Otaru Diaries: Yakiniku and Wing Bay Hangout
On Saturday, March 23rd, our local Block Advisor organized an in person meetup for the JETs in my area! We’ve had a few online game nights this year, but this was the first time in a long time that so many of us gathered in one place. I met a lot of new people, some…
Sapporo Diaries: Sakura Foods and Haircut
On March 8th, I went out to Sapporo to get a haircut! I was originally debating whether or not to go out during mid-March, but was leaning towards not because of a bunch of plans lining up at the end, and no real plans in Sapporo besides eating. I’ve been meaning to get a haircut,…
Sapporo Diaires: Kamen Rider Show and Mt. Okura
February 23rd was the Emperor’s birthday this year, and because it’s a Sunday, we get the Monday off as a replacement holiday. I spent the long weekend in Sapporo, doing some shopping and eating as usual, but the main event for me was seeing my first Kamen Rider show on Sunday! While I was at…
Otaru Diaries: 2025 Snow Light Path
On February 15th, I went to Otaru to check out this year’s Snow Light Path! This year, it lasted from February 8th-15th, and since I was on vacation, Saturday the 15th was the last day I could experience it this year. My friend also wanted to hang out, so we spent the day in Otaru…
Hiroshima Diaires: Miyajima and the Peace Museum
Here’s the Hiroshima half of my brief vacation with my parents! We flew in from Sapporo the day before, and had quite a to-do list for our brief time in Hiroshima! February 10th: Our first full day in Hiroshima! Our main plan was to head to the Kure Yamato Maritime Museum. Since we planned to…
Sapporo Diaires: 2025 Snow Festival
This year, the Sapporo Snow Festival was from February 4th to February 11th. It only included one weekend this year, and my parents came from America to come see it and spend some time together! From there, we took a short trip to Hiroshima! Here’s the Sapporo part of the trip. February 7th: After getting…
Sapporo Food: Genghis Khan
For whatever reason, mutton barbeque is a famous dish in Hokkaido, and goes by the name “genghis khan”. Apparently, while there are restaurants everywhere offering it, usually the locals won’t go. Instead, it’s more common to eat it at home, or maybe for a special occasion. In fact, when I went to see the sakura…
Otaru Diaries: Cells at Work Movie and Snow Miku hunting
On Februrary 1st, I went to see a movie in Otaru! We love a movie discount day, and I was hoping the live action Cells at Work movie that came out in December would still be playing in theaters by the time a discount day rolled around. Luckily, it was! Time for my first weekend…
Things to do in Sapporo, Hokkaido
At the time of writing this, I’ve been in Hokkaido (and Japan, really) for just a little over two years now. Wow, time flies! From time to time, I try to make a trip out of town, and most of my outings are to Sapporo (check out my Sapporo Diaries!). Since I don’t actually live…
Airport/Sapporo Diaires: Traveling ANA from LAX to Sapporo and Afternoon Tea
I came back to Hokkaido on January 19th after spending three weeks at home in America with my family! It was nice being home and spending time with family and seeing friends, but I definitely go too into vacation mode January 17th: My flight was technically at midnight on January 18th, but in reality, that’s…
Annie's Excursions
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