period: april 28th to May 14th 2024.
Nights spent in: Tokyo - Sendai - Fukushima - Koriyama - Nagoya - Hakata ( Fukuoka ).
If it's really off the beaten path or not you'll decide, some destinations visited are really particular, other are way more popular even if usually not what you'll visit in your first trip to Japan. let's say i've been to japan last summer and did all the usual things one do the first time he's there, probably even something more: Tokyo - Kyoto - Osaka - Nara - Nikko, Fukuoka, Matsumoto, Himeji, Miyajima. pretty much what almost anyone does for their first time if they have the opportunity.
Given the weak Yen and having still some time ( and money ) i could spend i decided to come back less than a year later, this time at the end of April up until half may in order to explore less popular destinations. I'll avoid to provide the usual tips anyone provide, like how to move from narita, how to get a Suica or how to book a train seat, how to operate a toilet and such things.
SOME TIPS
Concerning Suica: contrary to what most people suggest, i didn't buy one neither last summer or this time and frankly i've never missed not having it. I use my mastercard credit card, most places in japan accept it with zero problems and for the rest you can get Yen at any ATM machine that you can find in any combini with it and pay cash wich japanese still very much use
Concerning the period of the year: last year i went in August. I can confirm that moving around in April/May is so incredibly much better. The heat in august is some day even unbearable. This time the weather was mostly fine, got only one day of rain even if the temperatures were still a bit on the cold side overall. Unfortunately this year Sakura came early and I missed it by a week or two. But still apart from the cherry trees all the plants were blossoming and it was so nice to see flowers everywhere compared to the pain of the humidity and the torment of cicadas you have during summer.
Concerning golden week: one of the two weeks i was there was the golden week. I didn't book anything in advance but, maybe because of the fact i was moving off the beaten path, i almost never had problems booking trains or hotels during golden week ( i said almost, more details later ). Cant tell what's the effect when trying to book hotels in places like Kyoto.
concerning planning: my usual planning method goes the following: i book the plane, obviously. I buy JRP ( yes i still bought it even after the price increase ) and i book two days of hotels. The rest of my trip i have an idea of what i want to do and where i want to go but i book hotels and such, while going along. This gives me the flexibility to change my itinerary or react to bad weather ( last summer i run away from a typhoon with this trick ) or unexpected problems ( last summer i got food poisoning and i had to delay my program booking an hotel for three more days than expected: had i booked all nights in advance it would have been a huge problem ). I only book hotels using the booking website app and i can only say good things about it. I travel alone, maybe for couples or families this isn't as easy as it was for me.
Warning: I like to walk and I walk a lot. So if you need tips to move around, I’m not probably the right person because what you might want to do using a bus or a taxi I would probably do by walking. I’ve walked on average of 20 km a day and probably more and if a place is like 3-4 km from where I am I walk there without even looking if there’s a better option with a bus or something else.
I will give a vote to the places I’ve visited according to two parameters:
How off the beaten path it really is, judging by how many foreign tourists I met there. And an overall vote telling how worthy I feel the place is to visit. To make it short I will call them “OTBP VOTE and OVERALL VOTE”

SO LET'S START WITH THE ACTUAL TRIP REPORT:
Day 1: landing in Tokyo at midday in Narita. After finishing all the immigration process i moved to my hotel. This time i decided to book it for two nights in Omiya/Saitama. The place is less than half an hour from Tokyo Station and was the opportunity to see something different. I haven't seen much of the place but the area around the station was very lively, lots of restaurant and lots of people moving around. It was full of decoration with squirrells and a football team, i guess they were either promoting it or they won something cause decorations were everywhere, honestly didn't ask about. Well apart from checking in, recovering from the flight, looking for something to eat and checking a bit the areai didn't do much.
day 2: in the morning i took the train to Ashikaga Flower Park. I've seen picture of it online and according to the informations i gathered i might have been late for the sakura but the Wisteria were in full bloom and they had a lot of them in this park.
So i took the train, it was around an hour ride and Omiya was strategically on the way. I realized my trip plan was proably a good one when, once reached the Ashikaga flower park station ( there's a train station dedicated to this park ) all the people on the train got off. A little walk, ticket and i was in. The place, given the right time of the year, was AMAZING, UNBELIEVABLE. I can't begin to tell you how cool and how huge the wisteria plants were. they were in full bloom, and was something out of this world, it looked like something you see in the movie avatar. Like three or four wisterias as big as a basketball field if not even more, of different colours and kinds, plus a lot more of regular sized wisterias and a lot more flower plants of all kinds. Had to say, for some reason with all the flowers the air wasn’t at all full of their scent. I even got a wisteria flavoured ice cream, wich was probably a wisteria coloured ice cream cause it didn’t have any real particular taste. The place was packed with Japanese people and foreigners like me you could count them on the fingers of one hand. I arrived there early, so by early afternoon I was satisfied with my visit and moved away. A quick check on my train app and google maps and realized I could reach Kawagoe from there fairly easily.
ASHIKAGA FLOWER PARK OTBP: 9 OVERALL: 10
When I was on the train it stopped at the Tochigi station, it looked nice from the train so I decided to jump off and check the area a bit, because sometime I do that kind of things, and the idea wasn’t bad at all: the town itself doesn’t look anything special but there’s a canal wich was very picturesque, plus it was fully decorated with paper carps because of the time of the year and Japanese people were doing boat rides on the river on traditional little boats while singing songs. I won't say to go there specifically to see the place, but if you're on that train route or still around it, it might be worth a stop. So, once I finished checking the area I jump back on the train and finally reached Kawagoe.
TOCHIGI: OTBP: 10 OVERALL: 6 ½
Kawagoe is a small place north of Tokyo, not very far, wich is know for a small neighbourhood with old Edo houses. That neighbourhood is more far from the station that I expected, but still nice and worth a check. There’s a very cool bell tower there and one of the coolest Starbucks I’ve ever seen. I wouldn’t spend a whole day in Kawagoe if you ask me but If you’re in Tokyo and have an half day available that you don't know how to spend I’d say it’s totally worth a train ride. Had my dinner there and then moved back to Omiya where I would spend my last night.
KAWAGOE: OTBP: 7 OVERALL: 7
Day 3: woke up early, jumped on the train and moved to Sendai where I had planned to stay the next three nights. Once again Omiya was a good choice cause I could take the shinkansen right from there without having to move back to Tokyo.
Arrived in Sendai, left my luggage in the hotel where I couldn’t check in cause it was still to early and hopped on a local train in direction of Matsushima. By midday I was already in Matsushima. This is another very famous destination for Japanese people, one of the most known panoramas in japan. Have to say, the town is a typical sea town, definitely welcoming. I had one of the best Sushi I ever had in japan in a local restaurant ( check matsushima sushi kou if interested ). Visited Zuiganji temple and then walked a bit on the coast, crossed the Fukuurabashi bridge, the long red bridge that you probably have seen in some picture, and walked around Fukuurajima. Here you can have a walk around the island it’s not small but is small enough that you can walk it all fairly quickly and it has some nice spots to discover. You have to pay a small fee to cross the bridge. Then went back, checked the Godaido of Zuiganji and it’s worth mentioning that when walking along the coast I’ve stumbled across a couple of signs giving instructions on what to do in case of a tsunami and what happened back in 2011, wich I didn’t even think about up until that moment and suddenly the memories went back to what happened there more than 10 years ago. Last thing, my advice is to walk down to Oshima island. This little island is less crowded, you can reach it crossing a little red bridge and honestly to me it’s the best spot to admire Matsushima. I didn’t went for the ferry ride across the bay cause the weather wasn’t very good and I was starting to be a little short on time, so I moved back to Sendai.
MATSUSHIMA: OTBP: 9 OVERALL: 8 ½
Once back in Sendai, I went to see the sunset from the panoramic floor of the AER building near the station, wich is totally free even if finding the right elevator that takes you up might be a bit tricky, but the view is totally worth it, you can even see in the distance the big white shape of the dai-kannon and from the other side of the floor you can easily see the sea.
Talking about Sendai, I didn’t dedicate to the city the time that should have been necessary because I was always on day trips and I spend there mostly the late evenings, but my impression is that Sendai is a very nice city that should appear more often in peoples itineraries. The city is particularly vibrant and alive, lot of young people, lot of things to see and do, a covered shopping street that is almost endless full of restaurants and shops, way more green than many other Japanese cities. I’d recommend anyone who had the time and the opportunity to spend a little time here. Also it has a very distinctive identity and everything proudly revolves around the image of its founder Date Masamune who is everywhere in senday, even the penguin of the local DonQuishotte mall was dressed up as Date Masamune.
So after the panorama, I went in the hotel, finally checked in and then moved back to look for food. Walked down what I think is called ichibancho street, wich as I said before is an endless downtown road full of shops and restaurant and stopped to have a try at the most famous local dish, Gyutan, wich is grilled cow tongue. Never had tongue in my life and have to admit it, it’s not bad at all, I quite enjoyed it. Had a little more walk around then called it a day.
SENDAI: OTBP: 7 ½ OVERALL: 9
Day 4: today trip is to Hiraizumi, a UNESCO world heritage site, where you can admire some historically significant buddhist sites. You had to catch a coincidence in Ichinoseki but the whole ride is pretty straight forward and doesn’t really take much time. At 9 am I was already ready to explore. As I sad I’m a walker, so I walked the walk from the station to the Chuson Ji temple wich is around 2 km and I totally recommend it cause the town is quite nice to walk through, very small village, very cozy and intimate. Chuson Ji it’s a very beautiful complex to explore, it’s inside a forest, kinda reminds a bit of Nikko atmosphere if you’ve been there even if the buildings aren’t as spectacular. The whole wood was full of blossoming plants and here and there I was able to spot some late cherry tree still full of flowers, giving me an hint to what sakura must really be.
You stumble in the temple buildings one after another while you go deep into the wood. I reach the main building and there’s a ceremony in progress. I discovered later that the next day was planned the Fujiwara festival where all people dress up like in Edo period and do a parade in the city. The day I was there instead the children parade was planned, so it was full of kids dressed up and judging by how proud and elegant their parents were I tend to think it was a pretty big thing for them. I enjoy the situation for a while, then went back to exploring, till I reached the main attraction of the temple wich is the Konjikido, a golden pavilion that dates back to the XII century wich is amazing to see in person.
Once I finished exploring the whole Chuson Ji complex I went looking for a restaurant and had a nice ramen set, because the visit took the whole morning, then moved to the second stop wich was Motsuji Temple: as much as Chuson Ji impressed me, Motsu-ji disappointed me. The thing is, you pay to enter and in the end what you see is a place mostly empty, where the only building there are reconstructions and most places are just a bunch of rocks with signs saying “here once was this building” “here once was that building” and the main thing you’ll see there is a pond whose importance is that it dates back to the time when Japanese gardens were kinda dull compared to what they’ll become centuries later. So it’s kinda a pond that you would completely ignore in a different context. I mean, I totally get the historical importance of this place, but, honestly from the ignorant eyes of a tourist it’s really nothing you would invest your time visiting, according to my opinion.
Another place that would have been worth visiting was Takkoku-no Iwaya Bishamondo, but isn’t really that easy to reach, it’s a bit far to walk to and I was once again out of time, therefore I decided to skip it and went back to the station and to sendai where I again went to look for something to eat and had a little night stroll, nothing worth mentioning.
HIRAIZUMI: OTBP: 9 OVERALL: 8
Day 5: today I decided to go to Kakunodate. The town is a easily reachable by train from sendai but a bit far compared to the day before. Went off the station and once again started walking. The place is known mainly for its many samurai houses, all indications point to them so it’s not possible to miss them. The town itself for the little I’ve seen doesn’t really seem to offer much apart from that but the samurai distict it’s nice. Many of the houses have been converted into small museums, that you can visit paying a small fee. I entered one of them, there was a little tour showing the history of the city and the history of the family of samurai living there. Among the things you could do you had the chance even to hold a real katana ( it felt quite a clumsy and top heavy sword compared to what I had imagined ). In fairness, to my taste, there isn’t much to do apart from visiting the samurai district, yes you can visit the local museum, do some craft shopping ( I bought a very nice box made of cherry bark there wich is a typical local craft ) therefore after a late lunch I was back to Sendai. In my opinion if you want to see a Samurai district you can also go to Kanazawa and there’s much more to see there overall compared to Kakunodate, but if you like the atmosphere of a smaller village instead of a big city and you like something more “off the beaten path” then I’d say go to kakunodate.
KAKUNODATE: OTBP: 8 ½ OVERALL: 6 ½
Given i was back to sendai relatively early, that gave me the opportunity to walk ( yes I walked even there ) to see the dai-kannon. The walk was nice, it took me through some very quiet neighbourhood that you wouldn’t normally visit. When I reached the statue It was too late to go inside it but I still had a good view of it. That is a quite impressive sight, you almost have difficulty to grasp the actual size of it. The area around the statue has really nothing to offer, therefore my honest suggestion is take a ride with the sightseeing bus and use that to reach it and once you’re finished with the statue move to a more interesting spot.
And this was my last day in Sendai. My plan at this point was to book two nights at Koriyama but probably because of the golden week I wasn’t able to find a hotel to my liking there therefore I decided to book one night in Fukushima and the next night in Koriyama. These were the two more expensive nights of all my trip and still ended up spending only around 70 € a night.
Day 6: plan for the day: leave the luggage in the hotel, visit Yamadera, go back to sendai, pick up the luggage and move to fukushima to spend the night. Yamadera is truly easy to reach from Sendai and a very recommended destination if you happen to be in Sendai. The place is mostly known for a temple that is reachable walking an abundant number of steps up a hillside. You reach the town, wich Is a very little and cozy village in the mountains west from Sendai and the temple is very close to the station so it’s not possible to miss it. You can tell the whole village revolves around the temple but it still maintain an authentic spirit. Lots of restaurants and little shops to visit on the road that brings to the temple. The temple itself is very “vertical” : sets of stone stairs will lead you up the side of the hills, till you reach the main building and a couple of satellite building where you’ll be rewarded by an amazing view on the village below. If you don’t mind stairs you’ll be rewarded with a very relaxing atmosphere. Here too given the latitude and the altitude I’ve been able to enjoy a couple of late blossoming cherry trees. The weather was amazing that day and all the gardens where full of flowers, this made the whole trip particularly enjoyable. Luckly I’m an early bird because later in the day the place was really packed with visitors. Once I was finished I had a nice set of Yamagata Dashi Soba in a typical restaurant with Tatamis low tables and a beautiful view on the river that cuts in half the village.
YAMADERA: OTBP: 10 OVERALL 9
After a late lunch I jumped back to the train, went back to sendai to pickup the luggage and moved to the next stop, Fukushima. Here I had the first disappointment of my trip. As my usual I booked a hotel that was close to the main train station, wich is usally the place where you want to be. I had a walk around there and the impression I got from Fukushima was that the place was miserable, a place that has really nothing much to offer to a tourist and not even to a citizen because compared to all the other places I’ve been in japan the impression was that even the locals weren’t as lively and enjoying life that much. I hope I’m not offending anyone and for sure I can’t give a proper review of the place after just an evening spent there, but the impression I got was of one of those town, that you can find in every country you'll visit, where young people can’t wait to get old enough to run away from.
FUKUSHIMA: OTBP: 9 ½ OVERALL: 4
DAY 7: wake up in fukushima, move to Koriyama, leave the luggage at the hotel, and then visit Ouchi-Juku and Aizu Wakamatsu. If you’re wondering, the thing is doable but you need to move early. Once you reach Koriyama you take the local train for Aizu Wakamatsu. There you jump on another local train, wich isn’t entirely operated by JR so you’ll have to pay a ticket, to Yunokami Onsen station where you end up in one of the coolest train stations in japan because it’s built in the style of a traditional house with wooden interiors and a straw roof, and it has a feet onsen right outside where you can wait the train while bathing your feet in thermal water, how cool is that?
From here you take a bus and reach Ouchi Juku. On paper it sounds harder than it actually is but you have to plan your trip properly. Ouchi Juku is a post town all made of traditional houses that reminds you a bit of Shirakawa Go, I frankly don’t know how it isn’t more popular among foreigners cause it’s truly a one of a kind place. Most probably is because it’s so off the beaten path and hard to reach. Still it’s extremely popular among Japanese people because the place was crowded and, when I left, the car traffic was stuck by how many people where trying to reach the place by car. I have to tell you in all honestly the place is probably a bit too touristy because there’s not a single house that isn’t turned into a gift shop or a restaurant. But still the place is so charming and picturesque that is totally worth a visit, plus the surrounding woods, mountains and rice field really act like a frame around the most beautiful picture. So I spend the morning here and around 2 pm I move back to Aizu, because there are really not many bus runs in the evening taking you back to Yunokami Onsen and you better reach the place early.
OUCHI JUKU: OTBP: 10 OVERALL: 9
That gives me the opportunity to visit Aizu Wakamatsu. Ive heard about the city for its castle and for the legend of the Byakko Tai. I get off to Aizu Wakamatsu main station and walk across town till I reach the castle. Keep in mind it’s Saturday and along the whole walk I might have crossed three people. The city was deserted and one thing I’ve learned is, if people on a Saturday evening flee a city like that, then there isn’t much to do or see there, and that’s the impression I got, kinda like Fukushima, probably even worse. Still, I reached the castle: the park is very nice, the castle is a beautiful Japanese castle but, to my understanding it’s a modern reconstruction cause the original castle was lost during the Meiji restoration as Aizu was one of the spots that rised against the emperor. At least around the castle there were now many people. From the castle, wich I didn’t visit inside, I went back to the train station, this time I reached Nanukamachi station and I have to admit it the area there seemed more alive and interesting to stroll around than the area around main Aizu station, therefore maybe I just walked across the wrong part of the town, I honestly can’t tell.
AIZU: OTBP: 9 OVERALL: 6
From Aizu I finally moved by train to Koriyama. I really didn’t spend enough time there to have a proper opinion but the impression I got was of a laid back place, more relaxing than sendai and definitely more alive than fukushima. If I had more time I’d probably give it a shot for a day visit, it might be a surprise.

