When to Take Shoes off in Japan? Quick & Easy Etiquette
You may have seen my Instagram post where I talk about shoe etiquette in Japan. Yes, it’s in my lease to take shoes off in the house. This culture of …
What Amazing Japanese Foods Should You Focus On?
Speaking about food is like speaking about the weather. It’s a great icebreaker for tourists and those living here alike. An easy conversation to have when English or Japanese aren’t …
Ekiben 駅弁: A necessity for long-distance travel?
One of the best parts about taking a shinkansen or liner train is having an ekiben (駅弁) or train bento. The name is actually an abbreviation for station bento. Train …
Matsumoto Castle – 12 Original Castles of Japan
Matsumoto Castle (松本城) in Nagano Prefecture was my first of the original Japanese castles to visit. An easy stopover for the snow monkeys or any ski trip up to the …
Inuyama Castle – Original 12 Japanese Castle Tour
This is it! Inuyama castle (犬山城) was the last of the 12 original castles for me to visit. Located in Aichi Prefecture, it claims to be the oldest castle. Claims …
Maruoka Castle – Original 12 Japanese Castle Tour
Maruoka Castle claims to the oldest of the 12 original castles still in existence in Japan. I say “claims” because their signage all says so but they are not the …
Winter Illuminations in Japan: Not just Christmas Lights
In the States, Christmas time is all about finding the best Christmas light displays. Whether it be Rockefeller Center or some really passionate homeowners, December is full of light. In …
Hikone Castle – 12 Original Japanese Castle Tour
We have a new second place castle! Hikone Castle (彦根城) in Shiga Prefecture! The main keep was finished in 1607. Sitting atop Hikoneyama, 彦根山, Hikone Mountain….it’s really just a hill. …
Matsue Castle – 12 Original Japanese Castle Tour
Matsue castle is one of the 12 remaining original castles in Japan. Being the farthest west from Tokyo, it was the first on the list for the remaining 4 I …
Matsue, The City of Water, Shimane Prefecture
Known as the city of water due to it’s being surrounded by two brackish water lakes, Matsue is the capital city of Shimane Prefecture. Possibly the most important for tea …