So, let me start with the tea: I got my Rakuten credit card because, frankly, Japan doesn’t make it easy for foreigners to get a credit card. But Rakuten? Oh, they were different. No endless bureaucracy, no awkward phone calls in Japanese to verify my entire life story. They just let me apply online, and […]
Iconic Mount Fuji With or Without the Snow Cap in 2024
Alright, confession time: I’m a hardcore Mount Fuji fan. I’m talking full-on groupie vibes. Living in Japan, I have every excuse to stare at her whenever I can, from all angles and in all her moods. This year, though? She’s kept us all on our toes because it’s already winter, and Fuji-san is STILL missing […]
Free Yokohama Walking Itinerary for History Buffs: Explore Iconic Landmarks & Hidden Historic Gems
If you’ve been living in Yokohama for a while, like I have, you’ll know this city is packed with history. Seriously, it’s like a hidden museum in plain sight. Yokohama was one of the first places to open up to the world when Japan ended its isolation in the mid-1800s, and ever since, it’s been […]
Garbage Sorting and Recycling in Japan: What You Really Need to Know to Avoid Trash Nightmares
Let me tell you, when I first moved to Japan almost ten years ago, I thought I was prepared. I’d done my research. I knew Japan was big on recycling, and I was feeling all eco-warrior about it. How hard could it be? Just toss your plastics in one bin, your burnable trash in another, […]
Tsukimi: Captivating Moon Gazing, Japanese-Style (And Why It’s So Much More Than Just Staring at the Sky)
Alright, let’s talk about Tsukimi—also known as the Moon Viewing Festival. When I first heard about it, I was like, “Wait, Japan has a holiday for staring at the moon? That’s it?” But after living here for a few years, I’ve learned Tsukimi is a whole vibe, and there’s more to it than just sky-gazing. […]
Keirō no Hi: How Japan Does “Respect Your Elders” Right
If there’s one thing Japan gets so right, it’s knowing how to honor the elderly. As a foreign mom living here, I’ve definitely noticed how much respect the Japanese have for their older generation. But one day really stands out—Keirō no Hi (Respect for the Aged Day). If you’ve never heard of it, don’t worry, […]
Japanese Holidays: A Complete Guide for Foreigners (From a Foreign Mom Trying to Keep Up)
Living in Japan as a foreign mom is like constantly being thrown into a whirlwind of Japanese holidays, festivals, and traditions that I had absolutely no idea about before moving here. I mean, sure, I knew about cherry blossoms and maybe a few big things, but no one warned me about the real work of […]
Yorunoyo: Get Ready for a Dazzling Winter in Yokohama!
Yokohama is set to shine with the “Yorunoyo” illumination event, happening from December 5 to December 30, 2024. This dazzling display of lights and music will transform some of the city’s most iconic spots, like the Yokohama Port Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal and Yamashita Park, into enchanting works of art. A Highlight of Yokohama’s Winter […]
4 Stunning Campsites for Fall Foliage in the Kanto Region
Japan is beautiful throughout the year, making camping a wonderful experience in any season. However, autumn holds a special charm, with its crisp air and vivid colors creating an unforgettable atmosphere. For those in the Kanto region, there’s no better way to soak in this seasonal beauty than by visiting one of the many campsites […]
5 Surprising Izakaya Dishes That Will Shock First-Timers
If you’re new to the world of Japanese cuisine, the izakaya experience can be both thrilling and intimidating. Izakayas, Japan’s beloved gastropubs, offer an array of dishes that range from familiar favorites like tempura and yakitori to more surprising offerings that might shock even the most adventurous eaters. For first-timers, the menu can be a […]