What is Summer Like in Japan? It’s the middle of August and boy has it gotten toasty! Every time I step outside, a blanket of warmth envelops me as if I were entering a sauna. (Sometimes this feeling takes me completely by surprise, especially if I’ve spent all day indoors) ?. Hello 90% humidity! The... Continue Reading →
Unique and Fun Stationery to Buy in Japan
Japanese Stationery Supplies In case you didn't know, Japanese stationery rocks! Compact, cute, and clever... these characteristics describe almost every item in the stationery aisle, and let me just say - it's a real challenge refraining from buying it all. Maybe that should be an Olympic Sport ?. Since I've started to gather a nice... Continue Reading →
Kawachi Wisteria Garden: The Most Beautiful Place to See Wisteria in Kyushu?
Kawachi Wisteria Garden: A Purple Paradise The first time I Googled Fukuoka, I saw the most incredible images of long purple flowers forming a majestic tunnel. What was this beautiful plant? Where could I see it for myself? Soon I was researching all the best places to view wisteria near Fukuoka, Kyushu... April is wisteria... Continue Reading →
Sumo Grand Tournament: How to Get Tickets and Watch Japan’s National Sport
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... Continue Reading →
Bungo Beef: Oita’s Signature Wagyu
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? A slab of Kobe Beef Simply put, wagyu (和牛) means Japanese cow. (和 is pronounced 'wa' and means Japanese,... Continue Reading →
Vending Machines: Convenient or Overkill?
Special in Japan: Abundant Vending Machines Introducing a new type of blog post I'm calling: Special in Japan! Recently I've only been writing about big trips and events, but there are so many other things I experience and learn every day that I also want to share. So to post more consistently and not leave... Continue Reading →
Aizome Traditional Indigo Dyeing in Kurume
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. Kurume Kasuri Textiles To be considered true Kurume Kasuri (an official national handicraft of Japan),... Continue Reading →
Homestay in Tokyo, Japan
I've seen so busy settling into Fukuoka that this post is coming later than expected! It's been a month since leaving my homestay in Tokyo - but because late is better than never, here we go! ?
Chongqing Hot Pot
Next stop on our China adventure was Chongqing! After navigating the massive airport and riding a bus for forty minutes, Mom and I arrived at Chongqing City Proper, home to more than 8.5 million residents. Given that it was noon time, our group was given 1.5 hours to roam the streets and grab a bite... Continue Reading →