Published in A Different Side of Japan·PinnedJapan Travel TipsA List of My Helpful Hints & Hacks — Many moons have passed since I originally started publishing on Medium back in 2017. Over the years, I’ve amassed a ton of articles on how to get the most out of your trip to Japan. Unfortunately, Medium has… let’s call it less-than-favorable navigation meaning that it is increasingly becoming more…Travel10 min readTravel10 min read
Published in A Different Side of Japan·PinnedJapan Area GuidesArticles on the Country’s Hidden Gems — To be completely honest with you, I absolutely adore the experience of writing here on Medium. From the already-present community of people who enjoy reading in-depth articles to the amazing publishing interface, there’s a lot to love about this amazing platform. That said, one of the biggest downsides to Medium…Travel25 min readTravel25 min read
Published in A Different Side of Japan·Jan 22Member-onlyThe Muro-ji Temple ComplexAn Autumntime Wonder in Nara — Hail and well met travelers! Today, we’ll be taking a look at the mysterious Muro-ji. Found in the eastern sections of Nara Prefecture, far away from the ever-adorable deer, this Buddhist temple is a spot that often pops up on Instagram these days. At the same time though, due to…Travel9 min readTravel9 min read
Published in A Different Side of Japan·Jan 10Member-onlyFukui’s Town of ObamaVisiting So-called “Nara by the Sea” — To understand the allure of Obama, we’re first going to have to take a look at the town’s legacy across the ages. Since the early mists of time, this seaside hamlet has played an important role as a port of trade with mainland Asia. In ancient tombs all throughout…Travel12 min readTravel12 min read
Published in A Different Side of Japan·Jan 3Member-onlyNagano’s Narai-jukuAn Edo Period (1603–1868) Post Town — Thanks to Instagram, the topic of today’s post likely needs no introduction. Known as Narai-juku, this medieval town has been getting far more attention than it used to thanks to social media these days. In addition to being incredibly photogenic though, Narai-juku is also a hamlet with a ton of…Travel8 min readTravel8 min read
Published in A Different Side of Japan·Dec 19, 2022Member-onlySolo Travel in JapanChatGPT’s Opinion on Traveling Alone — In the spirit of being totally transparent with you, I am absolutely swamped right now with a number of things. In addition to my various freelance clients trying to end the year strong, there’s also a number of other matters that are also taking my attention away from writing…Travel7 min readTravel7 min read
Published in A Different Side of Japan·Dec 11, 2022Member-onlyKita Onsen RyokanThe Nasu Region’s Hot Spring Shangri-La — As I write this article in my head, I am soaking away all of my worldly concerns at Kita Onsen Ryokan in Tochigi Prefecture’s Nasu region. As I begin to boil in the 43° C waters, I slowly stop fretting about that one Google Ads campaign that isn’t performing well…Travel12 min readTravel12 min read
Published in A Different Side of Japan·Dec 4, 2022Member-onlyShigisan Chogosonshi-jiA Mountaintop Hidden Gem in Nara — Every single time that I think I’ve completed a prefecture, Japan turns around and hits me in the face with evidence that I’ll never be able to fully write somewhere off. Just recently, this reminder happened while I was down in Nara. As part of a tour arranged by the…Travel8 min readTravel8 min read
Published in A Different Side of Japan·Nov 24, 2022Member-onlyShuzenji OnsenOne of Shizuoka’s Best Hot Spring Towns — There are a lot of great hot spring towns within the vicinity of Tokyo. Both for day trips and overnight stays alike, you’ll find a wide host of options on offer nearby Japan’s capital. For those looking for something a little more quaint and mature, a more famous onsen resort…Travel7 min readTravel7 min read
Published in A Different Side of Japan·Nov 21, 2022Member-onlyAll for JapanWhy I Slave Away for This Country — For the past several years, I’ve always published some random musings on my birthday. Seeing as I am now, as of today, again an older man (37 years old if you’re wondering), I figured that I might as well continue the streak. After all, it has been one insanely eventful…Travel5 min readTravel5 min read