All About Japan

Ellery Smith

Ellery Smith

All About Ellery Smith
Bouncing between the U.S. and Japan since 2007 as a student then an English instructor before finally settling into freelance writing, I am a yoga enthusiast and onsenner extraordinaire, having been to more hot springs than you can shake a stick at.
What I like about Japan
I've always been a fan of the natural beauty of the countryside. There's a sacredness to Japan’s forests and mountains that you have to experience for yourself to truly understand.
Japanese Beach Basics: Rules, Tips & Etiquette

Japanese Beach Basics: Rules, Tips & Etiquette

Looking to soak up a little sun on one of Japan's gorgeous beaches? Check out our helpful tips to make the most of your time by the seaside! Plus, get recommendations for beaches near Tokyo and Osaka.

Top 5 'Okonomiyaki' in Osaka & Hiroshima

Top 5 'Okonomiyaki' in Osaka & Hiroshima

There are many places that offer the gooey, savory Japanese pancake, 'okonomiyaki.' Osaka and Hiroshima Prefectures are the top two hotspots around the country, with two distinctly delicious styles of this supremely cravable dish!

7 Hidden Temples & Shrines in Tokyo

7 Hidden Temples & Shrines in Tokyo

If you're looking to avoid temples and shrines congested with tourists, you may want to try visiting one of these other traditional places of worship!

5 Japanese Activities to Do Indoors

5 Japanese Activities to Do Indoors

Shake off the rainy season blues by taking up one or more of these 5 traditional Japanese activities!

10 Onomatopoeia Terms You Need to Know

10 Onomatopoeia Terms You Need to Know

Whether you're a first-time visitor to Japan, a current resident or simply studying the language, if you want to impress your friends with some Japanese try out these incredibly useful onomatopoeia expressions!

TripAdvisor's Top 10 Japan Spots for 2018

TripAdvisor's Top 10 Japan Spots for 2018

Debating where to go in Japan? We break down TripAdvisor's Top 10 choices for 2018!

10 Shockingly Cheap Tokyo Ramen Shops

10 Shockingly Cheap Tokyo Ramen Shops

Trying to find a ramen bowl that’s in-budget, but still mouth-wateringly delicious can be frustrating.

7 Incredible Events at Japanese Castles

7 Incredible Events at Japanese Castles

The castles dotting Japan's landscape no longer host battles and political upheavals, but they're not boring relics. Many were the backdrop to some pretty unbelievable stories!

5 Next-level Maid Cafés

5 Next-level Maid Cafés

Warrior maids, gaming maids, toy maids, magical maids and massage maids await!

An Intro to Japan's 5 Big 'Eikaiwa' Companies

An Intro to Japan's 5 Big 'Eikaiwa' Companies

These five English conversation schools have some key differences you may want to study before choosing where to work.

English Conversation School 101

English Conversation School 101

Thinking of applying to teach at an 'eikaiwa'? You might want to read up on some things you can expect from English conversation schools in Japan.

Top 4 Makeup YouTubers

Top 4 Makeup YouTubers

Dying to know how to apply makeup for the next Japanese festival outing? Or maybe you just want to know the best Japanese cosmetic brand for eye shadow? No matter the question, these girls have you covered!

Top 3 Cosplay Makeup YouTubers

Top 3 Cosplay Makeup YouTubers

Thinking of dressing up as your favorite anime or Disney character at a convention or for Halloween, but can't seem to get the makeup just right? Let these hot YouTubers lend you a helping hand!

The Oldest Japanese Grocery Store in the US

The Oldest Japanese Grocery Store in the US

Providing quality Japanese ingredients and products since 1907, Katagiri offers a wide array of Japanese foodstuffs that can be shipped within the continental U.S.

Saitama's Top 5 Foody Souvenirs

Saitama's Top 5 Foody Souvenirs

After taking in the sights in Saitama, why not bring back some goodies to enjoy at home, or as gifts to your friends and coworkers?

Sweet Santa Strawberry Treats

Sweet Santa Strawberry Treats

Cut out Santa's cookies this year and try making these quick strawberry cuts that bear a striking resemblance to Kris Kringle.

Develop a Wanderlust for Hiroshima

Develop a Wanderlust for Hiroshima

Tour the sites of Hiroshima like you've never seen them before in this three-minute video packed with historical and modern monuments.

Tottori’s Winter Season: Lights & Sand Dunes

Tottori’s Winter Season: Lights & Sand Dunes

When most Japanese people think of Tottori, the first thing that pops into their minds is the famous Tottori Sand Dunes. The summer is a great time for sand—but Tottori also has some unique offerings in winter, too!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

This video, taken in the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama showing the snow-caped mountains and thatched roofs, is enough to make anyone pack their bags and head to Gifu Prefecture.

Quit Monkeying Around!

Quit Monkeying Around!

Watching these snow monkeys relaxing in the hot springs is enough to make anyone want to take a dip in an outdoor bath!

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