Celebrating Thanksgiving at Tokyo Disneyland
KatieVisiting 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Why October is the Perfect Month to Visit Kawagoe
October is a phenomenal month to visit Kawagoe, known as ”Little Edo”. The temperatures have mellowed, autumn is in the air, and a sense of celebration abounds. I know there…
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…
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…