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”

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”

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”

Night Walks in Nakano: A Tokyo Photoblog

There is nothing quite like Tokyo seen at night. I think most people associate that with images of glittering metropolitan centers such Shinjuku and Shibuya. But my favorite places for a night walk in Tokyo are narrow alleys brimming with Izakaya and street food. Something about the lanterns with their colorful lights, the mouthwatering smellsContinue reading “Night Walks in Nakano: A Tokyo Photoblog”

A Harajuku Haircut and an Empty Takeshita Street

Due to the Covid-19 state of emergency it’s been a long time since I’ve been to Harajuku, and in just a few months many things have changed. I went through the new station building for the first time this morning, and I just thought, when did this get here?? I felt a rush of nostalgiaContinue reading “A Harajuku Haircut and an Empty Takeshita Street”

A Tokyo Shopping Trip: Water Goddesses and Green Tea Lattes in Kichijoji

I had some shopping to do yesterday so I was debating between Tokyo Station and Kichijoji. Due to the Covid-19 situation I opted for Kichijoji because I thought it would be a little less busy, and therefore easier to adhere to social distancing. I made four main stops: Inokashira Park (for fresh air and enjoyingContinue reading “A Tokyo Shopping Trip: Water Goddesses and Green Tea Lattes in Kichijoji”

Japanese Supermarket Secrets: My Favorite Instant, Frozen, and Easy Food

As almost all of us have been self-isolating and going to Izakaya’s and restaurants has become a distant dream I thought I would share some of my favorite things you can find at the supermarket. Craving crispy gyoza? Refreshing soba? The best instant ramen?! Allow me to introduce you to my faves. My Favorite FrozenContinue reading “Japanese Supermarket Secrets: My Favorite Instant, Frozen, and Easy Food”

How to Order Sushi in Japanese

When traveling to Japan it’s only natural to want to try sushi! But smaller sushi restaurants may have little to no English support, so it’s important to brush up on your Japanese sushi vocabulary. In this short guide I will take you through the types of sushi restaurants in Japan – there is something forContinue reading “How to Order Sushi in Japanese”

Tokyo Neighborhood Spotlight: Kichijoji

Tokyo is an interesting place. Any neighborhood you visit feels like its own private realm, with its own architecture, fashion, types of shops and cafes, and people. One of my favorite places to walk around in Tokyo is Kichijoji – just next to Mitaka which is known for the Ghibli Museum. Ride a Swan BoatContinue reading “Tokyo Neighborhood Spotlight: Kichijoji”