I’m going to be honest: I had seen so many photos of the Fuji Shibazakura Festival over the years that I’d kind of filed it away in the “Instagram bait” category. You know the type — perfectly timed Mt. Fuji in the background, endless fields of neon pink flowers, a couple in coordinated outfits doing […]
Michi-no-Eki Fujioyama: Adorable Kintaro Meets Fuji Views
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Angelie Ueda (@juz.jillin) If you think roadside stations are just places to grab a vending machine coffee and stretch your legs, then let me introduce you to Michi-no-Eki Fujioyama—where adorable folklore, mouthwatering food, and postcard-perfect views of Mount Fuji come together to create an experience that’s […]
Convenience Gyms: Guide to Japan’s 24/7 Fitness Trend
If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed a mysterious explosion of ChocoZAP locations over the past couple of years. Maybe you walked past one, saw the bright yellow signs and the name, and thought, “ChocoZAP? Is this a dessert shop? A chocolate-themed café?” Only to take a closer look and realize—nope, it’s a gym. Not […]
62.9% of Japanese Commuters Are Annoyed by Tourists Doing These in Trains
So, you’ve booked your dream trip to Japan. You’re ready to dive into the bustling streets of Tokyo, explore Kyoto’s ancient temples, and—of course—experience the legendary Japanese train system. It’s sleek, efficient, and unbelievably punctual. You’ve seen the videos of station staff pushing passengers into packed rush-hour trains with precision. You’ve heard about the ultra-clean […]
Hinamatsuri: A Clueless Foreigner’s Complete Guide to Japan’s Doll-Filled Girl Power Festival
So, you thought Japan’s only big festival in March was cherry blossom season? Nope. Allow me to introduce you to Hinamatsuri, also known as Girls’ Day, aka The Festival of Tiny, Expensive Dolls That Will Haunt Your Dreams if You Don’t Pack Them Away in Time. I first came across this festival while attempting to […]
Setsubun Guide: 5 Fun Facts Every Foreign Parent Needs to Know!
So you’ve found yourself in Japan with kids, and February 3rd rolls around. Suddenly, everyone’s talking about throwing beans, scaring off demons, and eating an absurdly long sushi roll in total silence. Welcome to Setsubun, one of Japan’s quirkiest and most entertaining holidays! As a foreign parent, you might be wondering what’s going on and […]
Rakuten Points: How to Hoard Them and Make the Most of Your Glorious Rakuten Credit Card in 2025
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 […]
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. […]