Not another Japan blog

Struggling to pick which yukata to wear tonight. (c" ತ,_ತ)

Flowers of Shinjuku Gyoen (March 2019)

I went to the Imperial Palace today to see Emperor Naruhito’s first official public greeting. Me, my husband, and friends waited in line for 3 to get into the greeting area. It was so packed with people and so hot and sweaty with almost no shade the entire time. I got a mean sunburn, but it was worth it to see this historic event, feel the excitement, and hear the Emperor’s kind words. He also thanked everyone for coming to see him particularly in the strong heat. I hope his reign will be one of peace and prosperity for Japan🎌

I got a Reiwa latte cuz I’m a nerd and was excited about the new era announcement. I personally like the new era name a lot and while the era system is really only ceremonial at this point, I hope Japan can use it as an opportunity to improve and create a brighter future. Hopefully one with less paperwork anyway.

Cherry blossoms along Senkawa dōri, Sakuradai, Nerima, Tokyo. 2019

Levi says do your laundry, you filthy weeb.

Found these very unique and very specifically flavored KitKats today. While they contain 0.07% alcohol, the sake taste is quite strong and the hint of cherry (sakura) flavor is understated. Since I’m a fan of sake (日本酒) I really like the sake tasting white chocolateyness of these. I have a confession though. I am not a huge fan of cherry/Sakura flavored foods in general. In this case, the cherry was really subtle, so I still quite like these, but I could live without it.

An actual rainbow appeared over the Tokyo Rainbow Bridge🌈

The OG Boss Rainbow Mountain Blend can coffee. I don’t usually drink can coffee because it’s usually too sweet or too bitter. Yet sometimes, just sometimes, I see some construction workers or day laborers drinking can coffee on their breaks and they just look so peaceful and chilled out in that moment that I start to crave a can coffee too. Does that make sense?? Lol

Another article I wrote for Your Japan introducing 5 things to do in Karuizawa. Karuizawa is a place full of nature and luxurious resorts and villas. It makes for a romantic couples getaway and also has enough fun things to do for a trip with family or friends.

My first article is up! I started writing for Your Japan, a travel/lifestyle website about all things Nihon. This article introduces 10 unique things to do in Takayama, in Gifu Prefecture. I would be so so so happy if you could read it and let me know your thoughts! Also check out Your Japan and stay tuned as I will be writing more for them :)

Cherry Blossoms along Senkawa dōri in Nerima🌸 (2017)

Nectar is a brand of juice, often found in vending machines. This vodka infused collaboration is pure sweet peachy deliciousness. The spring edition can with floating Sakura petals is also very pretty and just in time for hanami season🌸

This has got to be the strangest shrine I have encountered to date. Has anyone else ever seen a shrine like this? 

Why have 7 rings (or a Japanese bbq grill) when you can have 70 rings?

Pro tip: Buying these bottles of calpis mix is soooo much better than buying the individual pre-mixed bottles in the conbini or vending machine. This bottle I have costs around ¥300, but as it says on the top of the bottle you can make up to 15 servings versus the two or so mixed servings you get in a ¥100~ bottle. Also since you mix the concentrated calpis with water (or milk, etc) yourself you can customize the sweetness and strength of the flavor to your liking.