Austin is an actor from California that is mixed Japanese, with much family still residing in and around Japan. He has traveled to and from Japan since a child, and has had some extensive insights into the Japanese cultural practices, as well as having the privy of experiencing some amazing off the beaten path excursions. All while maintaining that 'gaijin' view of things, being able to pick up on the beautiful differences that Japan has to offer.
Alex's Advice List
The Three Wise Monkeys
Ever since I was little, storybooks, cartoons, and popular culture, have depicted the story of The Three Wise Monkeys. You know the image, three monkeys sitting there; one covering his ears, another covering his mouth, and the third covering his eyes. In the western world, we often relate this to t…(356 words)
Alex
World Heritage Site Nikko Tera (Temple) Park Visit Jinjya (Shrine) Art Souvenir Monkey Three Wise MonkeysGetting Clean in Japan
When you want to get clean after a long, crowded, sweaty day on the subway, you may retreat to your bathroom and jump into a deep Japanese bathtub and let the stress of the day drift away. Many westerners love a good soak, but like many things that are wonderfully different here in Japan, there is …(290 words)
Alex
Onsen sento Etiquette Public Bath BathThe System of Rubbish
So let’s get right to it and get dirty, ‘trash’ or ‘rubbish’ speaking that is. If you happen to be walking around the streets of Tokyo, Yokohama, or most other places in Japan and you finish your snack, and are now ready to dispose of your wrapper. Only to realize, that you will have to put it into…(300 words)
Alex
Vending Machines Rubbish Trash Tokyo Yokohama Drink English Public toiletJapanese 'fast-food' for foreigners
You might have heard of, or hear around you at times the Japanese word Gaijin, which literally means outside person, or non-Japanese. It is not originally meant to be disrespectful, just basically means foreigner. So for those who are foreigners and do not speak Japanese, but can’t get enough of th…(379 words)
Alex
Fast food Japanese food Shinagawa Station Food Ticket English Walk Shop Eat CurryEscape To Nikko
If you really want a chance to experience a taste of ‘traditional’ Japan, like you might see in the movies, you should check out a place like the city of Nikko. It is only a two hour bullet train, shinkansen, ride away from Tokyo station. Frequently you hear about going to Kyoto, the old capitol t…(508 words)
Alex
Hostel Nikko City Tokyo Train Restaurant Park Trip Kyoto Bus