Find answers to the age old questions: What do Japanese people eat other than sushi? What is wabi sabi? Why are there so few garbage bins in Japan and yet everywhere is so clean? How do Japanese people stay so slim? Why is the cherry blossom the essence of the Japanese aesthetic?
I write about Japanese cuisine, manners and concepts as well as travel adventures throughout Wakayama, the "hidden gem" of Japan. Learn why it has become the number one location for Japanese travellers. What is it about Wakayama that makes it such a desirable “off the beaten path” travel destination?

What are Important Japanese Concepts?

Why do Japanese people live so long? Why do the Japanese think that forests can heal us? Why are Japanese so slim? These questions and more are answered by exploring different concepts that are idiosyncratic to Japanese culture and society and that form the very basis of their ideal of beauty, health, art, architecture, and landscape design. Understanding basic concepts such as “wabi sabi” or “hara hachi bu” can greatly enrich the experience of the western visitor.

DSC_1198 (1).jpg — What is Shinrin Yoku?

concepts waving goodbye.jpg — How should I greet a Japanese person?

Why do Japanese pay so much Attention to Detail?

Why do Japanese worship trees and rocks?

What is the difference between Shinto and Buddhism?