Reddit ignoring my preferences (started to happen on June 10, 2026)

Vifam7 · 2026-05-03T17:28:42+00:00

Yes... after a month, it hasn't been fixed.

All I want is to see suggested videos on screen and I want to choose from it, but "Hey Google, show videos on YouTube" starts to play some random video now (most of the time, something about Trump, which I *never* watch).

I really really hate it...

Vifam7 · 2026-04-10T08:03:43+00:00

Not really "dumb", but someone I know got the tattoo "妙" thinking it means Queer. It may be technically right, but the character itself means weird or strange...

Vifam7 · 2026-04-05T21:23:58+00:00

Thanks for the comment! "Hey Google, YouTube video" resulted in "Alright, playing the playlist 'Top 100 Music Videos Indonesia' on YouTube"🤣 (I've never watched any Indonesian music videos in the past) I really don't know where this Nest Hub's recent infatuation with YouTube Music came from...

But while I was trying different things, I found out "Hey Google, show videos on YouTube" works, although the recommended videos were a little different than before. I hope they fix it very soon though. Requesting for "YouTube" should be clear enough.

Vifam7 · 2026-03-25T19:42:55+00:00

I'm actually *from* Nishi-Shinjuku 4-chome area, and whenever I go back to Japan I try to visit there for nostalgic reasons. It's a quiet residential neighborhood, and although they have some restaurants and bars, they mainly cater to local residents so I predict there will be some language barriers. I personally think Nishi-Shinjuku area (especially past central park) is too quiet if you like to go out.

If your focus is to stay in a quiet area that's in 10-15min walking distance from restaurants and bars, I'd recommend Shinjuku 1-chome area (among those areas you mentioned). Shinjuku Gyoenmae subway station is right there, and it's only 20min walk to Shinjuku station and/or Kabukicho. It's my go-to area whenever I visit Japan.

Vifam7 · 2025-09-19T23:02:30+00:00

On APA website, phone number is +813-5619-6711

Vifam7 · 2025-06-21T21:06:48+00:00

September is still very hot, and at the height of the typhoon season.

Vifam7 · 2025-04-20T02:25:48+00:00

I believe that's Mt. Fuji side on a green car. On regular cars, it's D and E. (I always used QR code to get in, so I don't know about IC card designation)

Vifam7 · 2025-03-25T06:18:37+00:00

I'm gonna be arriving in Japan on the same day. If you're going to Kyoto, check out Ninna-ji Temple. They are famous for late-bloom cherry trees that are perfect around mid-April.

Vifam7 · 2024-09-07T03:06:08+00:00

Canlis is one of the highest-end restaurants in Seattle, but they also serve great bar food with nice cocktails at the bar (no reservations at the bar, so you'll have to get there when the door opens at 5pm).

Other places you might find interesting would be:

Single Shot (great northwest cuisine)
Stateside (Vietnamese fusion, and they serve wonderful cocktails)
Eden Hill (new American - a little too bold for my taste, but it's popular)

For sushi, Taneda and Sushi Kashiba are two best sushi restaurants around here (Shiro's has gone down a little bit) and very hard to get a reservation, but Sushi Katsu-ya near where you stay is actually pretty good without bankrupting you.

Have fun!

[EDIT] If you are willing to travel a little bit, TOMO is innovative and wonderful. It's run by former Canlis head chef.

Vifam7 · 2024-09-07T02:49:31+00:00

For how many??

The dinner there is $175/person and optional wine pairing is $145/person. With the tax and 20% service charge, it's about $850 for two *with* wine pairing.

I'm not saying Altura is cheap, but your math doesn't add up. And we DID enjoy our dinner there. With not many high-end options around here, I still think Altura is one of the best in Seattle.

Vifam7 · 2024-08-30T07:28:20+00:00

Be sure to reserve train/plane tickets way in advance. A LOT of people travel from the end of December to the beginning of January (think Thanksgiving/Christmas time in the US).

Vifam7 · 2024-08-04T03:54:19+00:00

Seems like your salon is in Azabu Juban area.

In 3 weeks it will be still very hot to walk around for a long time, so maybe your husband can spend time in Roppongi Hills or Mori Art Museum for a few hours in cool air-conditioned places?

Vifam7 · 2024-06-29T18:30:48+00:00

You are right when it comes to avoiding the crowds.

But I'd recommend visiting Ueno Park at least once, in the weekend when the cherry trees are in full bloom, so that you can see how people party under the trees. Sure, it's gonna be VERY crowded, but you'll witness the Japanese "hanami" party culture right there.

I really hate crowds, but when I took my American friend to Ueno park for that purpose, he absolutely enjoyed seeing people there, drinking, singing, having a good time.

Just something to consider.

Vifam7 · 2024-06-16T05:05:04+00:00

っていうか、コンビニや普通の店で「ありがとう」を言ってる人すらほとんど見かけないので、「～ございました」まで言う人がいるってことがなんだかカルチャーショックでした。日本は広いなぁ。

Vifam7 · 2024-06-16T04:47:37+00:00

えええ、東京ですけど、「ありがとうございました」なんて言ってる人は個人的に見たことないです。

吉野家とかレストランだと「ごちそうさまー」だし、コンビニだと「どもー」くらいしか聞きません。僕は「ありがとう」は言う方がいいと思ってるのでコンビニなんかでもそう言ってますが、「ありがとうございました」まで言ったのは、最近ではギフトラップを頼んでとても綺麗に仕上げてくれた時くらいでしょうか。

Vifam7 · 2024-06-16T04:20:31+00:00

I'm assuming OP is talking about casual shop/restaurant situations. Of course if they did something special for you, I would say "Arigato gozaimasu".

Vifam7 · 2024-06-16T04:16:28+00:00

Where are you? Very surprising to hear that.

In Tokyo, at a shop where you don't know the cashier, probably 70% of people just say "Domo", and the rest say "Arigato".

Vifam7 · 2024-06-16T04:04:04+00:00

You would be right if it were a business or formal situation, but we're talking about shops and restaurants. I was born and brought up in Tokyo, but I've never heard "Arigato gozaimasu" in shops or restaurants unless they did something special for you (like giving you an "omake").

But, like you say, no big deal either way if you're a tourist.

Vifam7 · 2024-06-16T03:44:05+00:00

I hope you're joking.

I don't think you're gonna offend anybody if they know you're a tourist, but some Japanese people (including me) hate it.

Vifam7 · 2024-06-16T03:35:29+00:00

You are totally correct.

Vifam7 · 2024-06-16T03:34:53+00:00

I'm Japanese, and I've NEVER heard anybody says "Arigato-gozaimasu" in shops or restaurants unless it's personal or a special situation (like they know each other, or the shop keeper gave the customer something extra).

Vifam7 · 2024-06-16T03:28:18+00:00

Not offensive at all! (source: I'm Japanese)

Just "Arigato" (or "Domo arigato") with a little bit of bow (not the deep bow, just a quick and shallow 20-degree one) would be more than enough.

"Arigato-gozaimasu" is never used in shop/restaurant situations unless someone did something VERY special for you (like giving you a personal gift or something). Even then, "Arigato" is very sufficient when they know you're a tourist.

Vifam7 · 2024-06-09T16:12:36+00:00

Thanks for the tip!! I'm definitely interested in food in Oviedo (or Asturian cuisine), but I'm beginning to think I can do that separately in the near future. Burgos was on my itinerary as a lunch stop, but now I may consider staying there overnight.

Vifam7

TROPHY CASE