2 Culinary Icons of Yokosuka: Kaigun Curry and Navy Burgers
KatieJourney to Yokosuka for a sublime taste of iconic Navy Sailor food. Kaigun curry and the Navy burger are two delicious classics with a fascinating backstory. Iconic Navy Sailor Food…
Island Getaway to the Dragon of Enoshima
One hot Sunday in July I left for an island getaway on a day trip from Yokosuka. It was time to see the dragon of Enoshima. Enoshima, a five kilometer…
It’s Not Just About The Sakura
Don't get me wrong - I love cherry blossoms! How can I not? My last name means "cherry tree" in Spanish. I think the shade of pink is one of…
From Sea Level To The Top of Mt. Fuji
A friend and I felt an intense, burning motivation to climb Mount Fuji. ALL OF IT: from sea level to the top. The lure of the Fuji City 3776 meter…
The Curious Wonder That Is The Cup Of Noodles
All hail the curious creation that is the Cup of Noodles. How many have not had a cup at some point? Japan is known for many things: Karaoke, emojiis, Shinkansen,…
A Sacred, Snowy Journey To Mount Togakushi’s 5 Shrines
The day after Christmas in Nagano, I embarked on a pilgrimage up a snowy Mount Togakushi, a mountain said to have been created during the Age of the Gods. Togakushi’s…
Christmas Day – Nagano and the Jigokudani Snow Monkeys
The snow was coming down fast and heavy. As I watched the Jigokudani snow monkeys enter and exit their private outdoor onsen, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning.…
Participating in a Summer Purification Ritual in Takayama
I had not planned on participating in a summer purification ritual. I had been trying to find my way out of Shiroyama Park forest, alarmed by the multiple bear warning…
A Summer Weekend in the Japanese Alps
Stunning alpine views, tiny white butterflies fluttering above colorful wildflowers, crystal-clear streams, I was in the alps all right - the Japanese alps. Getting There - Takayama Day 1, July…