Japan
Osaka
I arrived in Osaka in the spring of 2019. I’ve spent an entire day in Munich changing planes, waiting for my flight to Kansai. Then watching movies and reading books through the entire flight. Arriving at 8 A.M., spending an whole day on sightseeing (...).
Kyoto
With its historical old town, and steep, stone streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, winding up to the top of the valley. Teaming with a mixture of tourists and kimono wearing patrons. The many stands and shops of Nishiki Market, offering a huge variety of authentically Japanese goods, from a traditional crafts, to a sparrow flavoured skewers. The culturally unique district of Gion, where Geishas, and Maiko can be spotted walking around (...).
There’s been a lot of talk on social media about the recent over-tourism measures in Japan, with things like: streets in Kyoto being closed to tourists or Mount Fuji being covered by a screen etc. And while both sides have came up with compelling arguments for and against those measures, what struck me the most was the lack of empathy and general understanding coming from some of the commentators (...).
Saitama
Kamakura
Ah yes—Kamakura—a town of a hundred temples! Well known to anyone living in Tokyo, as well thousands of visitors seeking deeper connection with Japanese history. Nestled amidst lush greenery, beautiful beaches and ancient structures, Kamakura offers a glimpse into the ancient heart of Japan’s cultural heritage (...).
Enoshima
Whether it’s a hobby, a place, or any other kind of interest, we all have things that were not discovered by us, but rather introduced by someone special in our lives. These introductions are often more than mere recommendations; they are pieces of that person’s individual relationship to the world, they decide to shared with us. By welcoming them into our own lives, these experiences become interwoven with our own human journey. The significance of which extends beyond the activity or location itself, becoming symbols of our relationship with the person who introduced them to us.
Yokohama
(...) Chinatown is usually a part of town where the main settlers consist of a Chinese population that decided to make it their new home. They often function as cultural enclaves, not always seamlessly integrated into the existing fabric of the city. However, this doesn't mean that their presence conflicts with the place they've chosen. On the contrary, by allowing them to exist independently, they maintain much more of their original culture and traditions, allowing local residents and tourists alike to have the opportunity to experience their culture in its most authentic form (...).
Nara
To stay connected with nature is imperative for our health and emotional development. It’s not only about the scenic views I’ve recently discussed but also the animals, which I’d like to focus on today. These creatures serve as a reminder that the world is more than bare rocks and ocean waves; there is life within those rocks and beneath the ocean’s surface (...).
Jindaiji Temple
Udon (うどん or 饂飩) is a thick noodle made from wheat flour, served in a variety of different ways. In its simplest form, it's a soup called kake udon with a mild broth called kakejiru made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. Usually topped with thinly chopped scallions, and a wide variety of other toppings, including: prawns, deep-fried tofu, beef, raw egg, or my favorite, kakigae (a mixed tempura fritter). Of course, no udon is complete without a pinch of spicy shichimi (...).
Hachioji
Leaving the city is always such an invigorating experience. The people who reside in the countryside, small towns and villages, tend to be more authentic and unconstrained. Their views are more realistic and practical. Their lives are slower and more manageable. The sheer sight of which feels like a breath of fresh air. A breath that everyone needs once in a while. Especially those stuck in the reality of their daily life and problems (...).
In the fast-paced, interconnected world we live in today, traditions often take a backseat amidst the whirlwind of modernity and uniformity. In an environment like this, it is easy to overlook the value of our own cherished customs, brushing them aside as mere routines or, even worse, as bygone superstitions. However, stepping out of our own familiar neighborhood and into the wider world can offer us an opportunity to see things in a different light (...).
Kawagoe
Mitake
Lately, I find myself being drawn into the wild a lot, away from the constant noise of civilisation. The endless hum of the city has left me feeling tired, and yearning for something more quiet, and peaceful. I miss the moments where I can just feel the cold northern wind on my face, walk for hours in the rain, and listen to the thunder without the distracting buzz of the city.
Being a digital nomad, torn between two continents and having the privilege of calling both of them home, means there are people waiting for me in many places.
But that privilege comes with a price. No matter how good you are at planning or aligning everything perfectly, you’ll always miss people—friends, family, loved ones. There’s no perfect balance where you won’t feel someone’s absence. Leaving people behind is always the hardest part of being a nomad (…)