When was the last time I talked about fashion?

Checks calendar… cringes internally.

Yep, probably around ten years ago. Or wait—longer?

Ah, Tsugaike Mountain Resort. Where do I start? I have been there 3 times now, with so many photos almost enough for me to create my own Tsugaike 4-season calendar.This is a place where nature demands your attention year-round, and one of those places you just have to go back a different time for a different experience.

Although over-tourism has become a hot topic in recent years, Kyoto remains an iconic destination that every first-time traveler to Japan dreams of visiting at least once. Known for its rich history, timeless temples, and serene gardens, Kyoto’s charm is undeniable.

However, if you’re visiting Kyoto in the summer, be prepared for a different kind of experience. The city, nestled in a basin surrounded by mountains, can feel like a steamy cauldron during the warmer months. And just when you’ve adjusted to the heat, late summer has its own tricks—sudden downpours that can take you by surprise!

But don’t let Kyoto’s unpredictable weather get in the way of your plans. Rain or shine, there’s a perfect way to spend a chic and comfortable afternoon that keeps you cool and stylish—all under one roof at Kyoto Takashimaya S.C.

Dear blog, happy 20th birthday.

If you are my offspring, you are officially an adult now. Wait… didn’t I say that 2 years ago already? Can one become an adult twice? I guess… Maybe when you get a Japan residency? Yes you have moved to .jp now so your coming of age is officially twenty. *Cue a dazzling Furisode background takeover.*

(Does anyone here even know what a background takeover is? Oh… right, the last time this blog experienced one, flip phones were still cool. Sorry about that.)

So… my blog was a teenager just a blink ago and now she’s an adult. She can get drunk and do all sorts of irresponsible adult shit and it won’t be my fault anymore. What do adults do, actually? After writing a blog for twenty years, I still don’t know how adulting works, apparently. Also, I have officially run out of profound things to write for all these anniversary stuff, because it feels like the earth has orbited a full circle and I am stuck on pause and haven’t moved an inch. It’s like all these things just whizzed by me while I stood still on the same spot, like how the 2014’s Instagrammers take their cool but very meiwaku Shibuya Crossing shots. Except that it isn’t really cool at all. Unless you are Fudomyoo, then you can be as immovable as you can and still be cool. Or hot. Whichever is cooler. Or hotter. And I also need to stop writing nonsense just to fill up the pages because this is not a school essay. Those days were gone. Or were they? Old habits really don’t die.

The sense of time gets so muddled up I no longer know how to live. I’m not pretending to have no rizz by saying skibidi shit but it does feel that way… Like I have lost my life GPS (or have purposely yeet it into outer space) so now I no longer know what direction is. I said “what”, not “which”.

(Also, is that how you use “yeet”? My almost-teenage son, who seems to summon rizz effortlessly, says it like that. But is there even a past tense for “yeet”? Surely it’s “yelt”?)

(Okay, I just lost all my rizz points by looking it up. It’s YEETED.)

You know they say, live one day a time. But what makes a day worth living? How does one celebrate the fact that they are alive? Is being alive very celebratory? No cap, genuine question. I wish we could ask a dead person how they would rate being alive at the scale of 1-10. You know, sort of like how you would rate conveyor belt sushi after having tasted a Michelin omakase in Ginza. I’m not comparing the afterlife to Ginza, I mean, except that on weekends it probably is, when the cars are off-limit, which is why they called it the 歩行者天国–Pedestrian Paradise. So now I have just made up this image of dead people walking and shopping in Ginza nomming on omakase sushi. Wait, that’s maybe how heaven actually is like, for all we know. Like actually. Then being alive would rate quite mid, wouldn’t it? If you don’t have to punch in nine to five, pay bills and demold your foggy brain and cellophane tape your leaky gut and at the same time worry about which war will hit your roof if all you have to do is float around to shop at Ginza and have free flow infinity negitoro maki. Now that’s the kimo-kawa, zombie-chic game I’d wanna play.

Anyway, twenty years feels like the world’s completed one epic spin. Maybe it’ll twirl around again. Maybe a new star will pop up, and it’s time to let that star shine.

At least you know you have not failed yourself when your human offspring is willing to read your shitty book. (As a matter of faecal, it does contain a lot of metaphorical skibidi toilet.)

See you on next year’s anniversary.

When you think of Nagano Prefecture, it’s hard not to imagine its renowned winter resorts blanketed in pristine snow and the breathtaking majesty of the Japanese Alps. While its world-class snow resorts are indeed a must-see, Nagano has much more to offer beyond the slopes.

