There is a reason Shinjuku is such a well-traveled destination in Tokyo. I must confess that I avoided it on my first two trips to Japan, thinking it was too touristy or too expensive or too unsafe (the red light district is there, after all). I was wrong. Fortunately, I rectified this on my third […]
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Animal Kingdom’s Pandora – The World of Avatar: Day and Night
Opened in 2017, Animal Kingdom’s Pandora – the World of Avatar is one of the newest additions to Disney World. It is based off the visually striking world created in director James Cameron’s 2009 epic adventure film Avatar. With floating mountains, waterfalls, a rainforest, and eye-popping flora and fauna, Disney really has brought the world of […]
Visiting the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo
If you’ve ever wanted to learn about the genius of Studio Ghibli, the Japanese animation studio known for outstanding, heartfelt works like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, the Ghibli Museum is the perfect place to visit.
What It’s Like to Stay at a Ryokan in Japan
One of the best things about traveling abroad is getting to experience the culture, customs, and traditions of different places. This doesn’t have to be limited to just sightseeing; your lodging and accommodations can reflect cultural traditions as well. To get a real sense of Japanese culture, one of the best places to stay is […]
Down the Rabbit Hole and Into the Alice in a Labyrinth Restaurant in Ginza
Japan loves Alice in Wonderland. So much so that there are a bunch of Alice in Wonderland-themed restaurants throughout the country. Six restaurants in particular are owned by Diamond Dining, a company that manages a slew of themed restaurants across Japan: Alice in a Labyrinth in Ginza Alice in a Picture Book in Shinjuku Alice […]
Guide to Shibuya, Tokyo: Japanese Fashion, Historical Sites, Delicious Food, and Unique Shops
I love all of Tokyo. But there is something so special about Shibuya, and I fall in love with it all over again each time I visit Japan. It is the birthplace of so many cool fashion trends. The sights and sounds just enthrall you at every corner. At night, it is especially lovely with […]
Why I Believe in the Power of Storytelling
Storytelling is an amazing thing. It can move us deeply. It can connect us. It can help us through our darkest days. Think about a story that has affected you. Did it move you to tears? Fill your lungs with laughter? Help you see something in a new light? I think storytelling is profoundly powerful. […]
Exploring Tea and History in Uji, Japan
Picture a quiet and charming place steeped in history and some of the most delicious tea in the world – that’s Uji, a city in Japan’s Kyoto Prefecture that makes for a great side trip from the cities of Kyoto or Nara. Here are some of the scenic places you can discover on your trip […]
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A Look Into the Kawaii Exhibit at Epcot’s Japan Pavilion
The Bijutsu-kan Gallery, located towards the back of Epcot’s Japan Pavilion in Disney World, hosts rotating exhibits featuring different aspects of Japanese culture. Currently on view is an exhibit called Kawaii: Japan’s Cute Culture, which showcases all things adorable and delves into the history of how kawaii aesthetics have become so pervasive in Japan.
Two Days in Hakone, a Resort Town in the Mountains of Japan
About Hakone Hakone is a beautiful resort town west of Tokyo known for its natural onsen (hot springs) and misty mountains. The pace is much slower than daily life in the big cities of Japan, making it the perfect place to relax. It is a popular day trip destination from Tokyo, but I decided to […]