All About Japan

Kari Stern

Kari Stern

All About Kari Stern
I was born and raised in southern Minnesota and have always dreamed of living in Japan so in 2015 I studied abroad in Tokyo with my husband. I'm currently finishing my undergrad in Minnesota and will move right back to Tokyo as soon as I graduate!
What I like about Japan
I love spending hours at art history museums in and getting lost in the clothing racks of Tokyo. You can also find me spending an ungodly amount of time in Akihabara!
How to Apply to Japanese Language School

How to Apply to Japanese Language School

So you're ready to take the plunge and learn at a Japanese language school! What's the process like and where do you start? We're here to help.

5 Little-Known Harajuku Styles

5 Little-Known Harajuku Styles

Sure, you've heard of lolita and you've heard of 'gyaru,' but have you heard of these new alternative Harajuku fashions?

All About Purikura!

All About Purikura!

If you're not familiar with the exaggerated features and photographic fun of 'purikura,' you're in luck! This article takes a deeper look at the rise of these 'kawaii' Japanese photo booths, and what to expect when you visit one.

Tokyo Restaurants Too Good to Stay Secret

Tokyo Restaurants Too Good to Stay Secret

Whether you're looking for a bowl of bright blue ramen, want to stand and scarf some quick and delicious noodles or want to watch a live tuna cutting show while you eat fresh sushi, these restaurants in Tokyo have you covered.

Picture-Perfect Hidden Gems in Tokyo

Picture-Perfect Hidden Gems in Tokyo

Tokyo is a massive metropolis, with many hidden areas you're unlikely to find in any guidebook. Check out these lesser known spots just begging to be photographed!

Instagram-Worthy Rainy Day Spots in Japan

Instagram-Worthy Rainy Day Spots in Japan

Believe it or not, there are some places in Japan that are even more beautiful when it rains! Once you see these photos, you'll surely want to visit them and see first-hand!

How Are You Spending Your Golden Week?

How Are You Spending Your Golden Week?

Golden Week is Japan's most anticipated holiday—and these Instagrammers give us some great ideas for things to do this holiday season!

Learn Japanese with These 4 Instagram Accounts

Learn Japanese with These 4 Instagram Accounts

Learning Japanese has never been easier with the help of these four fun Instagram accounts geared toward key aspects of Japanese study!

Our 12 Favorite ’First Time in Japan’ Photos

Our 12 Favorite ’First Time in Japan’ Photos

Every person's first time in Japan is unique and exciting. Here's a compilation of our 12 favorite pics from people who made the journey for the first time!

10 Coolest Sushi Pieces Ever

10 Coolest Sushi Pieces Ever

Sushi has been around for some time, but has really taken off globally in recent years. Chefs, artists, and chef-artists have all taken their culinary and art skills to a new level with these delicious-looking pieces!

6 Key Tools for Passing the JLPT

6 Key Tools for Passing the JLPT

Here's a list of six simple tools—both physical and digital—that will help you pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test with flying colors!

Wash Anywhere with Toto's Travel Washlet

Wash Anywhere with Toto's Travel Washlet

Toto lets you stay sanitary even when you're on the go.

'Sound Princess' Covers Auditory Embarrassment

'Sound Princess' Covers Auditory Embarrassment

Do you ever get embarrassed in public restrooms? Do you ever find yourself flushing, wasting precious water, just to cover up tinkling sounds? Well, you might be interested in this little doohickey!

Get Your Spook On with these Halloween Bento!

Get Your Spook On with these Halloween Bento!

With Halloween right around the corner, what better way to liven up your kids’ lives (or your own!) by making cute, delectable little Halloween-themed bento?

These 5 Horror Bento Will Eat Your Appetite!

These 5 Horror Bento Will Eat Your Appetite!

Could you imagine opening your bento and seeing these creations staring back at you?

The Force is With these 6 Star Wars Bento

The Force is With these 6 Star Wars Bento

How many wookiees can you fit in a lunch box?

Go Chicly Green at these 5 Organic Cafés

Go Chicly Green at these 5 Organic Cafés

Those looking for a more naturally sourced latte can look no further than the Harajuku-Omotesando area.

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