My first time visiting Japan was exactly two years ago for my 30th birthday and it was one of the best experiences I had! I truly fell in love with the Japanese culture, history, and cuisine. One of the many reasons why I’m excited to announce my partnership with All Nippon Airlines (ANA) and their Experience Class campaign, is their amazing service and direct flights from the West Coast! It was my…
Japan
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6 DAYS IN TOKYO & FUKUSHIMA ITINERARY
I just came back from an awesome trip to Tokyo and Fukushima where I saw unique art installations, ate at the best ramen shops and learned about the history of Fukushima. This is the second time I visited Japan but the first time visiting the Fukushima Prefecture and was more than excited to explore a new place. My itinerary was for 6 full days in Tokyo & Fukushima, I would,…
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TAPAS MOLECULAR BAR: GASTRONOMIC DINNER
My boyfriend took me to a 16 course dinner at Tapas Molecular Bar for my birthday while we were in Tokyo. Chef Koichi Hashimoto trained in Spain for two years at molecular cuisine restaurants before joining Tapas Molecular Bar. The menu changes seasonally and provides inventive dishes throughout the meal. You are seated with 6-7 others at the bar and the chef explains every dish to you. The restaurant is…
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CUTE, WEIRD & BEST PLACES TO EAT IN TOKYO
Japan is known for having cute cafes, weird restaurants and one of the most Michelin star restaurants in the world. Here is a full list of everything you will want to eat! Cuteness Overload Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory is the cutest!! A little out of the way but worth the visit! Inside Diver City Plaza Sanrio store for ice cream and cute Hello Kitty mini pancakes Cafe de Miki with Hello Kitty (has…
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GUIDE TO OSAKA
Osaka is Japan’s third largest city and a great place for a day trip if you’re staying in Kyoto. Most travelers will arrive at Osaka International Airport which is about 30 minutes from Osaka. I arrived around 7am and had an entire day to see the city. WHAT TO DO Osaka Castle Osaka Castle is one of the most famous sites in Osaka. Make sure to go inside the castle. It’s…
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MT FUJI & HAKONE GUIDE
Hakone, Japan – West of Tokyo and less than a 2-hour train ride is a mountainous town that is known for its hot springs and beautiful views of Mt. Fuji. If you only have a day, a day trip is do-able but I highly recommend staying a night and experience a ryokan and all of Hakone. Here’s the perfect Mt Fuji & Hakone guide one everything you need to know.…
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MY RYOKAN EXPERIENCE AT HAKONE GINYU
A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn which can be found throughout Japan. The best Ryokans will have onsens (hot springs). Ryokans features tatami-matted rooms, communal baths and serves traditional kaiseki meals. It is an opportunity for tourists to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle and immerse themselves in the culture. I stayed at Hakone Ginyu which is a member of the Ryokan Collection, a collection of luxury ryokans throughout Japan and located 10…
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JAPAN TIPS & EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Sakura season in Japan is the most beautiful time to visit (late March to mid April)! If you can’t make it during this time, I recommend visiting during the Fall when the leaves starts to change colors. Before visiting Japan I had so many questions about the culture, food, subway system, etc.. I’ve compiled a few tips and everything you need to know before your visit. Hope this helps, because…
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN TOKYO
What is the best way to celebrate a 30th birthday? A trip to Japan and no trip is complete without a stop in Tokyo and it was the best birthday ever!! Especially since it was Sakura (Cherry Blossom) season. Typically it only lasts from late March to Mid April. Tokyo is the capital and the largest city in Japan, with over 13 million people! Tokyo is a fascinating city of…
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WHAT TO EAT IN KYOTO
Kyoto is full of great options when it comes to eating. It is known for Green Tea or Matcha and if you know me I love ANYTHING that contains those words. =) Here is a list of what to eat in Kyoto! Floresta Donuts inside Nishiki Market How cute is this donut though? Floresta Donuts is located inside Nishiki Market which has many options for food and shopping. The donuts are almost…
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HOW TO SEE KYOTO IN 2 DAYS
Kyoto is Japan’s 7th largest city with a population close to 1.5 million. It is also one of the top tourist destinations in Japan. Even though small in size this city is by far my favorite compared to Tokyo and Osaka. It was love at first sight when I came across the gorgeous photos of the famous bamboo groves and the red shrine called Fushimi Inari when researching online. Who…