A failed Ghibli Museum plan led us to adorable Totoro cream puffs, followed by a surprise flea market and hours of thrifting in Shimokitazawa.
Japan Day 11: Chiikawa Park, Sunshine Aquarium and a Dangerous Amount of Kawaii Shopping
A day at Sunshine City brought Chiikawa Park, a relaxing aquarium visit and far more kawaii character shopping than I had planned!
Why We Saved Some of Our Shopping for Japan
We saved some everyday and back-to-school shopping for Japan, where practical purchases became much cuter — and more memorable.
Japan Day 10: Harajuku, Shibuya and a Giant Panda
Harajuku and Shibuya brought new shoes, famous crepes, lots of shopping, a Chiikawa suitcase and one very large panda to bring home.
Japan Day 9: Kyoto to Tokyo… and Where Is Our Airbnb?
Our transfer from Kyoto to Tokyo started with an easy Shinkansen ride—and ended with three taxis and a surprisingly hard-to-find Airbnb.
Cash, Cards & IC Cards in Japan: What Worked for Us
Cash, credit cards or IC cards? Here’s how we handled money during three weeks in Japan, from convenience-store ATMs to gashapon.
Japan Day 8: Kimono Day in Kyoto — Beautiful, but Hot!
A beautiful kimono photo shoot through Gion and Maruyama Park in Kyoto, with gorgeous pictures, summer humidity and a much-needed café break.
Japan Day 7: Manga, Nishiki Market… and Another Change of Plans
Rain changed our Kyoto plans again, so we explored the Manga Museum and returned to a much busier Nishiki Market for lunch.
Nishiki Market in Kyoto: What We Wish We Knew Before Going
What is it really like to eat at Kyoto’s Nishiki Market? Here’s what we learned about the crowds, food stands, eating rules and more.
Japan Day 6: A Rainy, Slower Day in Kyoto
A rainy day in Kyoto changed our plans, bringing us to Nishiki Market and the Samurai Museum, where kid 2 unexpectedly won a shuriken contest!