Travel Diary - Rambling Merchant

Where Tokyoites Escape To

June 5, 2021

Living in Tokyo seems like a dream to Japanese and foreigners alike! In non-pandemic years the numbers agree. In 2019 the population of the Tokyo prefecture grew by nearly 90,000 people while most prefectures declined in population. That same year, 47% of international tourists in Japan visited Tokyo. Tokyo is a place where nearly everyone can find a place that…read more

Crafts, Culture, Diary, Travel Diary

Stylish Leather. Handmade in Japan. Personalized by You.

April 26, 2021

When you think of Japan, you probably think a couple of things. First, the cities: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Next you think of the nature. Maybe the Bamboo Forest, and definitely Cherry Blossoms and Mt. Fuji. What you probably don't think of is what's around Mt. Fuji. You might know it's nestled on the border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.…read more

Culture, Diary, How To, Travel Diary

3 Ways to Travel the World Cheap

April 15, 2021

When you think of traveling the world, do you imagine expensive round-trip tickets and either expensive name-brand hotels or shady local inns where they don't speak a lick of English? This doesn't have to be the case. There are ways to make travel work for you, on the cheap and all it takes is a little flexibility. With the world…read more

Culture, Diary, Travel Diary

Japan’s Earliest Sakura Bloom

April 7, 2021

The beginning of spring is marked by the blooming of cherry blossoms - sakura - in Japan. Generally at this time, it may be slightly past the peak, but would still be considered a reasonable time to see the sakura. This year is a little different. 2021 marks the earliest peak bloom of sakura in Japan in over 1200 years.…read more

Culture, Diary, Travel Diary

What To Expect When Visiting a New Country

March 21, 2021

When traveling, especially to a country you've never been to before, a lot of people have a lot of expectations. Whether it be excitement or dread over a certain aspect of your trip or the culture of the country, assumptions run through our heads. This is advice based on personal experience having been to 10 countries, and having lived in…read more

Diary, Travel Diary

Tears in Nagoya by Luke Baker-Smith

January 26, 2021

This week we share an excerpt of a post by Luke Baker-Smith whose travel blog can be found at Load of B-S. Luke has been living in Japan since March of last year. While primarily a teacher at the moment, he is an avid traveler and writer who shares his experiences of day to day life in a small town…read more