Category: Lifestyle

  • Chef Kazuhisa Nakao On His Miyazaki Dining Innovation

    Chef Kazuhisa Nakao On His Miyazaki Dining Innovation

    I interviewed chef Kazuhisa Nakao, former chef to the Japanese Ambassador of Hong Kong. He told me about his time in Hong Kong and Bali, and the challenges he faces running three restaurants under one roof. All images in this article were taken by me. Read the article here:https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2022/05/miyazaki-dining-innovation-chef-kazuhisa-nakao/

  • Ibaraki by Bike: Sightseeing Around Tsukuba

    Ibaraki by Bike: Sightseeing Around Tsukuba

    With its wide cycle lanes and ample sightseeing spots, Tsukuba is a great place to cycle around in Japan’s Ibaraki prefecture. Here are a few spots that are easily accessible by bike from Tsukuba Station, as well as some further options if you choose to visit by car. Read the article here:https://japantoday.com/category/special-promotion/ibaraki-by-bike-sightseeing-around-tsukuba-and-the-ring-ring-road

  • A cycling adventure on Ibaraki’s Ring Ring Road

    A cycling adventure on Ibaraki’s Ring Ring Road

    I’ve cycled many times around the Ring Ring Road in Ibaraki, and it’s always a fun adventure. Some parts have more to see, and other parts are more about gaining speed and enjoying the cycle. Here are a few recommended spots on the Lake Kasumigaura course for anyone who is a beginner to the cycle…

  • Mount Kirishima: Hiking an Active Volcano

    Mount Kirishima: Hiking an Active Volcano

    In March 2022 I hiked an active volcano range with my fiancé’s family. A few years ago, I never would have thought to do such a thing! In this article I retell my experience with some useful information for anyone thinking to hike it themselves. All photos in this article were taken by me. Read…

  • No-bake Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

    No-bake Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

    After making this simple recipe for my YouTube channel, I gave away the secrets to a quick Japanese “Strawberry Shortcake” on GaijinPot. Read the article here:https://blog.gaijinpot.com/no-bake-strawberry-shortcake-how-to-make-a-japanese-cake-without-an-oven/

  • Japanese 102: How To Send Parcels at the Post Office

    Japanese 102: How To Send Parcels at the Post Office

    I put together a guide on how to navigate the complicated services available at a Japanese post office, as well as some useful Japanese phrases to get by. Read the article here:https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2022/04/japanese-post-office-cheat-sheet/

  • 6 Culturally Significant Japanese Flowers and Where to Find Them

    6 Culturally Significant Japanese Flowers and Where to Find Them

    I looked into six of Japan’s culturally significant flowers and found that many of them had a deeper back story than being a simple spring decoration. Read the article here:https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2022/04/culturally-significant-japanese-flowers/

  • Best Train Lines for Living in Tokyo: The Hibiya Line

    Best Train Lines for Living in Tokyo: The Hibiya Line

    Having commuted daily on the Hibiya Line for over a year, I wrote a piece giving advice on where is best to live along the line, and insights into the commute itself. Read the article here:https://blog.gaijinpot.com/best-train-lines-for-living-in-tokyo-the-hibiya-line/

  • Traveling with Japanese In-Laws: What to Expect

    Traveling with Japanese In-Laws: What to Expect

    After going on my first trip with my in-laws in Japan, I put together an etiquette guide on how to go on such a trip yourself. Read the article here:https://blog.gaijinpot.com/traveling-with-japanese-in-laws-what-to-expect/

  • Interview With Calligraphy Master Koshu

    Interview With Calligraphy Master Koshu

    I interviewed shodo (Japanese calligraphy) master, Koshu, about her journey that resulted in teaching the art in the UK. Koshu has been my calligraphy teacher for 10 years now, and I was moved by how much deeper her story went than I could have imagined. Read the article here:https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2022/03/koshu-calligraphy-master/