DAY 8: by this day I ended up with a terrible sore throath that I had to endure almost till my last day in japan. I never had a fever but there was definitely something going around, I kept hearing many Japanese people coughing on trains all around japan so there was definitely something going around, maybe it’s just the season changing, it happens during this season all the times to have some cold or cough. Anyway, the day I had to wake up early and move from Koriyama to Nagoya by Shinkansen, wich was a considerably long trip but at least it gave me the opportunity to take probably the best picture I’ve ever take of mount fuji, from the train. Once in Nagoya I left the luggage in the hotel ( wich, thanks probably to the fact that the golden week just ended, I happened to book for 4 nights for a whopping 25€ a night wich was a total steal even for current Japanese standard prices ). There I immediately jumped on another train and went to visit Inuyama.
The area around Nagoya is a bit tricky cause it’s full of railroads operated by a company that is not JR wich are not covered by the JR Pass but there’s a JR station a bit to the north of Inuyama that will do the job. The place is totally recommended for three reason: it’s overall nice, with the Kiso river cutting it, the castle is one of the few original ones and even if small is considered a national treasure and the whole area around the castle is very nice and worthy to spend some time on. So I visited the castle, the view from the top floor is awesome and in a clear day you can easily spot the skyline of Nagoya. Outside the castle there’s an edo style street full of shops, restaurants and street food that is nice to explore, totally recommended a walk there.
INUYAMA: OTBP: 8 ½ OVERALL: 10
Coming back to Nagoya I just had energy to look for food then I went back to my hotel for a good night of sleep.
DAY 9: a day trip from Nagoya to Ise. The trip isn’t that easy, you got to take a couple of trains if you move only by JR ( and a couple of stops of one of them aren’t even JR operated wich is a little confusing honestly ) and you end up in Iseshi station. From there I moved to Ise Jingu Geku, wich is the outer sanctuary and from there you can take a bus ( guess what, I walked instead ) to the main Ise sanctuary. If you don’t know Ise Jingu is the most sacred place in the Shinto religion and is regularly visited even by the emperor given his role in the Shinto religion. Inside the main temple one of the most sacred relics of Shinto religion is preserved.
Well, being totally honest here’s my impressions of Ise: it’s not simple to reach. The city itself, for what I’ve seen, looks like it has seen better days, meaning it looks like it’s falling apart. And the temples, there’s really not that much to see: they are in a forest, and the temples are not that spectacular, plus the most interesting parts are forbidden to visit. You can go to Atsuta Jingu without moving out from Nagoya and have a fairly realistic impression of what you would see in Ise without all the issues. I know people will attack me for what I’m saying, but that is what I’ve got from it. The most fun part was the edo style neighborhood that you can find right before entering the main Isu complex, wich looks almost like a theme park. I don’t say don’t go there, I say if you are, as you are probably, on borrowed time, with lots of places you want to visit and too few days to see them all, if Ise is in your list you might want to use the day to see something else.
ISE: OTBP: 6 ½ OVERALL: 6 ½
DAY 10: I decided to spend the day in Nagoya and take a look of the city, thanks also to the weather that was a bit rainy and really not inviting for another day trip. What I’ve seen in a day is the samurai exposition in Marunouchi. It’s free and it’s totally worth it, lots of beautiful samurai armours and swords. There’s another exposition that opened not many years ago that you can go nto too far but I didn’t visit so I can’t tell about that. From here I went to Nagoya castle. You pay to enter the complex but currently the Castle is under restoration and you can see it from outside ( it’s very impressive, Nagoya and Osaka castles are massive ) but not visit from inside. But the Honmaru Palace right beside it is open and totally worth a visit. From here took the subway ( yeah today I didn’t walk much so I got a subway day pass ) to the Osu Shotengai Shopping District, wich is the usual kind of covered shopping streets nest you can find in all the Japanese cities, and then moved again to Atsuta Jingu Shrine that, as I said, to me is a completely valid alternative to visiting Ise. The day went by without even noticing and I couldn’t see all the other places I had picked, like the Toyota museum, the tokugawa museum or the science museum, but that’s what you get when you only have one day dedicated to visit a city as big as Nagoya. Still I had time to get an impression of the city and I honestly don’t get the bad reputation it has among foreigners, the city looked to me quite interesting, nice, full of things to see and the people felt particularly laid back compared to cities like Tokyo or Osaka, it’s probably the place where I’ve seen the biggest number of tanned Japanese in all the country. To me Nagoya is totally worth at least two or three days dedicated only to visiting the city.
NAGOYA: OTBP: 5 OVERALL: 9
DAY 11: my original plan was to walk the Nakasendo from Magome to Tsumago. But the weather that day was kinda shit, I wasn’t feeling particularly In the mood of a walk because of my throath and I was starting to feel a bit tired, so I improvised and went for a day in Takayama and Gero Onsen. Takayama is pretty famous. I went there around 20 years ago and I remembered it as a very nice place. Getting back now, with all the Japanese places I’ve seen so far, I would say this: the train trip to Takayama is Spectacular, is a truly feast for the eyes. The town itself, it left me a little disappointed. The Edo style streets that its famous for, I’ve seen so many of them at that point around japan that it didn’t really leave a significant impression on me. And it was honestly smaller than I remembered it. Plus the weather, as I said, didn’t help. So overall the reality didn’t stand up to my memories and my expectations. Plus most of the houses there have now been turned in cheap souvenir shops with nothing giving you an authentic feeling. Don’t know, probably I wasn’t really in the mood that day.
TAKAYAMA: OTBP: 2 OVERALL: 6 ½
I took the opportunity on the way back to stop at Gero Onsen. Unfortunately I didn’t have the time to actually stop for an onsen cause overall the whole day wasn’t planned and I mainly improvised. Still the town is very nice and probably, having no expectations or no knowledge of it, even more worth visiting than Takayama. Had a nice walk around the town, and at least had the opportunity to “feel” the thermal water cause there’s plenty of fountains with hot spring water where you can rest your feet or your hands. It was enough to make me aware that a proper onsen there must be a very enjoyable experience.
GERO ONSENS: OTBP: 8 OVERALL: 8
And after this I went to Nagoya where I spent my last night in the city.

DAY 12: moving to Fukuoka ( Hakata ). I booked a hotel near Hakata station so I jumped on the shinkansen and moved there. The ride was as confortable as any shinkansen ride can be and I reached the place sooner than I imagined. First thing was a good look of the city from the panoramic floor in the station. Then had a walk to the Canal City mall wich is a very weirdly and interesting designed mall that is a very popular location in town. Had a walk from there to Nakasu island where I got a quick dinner considering it was already time, and had another walk around the area wich unfortunately will turn out to be my only experience of Fukuoka. I’ll spend here three nights but the following days will be so full that won’t give me any chance to visit the town more, so in the end I don’t really have an opinion on Fukuoka if not that I should probably have spent more time there, but unfortunately the days you have are numbered and there’s so much to see that you have to give up something here and there, so i won't even give a vote to the city.
DAY 13: Destination is Kagoshima that it’s easily reachable by train. I went there with no real expectation and I was totally blown away. Something clicked and I instantly liked the town, I must say that probably the fact that one of the most beautiful girls I’ve seen in japan out of the blue started a conversation with me on the train probably helped a lot in putting me in a good mood.
From the station I walked downtown till the coast. On the way I stopped shopping a bit, found a local market where local artisans that day were exposing their crafts wich I liked a lot and went to the top floor of the Centerrace Mall to get a panoramic view of the city with an amazing view on Sakurajima volcano. If you don’t know it’s the symbol of the city and it’s said to be almost always active, the whole day I’ve been there he kept puffing little clouds of smoke from time to time, it was very cool. So, once reached the cost I walked ( you should know it by now ) till I reached Sengan-En wich is the garden and the palace of a local lord and it’s very beautiful, totally worth a visit, also compared to many other places in japan, this is more modern and therefore more unique both in the architecture of the palace and the style of the garden. I’d say if you are in Kagoshima you won’t regret visiting it ( maybe don’t do like me and take a bus cause it’s more than 6 km from the station ). After visiting Sengan En I went back to the ferries and took a ferry to Sakurajima. The ferry is very cheap, 200 yen, and quick to reach it’s destination, but on Sakurajima there’s really not much to do if you don’t plan to use a bus or some other kind of transportation. Since it was already evening, I had nothing planned and I had to go back to Hakata, I just took the time to have a walk on the Lava Trail wich is a walk in a natural park that has grown over an old lava flow, wich is a quite unique thing that I enjoyed more than I expected. Then I went back to Kagoshima, had dinner and moved back to Hakata. I have to say I really enjoyed Kagoshima, the city has a unique vibe, very laid back, the people seemed to be relaxed and happy and were much more open toward foreigners than anywhere I’ve experienced. If I’ll ever be back in japan I’ll surely manage to spend some more time in Kagoshima. I took the train and I was back in hakata at around midnight so I went straight to bed in hotel
KAGOSHIMA: OTBP: 10 OVERALL: 10
Day 14: Nagasaki. Another fairly easy destination to reach from Fukuoka. The city itself is very narrow and develops around its river. As a tourist I was immediately attracted to its atomic bomb museum, wich is north from the station. I went there, you don’t say, by foot.
And later, once I’ve done with the atomic bomb part, the Nagasaki near the sea.
And here starts the tale of the two Nagasaki, because it feels like two different places in one. The north part, wich I didn’t enjoy much, felt a bit neglected and it’s mostly houses where people live. And it’s the part where you’ll see more tourists because as I said all the atomic spots are there.
On the other hand the south part near the city was to me much more alive and full of life, I’m no expert but that’s probably where the locals like to spend their free time and on the other hand you’ll see way less tourists here.
Back to the morning, I did what most tourists do, and visited the atomic bomb museum, the peace park, the ipocenter, and went also to see the half standing torii that is one of the few authentic places left as testament of the bombing, around the city. Talking about the museum, I’ve been to both thins and Hiroshima and, even if Hiroshima is bigger and with much more to see, I would suggest if one has the opportunity to visit also the Nagasaki one, it absolutely has its own legs to stand on. On a side note, out of 10 visitors, 9 were foreigners, I guess Japanese already know their history and don’t feel the need to visit such a place on a nice Sunday morning.
The peace park it’s a park, there you can see the famous statue wich is one of the main symbols of Nagasaki and that, if you ask me, is one of the ugliest statues you can find in the world, but still if you’re in Nagasaki you probably don’t want to miss it.
After lunch I moved to the sea side, here I’ve seen DeiJima wich is the former artificial island where the Portuguese were segregated centuries ago, very interesting place, kinda like a mix of an open air museum and a theme park, felt a little bit plastic but still worth some of your time.
Then had a walk to the near seaside park wich is a very nice and relaxing place where flocks of eagles fly so low over your head that if you rise your hand you can almost touch them, and pretty much ended the day there before having to go back to Fukuoka.
NAGASAKI: OTBP: 5 OVERALL: 7 ½

Day 15 – 16 - 17: my last full days in japan. I was in need of some rest at this point and I needed to move closer to Narita where I had booked my flight for day 18, so i spent more than half of day 15 to transfer from Hakata to Tokyo. I booked my last hotel for three nights near Otsuka station, wich if you ask me is a nice spot to stay in Tokyo. When I arrived in the evening there was a rose festival and all around the station there were roses bushes in flower and there were people singing and the whole station looked alive but also quiet, if you like a place to stay In Tokyo that it’s not chaotic like Shinjuku or Shibuya I’d recommend Otsuka.
The last days aren’t really worth mentioning, I’ve spent most of the time shopping for souvenirs, and recovering for all the travel i did the two weeks before. I explored a couple of places worth mentioning that not everyone ever goes to in Tokyo, like Nakano Broadway ( a weird shopping district that feels like a little Akiabara ), Nippori where there’s a little known street nice for shopping, or Chiba where there’s one of the biggest mall in japan but apart from that nothing much that you can read in the report of anyone who have been to Tokyo.
And with this, I think I can conclude my report. If you want me to upload some picture and you have a site to suggest me where it’s easy to upload and you don’t have to make an account let me know and if there’s enough interest I will oblige as soon as I’ve finished downloading all the pictures from my phone.

