All About Japan

Katrina Vinluan

Katrina Vinluan

All About Katrina Vinluan
After working as an editor for Summit Media, the leading publishing company in the Philippines, I went to business school in Tokyo to prepare for the building of my future social enterprise that combines the elements of my Creative Source, Travelvocacy, and Ministry of Food. Nowadays, while learning Nihongo, I’m writing my memoir Made in Japan, while hosting and cooking for the PhilippineRoving Restaurant, promoting cultural exchange in Japan. My favorite words are write, eat, travel, yoga, and
What I like about Japan
A new experience awaits everyday—just an easy train ride away!
Fukui: A Self-Care Sanctuary Just A Train-Ride Away from Tokyo

Fukui: A Self-Care Sanctuary Just A Train-Ride Away from Tokyo

With the post-Covid travel boom, Kyoto has become too crowded for temple-trotting and Wakayama's Koyasan is too far from a Tokyo travel base. Good thing that Fukui, Japan's ultimate power spot and zen haven, is so accessible!

Japan's Amazing DIY Superstores: From Cheap Urban Farming to Building a Home

Japan's Amazing DIY Superstores: From Cheap Urban Farming to Building a Home

DIY has always been big in Japan. Now a number of stores cater to the creative in all of us, whether its gardening, interior renovation, crafts or even building your own house.

WWOOF! Work on Organic Farms in Japan for Bread and Board

WWOOF! Work on Organic Farms in Japan for Bread and Board

The WWOOF organization is an international organization that connects organic farmers with volunteers willing to work for their food and board. Here's one volunteer's account of her time spent helping out a local Japanese farm.

6 of Japan's YouTubers that Will Have You Hooked

6 of Japan's YouTubers that Will Have You Hooked

These Japan-based Youtubers have become global phenomenons, with a spicy mix of day-in-the-life stories, travel tips, and plenty of insight into all things Japanese. Find out why they're being watched by millions of fans worldwide.

Meet One of Tokyo's Coolest Neighborhoods: Meguro

Meet One of Tokyo's Coolest Neighborhoods: Meguro

Coffee culture, antiques . . . even a Pig Cafe: Tokyo's Meguro is definitely worth a train stop.

Homesick?! Comfort Food Cures, Part 2

Homesick?! Comfort Food Cures, Part 2

The second of a two-part series on where to buy ingredients for those dishes you miss the most. From tiny shops to on-line retailers and supermarket chains, Japan offers a wealth of sources from which to stock your pantry with foods from home.

A Valentine Chocolate Tour of Tokyo

A Valentine Chocolate Tour of Tokyo

Introducing a delicious tasting route of 11 elite Tokyo chocolatiers and their creations.

Homesick?! Comfort Food Cures, Part 1

Homesick?! Comfort Food Cures, Part 1

The first of a two-part series on where to buy ingredients for those dishes you miss the most. From tiny shops to on-line retailers and supermarket chains, Japan offers a wealth of sources from which to stock your pantry with foods from home.

New Library Dedicated to Haruki Murakami

New Library Dedicated to Haruki Murakami

Everything you want to know about author Haruki Murakami's new Kengo Kuma-designed, Uniqlo-funded library

Awesome Shopping at World's Biggest Starbucks

Awesome Shopping at World's Biggest Starbucks

What's not to love about a the gorgeous new coffee roastery in the heart of Tokyo? Check out some of the incredible finds waiting inside the Starbucks Roastery in Nakameguro.

Best Buys in Bargain Heaven Ameyokocho

Best Buys in Bargain Heaven Ameyokocho

If you're up for bargain hunting in Japan's capital, there's no better place to score good deals than Ameyokocho. Before you go, check out some of the best buys you can find at one of the most popular street markets in Japan!

Morning and Late Night Spots Near Your Hotel

Morning and Late Night Spots Near Your Hotel

Looking for some early morning or late night spots to spend some time at near your accommodations? Here are five places to kill time in those strange twilight hours before everyone's awake and everyone's gone to bed!

Things I Learned About Geisha, Firsthand

Things I Learned About Geisha, Firsthand

There's an air of mystery surrounding geisha, and what they really are. Are they cultural ambassadors? Are they elite mistresses? When can one become a geisha? This list may just answer a few questions lingering in your mind.

10 Unique #BucketList Goals in Kyoto

10 Unique #BucketList Goals in Kyoto

If you're planning a visit to Japan's ancient capital, check out this list of unique, Kyoto-only experiences!

Best Beach Views Near Tokyo

Best Beach Views Near Tokyo

Although Tokyo is a modern metropolis that conjures images of bright lights, towering skyscrapers and packed trains, there are still plenty of opportunities for a nature enthusiast or beach bum to catch some fun in the sun at beautiful nearby shores.

Greater Tokyo: Sightseeing & Gluten-Free Food

Greater Tokyo: Sightseeing & Gluten-Free Food

Japan is becoming increasingly aware of different dietary lifestyles, which is great! But the language barrier can prove especially difficult when trying to find some gluten-free grub to enjoy in Tokyo or Yokohama. Don't worry—we're here to help!

5 Delicious Japanese Coffee Roasters

5 Delicious Japanese Coffee Roasters

Japan's coffee might not have the same sterling reputation as its matcha, but there are several places around the country that serve up some seriously good brews. If you're a coffee lover, these 5 roasters should be on your radar!

10 Japanese Brands You Need to Know

10 Japanese Brands You Need to Know

One of the shopping capitals of the world, Japan is often associated with luxury goods. But never fear, this lovely country is a haven for both savers and the spendthrifts! Discover some local fashion and beauty brands you shouldn't miss when in Japan.

#TravelGoals for ¥10,000 (US$90) in Japan

#TravelGoals for ¥10,000 (US$90) in Japan

While you can scrimp on food, accommodation and shopping in Japan, transportation in the land of the bullet trains can be costly. But what if you can enjoy a three-day, ride-all-you-want train trip in Japan for only ¥10,000 (US$90)? We'll show you how!

10 Snow Spots in Japan Perfect for Instagram

10 Snow Spots in Japan Perfect for Instagram

If you want to get your 'Gram game going while traveling in the land of the rising sun in winter, make sure to keep in mind these Instagram-worthy spots for your itinerary.

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