Beyond Nagoya: 10 Day Trips Worth Taking
Are you looking for the best day trips from Nagoya? After spending over ten years in Central Japan, I have explored countless destinations around Nagoya. You can experience local crafts, try regional specialities, visit historical sights, and enjoy both mountain and ocean views. Here are the places I regularly recommend.
What to Know Before Moving to Japan (From Someone Who Actually Lives Here)
If you're thinking about moving to Japan, there is much more to consider than cheap houses or a great vacation. From job opportunities to choosing where to live and adjusting to everyday life, this guide shares the practical factors I believe everyone should think about before relocating. Based on my own experience living in Japan, my goal is to help you make an informed decision about whether building a life here is the right choice for you.
Beyond Downtown Nagoya: 10 Places to Visit in Aichi Prefecture
Most travelers pass through Aichi Prefecture on their way to somewhere else. Those who take the time to explore will find historic castles, pottery, sake breweries, a unique food culture, and much more that many visitors never see. Here are ten places to visit in Aichi beyond downtown Nagoya that are worth adding to your Japan itinerary.
Fukusaki: Japan’s Yokai Town Full of Folklore
Fukusaki, Hyogo Prefecture, is one of Japan's most unusual hidden gems. Known for being the hometown of folklorist Kunio Yanagita, the town brings Japanese folklore to life with animatronic kappa, yokai benches, museums, and unique attractions scattered throughout the countryside. Here's everything you need to know before visiting Japan's famous yokai town.
Takayama or Gujo-Hachiman: Which Mountain Town is Right for You?
Takayama and Gujo-Hachiman may both sit in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, but they offer different experiences for visitors. One is well-known for its preserved streets and traditional atmosphere, but the other feels like a town shaped by water and local life. After spending a great deal of time in both, this guide breaks down the differences in the atmosphere, food, and experiences to help you decide which mountain town is the better fit for your trip through central Japan.
Golden Week in Japan: Nightmare or Worth It?
Golden Week in Japan has a reputation for being crowded and chaotic. While it can definitely be both, I think that reputation is only half the story. I have traveled in Japan during Golden Week many times over the last decade. Here’s how to actually enjoy it.
9 Foods You Should Not Miss in Central Japan (According to Someone Who Actually Lives Here)
Most people planning a trip to Japan arrive with the same food checklist. It usually includes ramen, sushi, egg sandos, and onigiri. All are worthy additions, but social media trends have a way of narrowing the lens and ignoring some regional cuisines. Central Japan has some of the country's most distinctive and overlooked foods.
After more than a decade of living here, I can tell you the dishes worth going out of your way for are rarely the ones filling up your feed. These are the nine dishes I actually return to without hesitation and recommend to every single person who asks me what to eat in Central Japan.
Your First Time Guide for Takayama
Takayama is not a hidden gem. It is one of Japan's most visited destinations, and it’s definitely worth the traffic. What sets it apart from other heavily touristed cities is how well the culture has held its shape despite the traffic. The Sanmachi Suji District looks like a reconstruction, but much of it is original. I live less than two hours away and have been more times than I can count. This is what I would tell you if we were planning your trip together.
Craft Beer Guide: Fukuoka Edition
Fukuoka gets plenty of attention for its food scene, but the craft beer culture here deserves its own spotlight. This list covers a range of craft beer bars and shops across the city. It’s a mix of taprooms, standing bars, and hidden local spots that are worth seeking out.
Lost in Transition: Life in Japan
Entering the final year of my thirties has forced me to reflect on a decade shaped by contradiction, uncertainty, and growth. Living in Japan has challenged my ideas of comfort, success, belonging, and failure in ways I never anticipated. What once felt uncertain now feels expansive.
These are the lessons I learned while building a life abroad. They did not always occur in profound moments, but they were found through patience, listening, and change over time.
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