Category: A to Z

Reflecting on my 2025 #atozchallenge

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My first foray into the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge was in 2012 (13 years ago!) and my theme that year was Painful Things – A to Z fictional tales of objects that cause pain. Before that challenge, I didn’t write daily, so the practice of having to do that for the challenge was good practice!

I’ve had several years where I managed to complete the challenge – 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2024. As well as other years when I didn’t – 2015, 2018 and 2020. From 2021 – 2023, I didn’t even join the challenge. Coming out from the lockdown, writing daily according to a theme, seemed daunting during those years.

This year, I only decided to join the challenge at the last minute. I had a half-baked theme and was sure if I proceeded, I’d abandon it midway. Though I did miss a few days of posting, I endeavoured to catch up when I could and there was a day when I wrote at least 3 posts a day LOL.

My theme this year was Tales from My Japanese Travels. I decided on this theme because Japan has my heart, and I’ve had so many wonderful memories from my travels there with my family. Lately, I’ve been toying with the idea of creating a photobook to capture the essence of my travels across Japan, so I saw this challenge as the perfect opportunity to sharpen my recollection of those journeys.

Looking back, I think I did quite well this year, discovering fascinating new blogs along the way. Now, I’m eager to revisit the ones I missed and dive into their posts. And with one challenge wrapped up, it’s time to start dreaming up next year’s theme!

Update – It’s been brought to my attention that to make it easier for fellow readers to find my previous posts in this challenge that I create links to them here, so here you go:

(A)sakusa

(B)ussing in Tokyo

(C)herry Blossoms

Delightful Days at (D)isneysea

(E)kiben

(F)uton Feels

Gaga for (G)achapon

Hankering for my own (H)anko

Inside (I)toya

Journeys via (J)apan Rail

(K)onbini

(L)a Fee Delice

Kawaii (M)enus

Forest Bathing in (N)ikko

My (O)dawara Odyssey

Pause and (P)urify

(Q)uirky Japan

(R)yokan Retreat

(S)hinkansen to Odawara

My Gotochi Postcard from (T)ochigi

(U)eno Koen

Varieties of (V)ending Machines

A (W)ashoku Breakfast

e(X)feeding Expectations

Yummy (Y)oshoku

(Z)en Toilets

(Z)en Toilets #atozchallenge

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For this year’s April A to Z Blogging Challenge, my posts will be based on the theme Tales from My Japanese Travels.

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Just your basic Japanese toilet controls

Whenever I visit Japan during the chillier months, one peculiar joy awaits – the heated toilet seats. This simple yet ingenious feature transforms a mundane washroom visit into a moment of sheer comfort. And as you tend to your – let’s call it business – you have the option to press a sound button or wave a hand over the sensor, triggering a soothing electronic recording of running water to accompany your experience.

Japan’s toilets are truly high-tech marvels, with some features that feel straight out of a sci-fi movie. The bidet, a staple in modern Japanese toilets, offers unmatched convenience. Some models go even further with automatic lids that gracefully open and close based on the user’s proximity, air deodorizing systems that keep the space fresh, and thoughtfully designed armrests to assist the elderly. At the airport, I even came across specialized toilets for those who had undergone ostomy surgery.

As I perched on the heated seat, listening to the tranquil soundscape of running water, I realised I had stumbled upon an unexpected oasis of calm – right there in the washroom. Who knew the path to enlightenment could start with a heated toilet seat?

Yummy (Y)oshoku #atozchallenge

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For this year’s April A to Z Blogging Challenge, my posts will be based on the theme Tales from My Japanese Travels.

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One of my favorite yoshoku dishes, a delightful blend of Japanese and Western influences, is kare raisu—curry rice. Years ago, when there was a Coco Ichibanya at a nearby mall, I found myself dining there at least once every two weeks. Looking back, I wish I had sought out that chain during my time in Tokyo, but the thought simply didn’t cross my mind at the time.

I did, however, stumble upon a Denny’s—a name that instantly brought back memories of my first trip to Los Angeles as a child, where breakfast at Denny’s became a cherished ritual. Back then, I always ordered the classic two-egg special. In Japan, though, Denny’s was an entirely different experience. The menu was remarkably diverse, featuring far more non-breakfast dishes compared to its American counterpart, offering a unique twist on a familiar name.

We came across a Denny’s in Akihabara, and the sight of its familiar signage instantly stirred a sense of nostalgia. Without hesitation – and much to my mum’s mild amusement – I dragged her there for lunch. Sorry, Mum! The cosy outlet was tucked on the second floor of a building and was pleasantly half-full when we arrived. As we browsed through the menu, one dish immediately caught my attention: beef curry rice. Just the thought of it made my mouth water, and I could only hope it packed a spicy kick. I paired my order with a refreshing beer, while my mum opted for a comforting teishoku set.

