Where to stay in Tokyo? There are so many options! Whether you want to be surrounded by skyscrapers and sleeping in a pod hotel or, close to designer shopping and in a cool hostel, there is a place in Tokyo that is perfect for your trip. The best place to stay in Tokyo for one […]
Where to Stay in Tokyo — Best Neighborhoods and Accommodation Read More »
Traveling solo in Japan is a fascinating, warm, and unforgettable experience. Most people have an idea in their head of what Japan will be like, but it’s impossible to understand until you’re there yourself. Japan is immaculate temples brimming with lanterns. Japan is steaming bowls of ramen on a cold night. Japan is shy geishas
Solo Female Travel in Japan — Yes, it’s Safe, but Isolating Read More »
I am the girl who has not seen a lot of movies. Star Wars? I saw it once, when I was six, and I got so scared, I thought Darth Vader was hiding in my closet for the next several months. I’ve never seen any of the other Star Wars movies. E.T. had a similar
On Travel, Lost in Translation, and Park Hyatt Tokyo Read More »
On my first trip to Japan in 2013, I completely fell in love with the country — but I couldn’t have named a favorite city. I deemed Japan far greater than the sum of its parts. That may still be true — but this time, I have a favorite. Tokyo, I love you so much. I’m
Splurging on the Right Things in Tokyo Read More »
Ever thought of traveling to Japan in the winter? I suggest you consider the wild island of Hokkaido. I recently had the opportunity to return to Japan and explore the best of the Japanese winter. Did I enjoy it? I absolutely loved it! How This Trip Began ANA — All Nippon Airways — contacted me
Visiting Hokkaido, Japan, in Winter Read More »
2013 was a fantastic and exciting travel year — probably my most active year of travel yet! This year I visited a record-breaking 22 countries (UK, USA, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, San Marino, Austria, Malta, Turkey, Macedonia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Romania, United Arab Emirates, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Thailand, and Cambodia — though,
My Favorite New Destinations of 2013 Read More »
Tokyo is a sleek city of chrome, neon, and crowds — particularly in Shinjuku. This modern neighborhood is home to tall office buildings, high-end department stores, endless traffic, bright and colorful signs, and some of the busiest railway stations in Tokyo. But hidden on a narrow grid of side streets in Shinjuku is Golden Gai:
Golden Gai: Tokyo’s Coolest Bar Neighborhood Read More »
Since leaving Japan, I’ve been asked several times what my favorite place in the country was — and I honestly can’t put my finger on it. I loved Japan, but I think I loved the country overall more than any particular destination within the country. Tokyo was a great city, and it would be a
Bright, Brash and Funky Osaka Read More »
How do I even begin to describe what it’s like to travel in Japan? It is an experience. It surrounds you. Every moment of every day is filled with new discoveries and cultural difference and utter delights. I can’t describe it beyond that, but everyone who has been knows exactly what I’m talking about. If
What’s It Really Like to Travel Japan? Read More »
Out of the corner of a narrow Kyoto alley, she appeared. A woman in a traditional kimono, her skin like alabaster, her lips a perfect crimson bow. Her hair defied gravity in perfect lacquered waves decorated with floral ornaments. She was the marshal of her own inadvertent parade. Behind her a crowd of Japanese and
And Then We Saw Her Read More »