Japan Archives - City and See Travel Blog

Cherry Blossom photo diary & and what Sakura teaches us

Katherine — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 14:43:28 +0000

Cherry Blossoms in Japan have a special, bittersweet meaning and is an important reminder once a year. But I think even now, with the season we are currently in – the meaning holds more weight. The Sakura season doesn’t last long (it can be a fickle season to plan travel for). For a few weeks, Cherry Trees all over the country bloom in an explosion of pinks and whites to be viewed together with family and friends. However, soon after they bloom, they begin to drop and another season is eagerly waited for. The symbol of the Cherry Blossom is how fragile life is. It can be beautiful and full, but is also fleeting. You often see them in cemeteries for this reason. This metaphor teaches us to live in the now – to be present in the moment as we enjoy the height of the blooms. This is lived out through “Hanami” in Japan. The old custom of viewing and admiring flowers (and it is still done all over Japan today). Hanami often includes having a picnic among the trees with food and drinks to admire the beauty that they bring, and to simply enjoy. This may not […]

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Cherry Blossom Season in Japan: Tokyo local spots

Katherine — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 00:41:38 +0000

There are a few go-to touristy spots to Hanami under Cherry Blossom trees, but for the most part I found Sakura viewing a local experience. One of my favorite days while living in Japan was stumbling upon what seemed to be an untouched neighborhood. A stream flowed through this area, surrounded by gorgeous Cherry Blossoms. Although the busier spots have their own excitement, some of the best Sakura moments were sitting down in local Tokyo Cherry Blossom spots for Hanami. Read my blog post Cherry Blossom Season in Tokyo: Places to have a Hanami Picnic to learn more about this amazing tradition! I highly suggest participating if you are visiting during this time in Japan. If you are hoping to escape some of the crowds, I hope you find your own moment to truly embrace the Sakura season and all that it symbolizes! Grab some delicious Sakura inspired snacks and stay awhile. Local Tokyo Cherry Blossom spots: Shukuragawa Stream A beautiful spot to bring Hanami snacks from the nearby food store and take it all in. This was a dreamy scene and if I went back to Tokyo for this season I would make this high on my list. It […]

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Cherry Blossom Season in Japan: The iconic Chidorigafuchi

Katherine — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 21:33:30 +0000

Cherry Blossom season in Japan is starting yet again and I find myself reminiscing about living near Tokyo during this time. My first Cherry Blossom post of this year is one of the more famous places to view these flowers, Chidorigafuchi. Over 200 Cherry Trees drape over the Northwest moat of the Imperial Palace creating a picturesque Sakura viewing. You may have seen photos of the row boats with couples or friends along the river making the scene that more beautiful. There are numerous iconic spots all throughout Japan, many during Cherry Blossom season. As I have mentioned before, I am usually found walking through cities, sitting in cafes or when in Tokyo, living the big city dream. During Cherry Blossom season though, these flowers took center stage through my lens. I knew this season would be stunning but I had no idea how much I would truly love this time of year. Japan in a sea of pink and white was like nothing I have ever seen! This time last year my friends and I were fervently planning the places we wanted to see covered in Sakura blossoms. The rowboats on the water outside the Imperial Palace easily […]

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How to experience real life Mario Kart in Tokyo

Katherine — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 01:52:52 +0000

This post is a long time coming! This past April we finally marked another item off of our massive Japan bucketlist! Dress up in your favorite character, step into your very own Mario Kart in Tokyo and explore the busy streets. Need I say more? Everyone who has this experience often has the question – “how in the world in this legal?” In most cities it wouldn’t be, but somehow in the largest city in the world – it is. Whenever people ask me about must do’s on their visit to Japan- I have to mention this heart racing experience because it is so unique, and Mario Kart in Tokyo really is an awesome way to see the iconic sights! Note: As of October 2018, Mario Kart won their lawsuit in Tokyo District Court, where MariCar needs to cease and desist using costumes that resemble Nintendo characters. But they have plenty of other costumes to wear while adventuring through the streets. You can now Go Cart like a “Real Life Superhero.” The Details of Go Carting in Tokyo: Paperwork: / This is the most important thing to mention! You need one of the following to be eligible, and […]

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The ultimate guide to Tokyo Coffee Shops

Katherine — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 03:22:08 +0000

In a city filled with “hole in the wall” cafes and hidden coffee shops on tiny alley-like streets, it can be hard to find exactly what you’re looking for. If you are like me, you immediately begin to google where the perfect coffee shops are before you travel. After compiling all my coffee shop explorations, I have finally completed my ultimate guide to all things Tokyo coffee shops! First, there are SO many coffee shops in this ever expanding city. After all, it is the largest in the world, and specialty coffee is making some serious waves. I spent over a year living in Tokyo and much of it was spent loving on all things coffee. Visiting small coffee stands with their artisan slow drip and searching for the perfect latte art were always on the agenda. Simple, beautifully designed interiors, as well as friendly talented baristas are not hard to find in Tokyo coffee shops. Although I like to think of this as the “ultimate guide” to Tokyo coffee shops, I of course have not been to them all. That is the magic of a large city though, right? With so many neighborhoods each have their own coffee scene […]

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15 places to grab a drink in Tokyo

