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”
Tag Archives: Travel
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”
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”
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”
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”
The Forgotten City between Kyoto and Tokyo: Nagoya
I won’t lie, Nagoya was voted the most boring city in Japan quite a few times, but don’t let that discourage you! It’s the home of Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Jingu: which is the resting place of one of Japan’s scared treasures – the Kusanagi no Tsurugi, a legendary sword. Nagoya Station itself is anContinue reading “The Forgotten City between Kyoto and Tokyo: Nagoya”
Japan Adventures: Staying Overnight at a Temple
Back in 2016 I learned that it was possible, at a few locations, to stay the night at a Buddhist Temple. This kind of temple lodging, called a Shukubo, was traditionally reserved for pilgrims but these days all are welcome to stay and take part in temple life. As I was already planning to goContinue reading “Japan Adventures: Staying Overnight at a Temple”
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 Dreamlife 