Purpose through Travel
Follow our Journey in Japan, from Texas to Yamaguchi!
English teaching jobs exist, but long-term career growth in Japan can be hard to find. Here's what I learned after moving, and three pieces of practical advice.
Tokyo is massive, so a little planning goes a long way. From choosing neighborhoods to carrying yen, using an IC card and renting pocket Wi-Fi, here are my 10 essential
In Arizona, Texas and California, a car was essential. In Japan, I now prefer the train to driving. A reflection on how culture shapes the way we get around.
Hanami means 'flower gazing'. Here's what my first sakura seasons in Japan taught me about timing a trip, from Kintaikyo in Yamaguchi to February Kawazu sakura in Kanagawa.
A short, easy stroll among pillars wrapped in colorful kimono fabric, less than a minute from the Randen tram station in Arashiyama. Here's what to know before you go.
We put on ninja uniforms, tried traditional weapons and learned the history of the ninja. Here's what the class was like, plus what to wear so you can move freely.
If I'd known these six things before buying a home in Japan, the process would have been much smoother, from paying without a loan to negotiating politely.
Clear water, gentle beaches, unique food and warm people. Here's why Okinawa might be the perfect vacation in Japan, with ideas for Naha, the aquarium and the beaches.
From a helpful bus driver to strangers who guided us to pain medication, the kindness of people in Seoul surprised me most on our first trip to South Korea.
Getting a loan is the biggest hurdle for foreigners buying in Japan. Here's how building new, renovating and buying used compare, and what house hunting taught me.
Friendly locals, famous street food, great shopping and the neon buzz of Dotonbori, with Kyoto a short train ride away. Here's why Osaka is a foodie favorite.
I booked a pet-friendly hotel near the passport office for an early appointment with my dog Everest, and it went wrong. Here are four checks so you can avoid my
Hiroshima is peaceful by day and surprisingly lively after dark. Here's where we stayed, where we ate on a budget, and why the Peace Memorial Park is a must.
Curious which Japanese home builders focus on energy efficiency? I asked AI. Here's the list it gave me, as a starting point for your own research.
From strolling across Kintaikyo Bridge to practicing Japanese together over coffee and donuts, here are our favorite date ideas in and around Iwakuni.
I knew almost nothing about Yamaguchi before moving here. Now it's one of the most surprising places I've been in Japan. Here are 10 spots on my list.
We rode the bus from Yamaguchi to see Nagasaki's Lantern Festival in the snow. Here's what we saw, what we ate, and why warm clothes make all the difference.
Moving overseas made me look at my budget differently. Here are five money lessons from life in Japan, from learning Japanese as an investment to saving more than you think.
Iwakuni, about an hour from Hiroshima, makes a wonderful day trip. Here's how to see the Kintai Bridge, ride the ropeway to Iwakuni Castle, and add a waterfall hike.
A question in Phoenix, a pause in March 2020, and a move to Yamaguchi in October 2022. Here's how Ikigaitravelers began and why we named it after ikigai.
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