Sendai: Weekend Trip (3 days, 2 nights)
Sendai doesn’t have much of a reputation in Japan as a tourism hotspot. On its own, Sendai is really just…kind of a normal city. However, because of its close proximity to Matsushima (one of Japan’s “Three Great Views”), Sendai is definitely worth a visit. Beyond Matsushima, I really enjoyed the calm but convenient nature of […]
Japan Life: Month 8 Recap
July 15 – August 15, 2020 Places we Traveled: Tohoku Region (4-day road trip), Hokkaido (10-day road trip) Peaks: Tohoku Road Trip! In late July, Japan celebrates two national holidays: “Marine Day” and “Health and Sports Day.” For the holidays, Andrew’s office closes to give all employees a 3-day weekend. To take advantage of the […]
Hokkaido: 10 Day Road Trip (pt.2)
Day 6: Furano –> Naitai Terrace –> Lake Mashu Breakfast at the Airbnb was incredible. The host absolutely CRAMMED a regular cafeteria tray full of fresh cut fruits, Japanese pudding, tea, hard-boiled eggs, fresh raisin bread, and yogurt. Super simple, but maybe my favorite breakfast the entire trip. Plus, the host was just a such […]
Hokkaido: 10 Day Road Trip (pt.1)
Disclaimers: This trip was expensive. Yes, a road trip in Hokkaido can be done on a smaller budget. We didn’t do that. Covid-19 was on our minds the entire trip. We tried to walk the fine line of practicing safe behaviors and supporting the small, local businesses that need revenue right now. This trip was […]
Japan Life: Month 7 Recap
June 15 – July 15, 2020 Places we Traveled: Tokyo (x2), Nagoya, Sendai Peaks: Glitch Coffee in Tokyo. One of the first places in Japan I made the effort to explore on my own was Coffee Tonya, a coffee wholesaler that roasts beans to order in house. Since then, I’ve dragged Andrew down the rabbit […]
Japan Life: Month 6 Recap
May 15 – June 15, 2020 Places we Traveled: Hitachi, Nasu, Lake Chuzenji, Tokyo, Oarai Beach, Mashiko/Haga Peaks: Hiking to the crater of an active volcano. This one was on Andrew’s bucket list, luckily we have a willing volcano to climb in our prefecture. During this time, domestic travel was strongly discouraged but in nearby […]
Japan Life: Month 5 Recap
April 15 – May 15, 2020 Places we Traveled: Nikko, Shiobara, Mashiko, Nokogiriyama/Matsudo, Ashikaga Peaks: Lots of hiking, biking, picnics, and other outdoor activity. On April 16th, the Japanese government announced a state of emergency for the entire country due to the new coronavirus. As a result, travel outside of the prefecture where you live […]
Japan Life: Month 4 Recap
Places we Traveled: Mashiko, Kofu City/surrounding areas of Yamanashi Prefecture, Ashikaga/Sano Peaks: Sakura blossom season in Utsunomiya. I didn’t take any pictures that really do it justice. I will be the first to admit that I don’t really “get” flowers. Or the “uniquely Japanese” custom of enjoying the fleeting beauty of Sakura season by having […]
Japan Life: Month 3 Recap
Places we traveled: Tokyo, Yokohama, Mt. Tsukuba, Mito (Kairakuen), Mashiko Peaks: Visited the Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama. Yeah, yeah, this is a total tourist trap. In my defense, we were in Yokohama to explore Chinatown (another WELL WORTH IT tourist trap). We really loved the Cup Noodles Museum though. It fully leans into a […]
Japan Life: Month 2 Recap
Places we traveled: Tokyo, Nikko, Omiya Peaks: Andrew’s birthday weekend in Tokyo! Jan 24-26 we traveled to Tokyo, booked a hostel just south of Asakusa, and did some exploring. As a surprise, I bought tickets to Hellogoodbye’s Living Room tour, a series of concerts held in “offered spaces” around the world…otherwise known as, uh, regular […]