~RIGL Thesis – 5/18/2024~
Outstanding Shares 175M
131 Institutional Holders
111,129,461 Total Shares Held
63.36% Institutional Ownership
Total Cash on Hand 3/31/2024 = $49.6M
Total Debt: $101.5M
Cash Burn Approximate = $8M per quarter (6 quarters of cash without any increases in revenue)
Q12023 REV = $26M
Q22023 REV = $26.8M
Q32023 REV = $28.1M
Q42023 REV = $35.8M
Q12024 REV = $29.5M (Decline from Q4 likely from end of year versus new-year tracking of Rx and shipments of drugs, resetting of Copays)
Most Recent EPS -$0.05 per share
May 22, 2024 - Vote on S will take place, caution
~Statistics Applicable To Thesis~
333.3 million US Population (2022)
8,109,679,892 Global Population (2024)
~Drugs On Market~
~Tavalisse – Treatment for ITP, FDA Approved April 17, 2018~
~What is ITP?~
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an illness that can lead to bruising and bleeding. Low levels of the cells that help blood clot, also known as platelets, most often cause the bleeding.
Once known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, ITP can cause purple bruises. It also can cause tiny reddish-purple dots on the skin that look like a rash.
Children can get ITP after a virus. They most often get better without treatment. In adults, the illness often lasts months or years. People with ITP who aren't bleeding and whose platelet count isn't too low might not need treatment. For worse symptoms, treatment might include medicines to raise platelet count or surgery to remove the spleen. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
~What is Tavalisse?~
TAVALISSE is a prescription medication used to treat adults with low platelet counts due to chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) when a prior treatment for ITP has not worked well enough. It is not known if TAVALISSE is safe and effective in children.
The cost for Tavalisse oral tablet 100 mg is around $15,404 for a supply of 60 tablets, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Quoted prices are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans. This price guide is based on using the Drugs.com discount card which is accepted at most U.S. pharmacies.
Tavalisse Prices, Coupons, Copay & Patient Assistance - Drugs.com
TAVALISSE IS AN ORAL MEDICATION TAKEN TWICE DAILY WITH OR WITHOUT FOOD¹
A 12-week evaluation period is recommended
60 tablets = 1 month supply, evaluation period = 3 months, Cost for 3 months = $46,212 Cash, assuming cheaper through wholesale, insurance, discount cards, etc.
Dosing TAVALISSE® (fostamatinib disodium hexahydrate) tablets (tavalissehcp.com)
~Addressable Market~
“Our findings suggest that nearly 20,000 children and adults are newly diagnosed with ITP each year in the US, substantially higher than previously reported. Among patients requiring formal medical care, the economic burden during the first 12 months following diagnosis is high, with estimated US expenditures totaling over $400 million.”
Primary immune thrombocytopenia in US clinical practice: incidence and healthcare burden in first 12 months following diagnosis - PubMed (nih.gov)
The estimated prevalence of ITP in the United States is 9.5 per 100,000 people, with a global prevalence of over 200,000 people at any given time [1].
Immune thrombocytopenia. [ Oct; 2022 ]. 2022. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/immune-thrombocytopenia
~Author Calculations/Estimates~
ITP estimated cases based on measured statistics 31,635 cases a year in the US and 770,355 cases globally each year.
~Rezlidhia – R Acute Myeloid Leukemia, FDA Approved December, 22, 2022~
~What is Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia?~
Relapsed, or recurrent, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) means the leukemia has come back after treatment and remission.
Refractory AML means the leukemia did not respond to treatment. Complete remission has not been reached because the chemotherapy drugs did not kill enough leukemia cells.
Both relapsed and refractory AML need more treatment to reach complete remission.
Your healthcare team will suggest treatments based on your needs and work with you to develop a treatment plan. Some factors considered for your treatment include:
your age
your health
how long the leukemia was in remission
treatments you had before
where the leukemia comes back
Treatment options usually include chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant if possible. Targeted therapy may also be used.
Treatments for relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia Canadian Cancer Society
~What is IDH1?~
Somatic mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genes occur frequently in adult Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and less commonly in pediatric AML… Enhanced genomic and epigenomic profiling of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has led to identification of recurrent mutations that are prognostic and are candidates for targeted therapy. Somatic mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genes, IDH1 and IDH2, occur in ∼6% to 16% and ∼8% to 19% of adult patients with AML, respectively.^1-5 In pediatric AML, IDH mutations are rare, occurring in <4% of patients.^6-11
Characteristics and prognostic impact of IDH mutations in AML: a COG, SWOG, and ECOG analysis Blood Advances American Society of Hematology (ashpublications.org)
~What is Rezlidhia?~
REZLIDHIA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) mutation when the disease has come back or has not improved after previous treatment(s).
Targeted Treatment REZLIDHIA® (olutasidenib) capsules
The cost for Rezlidhia oral capsule 150 mg is around $17,468 for a supply of 30 capsules, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Quoted prices are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans. This price guide is based on using the Drugs.com discount card which is accepted at most U.S. pharmacies.
Rezlidhia Prices, Coupons, Copay & Patient Assistance - Drugs.com%20is%20a%20member,on%20the%20pharmacy%20you%20visit.)
~Addressable Market~
The annual incidence of new cases in both men and women is approximately 4.3 per 100,000 population, totaling over 20,000 cases per year in the United States alone.[13] The median age at the time of diagnosis is about 68, with a higher prevalence observed among non-Hispanic Whites. Furthermore, males exhibit a higher incidence compared to females, with a ratio of 5:3.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
~Author Calculations/Estimates~
Cases of AML with IDH1 would be 11% based on the median of statistics above (6% to 16%) leaving approximately 1500 to 2000 cases a year in the US. Appling the same calculations to world population would amount to approximately 38,500 cases a year globally.
~Gavreto – Treats RET+ Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer In Adults and RET+ Thyroid Cancer in Kids and Adults, FDA Approved August 9, 2023~
For the sake of common ground, I am going to assume these types of cancers do not need to be elaborated on as we all likely have a basic understanding of what they are. The medical conditions treated by Tavalisse and Rezlidhia I felt needed a more in-depth explanation because they are not common. I will elaborate on RET+ a little later in this writing.
~What is Gavreto?~
GAVRETO is an oral once daily prescription medicine used to treat certain cancers caused by abnormal rearranged during transfection ~(RET+)~ genes in:
Adults with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread
Adults and children 12 years of age and older with advanced thyroid cancer or thyroid cancer that has spread who require a medicine by mouth or injection (systemic therapy) and who have received radioactive iodine and it did not work or is no longer working*
It is not known if GAVRETO is safe and effective when used to treat cancers caused by abnormal RET genes in children for the treatment of NSCLC or in children younger than 12 years of age for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
Home GAVRETO® (pralsetinib)
The cost for Gavreto oral capsule 100 mg is around $11,745 for a supply of 60 capsules, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Quoted prices are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans. This price guide is based on using the Drugs.com discount card which is accepted at most U.S. pharmacies.
The recommended dosage for adults and children 12 and over is 400mg orally once daily. Each capsule is 100mg, which means you will take 4 capsules. Gavreto should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Gavreto Prices, Coupons, Copay & Patient Assistance - Drugs.com
~What is Rearranged During Transfection Positive (RET+)?~
RET-positive cancer is caused by a mutation or abnormal re-arrangement of the RET gene. It occurs most commonly in lung cancer and several types of inherited and sporadic thyroid cancers. RET alterations also occur in an estimated 1-2% of multiple other cancers, including ovarian, pancreatic, salivary, breast, and colorectal cancers.
RETpositive Empowering Patients and Driving Research
Rearranged during transfection (RET) rearrangements were first identified as oncogenic drivers in NSCLC in 2012. The proportion of patients with NSCLC who have RET rearrangements (ie, fusion-positive disease) is approximately 1%-2%.
RET Fusion-Positive Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: The Evolving Treatment Landscape The Oncologist Oxford Academic (oup.com)
RET alterations occur most commonly in lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)) and the number of new cases diagnosed each year is considerable, accounting for approximately 37,500 [IG1] cases worldwide and 4,000 cases in the US (2% of NSCLC) (2,3). RET alterations are also common in several types of inherited and sporadic thyroid cancers and can occur in other types of cancers like ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers, among others (4-8) adding >110,000 cases yearly worldwide (9).
What is RET Positive Lung Cancer? - The Happy Lungs Project
(2) Although medullary thyroid carcinoma represents 5-10% of all thyroid cancers, activating RET gene abnormalities occur in over 90% of hereditary and approximately 40%-60% of sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma cases.
Patients – RETpositive%20Although%20medullary%20thyroid%20carcinoma,sporadic%20medullary%20thyroid%20carcinoma%20cases.)
~Prevalence of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer~
Most lung cancer statistics include both small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In general, about 10% to 15% of all lung cancers are SCLC, and about 80% to 85% are NSCLC.
Lung cancer (both small cell and non-small cell) is the second most common cancer in both men and women in the United States (not counting skin cancer). In men, prostate cancer is more common, while breast cancer is more common in women.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for lung cancer in the US for 2024 are:
About 234,580 new cases of lung cancer (116,310 in men and 118,270 in women)
About 125,070 deaths from lung cancer (65,790 in men and 59,280 in women)
Lung Cancer Statistics How Common is Lung Cancer? American Cancer Society
Worldwide, an estimated 2,206,771 people were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020. These statistics include both small cell lung cancer and NSCLC.
Lung Cancer - Non-Small Cell: Statistics Cancer.Net
~Author Calculations/Estimates~
Approximately 187,664 cases of NSCLC in the US based on an 80% factor.
Approximately 1,765,416 cases of NSCLC worldwide based on an 80% factor.
~Prevalence of Thyroid Cancer~
Rate of New Cases and Deaths per 100,000: The rate of new cases of thyroid cancer was 13.5 per 100,000 men and women per year. The death rate was 0.5 per 100,000 men and women per year. These rates are age-adjusted and based on 2017–2021 cases and 2018–2022 deaths.
Lifetime Risk of Developing Cancer: Approximately 1.2 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer at some point during their lifetime, based on 2017–2019 data. Lifetime risk based on data through 2022 will available soon.
Prevalence of This Cancer: In 2021, there were an estimated 979,295 people living with thyroid cancer in the United States.
Thyroid Cancer — Cancer Stat Facts
About 44,020 new cases of thyroid cancer (12,500 in men and 31,520 in women)
About 2,170 deaths from thyroid cancer (990 in men and 1,180 in women)
Thyroid cancer is often diagnosed at a younger age than most other adult cancers. The average age when a person is diagnosed with thyroid cancer is 51.
This cancer is about 3 times more common in women than in men. It is about 40% to 50% less common in Black people than in any other racial or ethnic group.
Key Statistics for Thyroid Cancer American Cancer Society)
Addressable Market
Given Gavreto’s dual treatment capacity, the total amount of potential patients with NSCLC with RET+ indications would be approximately 2,800 cases in the US and approximately 26,500 cases worldwide each year using a factor of 1.5% of total NSCLC cases. The total amount of treatable cases for Thyroid Cancer would be approximately 650 in the US and 16,500 cases worldwide respectively each year applying the same 1.5% RET+ percentage rate. DOUBLE CHECK MATH…
~Rigel Pharmaceuticals Pipeline~
~IRAK/4 – Clinical Trials~
Rigel’s investigational candidate, R289, is an oral, potent and selective inhibitor of interleukin receptor-associated kinases 1 and 4 (IRAK1/4).
Toll like receptors (TLRs) and the interleukin 1 receptor family (IL-1Rs) play a critical role in the innate immune response and dysregulation of these pathways can lead to a variety of inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Chronic stimulation of both receptor systems has also been implicated in causing a pro-inflammatory bone marrow environment leading to persistent cytopenias in lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (LR-MDS) patients1.
R835 is a selective dual inhibitor of IRAK1/4 that blocks TLR4 and IL-1R-dependent systemic cytokine release. In preclinical studies, R835 demonstrated activity in multiple animal models of inflammatory disease2,3 and showed that dual inhibition of IRAK1 and IRAK4 provided more complete suppression of inflammatory cytokines when compared to an IRAK4-selective inhibitor4.
Development of R289:
In a Phase 1 clinical trial, R835 was well tolerated and inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine production in healthy volunteers, demonstrating proof-of-mechanism.5 Phase 1 clinical studies of R289 (an oral prodrug that is rapidly converted to R835 in the gut) are also complete.
A Phase 1b open-label, multicenter trial of R289 in patients with relapsed/refractory lower-risk MDS is currently enrolling (NCT05308264). The primary endpoint for this trial is safety with key secondary endpoints including preliminary efficacy and evaluation of pharmacokinetic properties.
~Bemcentinib – Bergenbio Partnership~
In June 2011, Rigel entered into an exclusive, worldwide research, development and commercialization agreement with BerGenBio for its investigational AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) inhibitor, R428 (now referred to as bemcentinib).
Bemcentinib is a potent, selective and orally bioavailable AXL inhibitor and the furthest along in clinical trials. In preclinical studies, bemcentinib was shown to have an effect as a single agent therapeutic in the prevention and reversal of acquired resistance to standard of care cytotoxics and targeted therapies and may also slow or prevent tumor metastasis.
Rigel received an upfront payment and is eligible for milestone payments and potential sublicensing revenue, as well as tiered royalty payments on any future net sales of products emerging from the collaboration.
~R552 Systemic – Eli Lilly Partnership~
Rigel’s investigational candidates are oral, potent and selective inhibitors of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1).
RIPK1 is a critical signaling protein implicated in a broad range of key inflammatory cellular processes including necroptosis, a type of regulated cell death, and cytokine production. In necroptosis, cells rupture leading to the dispersion of cell contents, which can trigger an immune response and enhance inflammation. RIPK1 inhibition has therapeutic potential in treating autoimmune, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Rigel’s RIPK1 inhibitor program includes R552, a systemic molecule being developed for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, and brain penetrating RIPK1 inhibitors for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. In preclinical studies, R552 demonstrated prevention of joint and skin inflammation in a RIPK1-mediated murine model of inflammation and tissue damage.
Development of R552:
In Q2 2023, the initial Phase 2a trial (NCT05848258) in moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was initiated by partner Eli Lilly.
Development CNS-penetrating RIPK1 inhibitors:
Currently in preclinical studies.
~Milademetan – Daiichi Sankyo Partnership~
Rigel has a long-standing collaboration with Daiichi-Sankyo for developing murine double minute 2 (MDM2) protein inhibitors in cancer, which were discovered in Rigel’s laboratories.
Preliminary safety and efficacy data from an early Phase 1 study of milademetan (formerly DS-3032), an oral selective MDM2 inhibitor, in hematological malignancies suggests that it may be a promising potential treatment for oncology indications.
Rigel received an upfront payment and is eligible for milestone payments, as well as tiered royalty payments on any future net sales of any products emerging from the collaboration.
~Rxxx (CNS Penetrant) – Eli Lilly Partnership~
Rigel’s investigational candidates are oral, potent and selective inhibitors of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1).
RIPK1 is a critical signaling protein implicated in a broad range of key inflammatory cellular processes including necroptosis, a type of regulated cell death, and cytokine production. In necroptosis, cells rupture leading to the dispersion of cell contents, which can trigger an immune response and enhance inflammation. RIPK1 inhibition has therapeutic potential in treating autoimmune, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Rigel’s RIPK1 inhibitor program includes R552, a systemic molecule being developed for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, and brain penetrating RIPK1 inhibitors for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. In preclinical studies, R552 demonstrated prevention of joint and skin inflammation in a RIPK1-mediated murine model of inflammation and tissue damage.
Development of R552:
In Q2 2023, the initial Phase 2a trial (NCT05848258) in moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was initiated by partner Eli Lilly.
Development CNS-penetrating RIPK1 inhibitors:
Currently in preclinical studies. Pipeline :: Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (RIGL)
~Summary and Prediction~
The current share price of sub $1 does not feel justified. I would anticipate financial breakeven by the end of 2024 or potentially in Q1 or Q2 of 2025. The robust pipeline, progress, and expected revenue growth are enough to justify a much higher valuation. The debt load is manageable, but the potential for S is concerning. I believe that the S is not necessary and revenue growth and progress should speak for itself. I am not as bullish as the analysts at HC Wainright for a $15 PT, but the valuation should be at least 3x to 5x from the current value. This thesis does not highlight the patents surrounding their drugs either which some extend into 2035 and beyond. Perhaps what Wall Street is discounting is the fact that most of the drugs are very niche. However, the currently available drugs have an addressable market, albeit less universal than some, but you should value it in the sense of multiple facets (a 1000 headed snake is the phrase I wanted to use). I believe the company should be valued with specialty drugs in mind which would command a higher PE ratio. At the current day and time of writing, the value should be at least $1.50 to $1.75 ~at a minimum~ with a 12 month price target of $3 to $5+. I will be looking for continued revenue growth in each quarter this year and realization of revenue from Gavreto in Q2 or Q3 this year. The partnerships should not be discounted either and the current share price if it lingers here perhaps may attract a merger or acquisition. I initially began the research thinking that perhaps the drugs were too niche, but given the multiple drugs they are working with, I believe their revenue sources will continue to grow if you do not focus on one particular drug as the main performer. With the most recent inflation report being cooler than expected, I would suspect larger funds and institutions will be circling back to riskier assets.

