Golden Week in Japan Have you heard of Japan's Golden Week? This is a unique period of time from April 29th to early May that contains four closely spaced holidays. The four holidays are Shōwa Day (April 29), Constitution Day (May 3), Greenery Day (May 4), and Children's Day (May 5). As this is one... Continue Reading →
How to Travel –> Japan from the United States During Covid-19
Please note that the following is written for informational purposes only. As the rules and requirements are always changing, I recommend each person do thorough research that pertains to their particular travel situation. After a wonderful few weeks back in the US, it finally became time to make the journey across the Pacific Ocean once... Continue Reading →
How to Travel –> the United States from Japan During Covid-19
Please note that the following is written for informational purposes only. As the rules and requirements are always changing, I recommend each person do thorough research that pertains to their particular travel situation. It's Spring 2022, how time flies! Unfortunately, however, the coronavirus is still with us and affecting many aspects of daily life including... Continue Reading →
Plum Blossoms in Fukuoka, Japan – Where to See Them (梅の花)
Plum Blossoms | 梅の花 Mid February Spring is in the air and pink, yellow, and white flowers are popping up all around the city. No, these are not cherry blossoms, but rather plum blossoms (梅の花)! Plum blossoms are much less famous than Japan's sakura (cherry blossoms), but these flowers carry their own special beauty and,... Continue Reading →
Best Food to Eat on Itsukushima Island (Miyajima)
Itsukushima, also known as Miyajima, is probably most known for its beautiful floating torii gate, nature spots (Momijidani Park in the fall is absolutely gorgeous), and aggressive deer. Okay, maybe people don’t know about the deer, but take my word for it, they are crazy for food! Miyajima's famous deer Speaking of food, don't miss... Continue Reading →
Celebrating the New Year in Japan
Celebrating the New Year, oshogatsu (お正月), is one of the most important holidays in Japan and takes place from December 31- January 3rd. During this period, special foods are eaten, sayings of gratitude are exchanged, and auspicious decorations are displayed. Additionally, it is one of the few times during the year you can expect almost... Continue Reading →
Winter Oyster Huts in Itoshima – A Kyushu Specialty
When the weather starts to get chilly, that means one thing… it’s oyster season! Oyster huts or (kakigoya) are mainly found on the Itoshima coast of Fukuoka and are a winter treat you won’t want to miss. While all of Japan is renowned for good seafood, oyster huts aren't found in many places beyond Kyushu.... Continue Reading →
Solo Hiking the Nakasendo Trail: Complete Guide and Itinerary
Nakasendo Trail History The Nakasendo Trail (中山道)is an old walking route that connected Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with Kyoto during the Edo period. The trail is 540 km (340 mi) long, and back in the day, 69 post towns were dotted along the way for travelers to rest and recover. Tsumago post town along the Nakasendo... Continue Reading →
Traveling to and from Japan During Covid-19: High Risk, High Stress, is it Worth it?
It has been too long since my last blog post, thanks to JLPT studies and the grind of looking for a job here...😩 I really wanted to write about the beautiful fall colors in Hiroshima and the delicious grill-it-yourself oyster huts in Itoshima, but for now those stories will have to wait as there is... Continue Reading →