Travelling to Japan has changed my understanding of many things, but it has really changed my thoughts on suicide.
How Japan has Changed Me
Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus
On the first anniversary of his untimely death, I share my experience of watching Ryucihi Sakamoto | Opus, a final performance.
Japanese Snow Monkey Media Hype
After visiting the infamous snow monkeys in Nagano, Japan, I shared a video. It went viral. The response was not what I expected.
Kyoto: Over Tourism
Part One: The overwhelming allure of geisha Gion Over tourism in Kyoto has been a growing problem for some years now. And it seems the allure of geisha is too strong for mere mortals to resist. Earlier this week in Kyoto, I heard several expat friends talking about changes around Gion. Gion is the largest … Continue reading Kyoto: Over Tourism
Akita and Kodama Jozo
Super Sake Boy and I were introduced to Kodama Jozo, in Akita prefecture through our dear friend and mentor, Simone. Simone, the Sake Mistress, hosted weekly online sessions during Covid with various sake breweries throughout Japan. The session with the Kodamas was especially enjoyable and we have wanted to meet with them ever since. Eiko-san … Continue reading Akita and Kodama Jozo
Kakunodate Samurai Heaven
Kakunodate is heaven for a samurai history lover. We arrived in Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture, at lunchtime on Thursday. We left our luggage at the extremely convenient check in next to the station and set out to explore in the softly falling snow. Kakunodate is a mountain town about 45 minutes by shinkansen from Akita City, … Continue reading Kakunodate Samurai Heaven
Two Days in Tokyo
We arrived in Tokyo, after the now expected delay at Melbourne Airport, at around 7:30pm on Monday. Both Super Sake Boy and I were so happy to be back in Japan, but exhausted. We took the new Keisei Skyliner from Narita Airport to Ueno Station. It's super convenient and faster than the NEX Express. After … Continue reading Two Days in Tokyo
What I’m Most Looking Forward to in Japan 2024
My dear friend Ingrid asked me the other day what I'm most looking forward to in Japan this year. It's been four and a half years since my last trip. I told her the first thing I'm going to do when I arrive is go to the konbini (convenience store) at Narita Airport and buy … Continue reading What I’m Most Looking Forward to in Japan 2024
Japan Planning
February 2024 I LOVE planning, especially Japlanning for Japan. It's now only 24 days until we go to Japan. Although we have been a number of times, we are going to some different places, with different conditions. So, our packing requirements will be different. I am also expecting many things to have changed since July … Continue reading Japan Planning
Is a JR Pass Value for Money in 2024?
JR Pass Is a JR Pass still good value for money? When I travelled to Japan in 2015, 2016, twice in 2018, and 2019. Every time I went, I purchased a Japan Rail Pass. It was almost a no-brainer, worth it every single time. However, returning in 2024, I don't think the Pass is everything … Continue reading Is a JR Pass Value for Money in 2024?