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. […]
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 […]
Beyond Snacks: 8 Cool Services at Japanese Convenience Stores
Japanese convenience stores, or “konbini,” are a big part of daily life in Japan. These stores are famous on social media for their cheap yet tasty meals, cute seasonal snacks, and delicious treats. From beautifully packed bento boxes to special sweets that change with the seasons, Japanese convenience stores are a food lover’s dream. But […]
Sunflower Fields Near Tokyo: Top 5 Stunning Spots You Must Visit
Summer in Japan, despite the sweltering heat and high humidity, is an exciting season filled with vibrant cultural experiences. The air buzzes with the sounds of cicadas and the crackle of fireworks, while towns and cities come alive with colorful summer festivals, known as matsuri. Beach days, seasonal foods, and yukata-clad festival-goers add to the […]
5 Must-Visit Yokohama Beer Gardens for Unforgettable Summer Nights in 2024
Yokohama, Japan’s lively port city, transforms in summer with its many beer gardens. Just a 30-minute train ride from Tokyo, the city is an easy and worthwhile trip for both locals and travelers. Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a fun night with friends, or a family outing, Yokohama beer gardens provide a perfect setting. […]