Use these guides to help plan your travels!
Sumo Wrestling: Japan’s National Sport Japan’s National sport is…. sumo wrestling! Yes, the sport of large men wearing minimal clothing fighting to push each other outside of a small circle. While simple in theory, there is actually so much more to the sport than first meets the eye. I had the opportunity to attend the […]
Sumo Grand Tournament: How to Get Tickets and Watch Japan’s National Sport Read More »
What is Bungo Beef? Today I’m going to introduce one of Japan’s premium wagyu dishes, Bungo Beef! I’m sure you’ve heard of Kobe Beef and wagyu before…. so how does Bungo Beef fit into the mix? Simply put, wagyu (和牛) means Japanese cow. (和 is pronounced ‘wa‘ and means Japanese, while 牛 is pronounced ‘gyuu‘
A recent visit to the Chikugo region of Kurume brought me to the steps of a workshop specializing in the production of indigo textiles. The most highly regarded products are called Kurume Kasuri which feature intricate, handcrafted, dual-tone patterns. To be considered true Kurume Kasuri (an official national handicraft of Japan), textiles must follow rigid
I didn’t realize I was such a flower lover until I came to Japan! If there is one thing I’ve learned about springtime here, it’s that there are always beautiful flowers in bloom. As one variety starts to wither and fade, another is just beginning to show its beauty. Maybe you are already familiar with
Beppu, Oita – Kyushu’s Famous Hot Spring Spot! To the southeast of Fukuoka, in neighboring Oita prefecture, you can find Beppu- a city famous for its steamy streets and abundant hot springs (onsen 温泉 in Japanese). In certain districts, the steam literally rises from grates in the ground! Two hours by bus, car, or train
Herbal Steam Bath Detox -Kannawa Mushiyu in Beppu, Oita Read More »
*Warning: reading this post might make you drool… If you didn’t know already- I am a big sucker for fried foods. I can do without sweets and candies, it’s fried dishes that are my personal indulgence. The hot, crispness that food attains after a quick battering and dip in hot oil never fails to awaken
The Best Tonkatsu I’ve Eaten: Berkshire Kurobuta Read More »
In the spring, large fields of nanohana can be found blooming all over Japan. Eager to frolic amongst the beautiful colors, I planned a trip to see this special plant for myself.
A weekend visiting Yanagawa, “the Venice of Japan”. Yanagawa is famous for its canals and punting tours, unagi dishes (like seriomushi), beautiful cherry blossoms, and the hina-matsuri (Girl’s Day or Doll Festival)!
Visiting Yanagawa in the Spring: Hina-matsuri, Canal Punting, and Cherry Blossoms Read More »
Sakurajima is the iconic symbol of Kagoshima and is a great place to visit as it is just a short ferry ride away. When I visited, I rented a bike and explored the 36km (22m) perimeter of the island in a challenging yet fulfilling adventure.