Katherine — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 04:34:39 +0000

Known for small hard to miss bars, or quirky entertaining bars – Tokyo has something for everyone wanting to grab drinks in Tokyo. Whether you are craving a perfectly crafted cocktail to your liking or easy to miss whiskey bar – look no further then the city of Tokyo. Although the ever popular places like The New York bar are fabulous – it is always nice to switch it up right? I guarantee there is a place for you on this list. Hoping to bring a little bit of everything from speak easy to a laid back hangout space – here is my list of spots to grab drinks in Tokyo! 15 places to grab drinks in Tokyo 1/ Code Name Mixology Akasaka Google Maps Location Visit for: Unique specialty cocktails with friendly baristas ready to recommend their favorite. (PSA – they have peanut butter vodka)! 2/ Old Imperial Bar Google Maps Location Visit for: The feeling of yesteryear and dive into a historical bar set in a beautiful hotel. 3/ Zeotrope Google Map Location Visit for: Hole in the wall vibe with plenty of whiskey. 4/ Bar Benfiddich Google Pin Location Visit for: Speak Easy that will create […]

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Fuglen Tokyo: Coffee, Cocktails, Design

Katherine — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 03:49:07 +0000

Fuglen Tokyo is where retro design, vintage furniture, coffee and crafted cocktails live in perfect harmony. In other words, if I could be a part of any small business venture, this would be it. This cafe by day and cocktail bar at night is a unique Tokyo establishment that I love visiting. Situated on the quieter streets of Shibuya the cafe is spacious with plenty of seating on the outside. You can find it only a short walk from Yoyogi-Koen station. Barista champion Einar K Holthe, hailing from Norway brought together the best team. A cocktail specialist named Halvor Digernes and Peppe Trulsen who grew a love for vintage style furniture. Holthe loved the idea of opening a location after spending time in Toyko and took Kojima Kenji under his wing. They then opened Fuglen Tokyo. A small Norwegian cafe now had it’s second location that has slowly grown in popularity for locals and foreigners alike. In order to not have to import beans from Oslo, Fuglen Tokyo has a roaster in the city, that can serve you up a cup right in their facility. The roaster and cafe is quite small so I highly recommend visiting Fuglen Tokyo’s main […]

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30 things I miss about living in Japan

Katherine — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 15:00:09 +0000

Looks like it is about time I zone in on what I really miss about living in Japan now that I have been back in the states for sometime. I feel honored to have lived in a country vastly different than my own – beyond the important moments of learning how other people think about the world or soaking up a culture’s tradition, Japan has set my standard high for so many things. Yes, I want my toilets heated, my bathrooms spotless and people to stand on the right side of the escalator. But most of all I really miss feeling safe, and knowing you are surrounded by strangers you can trust. For instance, I wouldn’t ask someone else to keep a eye on my purse when I walked away because no one would take it. So simple, yet what a relieving feeling, right? Really, I could go on and on and on. Instead, I have narrowed it down to 30 things I miss about living in Japan (that are reasons for you to visit)! So, here it goes. 30 things I miss about living in Japan. 1/ Coffee A post shared by Katherine | City And See (@cityandsee) […]

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Yokohama day trip guide

Katherine — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 02:30:16 +0000

Yokohama, Japan is the second largest city in Japan and often overshadowed by its close neighbor, Tokyo. It contains endless food options, world’s largest China town, and was one of the first Port’s to be opened for foreign trade. With easy access from Tokyo, a Yokohama day trip is well worth it. Like any major city, you can’t fit in everything in one day, but here is a good list to help you plan the perfect Tokyo getaway. Yokohama Day Trip Guide To do Take a ride on the fastest Elevator in Japan (and drool over the stunning views) Landmark Tower is one of the main buildings in downtown Yokohama and as far as tower views go, it is hard to beat. Views of the Bay, Tokyo, the Ferris wheel and even Fujisan on a clear day. If you have been walking for a large portion of the day this is the perfect place to kick up your feet and enjoy a coffee (or beer). It costs 1,000 yen so you will want to enjoy it for a little while. Take Japan’s fastest elevator back down for the rest of your day. Ride the Cosmo Clock 21 The Cosmo […]

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What to buy at Japan’s 100 yen shops

Katherine — Fri, 18 May 2018 20:00:49 +0000

Loved by locals and the tourist who needs the perfect souvenirs, 100 yen shops have clean stores, organized aisles and a perfect medley of knick knacks you never knew you needed. Sorry to say, it will ruin American dollar stores for you. They were sort of already ruined though, weren’t they..? 100 yen shops have anything from household items, fake plants, cosmetics, beautiful dishes, and skincare all in one store. Fortunately for everyone, they are growing in leaps and bounds with Daiso, a popular 100 yen chain, opening over 2,000 stores nationwide and growing! They also have made their way to some locations in the States. If you find yourself in Harajuku, you will undoubtedly walk by the three story Daiso on Takeshita street which is the perfect stop for cheap gifts to bring home. Besides the Daiso, there are other 100 yen stores worth visiting as well. Lawson Store 100 (food products), Meets (household goods), Seria and Can Do. With many stores still on my list, I am not sure I can go back to the Dollar Tree after the high quality and quirky products that can be bought at my neighborhood Daiso. What to buy at 100 […]

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