Celebrating Thanksgiving at Tokyo Disneyland

Visiting family and I celebrated Thanksgiving at Tokyo Disneyland. I was beyond thrilled at scoring six tickets at the local 7-Eleven. I was also delighted by how much cheaper it…

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The Beautiful Ama Divers, Pearls and Treasures of Mie Prefecture

I snuck out of my overnight rental apartment in Osaka early one Sunday morning, eager to see Mie Prefecture and the famous Ama divers. According to statistics gathered by the…

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Why Tokyo Disneyland Is Currently The Best Disney Park Value

If you're wondering which of the parks is currently the best Disney park value, wonder no more. Spoiler alert: it's Tokyo Disneyland. Spoiler alert: on Thanksgiving Day, you can get…

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Yokohama Coffee Festival and Japan’s Unique Coffee Culture

I am constantly surprised by the popularity of coffee in Japan. One autumnal Sunday, I set off for the Yokohama Coffee Festival, determined to celebrate Japan's unique coffee culture. Japan…

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Hakone, Owakudani and 28 Years of Black Egg Longevity

The Japanese have one of the world's highest average life expectancies (85). Can the secret to their longevity be a black egg from Owakudani? Eating one of Owakudani's black eggs…

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Is a Japan Rail Pass Worth It? 5 Practical Case Studies

One of the top questions I get from family coming to Japan is whether they should get a Japan Rail Pass. The answer: NOT NECESSARILY. It all depends on what…

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6 Ways Japan Has Changed Since Your Last Visit, And What To Expect Now

On October 11, Japan began re-opening to international tourists. Those who remember Japan pre-pandemic will find many ways Japan has changed. There are two main reasons why Japan today is…

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Why October is the Perfect Month to Visit Kawagoe

October is a phenomenal month to visit Kawagoe, known as ā€Little Edoā€. The temperatures have mellowed, autumn is in the air, and a sense of celebration abounds. I know there…

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Todaiji Temple and the Surprisingly Assertive Bowing Deer of Nara

As I strolled the gorgeous Todaiji Temple grounds I marveled at the chance to see the bowing deer of Nara up close. They seemed entirely at ease there. Why wouldn't…

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The Sand Dunes and Hidden Delights of Tottori

Tottori is Japan’s least populated prefecture. But WOW, does this place pack a punch! It’s known for sand dunes, camels, pear farms, Matsuba crab… Hold on, you say? Japan has…

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