In Tokyo, we have been experiencing unusually warm autumn but suddenly, the temperature has dropped, days are getting shorter and staying in bed feels like the best option in the morning. Ideal for colder months is something I have read and was keen to try: 米ぬか酵素温浴 (Kome nuka kouso onyoku - rice bran enzyme bathing). … Continue reading Experiencing Japanese traditional spa treatment – Enzyme Bath
On 2024 November 13th, one of the greatest modern Japanese poets, 谷川俊太郎 (Tanikawa Shuntaro) passed away. At the age of 92, he ended his creative career that spanned over 6 decades. His simple yet thought provoking poems, songs, picture books and his creative works have impacted millions of people, including me. This blog is dedicated … Continue reading The life and words of Japanese poet, Shuntaro Tanikawa
Flying north all the way to Hokkaido a couple of weeks ago, I saw beautiful nature and see yet another new side of Japan. However this week, I was reminded how there are so much yet to discover right within my neighborhood in Hiroo in Tokyo. I have shared in the past post about Hiroo, … Continue reading Power spot in the heart of Tokyo residential area: Hiroo Shrine
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
Autumn is the month of food, culture and sports...and the deadline to complete the company annual medical examination. What's the annual medical examination, you say? Read my blog on my first annual medical examination back in 2020: https://nativeexpat.home.blog/2020/03/07/japanese-working-lifes-right-of-passage-annual-medical-examination/ I changed my job in at the start of the year and a health check is required … Continue reading Maintaining health in Japan
This week, I went to Kyoto on a business trip.It was all day and night work activities but I made the most of it with a morning walk along Kamo River to take in Kyoto during my short visit. I decided to wander towards Kyoto station to make my visit last a little bit longer … Continue reading Modern moxibustion
Autumn is a busy season in Japan. As mentioned in a previous post, 🍂Autumn in Japan is known for many things in Japan🍂 – スポーツの秋、読書の秋、芸術の秋、 食欲の秋－ Autumn for Sports, Reading, Arts, and Appetite. However, come to think of it, Japanese are always busy and there is a certain phrasing for it. When you're in the … Continue reading Joiners in Japan – what is “insert word”-katsu
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
As mentioned in the past blog post, Japan's autumn is often said "🍂 スポーツの秋、読書の秋、芸術の秋、 食欲の秋🍂 Autumn for Sports, Reading, Arts, and Appetite. https://nativeexpat.home.blog/2019/11/02/japan-autumn-wrap-up-rugby-world-cup-ancient-dress-up-festival-and-yet-another-public-holiday/ With record breaking warmth in September and October still experiencing low 30's degree celsius, we wonder what season we're actually in. However, I know for sure that we're in autumn with what's … Continue reading Japanese food in Autumn highlight: Shine Muscat Grapes
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
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