Best Offshore Sportsbook for 2024

Offshore Sportsbooks: Competitive Odds, Diverse Markets, and Freedom to Wager

What Sets Offshore Sportsbooks Apart?
The landscape of sports betting is rapidly evolving, with offshore sportsbooks emerging as a compelling alternative for wagerers. But what exactly are they, and how do they differ from their state-licensed counterparts?
Offshore sportsbooks operate under licenses issued by international regulators, often situated in countries like Costa Rica, Curacao, or Panama. These licenses empower them to cater to customers across numerous jurisdictions, including the US. In essence, this translates to a broader regulatory framework compared to state-by-state restrictions.
Safety and Security: Top Priorities for Offshore Sportsbooks
Security is paramount for any online betting platform. Fortunately, reputable offshore sportsbooks prioritize this aspect. They undergo rigorous licensing procedures, compelling them to demonstrate fair play, robust security measures, and responsible customer protection protocols. This ensures a safe and secure environment for you to wager on your favorite sports.
Beyond the Basics: Unmatched Selection and Competitive Advantages
The best offshore sportsbooks go beyond merely replicating the offerings of state-licensed operators. They often provide a wider array of betting options, competitive odds, and potentially more lucrative bonuses and promotions. This translates to a more dynamic and potentially rewarding betting experience.
So, Are Offshore Sportsbooks Right for You?
The decision ultimately rests on your individual preferences and priorities. Offshore sportsbooks provide a compelling option for those seeking diverse betting markets, competitive odds, and the freedom to wager on their terms. However, it's crucial to choose well-established and reputable platforms that prioritize safety and fair play.

Why Bet at Offshore Sportsbooks

The allure of offshore sportsbooks is undeniable. But what exactly makes them so popular among bettors? Here's a breakdown of the key benefits that keep users coming back for more:

• Boosted Bankrolls: Bigger Bonuses & Regular Promos

Offshore sportsbooks are renowned for their generous bonuses and promotions. New user signup bonuses can reach into the thousands, especially when using cryptocurrency. Plus, there's a constant stream of ongoing promotions throughout the month, maximizing your betting potential.

• Fast and Secure Banking: The Power of Crypto

Cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals are a staple at offshore sportsbooks. Enjoy the ease of swift transactions with minimal processing times, and in some cases, even instant payouts.

• Wagering Freedom: Available in Most States & No Geolocation Hassles

Unlike state-licensed operators, offshore sportsbooks bypass geolocation restrictions. This means you can wager freely from most US states, without any limitations.

• Keeping Your Winnings: No Taxes Withheld

Federal regulations require licensed operators to report winnings exceeding a certain threshold and withhold taxes accordingly. Offshore sportsbooks, however, don't report winnings to the IRS, leaving you in control of your tax obligations.

• Enhanced Odds: Lower Costs, Better Returns

Offshore sportsbooks benefit from lower operational costs due to the absence of state taxes. These savings translate into more competitive odds for you, potentially increasing your returns.

• Diverse Betting Options

Beyond the perks mentioned above, offshore sportsbooks often boast a wider selection of betting markets compared to their state-regulated counterparts. This allows you to place wagers on a broader range of events and explore new betting opportunities.

Offshore Sportsbook Bonuses: Bigger Bankrolls, Better Bets

Offshore sportsbooks have carved a niche in the betting landscape, and a major reason for their popularity lies in their enticing bonus structures. Unlike state-licensed operators, offshore sportsbooks offer a wider array of bonuses with significantly higher values. Let's delve into the treasure trove of bonuses that await you:

• Welcome Offers: A Kickstart for Your Betting Journey

Signing up at an offshore sportsbook unlocks a generous welcome bonus, typically a deposit match bonus. This bonus essentially matches a percentage of your initial deposit, potentially doubling your bankroll right from the start. Some welcome packages might even include free bets or bonus bets, further amplifying your betting power.

• Deposit Match Bonuses: Fueling Your Bets with Extra Cash

A staple in the world of offshore sportsbook bonuses, deposit match bonuses are straightforward and rewarding. The sportsbook matches your deposit by a predefined percentage, up to a specified maximum amount. For instance, a 100% deposit match bonus up to $500 would double your initial deposit, providing you with an extra $500 to wager on.

• No Deposit Bonuses: Free Money, Free Play

Considered the holy grail of sportsbook bonuses, no deposit bonuses are rare gems. These bonuses grant you free credit to use at the sportsbook, allowing you to place bets without risking your own funds. While the credit amount might be modest, it's a fantastic opportunity to try out the platform and potentially turn it into real winnings.

• Bonus Bets: Taking a Free Shot at Victory

Bonus bets, often part of welcome packages or bundled with deposit match bonuses, are essentially free wagers. Any winnings accrued from a bonus bet (minus the initial stake) are yours to keep. Imagine a $25 bonus bet that wins you $75; you'd pocket a cool $50 in profit!

• Ongoing Promotions: A Stream of Rewards for Loyal Bettors

The party doesn't stop at the welcome bonus. Offshore sportsbooks keep their customers engaged with a steady stream of ongoing promotions. These can encompass deposit bonuses, bonus bets, special event wagers, parlay offers, and the ever-popular odds boosts.

• Odds Boosts: Enhanced Profits for Savvy Bettors

Odds boosts elevate the potential payout on specific wagers, increasing your earning potential. These are typically offered for marquee events or specific bet types within an event or sport.

• Parlay Insurance: A Safety Net for Your Multi-Leg Wagers

A parlay bet combines multiple wagers (legs) into a single bet. Parlay insurance softens the blow of losing a parlay by just one leg. While you won't receive your full winnings, you might get your original stake or a portion of it back, mitigating your losses.

• Loyalty Bonuses: Reap the Rewards of Being a Regular

Engaging with a sportsbook's loyalty program unlocks exclusive bonuses not available to casual bettors. These bonuses can mirror any of the previously mentioned options or even extend to real-world rewards like tickets to sporting events.
By understanding and leveraging the diverse array of offshore sportsbook bonuses, you can significantly enhance your bankroll, explore new betting opportunities, and potentially maximize your profits. Remember to explore various sportsbooks and compare their bonus structures to find the one that best suits your betting preferences.

Offshore Sports Betting in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

The world of sports betting is rapidly evolving, and offshore sportsbooks have emerged as a compelling option for American bettors. But with so much information to navigate, it's crucial to understand the legalities, accessibility, and benefits of offshore wagering.
Is Offshore Sports Betting Legal in the US?
The legality of offshore sports betting hinges on two key factors:

• PASPA Repeal: In 2018, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was repealed, giving individual states the authority to regulate sports gambling within their borders. Many states have since legalized and launched their own sports betting markets.
• Federal Laws: There are currently no federal laws prohibiting US citizens from wagering at offshore sportsbooks. These entities operate under licenses issued by international gaming authorities, allowing them to serve customers in the US.

The Mobile Advantage: Betting on the Go
While you won't find dedicated apps for offshore sportsbooks, all our recommended operators offer seamless mobile betting through their websites. Simply visit the site on your smartphone or tablet, sign up, deposit funds, and start placing wagers. These mobile platforms are designed for optimal functionality and provide an experience comparable to dedicated apps.
Finding the Right Offshore Sportsbook
With numerous offshore sportsbooks catering to US players, choosing the best fit requires careful consideration. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Reputation and Licensing: Look for established sportsbooks with licenses from reputable gaming jurisdictions like Curacao. These licenses ensure fair play, security measures, and responsible gambling practices.
• Betting Markets and Odds: Explore the variety of sports and events offered, along with the competitiveness of the odds. Top offshore sportsbooks boast a wide range of markets and attractive odds for bettors.
• Bonuses and Promotions: Take advantage of generous welcome bonuses, reload promotions, and ongoing loyalty programs to maximize your bankroll and potential returns.

Some of the highly-rated offshore sportsbooks for US players include BetOnline, Everygame, Bovada, BetWhale, and TG Casino. Popular alternatives encompass Jazz Sports, SportsBetting.ag, BetUS, and BetNow.
Taxes and Reporting:

• Offshore Sportsbooks: Offshore sportsbooks themselves do not report winnings to the IRS. However,
• US Taxpayers: It's your responsibility to report gambling winnings to the IRS and your state tax authorities. Consulting a tax professional is recommended to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

Funding Your Bets: Payment Methods
Offshore sportsbooks typically provide two main deposit and withdrawal options:

• Cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin offer fast, fee-free transactions (excluding minimal mining fees) and eliminate the need for third-party involvement.
• Traditional Methods: Credit/debit cards are convenient but may incur fees and are not always suitable for withdrawals. Bank wire transfers are another option, but often come with high processing fees.

Important Note: As of now, offshore sportsbooks do not accept PayPal or other popular eWallets (Neteller, Skrill) due to limitations imposed by these payment processors.
By understanding the legalities, mobile accessibility, key considerations for choosing a sportsbook, and payment methods, you can confidently navigate the world of offshore sports betting in the US. Remember to gamble responsibly and always prioritize licensed and reputable platforms.

Ready to Start Betting?