One of the region’s best-kept secrets is the Suwa area, an often overlooked gem in Nagano that had been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. This underexplored part of Nagano offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and authentic suburban charm that is waiting to be discovered.

Today, I’m excited to share the details of my 4-day, 3-night trip to this relatively unknown area. Prepare to be amazed by the myriad of experiences Suwa has to offer, from its historical landmarks and cultural treasures to its authentic rural charm.

I have introduced Takashimaya a number of times on my blog and social media (particularly here and here) highlighting the timeless allures of this iconic departmental store.

However, the special event I recently attended allowed me to appreciate Takashimaya, and subsequently Japan, from a broader and more profound perspective. It was an incredibly heartwarming experience.

The event was “43rd Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition”, held at Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. in Tokyo, from 15-20 May, 2024.

Although the event has concluded, Takashimaya will continue to host similar exhibitions periodically. In fact, this was the 43rd iteration of this event. In this article, I aim to give you an overview of what it was like, hoping to inspire you to visit future exhibitions.

I hope you find my previous article on Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. helpful.

If your travels take you to Osaka, let me share a hidden gem intimately connected with Takashimaya Osaka that might surprise many.

Takashimaya Archives: A Journey Through Time

In my earlier post, I touched upon the origins of Takashimaya – evolving from a modest used clothing and cotton cloth store to a prestigious department store brand over 190 years. The Takashimaya Archives offers a unique window into this storied history, complete with the company’s endearing mascot, Rose-chan.

(Mario statue at 1F of Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. new area T8.)

For any avid fan of Japan, the name Takashimaya resonates as an emblem of international repute among department stores.

My sojourn in Singapore in 2016 placed me in close proximity to Ngee Ann City, and I found myself drawn to “Taka” – as Singaporeans affectionately call it – every other day, seeking a slice of Japan. For many, Takashimaya serves as a beloved portal to authentic Japanese culture.

Did you know how Takashimaya was born?

Let’s delve into a brief history of Takashimaya.

Hello travelers! Today we are back exploring yet another gem of Japan’s snowy region–Omachi City.

Many of you may have heard of the eternally popular Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, but few know that the gateway to this magnificent alpine odyssey is the humble town of Omachi.

Omachi, often overshadowed by its more renowned neighbors like Hakuba and Matsumoto, stands as a serene passage for those embarking on or returning from their Alpine adventures. Sitting at an elevation of around 700 meters, its geographic location enables Omachi to thrive as a hub for mountain tourism, showcasing its unique charm in every season.

As a travel enthusiast who’s always on the lookout for off-the-beaten-path destinations, I was captivated by Omachi’s charm and I’m excited to share why this city deserves a spot on your Japan travel itinerary.

How to Get There

I believe many of us can agree that Japan is a safe country that embodies a profound sense of peace. Having spent almost four years navigating the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, I’ve discovered an enduring tranquility beneath the surface chaos. But what is it that makes Japan inherently peaceful?

My yamabushi master once told us, that Japan is peaceful because of its “ambiguity”, a concept often notoriously challenging for cultures that value clear-cut, black-and-white distinctions.

[This is a collaboration post with Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza]

It’s hard for one to disagree that Japan a wonderful shopping paradise, especially with the yen now weaker than ever against mots foreign currencies.This implies that all the goodness of Japan’s quality products is now available at a substantial discount compared to just a few years ago.

While most travelers tend to shop in typical big cities where a dizzying smorgasbord of shopping malls and retail outlets overwhelms, today I’d like to introduce a unique spot—possibly the most scenic retail outlet I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting—Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza.

There’s something undeniably enchanting about Mt. Fuji that the mere sight of it can make ourhearts skip a beat, evoking an unspoken sense of admiration.

This iconic Japanese mountain has woven its way into the dreams of poets, artists, and travelers, standing as a timeless symbol of Japan’s natural grandeur. Its elusive charm only fuels the passion of those eager to witness its majestic silhouette.

Now, we’ve all heard about Mount Fuji’s perpetual popularity and the classic clichés that grace travel brochures – the iconic peak, the five-story Chureito pagoda and the cherry blossom trees at Arakura Sengen Shrine.

But today, let me introduce you to a new gem just over an hour from Tokyo – the Mishima Skywalk, nestled in Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Consider it your escape bridge from urban hustle to serene landscapes.