When the dish arrived, it didn’t exactly match the picture in the menu, but that didn’t matter – it was delicious enough to win me over. The beef chunks were tender and plentiful, making it a satisfying meal, and the accompanying cabbage salad added a nice, refreshing touch. While the curry wasn’t as spicy as I’d hoped, I didn’t mind in the moment. In fact, I recall polishing off everything on my plate – and even helping myself to a bit from my mother’s as well. Kare raisu will forever hold a special place as one of my favourite yoshoku dishes.

e(X)ceeding Expectations #atozchallenge

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For this year’s April A to Z Blogging Challenge, my posts will be based on the theme Tales from My Japanese Travels.

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I was in the washroom at Hakone Yumoto Station, patiently waiting for the next available stall, when a sinking realization hit me—my iPad was missing from my backpack. Stepping out of the line, I moved to a quiet corner outside the washroom and frantically rummaged through my bag, hoping I was mistaken. But it wasn’t there. When my mother emerged from the washroom, I asked if she had taken it, but she shook her head, confirming my worst fears.

It suddenly hit me – the last time I’d used my iPad was while sitting on a bench outside a restaurant along Yumoto Street. Turning to my mother, I quickly explained where I was heading and asked her to meet me there. Without waiting, I took off running, my heart pounding with a mix of hope and dread.

The next five minutes felt like an eternity. When I finally reached the restaurant, I scanned the area around the bench, desperately searching, but there was nothing. Tears welled up and began streaming down my face. I’d never been so careless before, and this lapse felt completely out of character for me. I couldn’t shake the sinking feeling – someone must have taken it, and there was nothing more I could do.

Just as I was about to trudge back toward the train station, defeated, something bright pink caught my eye through the restaurant window—it was my iPad! Relief and disbelief flooded over me as I dashed inside, frantically gesturing to one of the staff that it belonged to me. To my immense gratitude, they had kept it safe! They handed it over immediately, speaking a flurry of words I couldn’t understand but deeply appreciated nonetheless.

Through the window, I spotted my mum arriving and quickly waved her over, sharing the great news that I’d found my iPad. She stepped inside and immediately thanked the staff for their kindness, while I chimed in with my own attempts at gratitude, mimicking her words in my broken Japanese. The staff, noticing our frazzled state, kindly invited us to sit down and have a drink to calm our nerves. Grateful for their hospitality, we agreed. As my heart began to settle, I realised I was starting to feel hungry. We decided to order a beer each, a bowl of zaru soba and a plate of edamame to share. It was the perfect way to recover from such an emotional moment.

The charming interior of Yamasoba

I later learned that the restaurant, named Yamasoba, was a well-loved spot among tourists. As we prepared to leave, the owner graciously refused our payment for the food and drinks we had consumed. What followed was a polite standoff, as we insisted on compensating her for her kindness. In the end, she reluctantly accepted half of what we owed, which felt like a small victory for us. That incident remains etched in my memory, a profound reminder of the unparalleled honesty and generosity I experienced in Hakone. It still amazes me how, in a similar situation back home, my iPad might have disappeared forever. Yet there, not only was it returned to me safely, but the people who found it nearly treated us to a free meal as well

A (W)ashoku Breakfast #atozchallenge

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For this year’s April A to Z Blogging Challenge, my posts will be based on the theme Tales from My Japanese Travels.

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The Japanese breakfast is a beautiful reflection of washoku, Japan’s traditional culinary style emphasising balance, simplicity, and seasonal harmony. A traditional Japanese breakfast typically consists of steamed rice, miso soup, a protein such as grilled fish, and various side dishes. My first experience of a washoku breakfast was at Narita Airport, just hours before our departure. After leaving the hotel with only coffee to sustain us, hunger had certainly set in. Exploring the restaurant area, we stumbled upon Obon De Gohan, which was about to open and featured a traditional Japanese breakfast on its menu.

A typical Japanese traditional breakfast

When the tray arrived, I was instantly overwhelmed by the sheer variety – it felt more like a healthy brunch than a simple breakfast! The presentation was immaculate, with each dish thoughtfully placed to create a vibrant and enticing spread. On my tray were the following:

  • A big bowl of steamed white rice
  • A HUMONGOUS bowl of miso soup
  • The grilled fish, or yakizakana, was a white fish, though I can’t currently recall the exact type. It was served with a side of grated daikon and, interestingly, accompanied by a single steamed French bean
  • A small portion of pickled vegetables or tsukemono
  • Vegetable side dishes which in this case was a duo of stir-fried shimeji mushrooms with broccoli and a fresh salad with a yuzu dressing
  • A small portion of Japanese potato salad
  • In the red cup, there was a dollop of mayonnaise, which I tasted but didn’t pair with any of the food
  • And since it was a traditional Japanese breakfast, the obligatory natto or fermented soy beans which came with a tiny packet of mustard and soy sauce.
  • Piping hot, refillable green tea

I did my best to sample everything on the tray and eat as much as I could, but I must confess – natto was a challenge I couldn’t overcome. The slimy texture just wasn’t my thing, and I eventually had to admit defeat. Since that experience, I’ve steered clear of natto, though part of me wonders if I should give it another try someday to see if my taste has changed.

