Browsed by
Author: Taylor Ikemiya

Positive Effects of Minimalism

Positive Effects of Minimalism

Over the past year or so I embarked on a minimalist journey of sorts. I decluttered spaces, purged unused wardrobe items, and became deliberate about purchases. Minimizing made me feel refreshed, energized, and renewed; it was a positive experience. I learned how to experience more through consuming less, about the value of traveling to new places without spending tons of money, and how to appreciate the “little things” in life. Through minimalism I was able to focus more on what…

Read More Read More

Eating Michelin-Recognized Gomtang at Hadongkwan in Seoul

Eating Michelin-Recognized Gomtang at Hadongkwan in Seoul

Hadongkwan Tom Kang is known for their simple but delicious beef bone soup, called “Gomtang”. It has been in business for over 80 years, before Myeongdong became the bustling shopping district it is today. In 2018, their soup was awarded a Michelin Bibendum face. About Hadongkwan’s Soup Hadongkwan uses high grade ingredients and no artificial flavorings in their food, giving all their dishes a very natural and clean taste. The signature dish is their regular Gomtang, traditional beef soup with…

Read More Read More

Tips for Visiting Busan’s Gamcheon Culture Village

Tips for Visiting Busan’s Gamcheon Culture Village

About Gamcheon Culture Village Gamcheon Culture Village has been labeled the “Santorini of Korea” or the “Machu Picchu of Korea” due to the colorful homes built around the foothills of Saha-gu Mountain. The area used to be a poor neighborhood, but the government gradually turned it into an artsy tourist destination. The homes and buildings are painted in vibrant colors with murals and paintings along the alleys and walls. There are cafés, restaurants, and food stalls inside the village, too….

Read More Read More

Bullet Journal Tips

Bullet Journal Tips

Bullet journaling helps track different aspects of life in a single space. I started a 2019 bullet journal to practice self-expression and personal accountability in a tangible, non-digital format. For me, it’s the perfect intersection of planning, doodling, creating, and documenting. I also incorporate travel plans, expenses, and itineraries into my journal! I’m not an expert bullet journal-er by any means, but here are some tips to inspire you to start your own. Bullet Journal Tips Invest in supplies: If…

Read More Read More

Top Five $5 Eats in Tokyo DisneySea

Top Five $5 Eats in Tokyo DisneySea

Tokyo DisneySea is a special nautical theme park in Japan with really delicious food. I love visiting DisneySea to eat the amazing food and snacks, as well as bask in the happy, carefree Disney-esque atmosphere. Here are five favorites that are $5 or less that I’ve eaten and highly recommend trying if you’re visiting. 1. Spicy Smoked Chicken Leg 2. Sparkling Mango Drink with Tapioca 3. Black Pepper Chicken Roll 4. Popcorn Chinese Chili Milk Chocolate Curry 5. Little Green…

Read More Read More

Winter Tips for Visiting the Jigokudani Snow Monkeys in Nagano

Winter Tips for Visiting the Jigokudani Snow Monkeys in Nagano

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a famous location in Japan where snow monkeys openly bathe in natural hot springs in the winter. It’s located in the Yokoyu-River Valley in Nagano Prefecture and is part of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. Winter is the best time to visit, as they turn to the hot spring to keep warm in the harsh winter months. Top Tips for Visiting Jigokudani in Winter #1. Dress appropriately: Temperatures in Jigokudani can drop significantly—sometimes as low as -15…

Read More Read More

Sabang and the Subterranean River National Park

Sabang and the Subterranean River National Park

Sabang is a small village that’s part of larger Puerto Princesa, but is approximately 80 kilometers northwest of the city center. You must drive through heavily forested land along winding roads for more than one hour to get to the beautiful, remote Sabang area. Activities in Sabang Sabang Beach: The beach in this cute little village is absolute paradise. The waters are crystal clear, the sands pure white, and not a piece of trash can be found. It’s the perfect…

Read More Read More

Tips for Island Hopping in Honda Bay, Palawan

Tips for Island Hopping in Honda Bay, Palawan

Island hopping in the Philippines was one of my favorite experiences thus far while traveling! Although I was traveling solo in the Philippines, the experience was not had alone as I booked a tour. Usually, I’m not a tour-person because I enjoy figuring things independently and going at my own pace. It also tends to be a bit cheaper to coordinate travel stuff without a company. However, island hopping in Honda Bay is most easily experienced by utilizing a day-tour….

Read More Read More