There are so many onsen, or hot spring, towns in Japan that have had their rise and fall in popularity throughout the years. Atami is one of Japan’s resort towns that has seen its glory days, and unfortunately moved past them (but this is part of its charm). I’m not quite sure why this cute,Continue reading “Atami Japan: A Cute Seaside Onsen Town Near Tokyo”
Author Archives: tokyodreamlife
A Great Beach Near Tokyo: Morito Coast
It’s August in Tokyo. This means that Japanese summer is in full swing, with high temperatures and humidity, and the seemingly endless roar of cicadas. It’s also 2020 so we are all trying to navigate our daily lives as responsibly as we can due to Covid-19. I desperately needed a beach day, but as youContinue reading “A Great Beach Near Tokyo: Morito Coast”
Tokyo Disneyland during Covid-19
When the Covid-19 situation in Tokyo improved, Tokyo Disney decided to reopen both of their parks- Land and Sea (on July 1, 2020). This would be done with a few changes to the general flow of things in order to create a hopefully safer experience during this pandemic of ours. I managed, just barely toContinue reading “Tokyo Disneyland during Covid-19”
Strange Japanese Vending Machines: Insect Edition
I love vending machines in Japan and I think that is something we can all agree on as a society. During my time here I’ve seen a number of them. Your standard vending machines which have hot and cold drinks (and corn soup in the winter!), the 100 yen drink machines, and the treasure machines.Continue reading “Strange Japanese Vending Machines: Insect Edition”
A Quick Enoshima Day Trip Travel Guide
Enoshima is a small island dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess Benzaiten. Legends say that it was this goddess of water that made this island rise from the sea many many moons ago. You will see several beautiful shrines as you climb towards the Enoshima Sea Candle dedicated to her and her husband, the dragon god.Continue reading “A Quick Enoshima Day Trip Travel Guide”
The Best Sightseeing Spots in Kamakura and How to Get there
The city of Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture is an excellent place for sightseeing in Japan. It was at one point the capital of Japan and the seat of the Kamakura Shogunate. As a result, this city has a lot of historical sights, old-world charm, and a great modern cafe scene without the crowds of Kyoto.Continue reading “The Best Sightseeing Spots in Kamakura and How to Get there”
New in 2020: Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura
I recently went to Kamakura for the first time and as my sightseeing would be spread out, I wanted a hotel close to Kamakura Station. Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura just opened in April 2020, and it is gorgeous. They went with a really open, wooden, organic design which feels clean and relaxing. This hotel is justContinue reading “New in 2020: Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura”
4 Recommended Japanese Novels
Everybody knows Haruki Murakami, and for good reason. He is a good gateway to Japanese novels, but he doesn’t have to be your only destination! I would like to recommend two modern Japanese novelists today, Shuichi Yoshida, and Yoko Ogawa. They are very different writers, but they are both writing about isolation and its effectsContinue reading “4 Recommended Japanese Novels”
From Street Eats to Gourmet – The Delicious Food Culture in Nakano
I love Japanese food, and when it comes to Tokyo – every neighborhood does it differently. I did this article for Taiken about my favorite food in Nakano. Ramen? Naturally. Sushi and Sashimi? You bet! Click on the button to read it at the source (Taiken has a lot of great articles about travel inContinue reading “From Street Eats to Gourmet – The Delicious Food Culture in Nakano”
How I got a Job Teaching in Japan
Back in 2015, I was a recent college grad who was having a hard time finding a job in the industry of my choice (as a writer or editor). I was also shocked by the rents in NYC, and not sure how I was ever going to move out of my parents’ house. Things lookedContinue reading “How I got a Job Teaching in Japan”
Tokyo Dreamlife 