Thrifting in Japan: Don Don Down on Wednesdays

I can't remember where I've seen their logo before, but I know that I'd seen it. I had no idea what it was for, so I promptly ignored it... It wasn't until I was doing research on thrift stores, trying to find more in my area, that I came across it again...

Don Don Down on Wednesdays. 

That's a real mouthful. And that's the name of the thrift store that this caricature belongs to. Little did I know that, all this time, I wasn't walking past a bar. I was walking past a thrift store! So, as soon as I found this out, I looked for the closest one and was thrilled when I saw there was one right outside of Yokohama Station! I made a plan to visit on Wednesday.

Thrifting in Japan: Watt Mann Super Recycle Shop

Talking with my friends, I only recently realized how often I go to thrift stores. I absolutely love thrifting in the States, and even more so in Japan. The standards for what stores will take are generally higher than a Goodwill or Salvation Army, so you're getting good quality clothes in Japan.

Watt Mann's is my current favorite thrift store in the area. Before moving to Yokohama, I had never heard of it before. I think it's a Kanagawa prefecture only store. There's one (relatively) near where I work, so I frequent it quite often. I always end up buying more than what I expected to.

My First (English) Doctor's Visit in Japan

If there’s one thing to remember about me, it’s that I’m almost perpetually sick with one thing or another. Last month it was a runny nose; this month’s ailment is a dry cough and a headache. Despite this, I only went to the doctor in Japan for the first time last month.

How to Buy Cheap Fruits in Japan

I hate reading things from people on the Internet who say you can't find fruit in Japan... This isn't true. While it's not a tropical fruit paradise like some of Southeast Asia, and fruits aren't as cheap as in America, they are out there and there are plenty of them.

To be fair, one of my least favorite parts about living in Japan is how expensive import fruits are. Yesterday, I bought a handful of cherries for 400 yen, but I was desperate! But a lot of people hear about thousand dollar watermelons, and get the idea that Japanese fruits are unobtainable. That's not true. Fruits, especially local fruits, are very cheap and readily available almost anywhere.

Travelling to Japan With a Peanut Allergy 101

Travelling with an allergy can be a tricky thing, especially in places where you don't speak the language. A bit of research and preparation can go a long way in these cases, though, because it's better to be over prepared than under prepared.

People with peanut allergies exist in Japan, too, so you won't get funny looks or people who disregard you when you're there. While it's not the most common allergy, these types of allergies are on the rise. (I've been told the rise in food allergies in Japan is because of pregnant mothers eating too much convenience store food, but that could just be a rumor...)

The (Instructor) Visa Renewal Process

My visa is fast expiring--I can't believe I've already been in Japan for a year. This blog is a horrible testament to that! Anyway, because I was given a 1 year visa by Interac when I first applied, it's already time to renew... From what I've heard, JETs get a 3 year visa right away. Can someone fact check me please!

But, the visa process was probably one of the most surprising things I've dealt with in a long time in Japan. It was so surprising because of how simple it was. After dealing with visits to the ward office and filling out paperwork there, this was nothing. To be honest, I think the most difficult part of the whole process was getting to the office.

Hiyayakko: A Summertime Snack (冷奴 / ひややっこ)

Photo by Flickr user asiansupper

Summer in Japan can be the absolute worst. It's hot, humid, and everyone's sweaty. Though it's not quite summer yet, I can feel it fast approaching. Convenience stores are already stocking up on cool snacks and kids are riding their bikes around and playing in the river. Nice, except for the killer heat. Today, I'll be sharing with you my favorite summer Japanese dish, hiyayakko and a recipe for it.

Now, hiyayakko is essentially just cold tofu with some garnishing. But it's much better than that description makes it sound! It's creamy soft tofu that's ice cold and melts in your mouth, a salty-savory sauce, and the crispness of green onions. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!