May 2023 – Susan Spann, Adventure, Mystery, and Mountains

Tokyo From 450 Meters Up: Sunset at the Skytree

Susan Spann Blog, Travel & Tourism May 15, 2023May 7, 2023skytree, Skytree center, tallest buildings in the world, Tembo Deck, Tokyo, Tokyo Skytree

I’ve lived in Japan for five years–three months of which, I spent in a rented apartment one block from the famous Tokyo Skytree–a 634-meter tower that was the tallest man-made structure in the world when it first opened in 2012. As of 2023, the Skytree is “only” the third tallest (behind the 828m Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the 678.9m Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur) but it’s still an impressive sight.

Jiggly Souffle Pancakes and Sakura Soda at Tokyo’s Micasadeco Cafe

Susan Spann Blog, Food May 8, 2023May 7, 2023food, Harajuku, Japanese culture, Japanese food, Micasadeco Cafe, sakura soda

A couple of weeks ago, author friend Jonelle Patrick and I headed out to Tokyo’s Harajuku district for a special springtime treat.

The Yamanashi Gem Museum: A Hidden Treasure Near Mt. Fuji

Susan Spann Blog, Travel & Tourism May 5, 2023April 30, 2023Gemstone Museum, Gemstones, Japan, Natural History, travel, Yamanashi

I found an unexpected “jewel” on the shore of Lake Yamanako: the Yamanashi Gem Museum…

What Does it Mean to Live Your Best Life?

Susan Spann Blog May 1, 2023April 29, 2023courage, following dreams, Japan, living your best life

I spent much of my life wishing I was somewhere, or someone, else. I felt trapped and suffocated, and unable to break free. Breaking free from that cage took courage–but it also took the willingness to accept that I’d built myself a life that felt like a cage, and the awareness to look around and figure out what tools I had that might set me free.