9 Things to do in Otaru: Day trip from Sapporo, Japan
Otaru (小樽) is a small port town located 30-45 minutes northwest of Sapporo by train. It’s a nice stopover on the way to Niseko which is how I first discovered …
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What is Yosakoi? You’ll Love Japan’s High Energy Dance
The first time I saw Yosakoi (よさこい) was when I was in Japan on a work trip in 2013. I had no idea what it was called. I couldn’t read …
Want to see Old Tokyo? Introducing Beautiful Kyu Asakura
If you are visiting Tokyo, 99% chance you are going to go see the Shibuya Crossing. If you are into history and want to see a blast from the past, …
Did you know Kawagoe Honmaru Palace is rare?
A quick hour ride on the train from Tokyo will take you to Kawagoe (川越), also known as 小江戸 “koedo” or “little edo” in Saitama Prefecture. It’s main street of …
How to Climb Mount Fuji Successfully with 10 Tested Tips to Exploit
There is an idiom in Japanese that has supposedly been around since Edo period:「富士山に一度も登らぬ馬鹿、二度登る馬鹿」which is normally translated as “A wise man climbs Mount Fuji once, a fool climbs it twice”. …
Bottom Line: Where is the Best Spicy Ramen in Tokyo?
Japan is not known for liking spicy things. Sure, there are Thai and Indian restaurants all around but unless you’re amping it up at Coco’s, you’re not going to find …
Ramen Confidential: Everything you need to know about ramen
If you grew up in the states when I did (80s kid right here!), you knew ramen as the cheapest meal you could have. You know, the brick kind, where …
Kappabashi: Focus on Tokyo’s Famous Kitchen District
The official name of Kappabashi is “かっぱ橋道具街” or “kappabashi dougu gai”. English? “Kappa bridge tool district”. Why’s everyone call it Tokyo’s Kitchen district then?! Well, those tools over the years …
When to Take Shoes off in Japan? Quick & Easy Etiquette
You may have seen my Instagram post where I talk about shoe etiquette in Japan. Yes, it’s in my lease to take shoes off in the house. This culture of …
What Amazing Japanese Foods Should You Focus On?
Speaking about food is like speaking about the weather. It’s a great icebreaker for tourists and those living here alike. An easy conversation to have when English or Japanese aren’t …