An Introduction to Japanese Sake

Last weekend, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a closed event for sake tasting geared towards a more international crowd. The event had a lot of great information and free sake for the tasting. I’m not a big sake drinker, and didn’t know too much about the drink outside of popular culture, but […]

Tokyo Disney Foods

Food is very important to any trip but Tokyo Disney is branding itself in Japan as a go-to destination for delicious treats, meals, and drinks. When I started poking around for ideas on what to do at Tokyo Disney, I saw many blogs, articles, and vlogs centering around the amazing food available in the parks […]

Tokyo Disney Popcorn

The only thing I really knew about Tokyo Disney Land before heading over there was that they had a pretty nice variety of popcorn and popcorn flavors. Once I got there, I was able to sample some of those treats and see what the popcorn craze is all about.

Tokyo DisneySea

One of the unique park experiences you can’t find anywhere else, Tokyo DisneySea has a lot to offer and some unique quirks for a Disney park. I was fortunate enough to visit there during some off time and have some tips and recommendations I’d like to pass on to any other intrepid international Disney explorers!

Tokyo Disney Land

Having grown up in Florida, I was fortunate to spend many vacations at Walt Disney World. They used to have some pretty sweet deals for Florida residents, including super discounted rates for hotels during soft opens (this was during the resort expansion in the 90s). Having such fond memories, and living close to another Disney […]

Kencho-ji Temple

During my first month in Japan, a colleague of mine offered to take us to Kamakura, the Kyoto of the East. Kamakura is littered with all sorts of historical and cultural goodies, the most famous of which is the giant Buddha. While visiting, I did not see the big man himself, but did manage to […]

Chichibu Shibazakura Festival

In my fair Saitama prefecture are many natural wonders, much to my delight. A mere 20 kilometers (12.5 miles, roughly) from my city is Chichibu, a city that is gaining more popularity with tourists as its natural wonders and festivals gain visibility. Getting there takes over an hour, due to having to go around several […]

Finding an Apartment in Japan

First coming to Japan can be incredibly daunting, especially since you may not have any housing when you first arrive. I’ve heard stories of professors coming over and having to settle their housing the first day after arrival! The process can be dizzying and confusing, but hopefully, sharing my experience will help other foreigners out […]

Site Update 05/18

Quick site update: I have officially left Arizona and am currently living in Japan! For the coming years, I’ll be posting about my travels and cultural experiences in Japan and elsewhere as I continue to travel. I’m also going to experiment with style: I want to put more of myself and my reactions to things […]

Camelback and Central

This post is part of a series on my favorite spots in Phoenix. To read the other posts, follow these links: Swansong (Best places in Arizona), UnderTow, Barber Parlor, Phoenix Breweries, Changing Hands / First Draft Book Bar, Bonus Round, Renaissance Hotel. The final location is a bit of a stretch; I wasn’t sure what […]