A Lunar New Year in Yokohama’s Chinatown
KatieI'm not a fan of crowds, however, on Jan. 21st, I boarded a local train and headed to Yokohama's Chinatown to toast the Lunar New Year. Although the vast majority…
The Fun of Ichigo Gari – Happy Strawberry Hunting in Japan
I love strawberries. Happily, there’s a delightful spring traditional in Japan known as ichigo gari, strawberry hunting. My quest for the perfect strawberry began after a Japanese colleague asked whether…
A New Year and a Daruma Doll Goal
A New Year Every year, people around the world set fresh goals. In Japan, a Daruma doll is a special, tangible way to remind yourself of your new year's resolution.…
Celebrating New Year’s Day in Japan with the Dragon of Enoshima
This year, visiting family and I decided to celebrate New Year’s Day in Japan like the Japanese. A New Year + shrines + Mt. Fuji + the dragon of Enoshima?…
A Japanese-style Christmas in Kamakura
I had the good fortune to have a younger brother visit me in Yokosuka for the holidays. After brainstorming, we decided to spend Christmas in Kamakura. Christmas in Japan is…
2022 Year in Review – My Favorite Getaway Destinations in Japan
2022 was an unforgettable year to be living overseas. As a Sailor, I am so grateful for the chance to have been able to explore classic getaway destinations in Japan.…
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…
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…
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…
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…