kakigori – Susan Spann, Adventure, Mystery, and Mountains

Kakigori – a Japanese Summer Treat

Susan Spann Blog July 26, 2021July 25, 2021Japan, Japanese desserts, kakigori, summer

One of the things I love most about living in Japan is the seasonal nature of Japanese food. While it’s sad to have some of your favorite treats fall off the menu when the calendar changes, it’s also exciting to look forward to seeing your favorites return the following year (and having the chance to find new favorites, too). Last summer, my son and I discovered a delicious spot to get kakigori–the fluffy shaved ice that’s a favorite summertime treat across Japan. Kurashiki Coffee at Toritsu-Daigaku station offers three different flavors: strawberry, matcha (powdered green tea), and tiramisu–each with a

CHAPTER 19: Even Ants Like Kakigori

Susan Spann 1000 Summits, Blog, CLIMB Photo Companion December 25, 2020December 26, 2020100Summits, Climb, hiking, kakigori, Mt. Takao, Takaosan

On the day I climbed Mt. Takao as part of the 100 Summits Project, I had friends in town from the United States. We had plenty of time, so we stopped at the Takaosan Monkey Park near the top of the cable car to see (and feed) the resident Japanese macaques.

Celebrating The Unexpected

Susan Spann Blog July 11, 2018July 10, 2018Buddha, coffee, Japan, kakigori, latte, travel, unexpected

When traveling, I try to remember that closed itineraries–like closed fists–are unable to catch an unexpected blessing. Although I plan my travel in advance in fairly great detail, when I’m actually traveling I try to remain alert to the opportunities for spontaneous experiences, and to take advantage of them when I can. As a result, I get to enjoy the unexpected opportunities and sites that come my way. Here are just a few from the last week’s travels: