Zushi is a laid-back seaside city on the Miura Peninsula, just about an hour from Tokyo and only 30 minutes from Yokohama. It’s known for its relaxed local vibe, wide sandy beach, and as a chill alternative to the more crowded Kamakura.

A little further down the coast is Hayama, a small upscale resort town famous for its beautiful coastline, yacht harbor, and even as the site of the Imperial Family’s summer villa. The whole Miura Peninsula is actually my favorite area in Japan, so I knew whatever the day had in store would be right up my alley.

We started off strolling along Zushi Beach around 10 AM. It was just waking up, with only a handful of people scattered about. The sea was calm, so not many surfers yet, but mostly swimmers and folks lounging on colorful floaties.

Our first real stop was Hayama Marina. We drank some beers and chilled out by the lighthouse pier. There was practically no one else there, so we had an uninterrupted view of the water, which was slowly filling up with paddle boarders and jet skis. Super peaceful.

After that, we took a short walk over to Marlowe, a well-known restaurant and café famous for its glass jar puddings. Just before going, I had been talking about how much I love mitarashi dango (sweet rice dumplings covered in a sticky soy sauce glaze (both sweet and salty)), and what do you know, Marlowe was offering a limited edition mitarashi dango pudding that day!

We were seated at a cozy window seat looking out over the ocean. The place was this perfect mix of chic and relaxed. We split a seafood ajillo made with super fresh local tobiuo (flying fish), plus a gorgeous steak with roasted veggies. Everything was perfectly seasoned and cooked, and honestly came out so fast I barely had time to sip my drink.

Then came the pudding, which was chilled, smooth and absolutely delicious. The mitarashi sauce was spot on. You can even order pudding to take home, which I 100% recommend if you live nearby.

On the way back to the station, we passed by Zushi Beach again, now totally packed with people of all ages. We stopped at one of the many little beach shacks for some shaved ice and just sat under the shade, watching the summer chaos go by.

If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed than the busy beaches of Kamakura but still want all the summer fun, I’d totally recommend checking out Zushi and Hayama. It’s the perfect little escape without going too far from the city.

The day started quietly, wrapped in gentle rain as I made the one-hour journey to Kamakura, the kind of trip that feels like an escape. Somehow, Kamakura feels even more beautiful in the rain all misted over and full of charm that feels just a tad bit out of focus.

We stopped for breakfast at Garden House, a cozy restaurant tucked away from the wet streets. The rain tapped gently on the windows as we sipped coffee, awwing at the quaint latte art, and settling into the peaceful rhythm of the day.

After breakfast, we wandered through Komachi street, lined with small food stalls and shops, tiny but bustling with energy. By 11:00, we arrived at the nail polish studio, welcomed with kind smiles by the staff. Payment was made upfront, and the atmosphere already felt good.

At a standing table set with neat tools and little bottles, our instructor guided us through a brief introduction to color theory and the concept of water-based, peel-able nail polish. Then we were left to create freely, with no set formula.

I wanted to make a soft lavender, something calming and elegant. But as I mixed, the colors shifted unexpectedly—grey, then green. The staff didn’t correct me, gently encouraging me to follow my instincts. Still, I felt a bit lost. You’re only given a small amount of base to work with, so once you veer off track, there’s no starting over.

While I wasn’t completely satisfied with the color I accidentally created, something about the process, the gentle clink of bottles, the quiet companionship, the soft rain trailing down the tall glass windows made it a moment I genuinely cherished.

In the end, I named my nail polish “Dewy Moss.” It wasn’t the lavender I imagined, but it felt honest like something born of the day itself.

We were given time to take photos, placing our little bottle among the props in the shop. I also ended up buying another bottle in the color I’d originally hoped for, along with a top coat. Before leaving, we were given a simple lesson on how to apply the polish well. There were no frills, just honest care up until the last moment.

Afterward, we visited Hasedera, one of my favorite temples in Kamakura. The rain had softened into a mist by then, and the grounds felt especially serene. We wandered quietly, pulled fortunes and wrote our wishes on a wooden block, letting the peaceful atmosphere settle into us.

