Tea In Tokyo artwork

Tea In Tokyo

38 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago -

After finishing their degrees, Saumya and Ellie have a typical quarter-life-crisis. Instead of wallowing through the usual mundane activities of adult life, they decide instead to pack their bags, leave New Zealand, and live in Tokyo! The culture is different, the sites are amazing, and they don't know the language, so they'll have plenty to share with you each week. If you relish travelling, have ever wanted to live abroad, love Japan, or are just confused about what to do in life, this podcast is for you. Follow on TWITTER (@teaintokyo): http://bit.ly/30fD3h3 | INSTAGRAM (@tea_in_tokyo): http://bit.ly/30edNHS | FACEBOOK (@teaintokyo): http://bit.ly/2Te9TNU | WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/2FIZnq3

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Places & Travel Society & Culture Personal Journals japan tokyo travel living abroad overseas experience 20s life crisis culture sight seeing new zealand
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Kyoto Part 3 - Arashiyama, Bamboo Grove, and a Traditional Meal

January 02, 2021 08:55 - 27 minutes - 37.7 MB

The finale of our Kyoto trip. We explore the famous Arashiyama district, eat Shojin Ryori, a popular Buddhist monk vegetarian meal, and explore the Arashiyama bamboo grove.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kyoto Part 2 - Ginkakuji, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and More!

December 20, 2020 12:52 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

The second of our three-part Kyoto series. We spent another day temple-hopping going to Ginkakuji, Eikan-do Zenrin-ji, Nanzen-ji Temple, Heian Shrine, and Kiyomizu-dera. We also visited the famous Gion district and tried visiting Nijo Castle.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kyoto Part 1 - Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and More!

December 10, 2020 13:38 - 49 minutes - 68.3 MB

This is the first of three parts of our trip to Kyoto. On day one we visited the Kyoto Imperial Palace and had a unique dinner. Then we had a packed second day, visiting five temples - Daigoji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Komyo-in Temple, Tofukuji Temple, and Toji Temple.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tokyo Tower, Bird Watching, and Getting a License in Japan

November 14, 2020 19:42 - 50 minutes - 69.7 MB

We visit Tokyo Port Bird Sanctuary to quench Saumya's desire to take some animal photos. Ellie had enough after one day so Saumya visited another park (Kasai Seaside Park) alone the next two days. We finally go to the top of Tokyo Tower and we have one of our greatest meals in Tokyo at a vegan restaurant in Shibuya. Next Saumya tries to get a license but has to cut through a lot of red tape and lastly we discuss the future closure of Saumya's learning studio.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...

Shrines and Waterfalls in Nikko

October 23, 2020 11:00 - 53 minutes - 74.1 MB

We take a short overnight trip to the nearby prefecture of Tochigi and the small city of Nikko. We first visited the famous shrines of Tosho-gu, the mausoleum of shōgun Tokugawa Leyasu, Rinnoji Temple, and one of Japan's most famous bridges, The Shinkyo Bridge. The next day we got in touch with nature by sightseeing at two amazing waterfalls, Kegon Falls and Ryuzu Waterfall.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Voting, NZ Election, and an Elaborate Escape Room

October 20, 2020 11:54 - 23 minutes - 31.8 MB

We talk briefly about voting in the recent New Zealand election. Then we chat about the exciting and extensive, Lupin the Third based, escape room we had the pleasure of doing.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Odawara Castle, Hakone, and our first Naked Onsen Experience

October 01, 2020 13:42 - 42 minutes - 58.1 MB

We had a weekend getaway at Hakone, a popular day-trip destination for Tokyoites. First, on the way we visit the 15th century Odawara Castle. Then it was off to Hakone where we took photos under the famous shrine peace torii, ate black eggs on a volcanic mountain, and Saumya had his first nude onsen experience.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Food, Food, Food, Planetarium

September 22, 2020 03:33 - 36 minutes - 50.8 MB

We talk about some of the amazing restaurants we've been to recently and we visit the planetarium in Yurakucho. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Obon, Government Stimulus Cheque, and Zushi Beach

