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.
Off the Golden Route: 10 Destinations to Visit in Japan
As I enter the final year of this decade of my life, I’m looking back at the years I’ve spent living in and traveling through Japan. Rather than the usual tourist hotspots, I’m sharing the ten places that truly left an impact on me. These range from the scarecrow village of Nagoro to the koi-filled canals in Hida-Furukawa. If you're looking for places in Japan that are off the Golden Route, these are the spots that often fly under the radar.
Craft Beer Guide: Osaka Edition
Osaka’s craft beer scene is bigger and more interesting than many visitors expect. It stretches well beyond neighborhoods that are popular with tourists. From tiny neighborhood bars to brewery taprooms, this list covers a variety of craft beer spots in Osaka. There is something on this list for every beer lover. If you enjoy good beer and food, wander off the usual routes to see all that Osaka has to offer.
Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Japan (From Someone Who Lives Here)
Traveling in Japan doesn’t have to look like a highlight reel from Instagram. Some of the best moments happen in the most unplanned scenarios. It could be in a tiny izakaya you almost walked past, a neighborhood you didn’t pin on Google Maps, or a day that didn’t go as planned but somehow became the one you remember most.
After over 10 years of living in and exploring Japan, I’ve learned that thoughtful planning matters. However, leaving room for curiously wandering is important too.
This guide shares my most practical travel tips for visiting Japan. It covers things from building a realistic itinerary and choosing the right hotel location, to navigating etiquette, budgeting, and slowing down enough to actually enjoy where you are. It’s not about visiting all the popular locations to say you’ve been. It’s about traveling with intention and experiencing Japan beyond what you might expect.
Finding my Voice Again in Japan: A Reflection on Creativity, Community, and Purpose
After feeling disconnected from the career I worked so hard to build, I returned to creativity through writing about Japan. This blog grew from a desire to share honest, more nuanced stories about Japanese culture, local communities, and travel. What began as a personal creative outlet has become a space for thoughtful travel guidance, cultural insights, and supporting local businesses and communities.
The Local List: TAP&TUMBLER
TAP&TUMBLER in Ebisu offers one of Tokyo’s most unique craft beer experiences. This self-service bar lets you pour your own drinks and explore Japanese craft beer at your own pace. With helpful staff, a modern design, and a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, it’s the perfect stop for beer lovers and curious travelers alike.
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