Top Offshore Sportsbooks for 2024

1. Bovada – Best Online Sportsbook for US customers

• Why #1: Closest offshore site to Fanduel & Draftkings
• Founded: 2011
• Licensed by: Curacao
• Payment Methods: 6+ cryptocurrencies, credit/debit cards, courier, wire transfer, vouchers
• Withdrawal Speed: Instant to 24h
• Restricted States: DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY
• Promo Code: BTCSWB750 = 75% First Deposit Bonus to $750

See current Bovada new customers promotions HERE

2. MyBookie – Fast mobile betting & lots of promotions

• Why #2: Prop bets and more props added constantly
• Founded: 2014
• Licensed by: Curacao
• Payment Methods: 10 cryptocurrencies, credit/debit cards, person2person
• Withdrawal Speed: 48-72 hours
• Restricted States: DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY
• Promo Code: CRYPTO100 = 100% Bonus to $1,000

See current MyBookie new customer promotions HERE

3. SportsBetting.ag – Operates in all 50 states

• Why #3: 100% welcome bonus & travel anywhere & still bet
• Founded: 2003
• Licensed by: Panama Gambling Control Board
• Payment Methods: 15+ cryptocurrencies, credit/debit cards, person2person, money orders, wire transfers, checks
• Withdrawal Speed: 24-48 hours
• Restricted States: None
• Promo Code: DOUBLEUP = 100% Bonus to $500 use 2x

See current Sportsbetting ag new customer promotions HERE

4. BetOnline – Clone of Sportsbetting ag but not as good of a welcome bonus

• Why #4: Casino, poker, esports, racebook - bet everything
• Founded: 2001
• Licensed by: Panama Gaming Commission
• Payment Methods: 15+ cryptocurrencies, credit/debit cards, money orders, wire transfers
• Withdrawal Speed: Instant to 48h
• Restricted States: NJ
• Promo Code: CRYTPO100 = 100% Bonus to $1,000

See current BetOnline new customer promotions HERE

5. XBet – MyBookie clone for lower limit bettors

• Why #5: Lower limits & rewards program designed for smaller bettors
• Founded: 2014
• Licensed by: Curacao
• Payment Methods: 10 cryptocurrencies, credit/debit cards, person2person
• Withdrawal Speed: 48 hours
• Restricted States: NY, NJ, NV, PA
• Promo Code: XBET50 = 50% First Deposit Bonus to $500

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These last two Sportsbooks are more for higher limit bettors

1. BetUS – High limits on sides and totals

• Why #1: If you want to make a living betting you need high limits
• Founded: 1994
• Licensed by: Curacao
• Payment Methods: 4 cryptocurrencies, credit/debit cards, cash transfers, wire transfers, ewallets
• Withdrawal Speed: 24-48 hours
• Restricted States: None
• Promo Code: JOIN200 = 200% up to $5,000

See current BetUS new customer promotions HERE

2. BUSR – High limits and a $2,500 welcome bonus

• Why #2: US focused on major sports and horse betting
• Founded: 2020
• Licensed by: Curacao
• Payment Methods: 4 cryptocurrencies, credit/debit cards, person2person
• Withdrawal Speed: 72 hours
• Restricted States: None
• Promo Code: SPORTS100FP = 100% First Deposit Bonus to $1,500

See current BUSR new customer promotions HERE
For more sports, casino, poker and other online gaming promotions from top offshore casinos.
Visit XSportsbook https://xsportsbook.com/bonuses/

Cathay Pacific is the third-largest airline in the world by market capitalization, operating regular passenger and cargo flights to as many as 168 destinations in 42 different countries. Cathay Pacific set the bar high for the Oneworld alliance and the other airlines that eventually joined as founding members. The name "Cathay," which was derived from the ancient Chinese term Khitan, was chosen by the airline's founders to symbolize their aspiration to one-day fly over the Pacific Ocean.
The airline's founders clung to their dream of flying over the Pacific Ocean, which they eventually accomplished. In addition, Cathay Pacific has grown into related industries and enterprises, including in-flight catering, aviation engineering, and ground support. If you are eager to fly over the Pacific Ocean and want to explore Cathay Pacific airlines. Then you can contact the customer service team at ☎️+1-888-415-1245 to book Cathay Pacific flights.

How to book Cathay Pacific flights?

Here are the steps for Cathay Pacific booking:

• Go to Cathay Pacific's official website for booking Cathay Pacific airlines.
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• Don't forget to enter the "departing on" and "returning on" details for Cathay pacific booking.
• Enter the city from which passengers will depart and the location from which they will depart. In case, you face any difficulty at the airport, then don’t forget to contact the crew members to enjoy the Cathay pacific services.
• You must ultimately fill in the cabin class and passenger count.
• Next, select Flights Search.
• If you schedule a one-way journey, then it will be better for Cathay Pacific airlines.

The passengers can book Cathay Pacific flights by following the preceding instructions of Cathay pacific booking.
In addition to the usual airport check-in procedure, you can check in for Cathay Pacific airlines via the company's website, mobile application, and self-service kiosks. If you check in using one of the alternate methods, you can save time by using a separate line for luggage retrieval or even by going straight to immigration with your printed boarding card or mobile boarding pass. Contact the customer service team if you have any questions concerning the Cathay Pacific reservation number.
Cathay Pacific's baggage rules
There are 4 different seat classes offered on this aircraft, and new cabin decor and in-flight entertainment have been installed since June 2011. First-class chairs can be converted into flat beds thanks to a massaging feature, a personal closet, and adjustable personal televisions. Business class seats provide a lot of personal space and privacy. Premium Economy seats, which have a wider recline and a 38-inch seat pitch, six inches more than those in Economy Class, are an option for passengers who do not want to fly in Business Class. In this way, travellers may conveniently book flights on Cathay Pacific and select the most suitable trip for their needs.
The acclaimed entertainment system, which offers up to 100 movies, 350 TV series, 888 CD albums in 24 different genres, 22 radio channels, and more than 70 interactive games, is available to all passengers. Highly connected passengers may use portable electronic devices on board after takeoff, and thanks to the charge outlets embedded into the seats, you need not worry about a power shortage. Before making a Cathay Pacific flight reservation, many passengers on this route want entertainment.
For hassle-free travel, customers can review the Cathay Pacific luggage rules prior to purchasing their airline tickets.

Cathay Pacific flight FAQs

1) What destinations does Cathay Pacific fly to?
Ans: Los Angeles International, Anchorage International, and Hong Kong International are just a few of the 89 destinations to which Cathay Pacific offers direct flights.
2) When are Cathay Pacific flight prices often the lowest?
Our data indicates that February is frequently the most affordable month to fly with Cathay Pacific.
3) Where would the cheapest Cathay Pacific flight take me?
Right now, the cheapest Cathay Pacific route from US to Seoul Incheon International is only 37,929 dollars.
4) How much do round-trip Cathay Pacific tickets cost?
The cheapest round-trip ticket we could locate on Cathay Pacific was for 37,929 dollars to Seoul Incheon Airport.
5) Is Cathay Pacific a trustworthy airline to choose for travel?
Cathay Pacific has consistently ranked among the top 10 airlines in the world, a testament to our commitment to offering the greatest customer service and onboard experience. We are also one of only 10 5-star rated airlines globally. Travel with Cathay Pacific to experience true quality in the air.

When: Sunday 5-12-2024
Where: O’Hare International Airport, American Airlines
Items Lost and/or stolen:
1. Remarkable 2, The paper Tablet
2. Marker Plus w/ Tablet
3. Remarkable 2 folio case
On 5-11-2024, I flew American Airline from North Carolina to Chicago Ohara International airport. The plane sat right off the runway for about an hour, the plane had no gate to park. Most of the passengers missed their connecting flight. I missed my connection to Portland OR by minutes. I was rebooked for a flight for the next day to Portland via Dallas Tx On Sunday 5-12-2024 at 2:40pm. When boarding the plane, we had to check in our carry-on bag because it was full (I had my work laptop and new Remarkable 2 tablet in my carry-on). We started to taxi out to the runway, then stopped. After about 40 minutes, the pilot came on the speaker and said there would be a delay of about ½ hour to an hour. He then came on to the speaker and said that they were now saying it would be 1-3 hours and he had decided to deplane. The flight was then cancelled. I could not get my carry-on, because it would be going to Dallas and then Portland once a flight went out. I was able to book another flight to Portland 6 hours later. When I landed, I was able to get my check in bag, it had arrived the day before, but the carry-on that I did not want to check in was not there. It would be there in about an hour. So, I waited. By this time, I had spent about 2days or about 30 hours in the airports (they did give me a $12.00 food voucher- you cannot even get a sandwich for that price). I was so exhausted I grabbed my baggage when it got there, and we drove another hour to Salem. By this time, I had been travelling and in airports since Saturday morning at 9:00am and it was now after Midnight Sunday night /Monday morning. I was able to get home about 2:30am.
I slept for a couple of hours and when I opened my carry-on the laptop was in there, but the tablet was gone. I had just bought it just over a month ago and all together had spent $444.99.
I have tried filing a claim, you cannot do that w/o filing a missing baggage report. My bag is not missing. My tablet is. You cannot file a claim w/o original receipt within 24 hours. There is no one to whom you can talk. No one to help you. The one gal I managed to get ahold of was customer service but not for complaints or baggage problems. Her comment to me was “there are over 44 million customers a day with problems, you think we want talk to all of them”. That is what American Airlines thinks of their customers.
I knew my tablet was in the bag when they made me check my bag. They should be held liable. For as long as they held onto the luggage, anyone could have opened it up and took it. I am hoping I am wrong, and it is in the airport somewhere. Chicago, Portland, or Dallas. I feel like I will never see it again.
I know this, I will never fly AA again. They have terrible service, there planes are not in very good shape, just an all-around bad experience. I heard a lot of passengers complain about the airline. No one had anything good to say about them.
How many people has this happened to? Can they just get away with stealing and ripping people off? Making people’s lives miserable by having one of the most unorganized people and baggage and fight handling systems in the world.
Is there a chance a class action lawsuit could be filed? I am sorry I cannot just let them take $500 from me; I work too hard for my money. I feel like they have robbed me.

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Bovada Bonus Codes & Promotions 2024

Bovada is the most popular offshore sportsbook in the United States. It is also a top world wide poker site. The casino is good fun and will satisfy 95% of online casino gamers. Poker? Yes, Bovada is also the largest offshore poker site for US customers.
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Bovada is the largest offshore poker site for US customers. What does that mean to you? Lots of tournaments and lots of new meat. Yes, Bovada has a reputation for soft players. Just be careful at first but soon you will learn who is good and who is fresh meat.

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Best Bovada Welcome Bonus Codes 2024

To see more about a particular bonus. Just click on the bonus code for detailed information.
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Need to Contact Bovada
Our only gripe is that the contact methods aren’t immediately available. You instead need to go through a “Help” section before being able to reach support.

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How fast does Bovada payout?
Bovada usually pays out within 24-48 hours. Crypto withdrawals can go through in less than 24 hours.
Pay taxes on Bovada winnings?
Bovada doesn’t report winnings to the IRS and leaves taxation matters up to players. You should obey all local tax laws

Please read this entire thing, it's all important
Alright, so last night I was the closing cashier. Around 7:10/7:15 this lady comes up. She wanted me to do a price check on an item that was coming up 15.99 on the price checkers, but 13 online. I ring it up just to check what it was and did a price override to 13 to match online (she showed me what the price was online for this item.) She also had some candy melts with her items.
Scan all her items, she enters her rewards number and we scan he coupons and vouchers. After I print her receipt, she looks it over. She otices the candy melts rang up as 4.99, though she claimed she thought it was 4.49 so she went back and checked and behold, it was 4.49, not 4.99, so I do a return on those melts.
The return prices show up as the price she paid for aka 2.36 for both. Then I rering the melts and override them to be 4.49, price is now 9.07. This is where the issues start....
She starts complaing about how it said this but it rang as this, blah blah (no clue what exactly she was going on about here.) I just wasn't getting it since she was talking what it should've been or something. Again, not quite sure what she's going on about:
Me: “sorry, I don't understand what you mean”
Her: “can I speak to your manager”
Okay, that's fine. I call my MoD up and she explains the situation to him. The return was still up on the screen, since a) you can't suspend return transactions without an override and b) prove that she'd be paying $9
At some point, I forget exactly how but I bring up the override stuff.
Me: “even if we did it here (referring to a price override), your coupons wouldn't apply”
Her: “yes they would”
Me: “No, they wouldn't. If the computer is saying it's more expensive than what's on the shelves, we have to do an override and your coupons would not ap--“
Her: “Ya know what, I don't like this *attitude* you're giving me. It's rude and really uncalled for. You shouldn't do that” (or something along those lines.) She was basically yelling here. Anyone else in line could hear her
Ma'am...WHAT ATTITUDE!? I was talking to you that same the ENTIRE time!! Fcking a-hole
Now, keep in mind, my MoD was with me during this. I gave up trying. At this point, I started to back up (I wasn't walking off, I was still there i was just a complete feet away from the register) and looked at my MoD with a "you wanna deal with her??" I was upset and annoyed. She was still going on about me and how it was "rude" I was
My MoD saw I was getting rather upset and just sent me off the register to take a breather (thank god) and he dealt with the rest
WHAT DID I DO!? What could I have possibly done for her to attack me!? So.... it's now rude to *checks my notes*, tell a customer...any coupons they have CANNOT be applied on overrided items?
Lady ruined the rest of my night. I was so close to crying. I don't think I deserved that and considering the manager was with me, he heard how I said everything to this lady. Did not take her side
Sorry this is long, needed to vent. What the hell did I fucking do??

Hi! I ended up buying my ticket to London from Paris too late, and now a round-trip ticket costs me $400 each for me and my parents. I've looked into flights, and they're also really expensive for that day, especially when including our luggage. I was just about to accept it as a loss and pay the price, maybe cutting back on some activities I had planned to make up for the expense. But before I do, I'm just checking to see if there's any guardian angel out there or anyone who might have a voucher code or a promo code that I can use to lower the price! I'd appreciate any help, please and thank you!

This is just a story of an unexpected (and probably accidental) upgrade.
This took place in May of 2011. My wife and I (we were engaged at the time) were staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We had ordered a Garden View room, which was a decent price, but not nearly as much as what you would pay for a Savanna view.
While we’re checking in, the CM casually mentions that they have our Savanna view all ready for us.
I can see my wife is about to say something, but I quickly nudge her (we had already paid in full, so it’s not as if they could charge us more after the fact). If they wanted to put us in a Savanna view, so be it!
Well, once the bellhop took us to our room, I could see why.
First off, it was literally the farthest room from the lobby (which would be dreadful following a full day at the parks). Secondly, the door was in a narrow corridor that shared space with the cleaning cart - we had to squeeze sideways to get in. And finally, the supposed “Savanna view” was anything but. Technically, if you stuck your head way out over the balcony and turned to your right, you might catch a glimpse of something. But all we really had a view of was a utility shed, some basic trees, and a chainlink fence. Not even any landscaping or anything. It reminded me of something out of Jurassic Park.
(I realize now that this must be what’s considered an “obstructed view” room, but it wasn’t just obstructed - there was no view at all.)
Plus, the room was small for a deluxe resort. Especially with 2 Queen beds.
However, we had asked for a room with a single King bed. I mentioned that to the bellhop and he quickly called down to the front desk. He said they’d gladly move us to a King room, we would just have to wait. In the meantime we could store our luggage and go about our day. So we did.
I fully expected to be put in a Garden view as we originally expected. But when we got back…
It was like something out of the Lion King! Amazing, perfect view - giraffes, wildebeests, ostrich, and so much more, right in front of our room. I spent hours just watching from the balcony - it really made the trip all that more special.
If I ever go back to the Animal Kingdom Lodge, I will have no choice but to shell out this time for a Savanna view (a true Savanna view). Well worth it.

