All About Japan

All About Flo
An Aussie who moved to Tokyo in 2015 to pursue further studies after hopping around Asia for a few years. In my spare time I like to play with mud (I'm mad about ceramics!), ohm, nom, and flick through the occasional paperback.
What I like about Japan
Ukiyo-e, Japanese mingei, parks and mountains. I also love how I can eat yummy and affordable Japanese food and commute by bike every day.
Be Absolutely Dazzled by Tokyo at Night

Be Absolutely Dazzled by Tokyo at Night

Tokyo consistently ranks as one of the best cities in the world, and these three night viewing spots will help you understand what makes the city so magical.

Afuri's Mouthwatering 'Yuzu' Ramen

Afuri's Mouthwatering 'Yuzu' Ramen

It's so delicious, you'll honestly want drink all the soup!

We Eat Mushrooms, But What Do Mushrooms Eat?

We Eat Mushrooms, But What Do Mushrooms Eat?

While wild mushroom hunting is a well-known hobby in Japan, not many of us know how mushrooms are farmed. Come take a closer look at the cultivation process for one of Japan's most famous mushrooms, the earthy, meaty shiitake.

Seaweed Pairings

Seaweed Pairings

Count on us to help you find the perfect seaweed to go with a variety of Japanese dishes.

Add a Bit of 'Neba-Neba' to Your Diet

Add a Bit of 'Neba-Neba' to Your Diet

Looking for some adventurous yet healthy food options? Get a hold of these three sticky, slimy foods—if you can!

Hikers, Beware the Bear!

Hikers, Beware the Bear!

Don't let your guard down when you hike through Japanese forests—bears are not cute and cuddly when alarmed!

How 'Alien Species' Invade Japan

How 'Alien Species' Invade Japan

Invasive species bring unintended negative consequences to local ecosystems, often preying on and competing with native species or even threatening cultural customs such as 'hanami' (cherry blossom viewing festivals).

Where Do Wild Boars Outnumber Humans?

Where Do Wild Boars Outnumber Humans?

There's no stopping them! Numbers of wild boars keep growing despite challenges posed by the sea, radiation or hunters.

Discover the Underwater Galapagos of Asia

Discover the Underwater Galapagos of Asia

If you're on your way to the heights of Tokyo Skytree, take a moment to look into the depths of the ocean as well!

This 'Izakaya' Truly Is Stranger than Fiction!

This 'Izakaya' Truly Is Stranger than Fiction!

Read only if you're up for a wacky 'izakaya' experience.

3 Pottery Trips from Japan's Biggest Cities

3 Pottery Trips from Japan's Biggest Cities

We've lined up three famous pottery towns that make easy day trips from Nagoya, Osaka or Tokyo.

Hunt Through 2 Million Handmade Items!

Hunt Through 2 Million Handmade Items!

HandMade in Japan Fes presents a weekend full of crafts, music, performances, food, drinks and farmers markets conveniently packed in one venue.

Rainy Days are the Perfect Excuse for Pottery

Rainy Days are the Perfect Excuse for Pottery

A rainy day doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up indoors. Pottery anyone?

5 Tools for Getting Started with 'Sumi-e'

5 Tools for Getting Started with 'Sumi-e'

Japanese 'sumi-e' ink wash painting is a great hobby to pick up—it's cheap and easy to get started!

Hidden Gems in Emerald-Green Yakushima!

Hidden Gems in Emerald-Green Yakushima!

See if you already know about these five interesting things to look out for while hiking in Yakushima.

Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park

Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park

With free scopes and binoculars available for checking out dozens of species, the Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park is an unexpected natural oasis just north of Haneda Airport.

5 Fun Ways to Enjoy Your Mount Takao Trip

5 Fun Ways to Enjoy Your Mount Takao Trip

Variety is the spice of life—so enjoy your Mount Takao trip in more ways than one!

5 Things to Expect from Japan’s Countryside

5 Things to Expect from Japan’s Countryside

Countryside Japan is quite different from cosmopolitan areas like Tokyo or Osaka. We'll help you get out there, get off the Shinkansen and go exploring!

The Birds & the Bees of Sakura Trees

The Birds & the Bees of Sakura Trees

Three fun facts about the reproductive ecology of Japanese cherry trees.

Where Do Old Trains Go?

Where Do Old Trains Go?

Most people envision Japan's trains as shiny, advanced, and new—but where do the old trains go when they're no longer needed?

  • 1
  • 2
  • 1
  • 2
  • 1
  • 2
know-before-you-go