August 22, 2020 09:11 - 39 minutes - 53.6 MB

Last week was Obon, a celebration of ones ancestors. Ellie and I saw an uptick of people at work, we finally received our government stimulus cheques, and we go to our first beach in Japan.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coronavirus Update, Psychology Tests, and Tokyo Parks

August 14, 2020 10:21 - 44 minutes - 60.6 MB

We give an update on the growing cases of coronavirus in Japan and on how our Eikaiwa is handling the situation. We also did a psychology test for work and discuss whether it’s all bullcrap or not. Finally I tell Ellie about my day visiting Shinjuku Central Park, and the largest park in Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Castles, Temples, and Forests in Nagano

July 23, 2020 23:56 - 43 minutes - 60.3 MB

We continue on to Nagano. We go to our first castle in Matsumoto, and visit the grand and beautiful 7th century Zenkoji Temple. We then walked through epic cedars on our way to Togakushi Shrine, and got anxious about bears.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Site-Seeing in Karuizawa

July 21, 2020 22:36 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MB

We begin our visit to Nagano prefecture in the mountain town of Karuizawa. Famous for its snow sports in Winter, during summer, it offers a great escape from the humid heat of Tokyo. We shopped in the relatively cheap outlet mall, Prince shopping plaza, bussed up to the beautiful Shiraito Falls, and saw absolutely nothing at the Usui Pass Observation Platform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Work Certification, Best Sushi We've Had, and Trying to be Vegetarian in Japan

July 10, 2020 09:55 - 23 minutes - 32.7 MB

We're required to take a test at work in order to get our contracts renewed. We also go to Tokyo Tower in the rain and stumble on the greatest sushi we've had so far. Lastly, Saumya talks about his struggle with dieting.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shinagawa Aquarium, Japanese Design, and Planning a Trip

June 28, 2020 23:53 - 34 minutes - 47.2 MB

We've been working non-stop in June so on our one day off we decide to visit the aquarium. We also discuss Japanese design, and we plan our upcoming trip to Karuizawa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To Get a Teaching Job In Japan - Gaijin Guide

June 16, 2020 19:02 - 38 minutes - 53.1 MB

In this Gaijin Guide we cover what you need to get a teaching job in Japan and the different teaching opportunities available, including and benefits and costs of each.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back to Work (again) and Hanging Out at Tama River

June 09, 2020 21:13 - 23 minutes - 31.8 MB

Our eikaiwa is open again so we're back working again after two months. Also it's great being able to hang out with friends again. For more information on #blacklivesmatter please visit their website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mt Takao and Ota-Ku Parks

June 05, 2020 12:03 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MB

The state of emergency in Tokyo ends so we venture out to some of our local parks here in Ota-Ku. We then went to the number one spot to visit around Tokyo, as voted by our students.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Online Lessons, River Walk, and other Rambles

May 23, 2020 13:07 - 34 minutes - 48 MB

Ellie has training for online lessons so we go to Shinagawa where we find a nice river to walk along, we discuss how being home for so long has affected us, and we ramble on topics from food to traveling after the pandemic.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finding an Apartment and The Cost of Living in Japan - Gaijin Guide

May 12, 2020 22:20 - 53 minutes - 73.4 MB

We share our knowledge on how to find an apartment in Japan, what you'll need to do once you arrive here, and how much money you should realistically be saving. If you've ever wanted to move to Japan, this is a must-listen episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finding an Apartment and The Cost of Living in Japan

May 12, 2020 22:20 - 53 minutes - 73.4 MB

We share our knowledge on how to find an apartment in Japan, what you'll need to do once you arrive here, and how much money you should realistically be saving. If you've ever wanted to move to Japan, this is a must-listen episode. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Update

May 02, 2020 04:08 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MB

We give you a quick update on whats happening with our lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Post Pandemic Plan

April 24, 2020 05:55 - 35 minutes - 48.6 MB

We each pick out our top three places we want to visit once everything goes back to normal.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Things to Do in Japan after the Pandemic

April 24, 2020 05:55 - 35 minutes - 48.6 MB

We each pick out our top three places we want to visit once everything goes back to normal.  For information regarding your data privacy, visit Acast.com/privacy

State of Emergency in Tokyo

April 16, 2020 07:22 - 39 minutes - 53.6 MB

Tokyo is in lock down, we're out of work, and we discuss the current state of the world and what we anticipate for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should We Stay, or Should We Go?

