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japan

second-hand stores in tokyo

A thrift shopper’s guide to Tokyo: 6 second-hand stores you need to visit

February 9, 2018 //  by Mae-Gene//  1 Comment

I discovered the wonders of second-hand stores in Tokyo purely by accident. I was planning my last-minute hiking trip to Kamikochi (also known as the “Japanese Alps”) and realized I didn’t have any appropriate hiking wear. I was torn between shopping it up vs. going without when I realized I could try looking at second-hand stores …

A thrift shopper’s guide to Tokyo: 6 second-hand stores you need to visitRead More

Category: Japan, TokyoTag: japan, Tokyo

4 day Kyoto Itinerary

The Ultimate 4 day Kyoto Itinerary

January 19, 2018 //  by Mae-Gene//  10 Comments

If you’re planning your first trip to Kyoto, Japan, I’ve put together a 4 day Kyoto Itinerary, just for you! If you think of Tokyo as a modern city, Kyoto is like it’s older, more traditional sibling. If you’re after cultural experiences – temples, old architecture, beautiful Japanese gardens and Shrines, well Kyoto is for you. Kyoto …

The Ultimate 4 day Kyoto ItineraryRead More

Category: Japan, KyotoTag: japan, kyoto

how to avoid crowds in kyoto

How to avoid the crowds when visiting Kyoto

November 17, 2017 //  by Mae-Gene//  10 Comments

Other than Tokyo, Kyoto is the most popular city for tourists visiting Japan. Every time I’ve visited Kyoto – whether it be during fall, in sweltering summer or during the ever popular sakura (cherry blossom) season, I’ve had a tough time navigating crowds. As a photography lover, it’s always proven challenging to get beautiful photos …

How to avoid the crowds when visiting KyotoRead More

Category: Japan, KyotoTag: japan, kyoto

Japan packing list

Packing for Japan: an all seasons packing list

November 10, 2017 //  by Mae-Gene//  6 Comments

Planning a trip to Japan? Not sure where to even begin when it comes to packing for Japan? I learned the hard way that carrying too much in your suitcase leads to sore arms and a lot of stuff that you don’t ever end up using. Train stations in Tokyo are famed for having hidden …

Packing for Japan: an all seasons packing listRead More

Category: General Japan, JapanTag: japan, packing, planning

Favorite Places in Japan

8 Travel bloggers share their favorite places in Japan

November 3, 2017 //  by Mae-Gene//  31 Comments

Can you believe that the land size of Japan is approximately equivalent to that of California?! For a country of its size, there are so many destinations to choose from when planning a trip to Japan. Every time I visit, I always have to sacrifice a place or city from my list – there is …

8 Travel bloggers share their favorite places in JapanRead More

Category: General Japan, JapanTag: japan, japan inspiration

things to do kamikochi

Kamikochi: hiking in the Japanese Alps

October 13, 2017 //  by Mae-Gene//  13 Comments

If you’re looking for weekend trips from either Tokyo or Kyoto, then look no further than Kamikochi. This beautiful area in central Japan is part of what is considered the Japanese Alps. I spent 3 nights here, though you could visit just for the weekend and still not feel rushed. It was a great way to …

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Category: Japan, Other JapanTag: japan, kamikochi, off the beaten path Japan

travel in Japan as an English speaker 4

How to travel in Japan as an English speaker

September 10, 2017 //  by Mae-Gene//  14 Comments

I always get asked about how hard it is to travel in Japan as an English speaker. Without fail, I constantly hear “but how do you get around?” or “I’d love to go to travel to Japan, but I don’t know any Japanese!” While most Japanese people speak Japanese in their everyday lives, many learn …

How to travel in Japan as an English speakerRead More

Category: General Japan, JapanTag: japan

Goshuin: The coolest Japanese souvenir

July 18, 2017 //  by Mae-Gene//  15 Comments

When visiting Japan, it’s hard not to stock up on awesome souvenirs for friends and family back home. We’re talking patterned chopsticks, hello kitty themed everything (how about Hello Kitty toilet paper guys!) or a cute “kawaii” phone case. If you’re after something unique, however, a cute iPhone case is just not going to cut …

Goshuin: The coolest Japanese souvenirRead More

Category: General Japan, JapanTag: japan

Traveling on a budget in Tokyo

10 budget tips for visiting Tokyo, Japan

July 11, 2017 //  by Mae-Gene//  9 Comments

So many travelers think you need to spend a lot of money to visit Tokyo. This sprawling metropolis has a reputation as an expensive city! When I first traveled to Japan, I didn’t think it was possible to travel on a budget in Tokyo. After living in Tokyo, I’ve come to realize that while it can …

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Category: Japan, TokyoTag: budget tokyo, japan, Tokyo

Japan Tokyo Travel Musings

Konnichiwa from Tokyo, Japan!

June 20, 2017 //  by Mae-Gene//  Leave a Comment

I landed in Tokyo last week, and am super excited to share my upcoming Japan adventures with you! I’ll be here for 3 months – the longest I’ve ever been in a country (after my home country of Australia and Boston, where I currently live). It’s a little strange to think I am now living in …

Konnichiwa from Tokyo, Japan!Read More

Category: Japan, Musings, TokyoTag: japan, Tokyo

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