#JapanLife

Finding Rainbows in Tokyo

“Gay-dar” seems to work in every country. Using his to guide us through Tokyo’s streets, my traveling companion Matt led us to the center of the city’s small, yet lively gay quarter called Shinjuku-ni-chome, commonly referred to as Ni-chome. As if reaching a mountain summit and basking in his achievement, Matt placed his hands on […]

Culinary Travel Snapshots Solo with Others

Wordless Wednesday: Flavors of Japan

Food is an important part of travel and during my Fall 2004 trip to Japan, I certainly had my fair share of common and odd bites. Following is a snapshot of my culinary journey through Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures.

Nature Travel Solo with Others

Seeing Monkeys in Japan’s Hell’s Valley

Landing in Japan, my traveling companion Matt and I were on a mission. Forget majestic Mt. Fuji and the sacred Buddhist temples. We wanted to see the Japanese Macaque monkeys of Hell’s Valley.

Solo Travel

Facing Uncomfortable Questions in Hamamatsu

My days were spent learning about Hamamatsu’s government and economy while evenings were spent with my hostess in her piano bar. The dim-lit bar was warm and cozy, accented with Western European influences. A mural of a French castle was the backdrop behind the Yamaha grand piano.

Solo with Others

Losing My Body Fat in Japan

Friends told me I would lose weight in Japan, thinking my palate wouldn’t tolerate raw fish and other new tastes. As I lay on the medical-like table with the lower half of my body snuggly fit into a long, nylon bag, I realized they were right. I spent an afternoon in the city of Shizuoka […]