The unseasonably warm autumn ended last week and just as autumn ended, we finally we spent a little bit of autumn activity in Tokyo - the classic walk along gingko tree lines of Meiji Jingu in Aoyama. About Gingko tree lines of Meiji Jingu Tree lines of Meiji Jingu is located in the heart of … Continue reading Autumn walk along the historic gingko tree lines of Meiji Jingu
Last weekend was a long weekend in Japan (November 3rd being Culture Day) so we headed to the center of the northern most island of Japan, Hokkaido prefecture called 旭川 (Asahikawa). What is Culture Day? https://nativeexpat.home.blog/2019/11/02/japan-autumn-wrap-up-rugby-world-cup-ancient-dress-up-festival-and-yet-another-public-holiday/ Fun facts about Asahikawa - 2nd most populated area in Hokkaido- famous for the northern most zoo, Asahikawa zoo- … Continue reading Early taste of winter in Asahikawa region in Hokkaido
Last weekend, we had family over from overseas. With a dog, a baby and a group of adults, we were searching for a handy getaway with things to do that'll interest many parties. We found an Airbnb with an ocean view, onsen and garden that's accessible from Tokyo in 伊東 （Ito) in Shizuoka prefecture. About … Continue reading Weekend away in Ito
Last weekend, we headed to a remote onsen area called 万座温泉 (Manza Onsen) in Gunma prefecture. Where is Manza Onsen? Manza Onsen is located in Gunma prefecture and is around 4 1/2hours drive from Tokyo. There is also a 4 1/2 hour bus ride from Shinjuku station or a Shinkansen to Karuizawa then a bus … Continue reading Manza Onsen: highest onsen in Japan
Having visitors in Tokyo is a way for a native expat like me who have been living again in Tokyo for the last 5 and a half years to discover new things in Tokyo. This week, I had a couple of vegetarian friends visit us from Australia. Although they said they aren't very strict, they … Continue reading Exploring Vegan Eateries in Tokyo
After a fun weekend away to Shirahama beach in Wakayama prefecture, I wanted to soak up in nature close by in Tokyo so I searched for some day trip hiking location. I found a scenic waterfall walking trail in Chiba prefecture that was 1 1/2hour drive from Tokyo. Walking along waterfall seemed like a cooling … Continue reading Don’t go chasing waterfalls…in Chiba
The thing I miss the most about living away from Australia and living in Japan (besides family and friends) is beaches. The abundant, clean, peaceful and beautiful Australian beaches like this Tamarama Beach in Sydney, Australia. In contrast, what's missing in the Australian life and one of the things I love about Japanese life is … Continue reading Onsen beach town, Shirahama in Wakayama
To celebrate a friend's birthday, we visited the beach side of Chiba prefecture called Isumi last weekend. Just around 100km away from Tokyo, Isumi that faces Pacific Ocean is accessible from Tokyo and is filled with seafood and peaceful countryside with lots of rice fields and bird chirping. To celebrate a friend's birthday, we visited … Continue reading Beach getaway to Isumi, Chiba
Today starts the long holiday in Japan called Golden Week (read more about what Golden Week from my previous blog) where Monday April 29th, Friday March 3rd and Monday May 6 are public holidays. https://nativeexpat.home.blog/2019/04/26/what-is-golden-week-and-the-cheapest-way-to-narita-airport The first public holiday is Showa Day commemorating Showa emperor's birthday (current emperor's grandfather) and last weekend, I visited a … Continue reading Exploring the sprawling spring symphony at Showa Kinen Park
After I traced the story about Nihonbashi on my penshuji workbook, last weekend, I cruised under Nihonbashi in Tokyo on a 90minutes cruise experience. I found about Nihonbashi Cruise on an episode on Modern Love Tokyo on Amazon Prime and was curious to experience and the day finally came! Nihonbashi cruise offered a unique perspective … Continue reading Nihonbashi Cruise: A Journey Through Time from Edo to Modern Tokyo
Native Expat 