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Japan’s Vending Machines
Any other destination, a vending machine is just that, a vending machine. If you travel to a place like North America, a vending machine is just a large bulky box that sells a few name brand items. You’ll see the same drinks and snacks in every other vending machine no matter where you are. But Japan’s Vending Machines are a thing of the future. Want a hot coffee? Or how about an ice cold tea? Not in the mood for a beverage, then perhaps a bowl of ramen or full pizza would cure that craving? That’s right, many vending machines in Japan carry other unique items. Many times, I walk…
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Beer Guide to Japan
I moved to Japan from the United States. The United States was never really known for their beers until recently. Still, many people not from there associate the US with bad and cheap beer like Budweiser. Over time beer started to evolve and microbreweries popped up everywhere. Now, in the US, you can find great beer in almost any town. I don’t consider myself a beer snob, but I do like a good beer! Prior to living in Japan, I visited the city of Fukuoka and sampled several beers within a few days and wasn’t to impressed with the beer in Japan. I’ve lived in Japan going on three years…
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Tunnel Rats, Exploring Okinawa’s WWII Caves
This is post 11 of 19 in the series “Discover Okinawa” Discover Okinawa is a series of posts that has everything to do with all things Okinawa. Join us on our journey as we bike around islands, explore Okinawa’s wildlife, eat amazing food, and everything in between! Visiting Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: From Coral Reefs to Whale Sharks Okinawa Battle Sites Tour Day Trip To Cape Hedo, Okinawa Visit Zamami Island, Okinawa from Naha Hiji Falls Hike, Okinawa Tsuken Island Okinawa, aka “Carrot Island” Iriomote Island, Japan – Beaches, Jungles, and Wild Cats Okinawa World Heritage Sites Indiana Jones Trail, Okinawa Exploring Ie Shima, Okinawa Tunnel Rats, Exploring Okinawa’s WWII Caves…
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Japan’s Budget Airlines
We all want to save money while traveling 💴, especially when it comes to booking flights. Without getting into flight miles and other savvy ways to save on travel, looking into budget airlines is always a great place to start! Usually, you have to sacrifice something when it comes to budget airlines, whether it be less leg room or no inflight services. Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about sacrificing safety. After all, budget airlines have to go through the same rigorous safety inspections as any other plane. I’ve traveled around Japan going on four years now and flown airlines like ANA and Japan Airlines, I have also flown some…
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Exploring Ie Shima, Okinawa
This is post 10 of 19 in the series “Discover Okinawa” Discover Okinawa is a series of posts that has everything to do with all things Okinawa. Join us on our journey as we bike around islands, explore Okinawa’s wildlife, eat amazing food, and everything in between! Visiting Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: From Coral Reefs to Whale Sharks Okinawa Battle Sites Tour Day Trip To Cape Hedo, Okinawa Visit Zamami Island, Okinawa from Naha Hiji Falls Hike, Okinawa Tsuken Island Okinawa, aka “Carrot Island” Iriomote Island, Japan – Beaches, Jungles, and Wild Cats Okinawa World Heritage Sites Indiana Jones Trail, Okinawa Exploring Ie Shima, Okinawa Tunnel Rats, Exploring Okinawa’s WWII Caves…
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Indiana Jones Trail, Okinawa
This is post 9 of 19 in the series “Discover Okinawa” Discover Okinawa is a series of posts that has everything to do with all things Okinawa. Join us on our journey as we bike around islands, explore Okinawa’s wildlife, eat amazing food, and everything in between! Visiting Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: From Coral Reefs to Whale Sharks Okinawa Battle Sites Tour Day Trip To Cape Hedo, Okinawa Visit Zamami Island, Okinawa from Naha Hiji Falls Hike, Okinawa Tsuken Island Okinawa, aka “Carrot Island” Iriomote Island, Japan – Beaches, Jungles, and Wild Cats Okinawa World Heritage Sites Indiana Jones Trail, Okinawa Exploring Ie Shima, Okinawa Tunnel Rats, Exploring Okinawa’s WWII Caves…
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Bakeries in Japan
When picturing a bakery, most people would probably think of a bakery in France. Fresh croissants, perfectly baked baguettes, and beautifully baked flaky pastries with fruit on top sprinkled with powdered sugar. Unless you’ve been to Japan and love pastries (like us), you probably would never have guessed that there are amazing Bakeries in Japan. Growing up in Europe, I know what a good bakery is. When coming to Japan, I was skeptical at first. Three years later, both Jill and I are addicted to the various pastries you can find in Japan. Bakeries in Japan specialize in both sweet and savory pastries. We’ve visited dozens of bakeries all around…
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Japan Travel Recommendations
After living in Japan going on three years now, I have traveled to more then half of the 47 prefectures here. I’ve spent many hours riding trains, sleeping in hotels, ordering food at restaurants, and simply just living like a local. I do most my grocery shopping at local grocery stores and markets, live in a Japanese apartment, and have many friends that are from here. With the current Covid-19 situation, travel to Japan has been non-existent since early 2020. Lately, it seems that restrictions in Japan are headed in a promising direction. I am hopeful that this year, 2022, will finally be the year Japan accepts visitors and I…
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Weekend Itinerary for Sapporo
Sapporo, a “Winter Wonderland,” during the winter months, is Japan’s 5th largest city and by far Hokkaido’s most populous city. Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972 and is one of Japan’s most popular destinations for winter activities. Compared to other cities in Japan , Sapporo is fairly new, being established in the late 1800’s. One of Sapporo’s most famous winter events, where visitors from around the world flock to is the famous Ice Festival. We had plans on visiting the Ice Festival in February 2022, because of COVID-19, the festival was cancelled for a second straight year. We still planned on visiting Sapporo and spent a weekend exploring the…
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What to do in Nagoya, Japan: From Castles to Technology
Nagoya, located in Aichi Prefecture is an overlooked city in Japan that is home to an abundance of attractions, both old and new. In my opinion, Nagoya has one of Japan’s finest castles, even more charming then Osaka Castle. Outside from the castle and multiple shrines around the city, Nagoya is home to many famous manufacturing companies like Toyota and Honda. Therefore, Nagoya has a lot of futuristic and innovative museums and attractions that are well worth visiting. If you are planning a trip and wondering what to do in Nagoya? This post is a guide to Nagoya with my recommendations on attractions, places to eat, and day trips. **This…
