Japan has so many culinary delights that sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin. “What would you like to order?” “Umm, everything…?” When traveling around this foodie heaven, my advice is to find out the local specialty of the area you’re visiting. Japan has many regional specific dishes that are difficult to find or […]
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Discover Mt. Fuji
We spent last weekend in the Mt. Fuji area making preparations for our group climb of Mt. Fuji later this month. Spectacular not only for the imposing volcano that looms large before you but also the all-around magical scenery and country atmosphere, a side-trip to Fuji from one of Japan’s urban centers will certainly recharge […]
Dancin’ Like Fools
Do you remember the ‘Bon-odori’ dance festival I told you about a couple of weeks ago? About honoring the ancestors and dancing like a fool with strangers and all that? If you don’t know what I am talking about and/or you think I have finally succumbed to Tokyo’s summer heat, you can click here for […]
Marking the Mayan Calendar
The Mayans of Guatemala and surrounding regions of Central America, had one of the most advanced civilizations of the ancient world. A culture that thrived in the realms of art, architecture, literature, philosophy and mathematics, they were also well attuned to their natural surroundings – astrology, agriculture and seasonal changes. It is no wonder then […]
Fit for a Peasant
Ever wanted to feel like you’re in a fairytale? Take a trip to Alberobello in southern Italy and you’re likely to feel just that. With some 1500 gnome-like houses known as trulli, you’ll take a step into a world of miniature. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, the trulli of Alberobello with their […]
If you’re going to be a fool anyway, you might as well dance!
Summer matsuri (festival) season is well and truly upon us here in Japan! And that means it’s time to celebrate Obon, when the souls of the ancestors are said to return to the living world. (O)Bon festivals are held throughout towns and villages in Japan during July and August in honor and remembrance of all […]
Tanabata Festival, Hiratsuka
This weekend in Japan, we’ve been busy celebrating Tanabata (七夕) or the Star Festival. Celebrated annually on July 7th, this festival commemorates true love overcoming adversity and wishes coming true. The Tanabata story is one for all you hopeless romantics out there. While there are many versions, this is one of the most popular and […]
Bungy Jumping, Japan
For Hai’s 30th birthday, I wanted to plan a celebration that he would always remember. He had been talking about bungy jumping for the longest time and I thought this milestone birthday would be the perfect time to make that happen. It was also perfect in that he would never guess that’s what I had […]
Turning Swimming Pool Water into Wine
Working within the Japanese school system has given me countless opportunities to learn about aspects of Japanese culture I would not have known about otherwise, and today was no exception. As I exited the classroom after third period and started walking back down the hall, I looked out the window to see something unexpected. Students […]
Higashimurayama Iris Festival, Tokyo
Today we attended Higashimurayama’s Iris Festival in western Tokyo. Nestled at the base of the foothills of Hachikokuyama, Kitayama Park (Kitayama Kōen, 北山公園) provides a picturesque and peaceful setting for this quaint annual flower festival. For the photographer, there are endless photo-taking opportunities and if you have been before, this year sees the inclusion of […]