u/Additional_Fix_629

Just got back from Japan where I picked up a very unique LEGO creation. Sony is currently commemorating sixty years of occupying their space in Ginza with the 100.80.60 exhibit. As part of this event, they commissioned LEGO Certified Professional Jumpei Mitsubishi to create a 1/300 scale model of Ginza Sony Park made from LEGO bricks.

Jumpei was the youngest person to become a LEGO Certified Professional, and has also made creations like a lifesize Ludens mascot for Kojima Productions in Japan.

The “set” is glued together, and is the first commemorative item sold at Ginza Sony Park since they did the louvers from the original Sony Building when it was demolished in 2017, the proceeds of which benefited Save the Children Japan.

While I have been on the Tokaido Shinkansen many times, I had the opportunity on my latest trip to Japan to ride the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Morioka. The Tohoku Shinkansen is special because they utilize the E5s, which are the fastest Shinkansen in regular operation, and have an additional class of service above the Green Cars found on the Tokaido Shinkansen, dubbed GranClass.

Ended up going to the Railway Museum in Saitama the week after, where they have an E5 on display next to the last surviving 400 Series Shinkansen.

The people who run Waunn in Asakusa opened a new restaurant called Wagyu Waunn. It was so good I went back a second time on my last full day in Tokyo.

Thought I would share my experience with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s movement servicing after getting my 142.8.92 Master Geographic back from them last week.

I originally purchased this watch used six or seven years ago, and it was running well enough that I wore it trouble-free for many years. At one point, I took it to Nesbit’s for pressure testing, and asked if they could service it at the time, but they said Jaeger-LeCoultre no longer sold parts to them.

Fast forward to sometime last year, I noticed the watch would no longer run even though the power reserve indicator showed that the watch was fully wound. Using Jaeger-LeCoultre’s service calculator, I got a rough estimate of $1,200 to service the watch.

I had actually requested a prelabeled box in the past for this watch to get the seals redone, but it never showed up, and as such was a bit wary this time around. But the box arrived no problem. I packaged my watch in the foam holder and dropped it off at FedEx. Honestly a bit scary just sending a watch off like that, especially as they were unable to verify the watch’s reference or serial number when submitting the request, which I found odd as it accepted the same reference number when I initially used the service cost calculator.

About a week later, Jaeger-LeCoultre emailed me back with a quote for the service. In addition to the base price, there was also an additional non-optional charge for replacing the two crowns and one pusher corrector. I was also a bit surprised to see that polishing was an optional charge for an additional $400, although this makes sense for people who would rather decline the service. In the end, I decided against having a polish done as the case was not in terrible condition and I am quite clumsy with my watches anyway.

Then came the waiting game. During this time, I read countless horror stories online about the Richemont service center. However, last week Jaeger-LeCoultre emailed me to let me know the service was complete and ready for payment. As I was still abroad at the time, I changed the shipping address to a relative’s. I appreciate how easy the process was on Jaeger-LeCoultre’s website.

Shipping back was about two days, and was ready for me when I got back to The States. It came with a nice storage case, and the watch was sealed in a plastic bag. After doing initial tests like automatic winding, I now have it back in my watch winder to make sure it’s keeping good time over the next few days. So far it has been a positive experience.

Just finished a two week stay at The Westin Tokyo in Ebisu and thought I would share some of my thoughts as I haven’t seen too many reviews of this hotel on this subreddit.

This is actually the first Marriott property I’ve stayed at in a while, as I usually book Hilton properties like Conrad, or stay at The Okura when I’m in Tokyo.

The location is what stood out to me the most. Usually in Tokyo, you’re either in a very busy part of the city, or extremely secluded. Being located in Yebisu Garden Place, the Westin sits in a nice sweet spot. It’s equally close to Ebisu and Meguro station. The walkway to Ebisu station is completely covered, which is great for rainy days, and even has moving walkways for a large portion of the passageway. There is also a large market complex underground called Foodies’ Garden, which I shopped at many times for dinner and sometimes breakfast.

The hotel is also within walking distance of Daikanyama, one of my favorite shopping districts. Across the street is also the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Chateau de Joel Robuchon, although sadly I was not able to secure a reservation as they only allow parties of two or more. On a clear day, you can also see Mt. Fuji in the distance.

Having originally opened in 1994, some of the hotel’s facilities may seem a bit dated. However, there was an extensive renovation in 2024 that brought the hotel into the 21st century. As far as the room, I feel the most aged part was the choice of black marble they used in the bathrooms. But there are plenty of power outlets, as well as USB-A and USB-C ports in the room. The room also has a massive Sony television, but sadly it does not have AirPlay, apps, or any other screen casting options.

As a humble Gold Elite, I was upgraded to a corner room. From what I can tell, the corner rooms have the same square footage as standard rooms, but have a different layout with the table at the foot of the bed, instead of being between the bed and window. The windows also appear to be slightly wider. I prefer the corner layout as it feels more open. The welcome gift was a box of chocolates from The Patisserie, the hotel’s gift shop downstairs. Because of my extended stay, the hotel staff left me with another box of chocolates halfway into my stay.

The level of service was high, as is to be expected in Japan. All front desk employees spoke fluent English. Room service was exceptional, with two employees being sent per order, and resetting the place settings from the trolley onto the table in the room upon request. The hotel also offers additional amenities in addition to those already provided with each room at no additional cost, including free laundry detergent.

I was initially reluctant to stay at The Westin Tokyo because the distance from the train station looked quite far on the map, and the bathroom looked a bit old in the photographs; but I had a very positive experience here and would definitely consider booking it again in the future.

Many good pulls in Sendai and Tokyo on this trip. Second slide is my cousin’s and her husband’s pulls.

Egg sniper
N64 analog stick
Canon EOS R1 w/ 70-200mm
Metal Gear REX machiboke
Metal Gear RAY machiboke

Recently had the opportunity to do the complimentary tour of Grand Seiko’s mechanical watchmaking studio in Shizukuishi as I was already visiting Iwate.

The waiting area had many examples of Grand Seiko watches and movements. These include the original Seiko Laurel, 44GS, 62GS, mechanical, quartz, and Spring Drive movements, movement components, and disassembled movements.

The tour was conducted in two groups, one each for English and Japanese speaking participants. While photography was prohibited in the actual watchmaking areas, everywhere else was fair game.

Probably my favorite part was cosplaying a Grand Seiko watchmaker after the tour. The current gift for visitors is a wooden tray for holding screwdrivers, which you can see in my first slide on the desk.

Our guide Saito was very knowledgeable and also recommended a great sightseeing spot not too far north of the studio.

Ebisunishi.