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Exploring Sado Island: Sake, Sushi, and Granny-Powered Boats

Off the coast of Niigata is a melting pot of cultures from around Japan called Sado Island. It’s a remote island only accessible by boat, but the ride rewards you with diverse natural landscapes, food, and festivals. In this Japan Cheapo piece, I’ll share with you how to make the most of it in an…
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Suigian: Where Traditional Japanese Dance and Music Meet Elegant Cocktails

I was recently invited to spend an evening at Suigian, an elegant bar and restaurant in Nihonbashi. What stands out about this establishment is that they have a large stage in the centre of the room, where Noh and other traditional performances take place. If you’re interested in an elegant evening mixed with traditional Japanese…
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How to Enjoy Japanese Onsen as a Couple

Visiting an onsen (hot spring) in Japan is a great way to experience Japanese culture first hand. It can be a bit daunting on your first go, though. So in this blog post with Japan Specialist, I look at how to dip your toes in or take the plunge with your special someone! https://japanspecialist.com/w/how-to-enjoy-japanese-onsen-as-a-couple
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How Tokyo’s ‘deconstructed ramen’ became a national favorite

Just like ramen, tsukemen broth and flavorings can vary greatly from place to place, but what they tend to have in common are cold noodles served with a hot broth and a variety of toppings. It’s a bit like a deconstructed ramen. And I had no idea, until I delved deeper, that tsukemen was invented…
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Expo 2025 Osaka: What Travellers Need to Know

Osaka is always a lively place, but in 2025 it will reach a whole new level! 2025 is the year that the world will gather for 184 days of fun at the Osaka World Expo. I’ve put together some information to know before you go with Japan Specialist: https://japanspecialist.com/w/expo-2025-osaka-what-travellers-need-to-know
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10 Meaningful Souvenirs to Get in Japan

Souvenirs are a great reminder of a fun holiday, but you don’t want to bring home another boring keychain… So I’ve put together 10 Japanese souvenirs full of meaning on Japan Specialist: https://japanspecialist.com/w/10-meaningful-souvenirs-to-get-in-japan
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A Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Cuisine

If you’re visiting Tokyo soon and want to know all the must-eats, here’s a guide to all the fan favourites!(This article was sponsored by an external client of Tokyo Weekender): https://www.tokyoweekender.com/tw-collabs/a-beginners-guide-to-japanese-cuisine
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Offbeat Stays in Fukui, Japan: Townhouses Open for Guest Stays Mikuniminato

A new type of accommodation has opened up in Japan’s Mikuni Minato area. It’s called an “auberge”, but it is a selection of renovated townhouses dispersed throughout the area, with a central reception building and up-market French restaurant. I wrote the press release for them via Bluemoon Marketing, and was able to visit the auberge…
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Defining Elegance with Yumi Katsura

Yumi Katsura’s fascination with dresses started at a young age, and sparked a lifelong passion for creating designs that are at the forefront of elegance. Now 93, Katsura reflects on her experiences in the fashion industry, and shares advice on finding the right path to success. I interviewed the iconic wedding dress designer for InTouch…
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10 Spots in and Around Tokyo for Plum Blossom Viewing

While cherry blossoms often take the spotlight in late spring, plum blossoms are their lesser-known early blooming cousin you should look out for! Here are some great places to go plum-blossom viewing near Tokyo. https://allabout-japan.com/en/article/11244