Discoveries from around the archipelago
A friend of a friend recently contacted me and mentioned she was coming to Japan. She had never been before and wanted to know "What can I expect?" Life has been busy but i wanted to honor her request so I sat down and quickly typed out the following thoughts. It's based mostly on my... Continue Reading →
As Japan welcomes spring with flowers and festivals, a whole range of benefits for travelers also seem to be cropping up. I know I usually mention travel developments in a post at the beginning of the year, but as Japan gears up for the Olympics in a few years, things seem to be moving a... Continue Reading →
Every year we flip on the calendar means just that much closer to the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. While the games have had some notable hiccups in these early planning stages (still no stadium OR logo ...), the steps the country is taking to spruce itself up for the massive international event will... Continue Reading →
Ah, if only I could count the number of times I've given someone in Japan a heart attack. I exaggerate, of course, but there really is nothing like that moment of great embarrassment where you realize - at the exact moment of a great intake of breath or gasp from said Japanese person - that... Continue Reading →
When I first visited Japan, my trusty guidebook informed me that Japan was about the size of California. Having never lived in California at that point and not venturing much beyond the Tokyo region on that first trip, I never truly comprehended the scope of this country (or our own). Today, I can say I've... Continue Reading →
The dates are chosen, the plane tickets are bought, and now comes the next big question mark on your Japan itinerary ... where should I stay? japan has a range of accommodation options, and it's absolutely crucial you know your own travel style before you book a particular place. Here are just some of the... Continue Reading →
Japan has a state of the art transportation system and I LOVE riding the train here. Sure, it's pricey (we residents are NOT eligible for Japan Rail passes) but Japanese trains are fast, clean and nearly ALWAYS on time. Booking a train ticket is not terribly difficult, but there are still a few things to... Continue Reading →
