Category Archives: Travel

Life In Japan: Nagasaki Streetcars

Posted on April 10, 2023 by johnrachel

You can leave your heart in San Francisco. No problem. Just come to Nagasaki! They have streetcars, no homeless, and nobody is packing a gun. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai

Posted on November 30, 2022 by johnrachel

The longest shopping arcade in Japan is a truly unique, I have to say fun, experience. All individual shops, some very interesting, and unlike most of what’s sold in the name brand stores, very affordable. Apparently unconsciously sustaining a sweet tooth that day, I bought mountain flower honey and short bread cookies. Also some fresh vegetables. Does it get better than that? Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Sweet Potatoes

Posted on November 7, 2022 by johnrachel

How sweet it is! We just harvested the most recent item to appear on Mother Nature’s Day-Timer, or maybe she has an iCalendar these days, who knows? Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Festival of the Portable Shrines 2022

Posted on October 19, 2022 by johnrachel

This past weekend we had our annual Festival of the Portable Shrines. It was a truly splendid event! Continue reading →

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Love Connection: Coming in ????

Posted on August 31, 2022 by johnrachel

Here’s my offer to you, which will really help us get this book out to the public. If anyone out there is interested in reading my new real crime/travel/suspense novel, let me know. I can send either a paperback to hold in your hands, or a PDF to read on your computer, tablet, or book reader. I’m shooting for fifteen more folks to dive into my story, take the ride, have fun, and then tell me what they think. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: New Kid on the Block

Posted on August 27, 2022 by johnrachel

There’s always a surge of excitement when a new face appears on the scene. My village in Hyogo, Japan is no exception to this universal rule. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: ‘Japan Pom Pom’

Posted on August 24, 2022 by johnrachel

Japanese people, even OLD ones, like to have fun. Don’t believe it? Check out Japan Pom Pom! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Lunch Anyone?

Posted on June 28, 2022 by John Rachel

A few days ago, my wife Masumi decided we should go to one of her favorite cafés for a special Saturday lunch. It’s truly astonishing what a person can learn from just eating lunch. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Children’s Day

Posted on May 30, 2022 by John Rachel

There is an official holiday in May here in Japan for which there is no equivalent in the West. It is called Children’s Day! Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Longing For Spring

Posted on February 4, 2022 by John Rachel

Kasai is a small town about an hour-and-a-half southwest of Tambasasayama. There’s a splendid rose garden there. We go almost every spring. Last visit, Masumi, her daughter Azusa, Azusa’s Black Labrador, JiJi, and I, arrived during the peak of the rose blossoms. Continue reading →

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