Finally, I’ve reached the very end of my 2015 Japan trip posts! It only took me six months… I thought I’d finish with a quick post about a theme which ran through my whole trip – Kit Kats! Back in 2014 I had the pleasure of visiting the first Kit Kat Chocolatory in Tokyo. Now there … Continue reading
Most lovers of Japan will at some point talk about the amazing contrasts the country provides. The modern versus the traditional, the cities versus the rural areas – Japan is a country made of the very oldest and very newest elements, and it’s fascinating. It was with this thought in mind that I arrived into … Continue reading
It’s time for ‘Japan by Prefecture‘ again! This is the series that aims to provide the highlights of each prefecture of Japan, along with my personal favourites and suggestions from readers. This week, we’re looking at Osaka (大阪府). Osaka Prefecture is part of the Kansai Region (関西地方) and the capital is, of course, Osaka (大阪市). Unlike Kyoto Prefecture, which has a lot more … Continue reading
I’ve been a very slow reader recently, and just haven’t been finding the time to pick up a book (despite being surrounded by them!). However, I simply had to make time to read the brand-new book by fellow blogger Fran Pickering – The Cherry Blossom Murder. I’ve been a keen reader of Fran’s blog Sequins … Continue reading
It’s time for A to Wa of Japan again! Last week’s post was about things beginning with そ (so) and we looked at soba (そば). This week we are looking at things beginning with た (ta). A big thank you to everyone who joined in with suggestions this week: Shiotadesu suggested tatami (畳 / traditional straw mat), tamagoyaki (卵焼き … Continue reading
Last week’s post was about Ise Jingu (いせじんぐう / 伊勢神宮), so this week I need to start with う (u). A big thank you to japanaustralia for suggesting ukai (鵜飼 / cormorant fishing), which is a summer favourite in Gifu on the Nagaragawa, and unagi (うなぎ / eel) – a summer dish to help build energy levels to beat the … Continue reading
I don’t know what has happened to October, but it’s almost over and that means the deadline for this month’s J-Festa has snuck up on me. October’s theme is: Entertainment in Japan, and here’s my entry! There are so many forms of entertainment in Japan, and what you choose simply depends what you’re into. I … Continue reading
A year ago today I was a jumble of nerves and anticipation because, a year ago tomorrow, I was due to fly to Japan to start my new life as an English teacher in Nagoya. It feels strange to look back at my early posts from my hotel room – I was half on holiday … Continue reading
Last weekend my friend and I went to Osaka. Our main purpose was to go to Universal Studios Japan (USJ) but we also managed to see a bit of Osaka and visit Himeji Castle. And, of course, we found time for some takoyaki, too! I went to Gifu on Saturday night and stayed at my … Continue reading
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