** ALL WEEKEND (FRI 5/3 - SUN 5/5) *\*
10 AM - 2 PM Beetlejuice Tea Party Snapdragon Tea, 115 Harvard Dr. SE Themed tea party in tribute to Beetlejuice coming to Popejoy Hall! Enjoy three themed courses of small bites, accompanied by two pots of hot tea of your choice. One weekend only! We welcome kids of all ages to our tea parties. Children’s menus, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan menus are available upon request as well. Reservations required
** BOTH FRI 5/3 AND SAT 5/4 *\*
8 AM - 2 PM Old Fashioned Church Rummage Sale Hope in the Desert Episcopal Church, 8700 Alameda Blvd. NE Snag amazing deals on really good stuff - from furniture to kitchen items, household essentials, electronics, and much more!
Fri 7 - 9 PM Sat 2 - 4 PM New MexiChords In Concert! Sentimental Journey St. John's United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona St. NE A Capella Live Concert! Join us for as we reminisce through favorite songs. Special guest: Quartet of All Time! $15 Tickets at Door
** BOTH SAT 5/4 AND SUN 5/5 *\*
Sat 3 - 5 PM Sun 2 - 4 PM Mother's Day Kid's Gift Making Workshop Pinspiration, 6271 Riverside Plaza Ln. NW, Ste D1 Join us for a unique and fun way for your kiddos to honor and celebrate their mom, aunts, grandmas or any important mother figure in their lives. A hand-crafted gift from your child will really show mom how much they love them! Drop off the kiddos for an afternoon of crafting to make something very special! $35 per child (Special gift, Gift wrapping, Snack and drink). Workshop fee is non-refundable so if you're unable to attend, a studio credit will be given for another workshop, crafts or our splatter experience (register)
4 PM American Music - Then and Now The ABQ Civic Chorus is delighted and excited to welcome you to our spring concert. We are a group of over sixty vocal musicians with different backgrounds, professions, and musical training. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets purchased online will be available at the door and are good for either day

• Fri - First Christian Church, 10101 Montgomery Blvd. NE
• Sat - Asbury United Methodist Church, 10000 Candelaria NE

** Fri 5/3 *\*
Fri 10:45 AM – 12 PM Coffee Concert 4: Early Beethoven South Broadway Cultural Center, 1025 Broadway Blvd. SE Beethoven Prometheus (Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus): Overture; Beethoven Concerto, Piano, No. 3, Op. 37, c minor; Beethoven Symphony No. 2, Op. 36, D Major. The last NMPhil Coffee Concert of 2023/24 is sure to leave you excited for next season! Premiered in 1803 in Vienna and conducted by the composer himself, Beethoven’s second foray into the world of big, public symphonies combines his unique artistry with his humor, stated through various musical jokes in the Scherzo and Finale. The program—led by conductor Na’Zir McFadden—also includes Anthony Ratinov performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 to lighten your early-spring morning (tickets)
Fri 2 – 9 PM Grand Opening NM Rave Cave, 115 7th St. NW Come see our new location and check out our vendors, food trucks and local dj’s playing in store. Complete with an ABQ Live Photo Booth. Big Boss Hotlinks will be on site with Burgers, Dogs , Fries and more! We are teaming up with Viva ABQ, 505 Junglists, Carma Presents, ABQ Live, Unyk Lyfe, ASTRL Entertainment, Otter World Music, Audio Elite NM and Mr.Afterhours to bring you a one of a kind experience! Vendors - Alchemy Beauty - Magic Cup Boba Tea - Rastafari_Mari - Own The Day - The Mexican Witch - High Chi Mandalas - Astrl Ent
Fri 3:30 - 7:30 PM Family Block Party! Coldwell Banker Legacy Paseo, 8200 Carmel Ave NE Car show, bouncy houses, mechanical bull! Welcome to a celebration for our cherished community and the wonderful clients who make our work so rewarding!
Fri 5 PM Blueberry Berliner Weisse Release Tractor Brewing - All locations You asked for a sour and now you got one! Hitting your taste buds like spring allergies, the Blueberry Berliner will be available on tap everywhere
Fri 5 – 8 PM Honky Tonk for Hope, Health and Healing Dirty Bourbon Dance Hall & Saloon, 9800 Montgomery Blvd., Ste 4 Come dance the night away with us! There will be food, fun, and dancing! This fundraising event benefits Casa Esperanza! For more info, Jacob Romero 505-246-2706 or [jromero@casanm.org](mailto:jromero@casanm.org) (tickets)
Fri 6 PM Country Social Dance CSP Dance Studios, 1624 Eubank Blvd. NE The best country music for dancing to practice your Country Two Step, Night Club, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Cha Cha, Waltz, Rhythm Two Step, 4-count Swing, Line Dancing and more! $10 cash at the door. Welcome lesson 6:00-6:30pm. Call 505-883-9521 for more info
Fri 6 PM 'Burque Bee 2024 Canteen Brewhouse, 2381 Aztec Rd. NE Join us on the patio to show off your spelling chops. To give yourself an even better chance of winning, for $5 you can buy coupons like More Time (get 30 more seconds to confer), Stinger (sting your opponents!) and Help (get help from the audience). Team Registration $75. 3 people per team, limited to 12 teams (register)
Fri 6 PM Luke Bulla Concert Covenant Presbyterian Church, 9315 Candelaria Rd. NE Luke has been singing and playing music most of his life. Touring with and singing in his family band from age four, Luke has won National Fiddle Contest (in Weiser, Idaho) six times in his respective age categories. His seventh win came in the Grand Champion division at age sixteen, making him the youngest to have earned the title at the time. More recently Luke has performed and/or recorded with Brandi Carlile, Jim Lauderdale, Darrell Scott, Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Edgar Meyer, Bela Fleck, Kevin Costner & Modern West, Russ Barenberg Trio, Shawn Colvin, Tony Rice, Chris Thile, Peter Rowan, Rodney Crowell, and Earl Scruggs, to name a few. Doors 5:30 pm. Show 6 pm. Presented by Southwest Pickers
Fri 6 – 7:30 PM Spring Fling Dennis Chavez Elementary, 7500 Barstow St. NE Food trucks, face painters, a balloonist, a mobile petting zoo, School of Rock performances, lawn games, mini golf and a chance to dunk your principal and favorite teachers! (We could still use some extra hands to keep the event fun and seamless, if you could spare some time, sign up here)
Fri 6 – 8:30 PM Pizza Paint & Craft Night Canvas and Coffee, 6700 4th St NW, Los Ranchos Date night for Mom and Dad... Drop off the kids (6+) for a Pizza dinner, then crafting, and painting fun! Each month we will offer a theme and will have 2 projects available for your child to make and take home the same evening! The materials they will be working with will be canvas painting, crafting with wood, beads, ribbon, mod podge, glue, acrylic paint, watercolors, and more! *Children with special dietary needs will need to bring their own snack/meal (tickets)
Fri 7 PM Group Therapy Band Marble Brewery, 111 Marble Ave NW Come dance your jitters away while listening to soothing music to calm a nervous world
Fri 7 PM Roust the House + Rock 101 Music Academy Performance Night Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd. SE Roust the House and Rock 101 Music Academy return for another exciting season of performances featuring local teen bands and soloists, from punk rock to classical piano to singer-songwriters, hip hoppers, spoken word artists, and more, including The Hunnies, a Rock 101 alumni band, and other talented up-and-coming musicians. Tonight’s show features winners of Rock 101’s Band League Challenge and more. Founded in 2011 by Director Kevin Herig, Rock 101 Music Academy is a year-round program for musicians as young as 4 years old through their teen years featuring one on one and group lessons, band mentoring, and more (tickets)
Fri 7 – 9 PM Tacos & Rides Truck Night Cafe Bella Coffee, 2604 Violeta Cir SE, Rio Rancho Join us for a night where trucks reign supreme. Roll in with your ride—whether it's lifted, lowered, or custom-built. All trucks welcome! Showcase your pride and joy. Connect & Converse: Swap stories and ideas with fellow truck and auto enthusiasts. Savor: Bite into delicious street tacos and chill out with good eats. Safety First: Courtesy presence by Rio Rancho Police for a safe, fun evening. Drive in, hang out, and fuel your passion for trucks at NM's longest-running automotive meet. Let's keep the wheels turning and the tacos grilling!
Fri 7 – 10 PM Ulthar Sister, 407 Central Ave NW This Bay Area band is sowing the seeds of planetary entropy by way of horrifying blacked cosmic death metal (tickets)
Fri 7 – 10 PM Galactic Funk Star Wars Party w/ Kaleido Tractor Brewing - Westside, 5720 McMahon Blvd. NW Come celebrate Star Wars weekend with killer tunes from the always amazing DJ Kaleido!
Fri 8 – 11 PM First Fridays w/ DJ Flo Fader Tractor Brewing, 122 Tulane Dr. SE He's just too good to not have in Nob Hill at least once a month. Come jam out with one of NM's absolute BEST DJs and kick off your weekend with FLO FADER!
Fri 8:30 PM – 12 AM 1st Fridays SBKZ Alley Kats Tap Company, 219 Truman St. NE Joining the Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, and Zouk dance communities has been a blast! Please join us as we welcome ABQ resident DJ Karla of Metta Dance Collective and welcome back world renowned Ry’el of Zenzouk for another amazing social! Theme: Sparkles -- Let’s sparkle and shine with gratitude for having Ry’el and Rachel with us the last 3 going on 4 months! There will be 2 ROOMS! Room 1: Salsa & Bachata. Room 2: Zouk & Kizomba. Music by DJ Karla - Room 1, DJ Yaz - Room 2. $10 Cover: Cash/Venmo/Cashapp accepted. Snacks and drinks provided
Fri 9 PM The Millennium Video Music Dance Party -“Barbie Prom” Sunshine Theater, 120 Central Ave NW Get ready for a night of electrifying nostalgia Millennium Video Music Dance Party presents the ultimate “Barbie Prom” extravaganza, unlike anything you've experienced before! Brace yourself for the most sensational, dazzling, and downright iconic 90s and 2000s Video Music Dance Party to ever grace our town! Picture this: a world that exudes the glamour, glitz, energy, of your very own Barbie dream world. Prepare to be dazzled into a shimmering oasis of pink, glitter, and all things fabulous. Whether you're channeling the chic sophistication of Barbie herself or embracing the edgy coolness of Ken, this is your chance to shine like never before! Dance the night away to the biggest hits from the 90s and 2000s, (100% Music videos) curated to perfection to keep you grooving all night. Think Beyonce, Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, Pitbull, One Direction, Kesha, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani, Eminem, 50 Cent, Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, Flo Rida, Britney Spears…. and beyond – Get ready to strike a pose at our dedicated Barbie Prom photo-booth, make memories that are guaranteed to last for years to come (tickets)
Fri 9 – 11:30 PM LoPhat Juno, 1501 1st St. NW Dance to Live Music by one of ABQ's top R&B-flavored bands! From the Caribbean to Baltimore, from Detroit to El Paso, from the Pacific Islands to ABQ… with this melting pot of soul, rhythms, experience, and passion, there isn’t a “skool” that isn’t represented! LoPhat believes there is something to be learned from every soul that crosses your path. This way of thinking has given them the ability to incorporate and masterfully execute most genres of music and makes them a class all their own. Surpassing all “Variety Bands” with more listening choices than your radio, this band is sure to have something even the most skeptical listeners will enjoy. Founded in 2023, this band has gained a committed following. In their first year they have already played for Sandia Casino, CABQ, NM State Fair, Gathering of Nations, Ohkay Casino, Route 66 Casino, and so many more! LoPhat is set to release their first album in 2024 showcasing their melding of different cultures to bring you “feel good” music in a way that seems so familiar yet so new! (tickets)
Fri 9 PM – 1:30 AM Back in the Day: A First Friday Experience Backstage at Revel, 4720 Alexander Blvd. NE DJs Gonzo Supreme and Clout will be spinning all your favorite 90s and 2000s Hip Hop & R&B hits and more! 21+ (tickets)
Fri 9 PM – 1:30 AM Callaita Fridays Salt Yard West, 3700 Ellison Dr. NW Get ready for an unforgettable night as DJs Julio & Soiree take the outdoor stage, promising an electrifying journey into Latin music. Let the pulsating rhythms and contagious energy sweep you away as you dance under the stars. This 21+ event guarantees an atmosphere where you can fully embrace the rhythm without inhibition. Whether you're a seasoned Reggaeton enthusiast or simply looking for a night of unparalleled fun and excitement, this event promises an experience like no other! (tickets)
Fri 10:30 PM – 12:15 AM OMEN - the debut haunting psychedelic feature by Belgian-Congolese musican/artist Baloji The Guild Cinema, 3405 Central Ave NE Check out the trailer. Dir. Baloji - 2024 - 90m - Democratic Republic of Congo, Netherlands, Belgium - In French, Swahli, Lingala, English with subtitles. After spending years in Belgium, Koffi (Marc Zinga), a young Congolese man, returns to his birthplace of Kinshasa to confront his family and homeland culture. Secrecy and sorcery erupt when a nosebleed is mistaken for a curse, and Koffi is shunned from his family. Using magical realism to paint a portrait of “undesirables” and “sorcerers,” OMEN delves into the intricacies of identity, culture, and belief systems through a deeply rich and visually captivating lens (tickets)
** Sat 5/4 ** -- Star Wars Day
Sat 8 AM May Volunteer Clean Up Historic Fairview Cemetery, 700 Yale Blvd. SE Mustard is running rampant! We'll focus on doing what we can to address those weeds. Please dress to protect yourself from the strong Southwest sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, long pants and shirts, sturdy shoes. Bring tools and gloves to garden, we'll provide the trash bags, water and snacks
Sat 8 – 11 AM Rigs & Coffee Pinon Coffee House, 4545 Alameda Blvd. Get ready for a unique automotive experience! This gathering is all about celebrating the spirit of adventure and the love for off-road vehicles
Sat 8 AM – 12 PM OPENING DAY! 6718 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Los Ranchos WE'RE BACK! Come kick off the opening day of the regular season of the Los Ranchos Art Market! Plenty of parking and open space for all! Free entry! Pet friendly! Bring your family and friends to kick off the season and pick out that special mom a beautiful high quality hand made gift by our local artists!
Sat 8 AM – 12 PM Downtown Growers' Market Robinson Park, Every Saturday! This vibrant community event connects local farmers, growers, artisans, wellness makers, and hot food vendors with the local community from mid-Apr to early-Nov. Bring friends / family or come solo to enjoy fresh food made on sight, a variety of seasonal produce, unique arts and crafts, live music, and special programming all in the heart of downtown
Sat 8:30 AM Workout Fun in the Park! 9709 Layton Ave NE Join BFit505 for a fun community workout! Wear your walking/running shoes, a workout clothes. All ages, all fitness levels. Just $5 drop in to the park!
Sat 9 AM Cinco De Mayo Celebration Osuna Nursery, 501 Osuna Rd. NE Celebrate Cinco de Mayo early with a full day of celebration! You'll find: • chips & salsa • a special mix from DJ Everedy of Red Sapphire Entertainment • Osuna University 'Planting for Pollinators' with local author and landscape designer Judith Phillips from 11am-12pm. It's the perfect opportunity to brighten up your own celebrations with beautiful blooms and gorgeous serving-ware including artisan talavera
Sat 9 AM – 1 PM Herb Day 2024 Sonia Masocco Phytotherapy, 11930 Menaul Blvd NE, Ste 109 This is our Annual Herb Day Open House & Medicinal Plant Sale. Come visit your local herbal apothecary, mingle with like minded people, purchase your plants for your medicinal or aromatic garden or just come and have a cup of tea with us. This event is free, for all ages with parking lot access
Sat 9 AM – 4 PM La Cueva Band Booster Club Annual Spring Craft Fair La Cueva High School, Perfect time to pick up a unique Mother's Day gift from over 140 artists and vendors!
Sat 9 AM – 6 PM Heels & Wheels - Women's Ride Day! Indian Motorcycle, 4509 Alameda Blvd. NE Ladies, we invite you to come out and ride your bike! Ride on your own, with your significant other, with friends or find some riding partners at the event. You set your pace and ride your ride. We will be at Indian Motorcycle 9am - 11am. Grab some food and some coffee or tea at the trucks on site. Check out all the sales on bikes and gear before or after you stop by registration in the back. We will have a few stations and tables set up that we would love for you to check out. There will be some trivia at the end location for some giveaways. You will be provided a wrist band and a list of participating businesses with their addresses and hours of operation so you can plan your ride. make it a day, make it fun, stop and have lunch but visit as many of the businesses as you like. You will be collecting beads from each business you visit. These beads will only be given to a female who has a wrist band, but all are welcome to ride. Many of the businesses will have their own party going on to celebrate this day with you. Stop in and support these local businesses and collect your beads. Bring all those beads to Hops Brewery, 7222 4th St NW, Los Ranchos between 3pm-6pm. Trade them in for free raffle tickets that you can use to win many great prizes we have collected from our participating businesses. Don't worry, if you didn't collect beads or need more raffle tickets we will have them on sale and everyone is welcome to purchase as many as you like. Then grab a bite and a drink. Mingle, shop some of our vendors, enjoy the giveaways, and performance by live band, Crazy Bird! They are amazing so we hope you can dance in your biker boots (tickets)
Sat 10 AM Storybook Garden Spring Planting Day Corrales Community Library, 84 W La Entrada, Corrales We will be planting the children's Storybook Garden! Beans: Calima, Provider, Rattlesnake. Cucumbers: Dragon's Egg, Mexican Sour Gherkin. Tomatoes: A Grippoli d'Inverno, Black Cherry, Brad's Crazy Cherry, Chocolate Sprinkles, Punta Bando, Rosella, Sunrise Bumble Bee, Yellow Pear. Squash: Tromconcino
Sat 10 AM – 12 PM Fourth Annual Car Show 5111 Wilshire Ave NE All are welcome to participate in our annual car show! Corvette, Porsche, Lamborghini, Mercedes Benz, Rolls Royce, and more! There will be a gift basket raffle, free shirts for the first 10 cars, coffee, and snacks. PLEASE CALL SILVER STAR AUTO HAUS AT 505-881-4855 TO REGISTER YOUR CAR!
Sat 10 AM – 1 PM Eternal Bonds & Bubbles with Link x Lou Sawmill Market, 1909 Bellamah Ave NW Indulge in an intimate setting where every ticket promises an unforgettable experience, featuring a complimentary glass of house wine or mocktail (Rosé, White, Red), a curated charcuterie board available to order, and a special $40 credit towards the permanent jewelry of your choice from Link x Lou (tickets)
Sat 10 AM – 2 PM Craft Fair Second Hand Sam's Indoor Mall,1020 Veranda Drive SE, Rio Rancho Space rentals $20. For more info, call 505-544-2636
Sat 10 AM – 2 PM The 2nd & Coal Pop-up! Flyby Provisions, 201 Coal Ave SW We’re bringing the community together for a day of shopping, music, and delicious food! Get ready to explore an eclectic mix of handcrafted treasures from over 20 local vendors, showcasing their unique creations! From handmade jewelry to artisanal foods and everything in between, there’s something for everyone at our market
Sat 10 AM – 3 PM DLC Truck Parks Spring PopUp! 2520 Jefferson St. NE Come support our local vendors! Variety of fun foods and products!
Sat 10 AM – 4 PM Tracks, Tunes, & Taps: A Steam Locomotive 2926 Fundraiser Tractor Brewing - Wells Park, 1800 4th St. NW • Live Music by RJ Perez at noon! • One of the largest steam locomotives on the Planet! • See History Alive! See her run! Become a volunteer and work on our next project! Hear her whistle! All proceeds go toward the continued maintenance and future operations. NM Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society, in charge of the operation of the historic Santa Fe Railway steam locomotive 2926 have finished renovations on this beautiful train and they'll be bringing it to the tracks next to Tractor Wells Park! Come check out this amazing piece of history and get on board!
Sat 10 AM – 4 PM Art Show Fundraiser Unity Spiritual Center, 9800 Candelaria Rd. NE Come and see the vast array of art from our local artists. Find gifts, beautiful and functional objects, and art to adorn your spaces. This is our first art show at Unity and it promises to be a good one! Our Unity EarthCare Team is hosting this art fair. Funds raised are going toward xeriscaping our property and other earth friendly efforts to save water and support pollinators. Snacks, drinks, and live music on the lawn, weather permitting. Painters, Photographers, Sculptors, Potters, Mixed Media Artists, and more have been invited
Sat 10 AM – 4 PM ABQ International Festival San Pedro, between Kathryn and Anderson A day filled with fun and festivities, including live music, kids' play area, delicious food, and local vendors!
Sat 11 AM – 1 PM Fun and Games Fundraiser ABQ Speech Language and Hearing Center (ASLHC), 9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Ste 215 Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of games and activities, with delicious food provided by @ withlovewaffles. A huge thank you to Eagle Credit Union for their financial support!
Sat 11 AM - 4 PM May The Fourth Be With You Sale - Biggest Sale Yet! Don’s Paperback Book Exchange, 1013 San Mateo Blvd. SE Spring has sprung and that means it’s time to have an event, folks! Let’s do a sale - a really big sale! All books and DVDs 50% off - All comics 25% off - All kids get free books too! This sale will include green label comics, CGC comics, and dollar comics
Sat 11 AM – 5 PM Mother's Day Market ABQ Food Park,6951 San Antonio Dr. NE Get ahead of the game and celebrate Mother's Day in style! Before the big day arrives, join us for a delightful pre-celebration where you can grab something special for Mom, Grandma, or that extraordinary woman in your life. Dive into a world of local craftsmanship, delicious food, live music, and outdoor fun at our enchanting outdoor venue. *Browse through the diverse offerings of local artisans *Treat yourself to a mouthwatering delight from our food trucks *Enjoy live music performed by talented local musician Joseph Velasquez *Bring the family to enjoy the festivities with some outdoor games and activities
Sat 11 AM – 7 PM Turkish Festival Raindrop Foundation, 7901 Mountain Rd. NE Festival will feature exquisite samples of Turkish- Mediterranean Cuisine (Doner Gyro Kebab, Baklava, Turkish Coffee and more), cultural exhibits, folk dances, children's area, arts & crafts and more! You do not want to miss this family event that everyone will find something to enjoy! Admission is FREE and the event is open to the public
Sat 11 AM – 10 PM Star Wars Day Celebration Slice and Dice Pizzeria, 2225 Wyoming Blvd. NE From 1-2 pm, stormtroopers from NM's 501st Legion will be available for photos. Throughout the day, we will have teach-and-play for Star Wars miniatures games (Legion and Shatterpoint), as well as the hottest game in the galaxy: Star Wars: The Card Game. Come dressed in your favorite Star Wars fit or gear for a free churro!
Sat 12 PM Free Comic Book Day Age of Comics, 3700 Osuna Rd. NE, Ste 513 We are excited to announce Andy Kuhn and Mark Fenton will be signing in store!

