TRAVEL TIP: Top 5 Advice when booking Airbnb for the First Time

Living at a local home in Japan can be very convenient and fun. But if you have never tried Airbnb before, I have 5 essential advice for booking Airbnb from my experience living in an Airbnb home throughout different cities of Japan:

1. Pick a convenient location near bus or train station
2. Avoid extra fees 
3. Confirm amenity and facility from photos
4. Picking good reviews + good rating
5. Make sure the home has Heating/Air-Conditioning!

I break down each advice in great details below: 

Sushi and Small Dishes at Sushi Kyo (KYO Sushi-ya), Mexico City MEXICO

Map & Hours

Flounder

Tamago (egg) rolled with eel, Grilled Mackerel, and Broccoli with Tobiko mayonnaise

On "the Day of the Dead" week (last week of October), I visited Mexico City for a few big-name restaurants: Pujol, Quintonil, Sud777, and lastly a Japanese sushi restaurant called Sushi Kyo. I actually had never imagine myself having Japanese food in Mexico, but then that's why it really makes me curious. I had no idea what to expect.

As you can see, the food looks very simple: not too fancy or something that will "wow" you at first sight. BUT they are not bland at all, the flavors are actually seasoned the right amount so that you can taste each dish in its most natural state. It's a comfortable meal, which I think it doesn't come by very often. If you are as interested as me, read more below to see what other unique dishes are on our Sushi Kyo omakase in Mexico City!

* Sushi YOHEI OMAKASE at Sushi Yoshizumi, San Mateo (North California) USA

O-toro (fattiest cut of tuna belly)

Chef Akira Yoshizumi

Sushi Yoshizumi is by far one of the most authentic sushi restaurants in the Bay Area. The restaurant just received a star from Michelin Guide this year. And due to their limited seating each night, their reservations were mostly full 2-3 months in advance. That's why I was very exciting to try out Yoshizumi-san's sushi! For this review, I am having the "YOHEI OMAKASE" which includes several appetizers, 10+ nigiri sushi, and dessert. 

Happy Thanksgiving Week!! Rare Opportunity to win round trip ticket to Japan!

It's that time of the year again! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! For this holiday, I am excited to present a rare opportunity to win a ROUND TRIP AIRFARE TO JAPAN! Thanks to Japanese Experience's generosity, they will be giving away two Japan round trip airfare tickets to two lucky winners!

Please read below for giveaway details and eligibility. GOOOOOOD LUCK!!

The Sushi Poster | GIFT

***.10% OFF***
Buy it
Use coupon code: WELCOME

The Sushi Poster is now available at my new Etsy shop!

TRAVEL TIP: Try Airbnb and Save Money on Living in Japan

Hotels in Japan are not cheap. It's true that you will probably get amenities like swimming pool or gym, but it doesn't necessarily provide you a local living experience like Airbnb, which I highly recommend you to try!

Airbnb is a house/room renting service that is provided by the locals, so that you will find and book unique homes and experience the city like a local. Not only when you go out to a restaurant or joining an event, it is also part of the traveling experience when you live in it too.


Why Airbnb?

1. Cheap and Affordable - Airbnb in Tokyo ranges from $40-$200, a lot cheaper than most hotels in the city.
2. Learning about Japanese neighborhoods - Most Airbnb are located at residential area. You can really get to walk around a typical Japanese neighborhood and learn about them. I really love how peaceful, lively, and convenient it is. (I lived at Setagaya before) Unlike our typical American neighborhoods, (with lots of cars) in Japan (where people rely on public transportation) lots of people are walking on the streets throughout the day. 
3. Experiencing the Living Space - Housing in Japan is unique. Their living habit is quite different from Americans too. The space is compact and clean. (Because you need to take off your shoes when you enter the house!)  
4. Learning from your Host - Usually, your host speaks somewhat a little bit of English, which is great! You get to ask a local whatever you want to learn about this place! 

$35 Credit to try Airbnb for your next Japan Trip?

Are you ready to try out Airbnb? Here's a $35 credit for your next travel, just click HERE !


My Own Airbnb Experience

Totoro Cream Puffs and Cookies at Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory, Tokyo JAPAN

Cream Puff

Butter Cookies

Are you a fan of the famous Studio Ghibli? This is absolutely one of the most popular spots for Studio Ghibli lovers. Not only you can enjoy these cute Totoro cream puffs at their cafe, you can buy them to go from their shop as well. Just remember, arrive early before they are sold out!!

The cafe Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory 白髭のシュークリーム工房 is owned by Kyoko Miyazaki since 2007. As you already recognized the last name, Kyoko Miyazaki is actually Hayao Miyazaki's brother's wife. Their cafe specializes in making their sweets and pastries shape like Totoro or anything that related to Studio Ghibli.

*This is not the cafe from Studio Ghibli museum!