Nikko is just a short trip away from Tokyo, geographically, but it feels like going back in time several centuries.
Continue ReadingJapan
Me, the Mountains and a Dozen Nude Japanese Men
My past three weeks in Japan have been extraordinary, no doubt, but they’ve also been extraordinarily exhausting. So naturally, I had to cap them off in a place known for extraordinary relaxation!
Continue Reading
Monkeying Around in the Japanese Alps
Seeing Japan’s snow monkeys reminded me of the time another traveler (the one who first informed me of their existence, no less) made a monkey out of me.
Continue Reading
Are Japan’s “Animal Islands” All They’re Cracked Up to Be?
I found both of Japan’s animal islands more disappointing than the majority of other bloggers.
Continue Reading
Exploring the Land of Princess Mononoke
Yakushima differs profoundly from everywhere else I’ve seen in Japan, yet I can’t help but wonder if the spirits of its ancient forests transformed me in a deeper way.
Continue Reading
The Saddest Thing About Hiroshima
Terrible events happened in Hiroshima, but the saddest thing about the city is how disappointing it is as a destination.
Continue Reading
Yes, Japan Has a Desert—and Yes, It’s Amazing
Japan is the ultimate land of contrasts, so it should come as no surprise when an arid desert randomly appears out of nowhere along its heavily-wooded northern coast.
Continue Reading
Memoirs of a Gaysha
Kyoto is about carving your own path through the history, heritage and chaos, not following the established tourist trail.
Continue Reading
How Many Days Should You Spend in Tokyo?
As a traveler (and a travel blogger), I’m always reevaluating and recalibrating my stances—the topic of how many days in Tokyo you should spend is no exception.
Continue Reading
