Last year, I posted about my first cherry blossom season in Japan. I was disappointed in the weather, as well as myself for not making more of an effort to see the blossoms as many days as possible, at as many locations as possible! I vowed to do better this year, and I’m happy to … More Mount Yoshino – Why You NEED to Visit During Cherry Blossom Season.
In my opinion, Japan has a fairly conservative culture. It’s a rare sight to see someone in short-shorts, bright colors, or a crop top. That’s just how it is. So when I first learned how popular it was to go to onsens (hot springs), an activity where you are, well, naked, I was pretty surprised. … More Kinosaki Onsen – The hot spring capital of Japan?
One of the best parts about living in Osaka is how central it is to other wonderful places. Within an hour, I can make a day trip to cosmopolitan Kobe, peaceful Nara, or traditional Kyoto. Kyoto is arguably the most visited tourist spot in Japan. One can take in the beautiful scenery, rent a kimono or … More Why You Should Visit Japan in the Fall: Kyoto Edition
I have been dreaming of fall for 27 years. Growing up in South Florida, I never had the opportunity to witness a true fall (autumn) season. Florida doesn’t have the same four seasons as most places do. In fact, let’s call Florida’s seasons….. Hot, Sweltering, Warm, and Somewhat Cool. With the exception of a few scarf-and-boot-wearing … More Why You Should Visit Japan in the Fall: Koyasan Edition
In my last post, I gave my impressions of Hiroshima. Visiting Hiroshima was actually day two of a 2-day trip to the region. Our first day of exploration was reserved for Miyajima Island! Since the bullet train only goes to Hiroshima, we first found our hotel so we could store our bags while we were out for … More Miyajima Island
One and a half hours to the west of Osaka by Shinkansen (bullet train), you’ll bump into Hiroshima. Known for the historical drop of the atomic bomb by the U.S. during World War II, friends had warned me to prepare for an emotional experience. Hiroshima is a major city. There is a high population, a major … More A Snapshot of Hiroshima
I had heard the hype, but it wasn’t until I stepped off the subway that I actually understood. Hanshin Tigers pride. Fans decked out in yellow and black gleaming from head to toe. Some wear jerseys, others wear lions (lion costumes, that is)… If your loyalty to the Tigers isn’t glaring obvious, you aren’t doing it right. … More Hanshin Tigers – My 1st Baseball Game in Japan!
While in Tokyo with my boyfriend, Nick, we decided to join a group tour and do something naturey for a day. Prior to leaving Osaka, Nick did some research online and stumbled upon a tour group called Tokyo Gaijins. They had a high customer rating and happened to have a trek scheduled that coincided perfectly with … More Trekking through Oze National Park
I had been anticipating it for as long as I can remember. I’m not saying it was the reason I moved to Japan, buttttttt I will say it probably influenced my decision more than it should! The Japanese take their cherry blossoms seriously. Shop windows are decorated in the appropriate theme. Sweets are made with … More Cherry Blossom Season
My time in Japan is flying by faster than I could have imagined. Today, I chose to decompress, reflect, and write this post while indulging in a latte from a newly explored neighborhood, Taisho. Two months. It’s already been over two months since I moved to Osaka, Japan. Didn’t I just arrive to Kansai International Airport yesterday, … More Reflection. 2 months living in Japan.
When You Wander 