After visiting the infamous snow monkeys in Nagano, Japan, I shared a video. It went viral. The response was not what I expected.
Japanese Snow Monkey Media Hype
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
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?
Japan in 2024
We are returning to Japan in 2024. In 46 days, for the first time since 2019. Our trip scheduled in 2020 was cancelled due to Covid. This will be my sixth trip, and I am looking forward to exploring new places and revisiting Kyoto and Tokyo. I haven't written much Blossomkitty content this year. I … Continue reading Japan in 2024
Japan and Prescription Medication
Earlier this year I was walking in the sunny hills around Brisbane when a friend called in a panic. Her ex-husband was taking her kids to Japan a few days later. She had just learned that ADHD medication may be illegal to carry in. I had had coffee with her ex-husband, and given him some … Continue reading Japan and Prescription Medication
Setting Intentions in Kochi
New Year's Eve morning, 2015. Seven years ago. I am sitting in the Emperor Award winning garden of my friend Maki's grandfather. I have travelled to Takimoto, Kochi, Shikoku, Japan with my friend Maki, her two kids and my two kids. It is my third New Year alone, after losing my late husband, Michael. It … Continue reading Setting Intentions in Kochi