rates for iPhone users. As of January 2024, the APY…
How to Use OMNY on NYC Buses | Transfers, Fares & Patrol Checks Hello! This is Maegami from the blog Goddess’ Bangs. In New York City, OMNY is the new contactless payment system for subways and buses — similar to Japan’s PASMO, except it’s linked directly to your credit or debit card. In this article,…
Kura Sushi in Newport, Jersey City – A Convenient Spot for Downtown and Brooklyn Residents Hello! This is Maegami from the blog Goddess’ Bangs. Following my visit to the Fort Lee branch of Kura Sushi, I decided to explore another location close to New York — this time in Newport, Jersey City. Kura Sushi in…
Hunter College Elementary School in New York: A School for Gifted Children? If you’ve ever wondered where some of New York City’s most talented children go to school, chances are you’ve heard of Hunter College Elementary School (HCES). Often described as the most selective public elementary school in New York—and even harder to get into…
Café Maman NYC: A Charming Coffee Spot in the Upper East Side This time on my New York café-hopping series, I’m excited to introduce Café Maman. I recently visited their Upper East Side location, and it turned out to be one of the most delightful café experiences in Manhattan. From beautiful latte art to their…
Cha Pa’s Pho Might Be the Best in Manhattan I’m a huge fan of pho, and I’ve written before about Saigon Shack in West Village. But recently, I discovered a Vietnamese restaurant that might be even better: Cha Pa’s. Surprisingly, many Vietnamese spots in Chinatown aren’t as good anymore. Instead, Midtown, the Upper West Side,…
The Life-Changing Power of Vipassana Meditation Benefits What Is Vipassana Meditation? Vipassana meditation ( Website ) is one of the oldest and most respected meditation techniques in the world. I personally experienced it through a 10-day Vipassana meditation course, and the impact on my daily life has been profound. This practice is so popular that…