Hi all,
I am new here, and I hope you can help me out. If you help me find a solution, you can use the solution to build something for yourself, too!
I have ideas for mobile apps in which users perform some activities (you define the activity as you think it fits) and collect credits based on that.
Once the credit reaches a limit, they become eligible for discounted purchases on Amazon (or other marketplaces, if you can suggest any?).
The user will then get a 10% discount on Amazon for specific products. With that discount, they can, for example, shop for groceries and save $.
The shop owner then must pay you 5% or similar of any purchase back to you.
By doing this, the customer will get discounts, the shop owner will increase sales, and we will get a commission, too. The customer will also benefit from the activity, for example, journal keeping or something like that.
I checked Amazon, and it only has coupons for the US, but coupons won't give me anything back unless I have my own shop and use vouchers to attract more customers.
What I'm looking for is a platform or store where I can direct the users. Ideally, this platform would offer guaranteed commission payments to me, ensuring a steady income stream.
Can you think of anything?

NYRR Mindful 5K

New race and new course for this year!

RACE INFORMATION

• Date: Saturday, May 4th 2024
• Start Time: 8:00AM
• Location: Flushing Corona Park
• Course
  • Map

Pre-Race

• Bib Pickup:
  • Apr 22nd - May 3rd at NYRR RunCenter
  • Race day - 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. at Race Day Central - located in David Dinkins Circle
• Race Premium: Short Sleeve Tee
• Mental Well Being Panel
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), NYC athletes, and wellness advocates discuss the mind-body connection, and provide insight into how running has helped them cope, excel, and persevere in aspects of their everyday lives.
  • Wednesday, May 1 at 6pm at the NYRR RunCenter.
  • RSVP here

Race Day

• Bag Check: Race Day Central
  • Opens at 6:30am
• Parking
  • NYRR doesn't usually provide advice but Citi Field will have parking available in the southfield lot for $40 for Cars and SUVs or $80 for busses/large vehicles seating over 8 people
• Meditation
  • NAMI-NYC will have a "meditation tent" you can reserve a spot in for before the race here.
  • Apparently Peloton instructors will conduct a short meditation before the start as well.
• Weather Forecast at start time as of 4/29:
  • Mostly sunny 61°F (feels like 61)
  • 0% chance of precipitation
  • Wind - 6mph
  • Dress My Run
• Live Tracking:
  • Click Here
  • Apple App Store
  • Google Play App Store
• Corral Qualifications Standards:

Corral	Max Pace	Max Finish Time
AA - Men	4:51	15:04
AA - Women & N/B	6:03	18:47
A	6:12	19:17
B	6:53	21:25
C	7:22	22:54
D	7:43	23:59
E	8:07	25:14
F	8:31	26:28
G	8:53	27:36
H	9:22	29:06
I	9:49	30:32
J	10:33	32:49
K	11:44	36:29
L	--:--	--:--

^{To clarify, the above times/paces are the maximum that you can finish in this race to then qualify for that given corral for future weekly NYRR races. Your bib for this race will be based on the best pace in your NYRR Dashboard.
Best Pace and corresponding Corral Assignment}

