Updated Spring 2025! Just a ferry ride away from Hiroshima mainland is a small island known as Miyajima or Itsukushima. This peaceful piece of land is famous for its beautiful floating torii gate, nature spots (Mt. Misen and Momijidani Park), seafood, and deer. Visitors flock to Miyajima to get away from the city bustle and […]
What to do on Miyajima – Overnight Stay and Day Trip Guide! Read More »
What is Koyasan? Nestled high in the mountains of Wakayama is a sacred monastery complex called Koyasan. This area is the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism and was founded in 816 AD by a monk named Kukai (posthumously known as Kobo Daishi). Koyasan is one of Japan’s most holy sites and is visited by pilgrims and
Buddhist Temple Retreat at Koyasan: Guide to an Overnight Stay Read More »
Every year on January 7th, a blazing fire cuts through the evening darkness at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. A group of men dressed in colored robes lift massive fans to stoke a fire and send smoke into the air. Another group bashes into the walls of a wooden building to break it down. What is going
Welcome to the Japanese Learning Journey! Are you looking to study abroad in Japan? Are you trying to figure out the best materials for your self-study routine? Maybe you are wondering how to prepare for the JPLT. If so, you have come to the right place! 日本語を勉強しましょう！ This post contains affiliate links, which means I
How to Learn Japanese (Self Study & Abroad): The Best Tips and Resources to Learn Fast Read More »
Happy new year, it’s time for some good news – travel to Japan is almost as easy as it was pre-pandemic! It’s not completely back to normal, but at least it isn’t as difficult or stressful as it was 1 or 2 years back. The borders officially opened on October 11, 2022, which means you
The days are getting shorter and chillier here in Japan, and people are finally starting to breathe a sigh of relief as the hot and humid summer season is over. I personally could live in eternal summer and wouldn’t mind missing a winter or two, but I’ve learned to see the bright side of these
Miyajima Island’s Momijidani Park – An Amazing Place for Fall Foliage in Japan Read More »
If you are familiar with Japanese culture, you have probably seen in pictures or in real life, women dressed to the nines in beautifully patterned gowns. These lovely robes are called kimonos! In this blog post, learn about a special type of kimono called yukata, including how to rent one to wear yourself when visiting
It’s 3am and you’re walking down the street. In front of you are crowds of men bearing headbands, white shirts, and…. loincloths?! What is this?! Welcome to Fukuoka’s famous Gion Yamakasa Festival! Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival The Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival (博多祇園山笠) is said to be over 770 years old and is one of the main
Fukuoka City’s Famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival Read More »
Excuse me, you’re in Japan! Why is this a post about Mexican food?! As much as I love Japanese food and can go weeks enjoying the local cuisine without breaking stride, I still get heavy cravings for “non-Japanese food” from time to time. Most often when one of these cravings hits, it’s for Mexican food.
Tacomia in Fukuoka – Satiate Your Craving For Mexican Food in Japan Read More »
