My biggest loves in life are travel and animals. A change in circumstance has landed me on the beautiful island of Okinawa, in Japan's southernmost region. Join me on a Japanese adventure filled with fun, food and furry friends, as well as other things!
Modern life is geared towards convenience. In the West, we like everything to be easily accessible, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Japan is no different. Let’s focus on one specific aspect: convenience stores. Here’s how Japan is getting it oh so right.
Japan loves all things kawaii, it’s deeply ingrained in all aspects of modern day living. But what is kawaii? And where did it come from? Read on to discover why kawaii is so much more than just a word.
Manga Souko is a chain of second hand stores found throughout Japan. Touted as a “recycle store”, they buy and sell games, DVDs, manga, books, clothing, furniture, toys, decor, textiles, musical instruments, leisure equipment, electronics, and collectibles. With stores located in the Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu and Okinawa regions, you aren’t too far away from experiencing one of these magical places.
In early history, the shrine was considered one of the highest ranking in all the land. It’s position facing the Hakata Bay has seen it long revered as a guardian for sea voyagers.
Kawaii is a measure of cute, and Nago Pineapple Park has it in spades.
Japan's horror houses are designed to send chills up and down your spine. Not for the feint of heart.
Osaka is a wonderful city with lots to offer, but it’s also big, and using taxis to get everywhere will soon add up! Happily, there is a great subway network here, let me show you how to use it.
Japan is the land of the rising sun, but it’s also land of the strange, as you’re about to find out. Step through the entrance of Shibuya’s infamous vibrator bar with me.
Kanamara Matsuri is one of Japan’s quirkier festivals. Translated to English, it means: “festival of the steel phallus”.
With 16 locations in Japan, Eggs n’ Things has had an impressive expansion without losing its original ideals. Its goal was to use fresh ingredients, and treat all their customers like family.
Let’s visit a cat cafe. I adore cats, so this was a great find!
It’s said that a chief priest of this temple won big after laying his lottery ticket next to a statue of Daikoku (one of Japan’s seven Gods of fortune).