Osaka->Miyajima Island->Hiroshima->Kyoto->Kanazawa->Tokyo Thank you Redditors for all the tips & insights during my trip planning. Here's a report to give back!
Biggest surprise & highlight: When we booked this trip, we did not expect to see cherry blossoms but because of the cold snap, we saw them everywhere but Tokyo! What a thrill. They are a truly special sight.
Preface: Seven ladies, late 50’s-mid 70’s trip. All varying degrees of physical fitness. Booked guided tours to have group activities, then separated to do our own thing. Some meals were together, sometimes we were on our own. We did a surprising amount of conbini & grocery store meals. Moderate hotels. I’m the group planner and somewhat OCD but know there needs to be flexibility for unforeseen events. By the end of the trip we all strayed from the itinerary except for booked activities.
Pre trip: Booked flights directly with United. Flew open jaw into Osaka, then out of Haneda. Booked Hotels direct & thru Hotels.com, any special tours, sightseeing train to Nara, Osaka Mint Cherry viewing tickets (free), Nishikawa reservations, baseball tickets, purchased JR Kansai Hiroshima pass & Haruka voucher on Klook, downloaded Suica on iPhones (my Visa card worked!), downloaded Ubigi (10G was used up literally when I was at Haneda flying home).
Transportation: Regional JR Pass Kansai Hiroshima was a good deal for us. Osaka->Himeji->Miyajimaguchi->Hiroshima->Kyoto. We picked up both JR Pass & Haruka trip at the JR Office at KIX. While we were there, we reserved seats for our trip to Himeji, Miyajimaguchi & Hiroshima. For Kyoto & Kanazawa, we went to the station early and reserved seats that morning and it was no problem. The shinkansen was so comfortable! There’s an overhead shelf for bags but if you needed, there’s probably enough room for small bags to keep in front of you. Loads of leg room.
Having a SUICA on your phone was a game changer. Tap in/out at all stations. It was nice knowing what the balance was as you’re going along. Buses were convenient and would often take you closer to where you need to go. Everywhere but Tokyo, you would enter thru the back, tap in, then tap out & exit at the front by the driver. In Tokyo, you would tap in & enter at the front & exit at the back (no tap out). In Kanazawa, they do not take IC cards (210¥) on city bus. Only JR buses, Kanazawa loop bus and Machi bus (different color buses than city bus) I know, that confused us too.
Uber app worked everywhere. Taxis also respond to Uber so there’s no need to download GO Taxi if you already have Uber.
Shopping: The Yen was at its all-time low so shopping was pretty fun. My favorite places to shop were at Uji for tea, Chion Ji market for handicrafts (some vendors took credit cards), grocery stores for food souvenirs (esp anything yuzu) and conbinis for mini bottles of Kewpie mayo for little stocking stuffer gifts. If you are looking for a kimono or art for your walls, buy them in Kyoto. Kyoto has many 2nd hand kimono shops and they are a bargain there. I bought a beautiful Haori for ¥550 (roughly $4 USD!) and there’s a shop called Wargo where they sell kimonos for ¥1 per gram. I bought a kimono as a gift there for ¥547! They also had some beautiful obis there that you can use for wall hangings (¥990). For inexpensive general items, look at Hands, Daiso or Seria (fun household things). In general, things are at least ¥50 more expensive in Tokyo.
Miscellaneous tips– hotels all provided loungewear, so I didn’t pack PJs. Hotel provided most toiletries including toothbrushes, hair brush & razors, tho not body lotion (just buy at the drug store). Unless you have little feet or big feet, the slippers provided won’t fit. I’m a big Japanese tea drinker and all the hotel green tea sucked (shocking?). Drank a lot of iced tea from the conbinis. Food from conbini was great but find a grocery store near your hotel to buy fruit & pre-made food for cheap meals. Luggage transfers worked like a charm. Super easy and not expensive.
Having 7 people on the trip was a challenge at times so booking private tours here and there solved a lot of issues. Along with all the great info they provide, it was nice having a guide to maximize our day and keep us from walking in circles, as we tend to do.
Having few garbage cans in the country is no joke. Carry your garbage back to your hotel with you. When we did see random garbage cans, we gasped. I saw 3 public garbage cans (not with the conbini) the whole time I was in Japan, 2 of them in Peace Park in Hiroshima.
Also carry a little towel with you when you wash your hands at a public toilet. You can get cheap ones at Daiso or any discount store. I also carried soap strips as many toilets didn’t have soap dispensers either.
Bring well broken in shoes. I had On Running for every day walking, Blundstones for hiking & rainy days. They’re also good for some temple walks on uneven ground. I also brought Clarix flats for short walks to dinner shoes. I could have done without the Clarix shoes.
Steps – Highest was about 31K in Osaka and it got progressively lower (averaging about 20K) as we became more comfortable with taking public transportation by the time we got to Tokyo.
I forgot to bring a sun hat. We had some hot sunny days and would have liked one. Buy sunscreen while you’re there. I’m in love with Bioré UV Aqua Rich. Goes on smoothly with no white cast.
Be aware of lunch times. A lot of restaurants close between 2-5.
Learn a little bit of Japanese. The Japanese people are so kind and gracious, even a smile and a bow will get you far. Google translate is your friend.
Collect goshuin at temples & shrines. They are beautiful and a nice memory of your trip and it makes temple hopping a little more fun. Eki stamps are fun to collect as well. Most of the train stamps we got we outside a JR office.
Hotels:
Osaka: Hotel Monterrey Grasmere (2 nights) – great location on top of Namba station, although we got lost underground trying to find it the 1st time. Did not buy breakfast. Comfy, traditional rooms. No onsen. Used luggage service to send large luggage to Kyoto (hotel aided) & brought smaller bags the next few nights.
Miyajima Island – Miyajima Villa (1 night) – our favorite hotel during our trip. Located very close to the pier, we took the half board plan. Loads of selection for breakfast & dinner with Japanese & Western dishes, including Hiroshima oysters. Relaxed vibes. Onsen was the best. I slept in my single loft room for 8.5 hours and it was glorious. Happy hour was nice. Learned the highball is a popular drink in Japan.
Hiroshima – Hotel Intergate Hiroshima (2 nights) – good, comfortable rooms & location, about a 15 minute bus ride or walk to the station. Onsen & happy hour available. Breakfast was great, loads of selection. They had a beef stew that we’re still talking about. I love the sliding door between the bedroom and the hallway to the bathrooms. If you're one to get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, having a door shielding the bedroom from the light was awesome.
Kyoto – Mimaru Suites Kyoto Shijo (6 nights) – Loved this place. It was great to spread out. Booked 2 rooms with 2 BR each. Had in suite laundry, dining area and kitchenette. Staff was especially friendly and helpful, happy hour was great (craft beer, sake & sodas) plus staff did calligraphy lessons. Good location near the Karasuma line & buses. No onsen but nice bathtub and bought bath salts. Lots of conbini breakfasts + a good local gyudon place nearby. Used luggage service to send large luggage to Tokyo (hotel aided) & brought smaller bags the next few nights.
Kanazawa – Onyado Nono Kanazawa Hot Spring (3 nights) – Great hotel, hard beds and lumpy pillows. Tatami floors, no shoes past the front lobby (there were show lockers). Close to Omicho Market and a 15 min walk to the Castle. Caters to an Asian crowd. Breakfast was probably the best here. Sashimi, ikura, crab, tempura oh my. Plus the coffee machine also made matcha lattes. Most organized with busy breakfast lines. Onsen was nice, had sauna & different pools, including a cold pool. Crowded at times. Would be perfect except for the pillows & bed.
Tokyo – Asakusa View Annex Rokku (4 nights) – Very nice hotel, comfortable bed. Didn’t buy breakfast (friend had BF there one day and said it was expensive & not good). Great location, near Hoppy Place, a 24 hour Donki & a Family Mart that had really good pork baos (along with Famichicki and egg sandos) and a coffee shop for BF. Close to bus lines & a 7 min walk to the Ginza line. No onsen but found a place with private sauna & bath nearby. Also room has a nice bathtub with really hot water. Hotel caters to an Asian crowd (and boy they were louder than we were. Lol). Happy hour on 10th floor from 3-10 with wagashi & snacks, juice, soda, coffee & tea (no booze). Nice views of the Skytree. There is a luggage room with luggage locks where you can keep luggage if you come in before check in or have a late afternoon flight.
Highlights & low lights. Things that were planned, unplanned and things I didn’t do. I think I scheduled my trip pretty well, there were only a few things I didn’t do because we spent more time at another place. Flexibility is key.
Osaka – 1.5 days
• Hello Kity Haruka from KIX – a great intro to Japan
• Underground navigation was a challenge at 1st but eventually you get the hang of it and what to look for
• Had a great jetlagged 3:30am ramen at Hanamaruken Namba in Hozenji Yochoko
• We had puffer fish at Kuromon Market and didn’t die
• We got (free) tickets to the Osaka Mint for late blooming cherry walk but never went because Osaka Castle Park was full of cherry trees in bloom! We did the entire walk enjoying the views. We never made it inside the Castle proper either (which OK since we were going to Himeji).
Himeji – ½ day
• Beautiful architecture in original state. If you have mobility issues, reconsider going inside. It’s a 6 floor walk up with steep stairs. No elevator.
• Himeji has a English speaking volunteer guide group that you can apply for online.
Miyajima Island – 1.5 days
• We were really glad to have stayed on the island overnight. It was so peaceful at night and to see the Torii lit up was pretty magical.
• Having an onsen is pretty key to recovery from walking. When booking any subsequent trips to Japan, an onsen is a must.
• Breakfasts are amazing. There is so much variety and I love the little dishes they serve things in. “Just a taste” portion sizes.
• Do eat oysters in every form & Momiji manju (maple leaf shaped filled cakes) here
• Wear the right kind of shoes if you’re hiking Mt Misen. The hike down with uneven steps
was really hard on my body and I didn’t wear my Blundstones.
• Seeing the Torii during low tide was pretty cool too as we were able to walk out to it.
Hiroshima – 1 day
• The Peace Museum & Peace Park should be on your list of things to see in Japan.
• Hiroshima Castle was underwhelming after going to Himeji.
• If you are fans of the Toyo Carp, Lawson’s has fun souvenirs and branded candy and snacks. Surprisingly disappointing is the Carp fan store. No hats or t-shirts. Must go to the stadium for the good stuff.
• Fun food tour with Magical Trip. We had really good food at all 3 places – okonomiyaki at a small izakaya, dumplings at a lively dumpling place and really good sashimi at the sushi place.
Kyoto – 6 days
• Nishiki Market – ate a lot of yummy skewered things – octopus, squid, eel, fried oysters, wagyu beef. Spent a lot of time at the spice store and sticked up on dashi & furukake.
• Gion Nishikawa – I was underwhelmed by this 2* Michelin restaurant. The service was not as refined than what I received at other Michelin starred restaurants. Two dishes were misses (sea bream & clam), tho the mackerel was the best sushi I ate in Japan.
• Loved the garden at Ginkaku-Ji & the Philosopher’s Path walk
• Loved the indigo dye place Roketsu. The owner & family were really sweet. Made a little tote bag for my mom with cherry blossoms on it.
• The night time spring illumination at Kodai-Ji was fantastic. Worth going to after a long day.
• Loved the cooking class at Cooking Sun. We made an izakaya menu. Everything is doable at home (with the right ingredients).
• The monthly handicrafts market at Chion Ji is fabulous! It happens on the 15th of each month – no junk! Clothing, tea, food, pottery, etc. Super fun, spent the whole morning here.
• Heian Jingu – thought their Reisai festival started today, but all we saw were a bunch of old Japanese men coming out of the main building with goodie bags. There was the much bigger event the next day with dancing and singing.
• Went to Jins to get some glasses made. They were so inexpensive. By the time they deducted discounts and duty free, the glasses turned out to be about $70 USD (I have a simple prescription). I went to the smaller Daimaru location but there is a bigger store near Kyoto Station. It’s done in a few hours if it’s a simple prescription. If you have a complicated prescription (i.e Progressive lenses), get them done in Tokyo at the start of your trip and pick them up at the end of the trip, as they will take 10 days to do.
• Thai massage at Aree Thai. It was fantastic. Legs felt great the rest of the trip and my back eventually got better.
• UJI! Green tea is my every day drink, so it was nice to be where my tea & matcha come from. I also signed up for a volunteer guide here to take us to Byodo-In, Ujigama Shrine. We also participated in a traditional tea ceremony and also had a tea tasting where I discovered I can actually eat gyokuro leaves. The guides (we ended up with 2) were sweet and we all had lunch together at a really good place with matcha soba and also got matcha ice cream! We also went shopping for tea (of course) and food items with matcha (cookies, soba, candy). Uji is such a pretty town and it wasn’t super crowded.
• Late afternoon hike at Fushimi Inari. It was crowded, but I did take the group to the “hidden” bamboo grove where we did have some fun and some peace, then jumped back on the main trail. Like everyone says, the crowd thins out after a while. We hiked up to #10 to see if we could get another goshuin but it closed at 3:30.
• On the way to Kyoto Station, we walked by an enormous temple complex Higashi Hongan. Very impressive.
• The Kintetsu Aoniyoshi sightseeing train to Nara was so nice. Tickets open up exactly 1 month before. Salon car tickets (for 3 or 4 people) are very competitive. Too bad the ride is only ½ hour from Kyoto (you can also take it from Osaka).
• Because we took the sightseeing train we didn’t get into Nara until 11:30. I could have spent the entire day here. We went to Kofuku-Ji, Todai-Ji, Tamukeyama Hachimangu and had a good meal cooked by a grandma in the Naramachi area. We don’t know exactly what we ate but it was delish.
• We took a wagashi making class at Toraya in Nara. It was so fun and Masao and his family are so nice and it was great to see his shop and his passion for making wagashi.
• Kurama to Kibune hike. Oh this was one of my favorite days. First, the Eizan train line is a delight with themed trains. Must come back to see the Maple tunnel. The hike itself wasn’t super hard, lots of stairs but at least they were even. Very pretty hike, loads of atmosphere. Also there were bathrooms and a vending machine near the top. Who fills those up anyways? Great eel box lunch afterwards. . It was a great place to get away from the crowds.
• Demachiyanagi Station is a hoot. I love Japanese trains!
• Stopped by Ippodo Tea and bought more. Crowded but orderly.
• Nijo Castle – great tour of the inside. Reproductions of beautiful art panels, but it gives you insight to what it was like back then. Went an hour & a half before closing, crowds thinned out for outside pics and nice lighting.
• Things that I had on my list but did not do: Shoden-Ji, Kamagamo, Kiyomizudera (& Nannenzaka & Sannenzaka). I was planning for an early morning to Kiyomizudera but I decided to sleep in. Only regret is that I didn't see the famous cherry tree at Sannenzaka before it fell.
Kanazawa – 2.5 days
• Omicho Market – fun market. Loads of vendors selling omiyage. Lunch was a big sushi platter that was under $20 USD! Also had gold leaf ice cream but it wasn’t worth it,
• Kenroko-en. Wow, what a garden. I absolutely loved it, it really is a perfect Japanese garden. One of my favorite gardens in the world. Going at sunset was magical.
• Stayed up late (9:30, ha) to try out the hotel’s ramen bar. Pretty good!
• Kanazawa Castle – worth seeing how they reproduced the inside of the castle using traditional woodworking methods. The craftmanship is amazing. Went back at night for their Saturday night illumination and garden show.
• Nagamachi Samurai District – nice walking around and seeing the old homes, one of which was open to the public.
• The one time I decided to not look at Google reviews but just duck into a local restaurant was a fail.
• Higashi Chaya District – super touristy with loads of shops and restaurants in the old machiyas, but it was fun to see people dressed up in kimonos here. Plus we saw a wedding!
• Hired a van & driver to take us to Takayama (fun morning market!), Hida Furukawa (charming town with carp running thru the canal) & the World Heritage towns of Suganuma & Ainokura. I made the right move by going to these 2 towns vs Shirakawa-Go because they were less crowded (further away and harder to get to by public trans). The misty day made the houses even more idyllic.
• Did not go to DT Suzuki Museum or Museum of Contemporary Art, Ishiura Shrine or Hirosaka Shrine. Ended up spending more time at the Castle. Also the weather was really nice for a change in Kanazawa, so it was nice being outside.
Tokyo – 4 days
• Follow Tokyo Cheapo on IG for festival happenings. I found out about both the Wisteria Festival (not yet in full bloom but still very beautiful) and the Azalea Festival (WOW WOW WOW) thru the account and it was worth moving stuff around to go to these places.
• Senso-Ji – very crowded. Walked behind the stalls at Nakamise to avoid the crowds. Fun to watch the kimono parade. Came back at night to see it all lit up and no crowds.
• Hoppy Street – ended up at a place that charged a cover (couldn’t quite figure out if it was tourist tax or not). Food was good and cooked in front of you but I sure wish I didn’t look at the ceiling… place was filthy.
• Took a guided tour of Tsukiji inner & outer market. Glad we took a tour, otherwise we would have been here for hours. Afterwards we went to Asakusa to a sushi restaurant where the chef taught us how to form the rice for sushi. It was great fun and the sushi was delicious!
• Meiji Jingu – wow, an oasis in the city. The forested paths were so beautiful, it’s hard to believe this shrine is in the middle of a bustling city.
• Walked to Meiji Jingu Stadium for the baseball game. Along the way I saw one of the Tokyo Toilets, Hatanomori Hachiman Shrine (a very nice location), Olympic Stadium & Museum, where they had some of the cauldrons from past Olympics.
• JAPANESE BASEBALL IS SO FUN and Carp fans are a RIOT. They were the visitors but they took over the entire left field half of the stadium. Poor Swallows fans had no competition here. Food & drinks were amazingly inexpensive and the beer girls were the best! Next on my bucket list is to go to a Carps game at Zoom Zoom Stadium in Hiroshima (they were out of town the days were there).
• Gotokuji Cat Shrine was super cute with all the maneki-neko. And there was a CAT TRAIN that took you closer to the shrine!
• Shirohige’s Totoro cream puffs were so cute I didn’t want to eat them.
• Food tour in Shibuya – fantastic sushi, sake and skewers! And of course we did the Scramble a bunch of times.
• I did a post on the Tokyo Toilet project here so I won’t go into it more here but it was one of the highlights of my trip to Tokyo.
• Did not go to Kappabashi (all shopped out by this time), Ueno or Kamakura (it rained all day the day I planned to go and decided to stay in Tokyo)
Thanks for reading my wall of text. Ask any questions here or DM me.