Later, we found a little café nearby and spent the rest of the afternoon chatting about our goals and future over dessert and coffee. The windows fogged slightly as the rain continued to fall outside, and we lingered there until evening, unhurried, warm, and content.

The whole nail polish workshop was conducted in Japanese, so some understanding of the language helps. But honestly, color mixing is its own kind of universal language. If you’re looking for a quiet, thoughtful experience on a rainy day in Kamakura, this is one I’d recommend.

I haven’t worn my polish yet, as I’m waiting on a quick-drying top coat, but I’m looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

Store details are below just in case you’d like to try creating your own Kamakura memory too!

Store name: L'instant joli / CausetteJoli KAMAKURA

Address: 2-12-37 Komachi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, 248-0006

Phone number: 070-2297-9995

Business hours: 11:00-17:30

Link to Workshop information page: https://www.causettejoli.jp/view/page/lpc-ws

Every year, the company I work for gives us a few paid holidays to use anytime between July and September. Last year, I explored the beautiful cities of Sapporo and Otaru, but this year, I decided to stay closer to home in Yokohama. I knew I needed to balance relaxation with, unfortunately, a little work, so I wanted to be flexible and not over-commit myself.

I had just three solid plans this year, and the rest of the time I honestly spent enjoying the air conditioning at home. Yesterday was the second of my planned activities, and it was so much fun because we did an off-the-beaten-path date activity that I’d never done before in Japan—we made our own original scent in the form of perfume or room spray/incense!

I've always seen cute date ideas in Japan on TikTok and Instagram, but I’d never done anything structured like this before. I was super excited, especially because I've really gotten into perfumes and fragrances over the past few years. I was completely on board!

We booked at Gluck Yokohama, which is just a few minutes’ walk from Ishikawacho Station on the JR Negishi Line or a short stroll from the heart of Chinatown. It’s located in an office building, so a bit tricky to find if you miss the sign outside. The interior is tiny, so reservations are definitely a must.

As soon as we arrived, we were seated and given an overview of the experience. The host was really thoughtful, even turning on a fan for us because it was so hot. He explained everything clearly, despite not speaking any English, and made the process super easy to follow.

We both opted to create a room spray. We could choose from 12 different scents and combine up to three to create our own original fragrance. It was a bit overwhelming at first, smelling all the scents, but there was an explanation sheet with the top, mid, and base notes of each one. The host reassured us that you really can’t go wrong with any combination because all the scents complement each other. That was such a relief—I was nervous that I’d love three scents individually but hate them together!

Once you choose your three favorite scents, you start by combining two drops of each in a beaker to form your base scent. From there, you can add drops up to a total of 80. There’s a cheat sheet for the best ratios, but I loved all the scents I chose equally. I went for an herbal scent, a green tea and pear scent, and something sunlight-related that I’ve since forgotten—but I can only describe my final scent as a foresty blend with a hint of flowers and sunlight. I have no idea, but I just love it to death!

After combining your three scents into 80 drops (and there’s a handy sheet to track how much of each you’ve added), it’s time to mix in the ethanol, little by little, until you reach 50 ml. The scent does change slightly, but not drastically, which was a relief.

Next came the coloring! They give you three primary colors (red, yellow, blue), and you can mix them to create your own unique shade. There’s also a cheat sheet for making different colors. I wanted a foresty green, so I mixed all three colors together. It was so much fun—honestly, I felt like a scientist!

After that, you use a magnetic spinner to mix everything completely together. Then, you funnel it into a bottle, give it a try, and finally label and name it! I called mine "Forest Sun." They even have a cute photoshoot spot to take pictures of your finished product!

It was such a fun experience, and I LOVE my scent. I’m going to be so sad when it’s all gone! The price was 5,000 yen, which I think is totally worth it for the experience, but I kind of wish I could just order a refill of my scent for 3,000 yen without going through the whole process again. Still, if I make new friends, I’d totally invite them for this. It’s such a cute date or even a girls’ day activity!