As for the traditional Japanese breakfast, I haven’t had anything quite as comprehensive since, but I’m always on the lookout for a place to recreate that unforgettable meal. So far, no luck, but the search continues!

Varieties of (V)ending Machines #atozchallenge

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For this year’s April A to Z Blogging Challenge, my posts will be based on the theme Tales from My Japanese Travels.

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This row of vending machines was located on the street outside the temple in Narita

In Japan, vending machines aren’t just a convenience – they’re a cultural phenomenon. You can find vending machines nearly everywhere, on bustling city streets to quiet countryside corners. Japan’s vending machines are as diverse as they are delightful. Below are a few fascinating vending machines I’ve encountered during my travels.

The machine that dispenses cigarettes – It was a first for me to come across vending machines that held cigarettes. Of course, tourists aren’t able to purchase the cigarettes from these machines as a local driver’s license or a Taspo card is needed to verify one’s age before the purchase is made.

The machine that dispenses snacks – This was a cute vending machine, unlike the usual ones I’ve previously come across. It’s aptly named Petit Mall, operated by a confectionery company in Japan and dispenses snacks like Choco Brownie and Cookie Bar.

The machine that dispenses ice cream – You can even get ice cream from vending machines! This particular one is quite ubiquitous around the city, and it’s called Seventeen Ice because it offers 17 different flavours of ice cream.

The machine that is a mini-konbini – Another machine that I saw quite often had a variety of items ranging from food, drinks and non-food/ drinks stuff, that’s why I think of it as a mini-konbini. There were various onigiri, pastries, snacks, and even face masks.

There are countless other unique vending machines I haven’t included here, like those that dispense hot cooked food – a type I was eager to find but didn’t come across during my travels. As I mentioned earlier, vending machines in Japan are truly a cultural phenomenon, and their variety has inspired numerous online videos featuring people on quests to uncover these fascinating machines.

If, like me, you’re captivated by the unique vending machines of Japan, you’ll enjoy exploring Eiji Ohashi’s Instagram account, where he shares photographs of vending machines located in remote locations.

(U)eno Koen #atozchallenge

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For this year’s April A to Z Blogging Challenge, my posts will be based on the theme Tales from My Japanese Travels.

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Nearly every trip I’ve taken to Tokyo has included a visit to Ueno Koen, or Ueno Park. Its convenient location, right next to Ueno Station on the JR Yamanote Line, makes it incredibly accessible. Beyond being the first place where I experienced the magic of sakura season, Ueno Park boasts a wealth of attractions and unique charms that keep drawing me back.

Rodin’s The Thinker

Museums – Ueno Park is home to six remarkable museums, though I’ve only had the chance to explore the National Museum of Western Art grounds and part of the National Museum of Nature and Science. Unfortunately, lingering to fully appreciate each museum wasn’t an option—my enthusiasm for spending hours immersed in exhibits would have been unfair to my family, who had other priorities during our travels. Still, there were standout moments that made my visits memorable, such as admiring Rodin’s iconic bronze sculpture, The Thinker, and indulging my love for postcards at the museum gift shops, where I admittedly bought far too many.

Shin Uguisu-tei’s kawaii menu

Shin Uguisu-tei – We stumbled upon a charming wagashi-ya—a café specializing in sweet treats—while strolling through the park. To our delight, we discovered that it has been in business since 1915! It was also where I experienced my first taste of oden: a comforting dish of fish cakes, tofu, and vegetables served in a flavorful broth. On our first visit, we sat outdoors on a small elevated platform, soaking in the beautiful day. The oden paired perfectly with a cup of sake, making it a truly memorable moment.

Starbucks – Yes, Starbucks. I have to mention it because the store in Ueno Park is a concept store – unlike any I had seen before. Its unique design seamlessly blended with the park’s natural surroundings, making it truly stand out. As much as I wanted to experience it, the lines were unbelievably long, so I had to skip the coffee this time!

Look at that line!

My Gotochi Postcard from (T)ochigi #atozchallenge

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For this year’s April A to Z Blogging Challenge, my posts will be based on the theme Tales from My Japanese Travels.

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As an avid postcrosser and devoted snail mailer of letters and postcards, I make it a point to seek out local postcards whenever I travel. Depending on the time and convenience, I either mail them directly from the country I’m visiting or bring them home to cherish as part of my growing collection.

