everything we've written
The Journal
Japan, Otaru
Lunch—German style?
Okay, so hear me out. Yes, we found a German brew pub and yes, we ate lunch there. It might seem questionable to eat German food in Japan, a country known for its delicious, umami-rich cuisine. How...
Japan
Otaru Canal
The canal was beautiful It had lovely copper railings that had aged to a gorgeous patina. I couldn’t help wondering if that material would have lasted in our area; not because of the weather, altho...
Japan, Otaru, Hokkaido
Otaru day trip
We spent a lovely day in Otaru, a small seaside port town about an hour’s train ride from Sapporo. The train carriages weren’t that crowded, but Casey and I still didn’t get a seat. Fortunately, th...
Japan, Otaru
Otaru: Seafood-landia
Otaru, being right on the water, is known for its seafood. Casey, being Casey, wanted lots of it. As we headed to the shopping area, Casey spotted a BBQ place that advertised grill-it-yourself seaf...
Japan, Otaru, Hokkaido
Strollin’ in Otaru
We headed down to the canal and Sakaimachi-hondori Street, the main tourist shopping area. It was a warm, sunny day but the breeze kept things cool enough. We found interesting sights along the way...
Japan, Otaru
You’re twistin’ my melon, man
Don’t touch the fruit, especially the melons. We’ve noticed this each time we’ve come to Japan, starting in 2018 when Anna was still a child and actually did touch the fruit. The stall lady was not...
Japan, Osaka
Japan 2025, day 6: Osaka
A Tuesday morning shopping trip at the konbini (convenience store). We were looking for breakfast, which had been consisting of onigiri or cold noodles and canned cold brew coffee. Anna admired the in
Japan, Osaka
Japan 2025, day 5: Osaka
We arrive a few minutes early to the class and decided to use one of Japan’s ubiquitous vending machines for a quick drink. These are super convenient, especially in the 90F* heat. The only catch is t
Japan, Osaka
Japan 2025, day 4: Osaka (evening)
The first stop was at an izakaya (the Japanese version of a tapas bar) that specializes in yakitori. My plate had grilled mushrooms, asparagus, and shisito peppers, although it’s more typically meat-b
Japan, Osaka
Japan 2025, day 4: Osaka (day)
Our Airbnb is large by Japanese standards and very quaint. I am happy that we have a washing machine, although no dryer means that we are hanging clothes on the balcony. Fortunately, the balcony is fa
Japan, Osaka
Japan 2025, day 3: Osaka
One view from our hotel, Almont Niporri. We have a corner room, so there’s another side of windows.
Japan, Tokyo
Japan 2025, day 2: Tokyo
Anna’s postcard from the JAL flight crew❤️