Design Thinking for Social Innovation

This spring break, instead of jetting across the world, I decided to stay and volunteer for one of Stanford’s ‘Alternative Spring Break’ programs. In collaboration with VIA, Volunteers in Asia, the Design Thinking for Social Innovation program worked with 14 exchange students from various Japanese Universities to tackle sustainability issues in the Bay Area. My… Continue reading Design Thinking for Social Innovation

Shigetsu

I wrote this poem a while back for a blog about food and travel. It’s about a restaurant called ‘Shigetsu,’ a restaurant located inside the temple areas of Tenryuji, Kyoto. Deemed ‘the best restaurant in Kyoto,’ I had a chance to dine there myself, and was blown away. location : 68 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga-Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi,… Continue reading Shigetsu

Kyoto: Mostly Food With Some Coffee And Sights [Part 2]

Have you ever had such a powerful input to one of your senses, that your entire body physically reacted? We were briskly walking through JR Kyoto Station, trying to make one of the trains towards our next destination. Inside the station, there’s all sorts of shops and stands, selling various goods and treats… typical stuff.… Continue reading Kyoto: Mostly Food With Some Coffee And Sights [Part 2]

Kyoto: Mostly Food With Some Coffee And Sights [Part 1]

Kyoto! The cultural hub of Japan. A must-visit destination. Bonus, it’s a foodie’s paradise! Endless temples pepper the city, each with unique design and its own historical significance. I’ll mention a few spots in this post, but definitely pick up a guide if you’re going specifically for the sightseeing. If there was ever a place… Continue reading Kyoto: Mostly Food With Some Coffee And Sights [Part 1]

Tokyo: A One Day Itinerary

Do you have a long layover in the wonderful city of Tokyo, Japan? Or maybe you want to cram as much as possible into a trip? Here’s my list of things to do for one of the longest, fun-filled days you’ll have. This is an itinerary for the brave, ruthless, and over-achieving travelers. It includes… Continue reading Tokyo: A One Day Itinerary

Hiroshima & Miyajima: Two Days

The precious double-dark. Two consecutive days off, gifted to us every couple of weeks, allowing for mini-trips and a short taste of real life. I opted to visit Hiroshima  and the nearby Miyajima Island. Despite how unprepared I was for the emotional and physical weight of the trip, it was incredible. Here is my itinerary… Continue reading Hiroshima & Miyajima: Two Days