The whole thing took about an hour, and since we were so close to Chinatown, we grabbed some delicious tea at a nearby café before heading to Hammerhead for dinner and dessert. 

It was so romantic and healing, and I really want to explore the Hammerhead area more—it felt so picturesque for Yokohama! So, look forward to an upcoming post on that!

All in all, it was a refreshing mid-vacation activity, and I can’t wait to clean my apartment and spray my new room spray everywhere!

GLUCK YOKOHAMA

ROUROU CAFE

QUAY'S PACIFIC GRILL

VANILLABEANS THE ROASTERY

I can't believe it's already July! I planned to update in June, but the month turned out to be unexpectedly busy with closing old doors and starting new ventures. For the past 15 years, I've avoided a certain career path. While I've always been interested in the field, worked alongside professionals in that area, and even earned a certificate for it, I never really wanted to pursue the role. My preference was for something more creative and free.

Recently, I found myself in a situation where I was asked to take on that role. Although it's currently temporary, I have to approach it as if it's permanent. Surprisingly, I don't mind it as much as I thought I would. In fact, it has helped me regain a sense of productivity, and I feel healthily challenged each day. I enjoy learning new things and trying techniques and strategies I haven't used in a long time.

In short, I'm enjoying this new experience for now. However, it has been overwhelming because I have many incomplete and ongoing projects in my other role. Essentially, I'm juggling two roles, which means coming home and working to keep up.

There's not much free time, and I'm constantly thinking about how to adjust to this new role and stay ahead. It's exciting but also draining!

Last weekend, on Tanabata, I took a morning trip to my favorite spot, Yuigahama beach in Kamakura. I love going there around 6:00 and just watching the waves, surfers, and dog walkers while eating snacks. I tend to FaceTime my family, and we all have a good time. It is one of my favorite things to do, and it refreshed my mind and heart a bit. I tend to head back around 9:00 before the people rush. 

This time, I mainly went for research for work, but after collecting some samples and stuff, I read a book and just wanted to take a nap! Recently, my weekends have been packed because that is the only time I can be social, meet people, catch up, and spend time with my daughter. However, it was really nice to take that time for myself!

Hopefully, I will update again soon

Although the cherry blossom season has long ended, I wanted to share a beautiful Shrine here in Yokohama that I could visit for the first time since I came to Japan nearly 6 years ago! The shrine that I would like to talk about today is a hidden gym right in the heart of the Minato Mirai neighborhood of Yokohama called Iseyama Kotai Jingu. Before I jump into it, I would like to give a little explanation of the difference between shrines and temples here in Japan because it could be confusing!

Shrine vs. Temple

Famous Ryoanji temple in Kyoto

Shrines serve as places of worship for kami, or spirits, and are often marked by the big iconic torii gates at their entrances. Shrines typically feature structures like honden (main hall) and haiden (hall of worship), where rituals and ceremonies are conducted to honor the kami. You can also obtain fortunes called omikuji! 

On the other hand, temples, referred to as "tera" or "ji" in Japanese, are closely linked with Buddhism. They are centers of Buddhist teachings, meditation, and rituals, and house statues of Buddha and other revered figures. Temples often boast distinctive architectural features like pagodas, wooden structures, and beautifully landscaped gardens. 

Iseyama Kotai Jingu | 伊勢山皇大神宮

After some research, I discovered the shrine's reputation as a "power spot." Despite working just a short 15-minute walk away, it took me nearly two years to finally make the visit. One lovely spring weekday afternoon, I embarked on the journey to Iseyama Kotai Jingu. Despite initially feeling distant on the map, the walk turned out to be quite manageable. Though there was a bit of a trek up the hill, the discreet entrance to the shrine grounds, tucked off to the left, seemed to beckon me.  

Ascending the steps, I encountered a cleansing area and a tranquil pond, with few visitors around due to the weekday. After purifying my hands and mouth, I climbed further to the main grounds, greeted by an open area and a stunning view of Minato Mirai. Discovering such a quiet sanctuary amidst the bustling Minato Mirai district was unexpected! 