My preciousssss

Gotochi postcards have gained widespread popularity among collectors, celebrated for their unique designs and cultural significance. Created and distributed by the Japanese Postal System, each postcard vividly represents a specific location in Japan, embodying the essence of ‘gotochi,’ which translates to ‘local’.

In my collection, I currently have two Gotochi postcards, both of which I purchased from a post office in Nikko. These postcards hold a special place in my heart and are utterly precious to me

The postcard on the right is classified as a postbox-type postcard, with the text on the front reading ‘Nikko Post Office’—a fitting reference to the post office where I purchased it. On the left, there’s a local form postcard, which, according to the description on the back, depicts foods and landmarks that represent the prefecture Nikko belongs to: Tochigi. This design is titled ‘Kanpyo’ and showcases Tochigi’s specialty foods, including a sushi roll, yuba (I believe), and an intriguing green fruit whose identity remains a mystery to me.

Not the post office from which I bought the postcards but I came across this post office hut on the way to the Toshogu shrine in Nikko and wished it was open

These Gotochi postcards from Tochigi prefecture are more than mere souvenirs—they hold the essence of a special memory. Each time I sift through my collection, they transport me back to that charming day in Nikko, when I discovered them at the quaint Nikko post office, a moment etched in my travels.

(S)hinkansen to Odawara #atozchallenge

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For this year’s April A to Z Blogging Challenge, my posts will be based on the theme Tales from My Japanese Travels.

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We had seats in Car 13

While planning our trip to Odawara, my mum suggested traveling by shinkansen, as I had yet to experience Japan’s iconic bullet train. Thrilled by the idea, I eagerly dove into researching the logistics. In the end, we chose the Tokaido Shinkansen Kodama train, departing from Tokyo Station to Odawara – a swift and memorable journey lasting just 35 minutes.

First, we had to navigate the bustling Tokyo Station – a challenge in itself. As we traversed the maze-like corridors, I felt a tinge of anxiety, worried about missing our train. Thankfully, we found our way to the ticket counter, which operated with impressive efficiency. With our tickets in hand, we even had time to stop by to pick up an ekiben (for me) and snacks for my mum from a konbini, before our journey began.

As we waited on the platform, I anticipated capturing a perfect shot of the bullet train’s sleek front upon arrival. In my mind, I’m certain I managed to take the photo, but as I look back through my album, it appears the picture is nowhere to be found. Perhaps it was a fleeting moment of excitement, or maybe I simply didn’t press the shutter after all.

The train’s arrival was a thrilling sight as it glided smoothly into the station. Everyone on the platform instinctively stepped back, creating space for the disembarking passengers to exit without congestion. Once they had cleared the train, a team of cleaners swept in with precision, refreshing the cars for their next journey—a seamless transition that added to the marvel of the experience.

At last, it was time to board and find our seats, located in the second row of Car 13. I offered my mum the window seat while I settled in along the aisle, giving me the perfect vantage point to observe the variety of passengers joining us on this high-speed journey to Odawara. As the train eased out of the station, the cityscape outside gradually dissolved into a blur of streaking lines. Once we were cruising at full speed, I carefully made my way to the doorway area, which featured a window, and indulged in snapping a series of selfies to capture this unforgettable shinkansen moment. All too soon, we arrived in Odawara, signaling the end of my bullet train adventure—a moment tinged with sadness as I reluctantly said farewell to the ride.

(R)yokan Retreat #atozchallenge

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For this year’s April A to Z Blogging Challenge, my posts will be based on the theme Tales from My Japanese Travels.

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Despite my many trips to Japan, it wasn’t until I visited Odawara with my mother that I experienced staying in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. We chose Samurai Oyado, a quaint guesthouse nestled near Odawara Castle, drawn by its reasonable room rates and convenient location.

The entrance to our room featured a traditional shoji screen, which thrilled me so much that I couldn’t resist taking a photo beside it. Once inside, however, I realized I couldn’t figure out how to lock the door. As a result, we ended up spending the night with the door unlocked. Perhaps there was a way to secure it, but at the time, that information eluded me.

Gorokichi sleeping on my futon

The room featured a futon, as I described in a previous post, along with a small table flanked by two chairs and a compact fridge. During our stay, we didn’t encounter any other visitors, which made the atmosphere wonderfully serene. Of course, what truly made the experience unforgettable was the resident cat, Gorokichi. On our first night, he meowed to be let into our room, and I was absolutely ecstatic. I even spent the following morning enjoying his company, a delightful start to the day.

Overall, my first ryokan stay was truly pleasant, and going forward, any ryokan with a resident cat would undoubtedly be the deciding factor for me.