Discover Japan Beyond the Plate
Journey with us through Japan’s landscapes, traditions, and hidden gems.
Discover the Heart of Japanese Cuisine
Welcome to a space where travel and culture intertwine. Here, you’ll find Lucy’s adventures across Japan, from bustling cities to serene villages. Our goal is to share the experiences, stories, and people that make Japan such a fascinating destination, inviting you to see the country through new eyes.
Stories of Discovery
Join Lucy as she explores Japan’s regions, uncovering local traditions, flavors, and insights along the way. Each journey offers a window into the heart of Japanese life.
Immersing in Culture
Travel is more than just sightseeing — it’s about connection. Through these blogs, we honor the spirit of Japan’s communities and celebrate the depth of cultural experiences.
Travel Blogs
Greenpoint Brooklyn NY Adventures!
I recently spent a long, sweltering weekend in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, visiting my daughter-and it turned into a totally fun and unexpected Japanese food crawl. In such a condensed area, there were so many Japanese restaurants, tea shops and other shops to explore.
Visiting Japan After the Pandemic
What’s it like to visit Japan after the pandemic? My friend Sheila recently visited and is kind enough to share her experience as the country finally re-opens! Visiting Japan After the Pandemic As most of us know, Japan is finally open after being closed to outsiders since the beginning of
Japantown on Sawtelle in Los Angeles
Japantown on Sawtelle in Los Angeles is about as close to Japan as we’ve been able to get these last two years. As someone who considers Japan to be a second home, the inability to travel to Japan has been rough. One thing that helped (a little anyway…) is knowing
Recommended Shojin Ryori Restaurants in Japan
When it comes to sampling authentic Shojin Ryori, there are dozens of options throughout Japan. When it comes to sampling the best of the best, though, there are seven restaurants that you absolutely must check out. Must Visit Shojin Ryori Restaurants in Japan Shigetsu (Tenryuji, Arashiyama, Kyoto) This was
Kettl Tea of Brooklyn, New York
Readers are always sharing new “Japanese finds” with me either when I am traveling or at home in the Bay area. This blog post about Kettl Tea is as a result of my niece, Corina Seligman. (Have you read her guest post on sake btw?) She knows of my passionate
Japan: 25 Years Later
I recently returned to Japan for a long-planned for visit after a 25 year absence. Really?! It just never felt like it had been that long, probably because a part of my heart has always resided in Japan—ever since I first visited its shores when I was 15 years old.
Canada Travels: Part 2–Victoria, BC
I fell in love in Victoria–His name was Sampson, a noble horse. He took us on a horse-drawn Tally-Ho Carriage Tour through the historic James Bay neighborhood where some of the oldest houses in Victoria still stand. Amazingly, Alisa, my hostess, knew the lively and engaging female carriage driver. She
Canada Travels: Part 1–Vancouver, BC
Just back from a wonderfully fulfilling and fun gastronomic trip to Vancouver and Victoria. I was thrilled to see how much of a Japanese influence on food there is in Canada. I had planned this trip without realizing that Canada turned 150 years old on July 1st! So young. Lol.