I headed to the goshuin reception area to obtain a temple stamp, which was swiftly completed in about five minutes. After securing my stamp and fortune, I spent the rest of my time leisurely exploring the small grounds, surrounded by cherry blossoms in full bloom, swaying gently in the breeze. 

I want to visit again during sunrise or sundown, as I believe the view would be even more beautiful. And of course, I prayed and made a wish before descending the cherry blossom-lined stairs back down to reality.

From the bustling streets of New York's Little Italy to the vibrant districts of Chinatown in San Francisco and Koreatown in Los Angeles, ethnic enclaves offer glimpses into diverse cultures thriving within foreign countries. As a resident of Japan for the past six years, I have been struck with homesickness more times than I count, often relying on the foreign import store Kaldi or the famous or infamous Don Quijote to get a taste of back home.

However, tucked away in Saitama, Japan, lies a hidden gem that may surprise many – Johnson Town. Yes, you read that right, Johnson Town is an American town nestled in Iruma, Saitama!

History of Johnson Town

Johnson Town is a unique blend of American heritage and Japanese ambiance. Originally known as Isono Housing, this quaint town has a captivating story that dates back to the tumultuous years following World War II. In the aftermath of the war, the US military seized control of the area, transforming it into Johnson Base. Over the years, it served as a home for American military personnel and their families, giving rise to the iconic "US military houses" that still stand today, echoing the architecture of suburban America.

However, as times changed and military operations shifted, Johnson Base was returned to Japan in 1978, paving the way for a new chapter in the history of the town. With the departure of American military personnel, the houses lay vacant, leading to a period of neglect and deterioration. Yet, in the spirit of resilience and renewal, efforts were made to revitalize the area. Therefore, in 2004, a comprehensive reconstruction plan was put into action, aimed at transforming the dilapidated housing into a vibrant community known as Johnson Town.

Since then, a remarkable transformation has taken place, with Heisei Houses – modern low-rise homes – blending seamlessly with the nostalgic charm of the original US military houses. Today, Johnson Town stands as a testament to the enduring ties between the two nations, offering residents and visitors alike a glimpse into a truly unique cultural fusion.

From its humble beginnings as a military base to its current status as a thriving residential enclave, Johnson Town embodies the spirit of cooperation and cultural exchange. As you wander through its tree-lined streets and quaint neighborhoods, you can't help but marvel at the harmonious blend of American history and Japanese hospitality that defines this remarkable community.

Day Trip to Johnson Town

Upon parking, we stepped into a scene that blended elements of an American suburb with a touch of nostalgia. The houses, many repurposed into shops filled with Americana, stirred memories of childhood—Lucky Charms boxes, cans of Sloppy Joe, and vintage McDonald's toys adorned the walls, was a trip down memory lane.

The weather was beautiful so we wandered through the maze-like streets lined with houses so similar yet distinct. As we wandered, admiring the vintage military housing and capturing snapshots of English street signs, we couldn't resist having in a meal at Blue Corn Café, known for its American fare.

Inside, the décor boasted license plates from nearly every state, alongside vintage Americana and Disney memorabilia. We ordered burgers and nachos, and unexpectedly, the nachos were topped with jalapenos—a delightful departure from the ordinary! After eating, we took a leisurely stroll through the nearby Fujimi Park, where cherry blossoms were in full bloom, transporting us back to Japan.

Regrettably, due to the long drive, we had to leave sooner than we'd have liked, but our hearts were content with the day's adventure. As an American, I found Johnson Town endearing, albeit more reflective of a Japanese interpretation of American culture rather than a town specifically tailored for Americans, like Chinatown or Little Italy. Yet, amidst the absence of American grocery stores or brand-name clothing outlets, I couldn't help but appreciate the Japanese embrace of my culture—from cowboy hats to vintage knickknacks, a testament to their admiration.

While I might have been the lone American wanderer that day, the experience left an indelible impression. Though Johnson Town may not replicate the familiarity of America, it offers a unique lens through which to appreciate the cross-cultural exchange. Perhaps next time, I'll venture there alone, eager to delve deeper into its charm and history!