Stretching across six islands in the Seto Inland Sea, the Shimanami Kaido is a sprawling 70 kilometer cycling course with some amazingly beautiful views. The course meanders past citrus fields and over huge suspension bridges, along quiet beaches and through bustling towns — I...
Welcome to another edition of the Deskwarming Diaries, where an ALT is quickly realizing she has less than three months before she leaves Japan. This edition features some late cherry blossom pictures, Golden Week adventures, and a look at the future. Let’s jump in! First, the...
Welcome to another edition of the Deskwarming Diaries where an ALT finds herself shoveling snow much more than she’s used to. This edition features winter, Kyoto, a giant box of snacks, and future plans. Let’s jump in! First, as always, the highlights: I’m eating lunch...
This can’t-miss shrine is one of my favorites! I came here often when I studied abroad in Osaka, and I was really happy to be able to see it again on my recent trip to Kyoto. It’s got everything — impressive gates, plenty of greenery, a giant festival (one of the most...
When Hunter and I were planning out where we were going to visit during our 6 days in Kyoto, Bishamon-do wasn’t even on the list. I was actually just goofing off on Google Maps, exploring the area near where we were staying, when I happened to click on it. The first picture I saw...
The Yokohama Ramen Museum wasn’t on my radar when Hunter and I were brainstorming places to go to during our anniversary trip to Tokyo. I was fairly pre-occupied with my dreams of visiting the Ghibli Museum! So when Hunter suggested we go, I wasn’t very enthused. “The...
Welcome to another edition of the Deskwarming Diaries where an ALT is shocked to discover that winters in Nagano are still, in fact, freezing cold. Today’s post includes highlights, a look at my bullet journal, a trip to Tokyo, winter plans, Thanksgiving dinner, and a few small...
Welcome to another edition of the Deskwarming Diaries, where an ALT frantically assembles Halloween clipart for bingo with some kindergarteners (in case you’re wondering, they had a blast). Today’s post includes macarons, the Olympic torch, the ocean, and plenty of stories of...
This is part two of my first attempt at Chogatake! If you missed part 1, click here to read it first! After a night of fitful sleep, I woke up around 4am because the sun was up and shining into the room. I could already hear the sound of the hut’s front door opening and closing as...
Chogatake is located in Nagano’s Middle Alps in Kamikochi, the same park as the beautiful Karasawa. Roughly translated, Chogatake means “Butterfly Peak” because of the butterfly-shaped snow patches visible in spring. I was itching for another overnight trip and chose...