Strike up a conversation in a bar or head out to a dinner party in Japan and the likelihood is that the conversation will, at some point, steer towards blood type (ketsuekigata 血液型). Foreigners are sometimes perplexed about this Japanese fascination with blood type, which is often used as small talk when meeting someone for […]
Asia/Oceania
Sapa Homestay: The Most Authentic Homestay in Sapa, Vietnam
This post is a special personal essay on our homestay in Sapa, Vietnam with a Black Hmong family. Here you will see a completely different side to Vietnam – a place where two legs or four are the main modes of transportation, where the air is fresh and skies go on forever, and where there […]
5 Breathtaking Things to do in Yakushima, Japan’s natural wonder
Yakushima may be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it’s still one of Japan’s best-kept secrets. Located just south of Kyushu mainland, this island full of natural wonders really has to be seen to be believed. Here are 5 things to do in Yakushima that are an absolute must! See the magnificent Yakusugi Yakushima cedar […]
White Day: Japan’s Answer to Valentine’s Day
You may feel like one Valentine’s Day a year is enough, but Japan’s confectionery industry thinks otherwise. In addition to celebrating Valentine’s Day on February 14th, Japan also has a second Valentine’s Day on March 14th known as ‘White Day’. What’s the difference between Valentine’s Day and White Day? To put it simply, Valentine’s Day […]
What women are expected to do on Valentine’s Day in Japan
You might be surprised to learn that Valentine’s Day in Japan is celebrated rather differently than in much of the rest of the world. Firstly, it’s a day when only women give gifts to men, usually in the form of chocolates or cookies. And, secondly, it’s not an exclusively romantic holiday. Valentine’s Day in Japan […]
Climbing Mt. Kinabalu on a Budget
If you’re planning on going to Sabah (Malaysian Borneo) and have already done some research on climbing Mt. Kinabalu, you’ve probably quickly realized that it’s not exactly cheap to sign yourself up for physical duress. Many prices quoted on the Internet are quite steep and have many travelers wondering whether it’s worth forking out their […]
Some no Komichi: Experience Tokyo’s River of Kimono Silks
The Some no Komichi is a three-day event held in late February showcasing traditional Japanese textile dyeing techniques. The event is held in Shinjuku’s Ochiai and Nakai area, the center of Tokyo’s traditional dyeing industry and is a nod to the town’s rich cultural heritage. The Some no Komichi 2018 will be held on 23-25 […]
So, how can we overcome “amusement park syndrome”?
When I wrote ‘Yes, Japan is unique, but it’s not your fantasy land‘ last week, I wasn’t sure of the response it would get. I mean, I write a lot of things about Japan and, honestly, it’s surprising sometimes which posts are popular and which ones aren’t. I’m sure I’m not alone in a sense […]
11 easy ways to stay warm on your trip to Japan in winter
Staying warm in Japan in winter can be a challenge. The country’s chilly winters often take people by surprise and subsequently leave them unprepared. Temperatures generally range from single digits to low teens, although this varies greatly from south to north. You can expect milder temperatures in tropical Okinawa to the south and frigid sub-zero […]