April 08, 2020 13:32 - 29 minutes - 40.4 MB

We discuss whether this pandemic is reason enough for us to move back to New Zealand.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Working Again, IKEA, and Medical Malpractice?

March 29, 2020 22:00 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MB

We have a slow week of work which opened after three weeks, Ellie goes to the doctor but is unsure how to feel about the experience, and we're excitied for our first ever IKEA experience.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Week 3 of Work Closure and 3rd Month in Japan

March 22, 2020 06:24 - 30 minutes - 42.4 MB

We have another week off work due to coronavirus. We talk about the way Japan is handling the pandemic and how we're dealing with it personally. We then briefly talk about what 3 months in Japan has been like.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coronavirus Intensifies, Mt Fuji Viewing, and a Yogogi Park Picnic

March 12, 2020 07:02 - 30 minutes - 41.7 MB

We share our thoughts on the continued impact that coronavirus is having on the world. Also this week, we went to view cherry blossoms but found views of Mt Fuji instead, and we had a nice wee picnic in the park.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kawagoe and Coronavirus Update

March 02, 2020 23:57 - 30 minutes - 42.6 MB

We venture off to Kawagoe, visiting the old bell tower, which used to be the symbol of the town, and we go for a relaxing walk to see the local shrines. Also, we found out our Eikaiwa, like many businesses, has closed its doors for the next two weeks due to coronavirus.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

VR Theme Park, Izakaya, and Coronavirus

February 27, 2020 22:00 - 31 minutes - 43.5 MB

We won the lotto (technically), and this week we celebrate a friends birthday by going to a VR theme park followed by our first proper izakaya in Japan. Saumya goes adventuring on his own while Ellie has work, and we spend some time talking about coronavirus.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Asakusa, Yummy Vegan Food 2.0, and a Gross Home Cooked Meal

February 18, 2020 23:00 - 21 minutes - 29 MB

We talk about our lazy carefree mornings and spending valentines at Asakusa, where, for the second straight Friday, we eat vegan food. Then it was hard not to mention the worst meal Ellie's ever cooked. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One Month Teaching, New Friends, and Vegan Food

February 12, 2020 22:11 - 33 minutes - 46.2 MB

We discuss our first month of teaching English and Saumya makes some new friends. Plus we had a foodie week topped with a delectable vegan dinner.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exploring Temples in Kamakura

February 05, 2020 02:38 - 32 minutes - 44.5 MB

We go to Kamakura and Enoshima Island, visiting some temples along the way. Ellie has an unpleasant experience on the train.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thoughts on Teaching English, and Celebrating Chinese New Years in Yokohama

January 28, 2020 04:11 - 33 minutes - 45.9 MB

Saumya shares his thoughts on Kobe Bryant. We have our first week of teaching students English, and we notice some possible cultural differences between Western and Asian societies. Lastly, we went to China Town in Yokohama. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Training for our New Jobs

January 22, 2020 04:38 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MB

Our care free days in Japan are sadly over, as we start our new jobs as English teachers! We have a week of training and are excited to start this new part of our lives. We did, however, manage to find some time at the end of the week to go exploring; visiting Yoyogi Park. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#3 - Unexpected Shrine, Digital Art Museum, and a couple of Disneytastic Days

January 13, 2020 05:08 - 35 minutes - 48.2 MB

We just returned from the Frozen 2 café and had to vent our frustrations. The rest of the week was our "best week ever" which started off getting caught in a crowd for an unexpected visit to a shrine. The next day we ventured out to the Mori Digital Art Museum where we spent 7 hours amongst the amazing artworks. Finally we were blown away by how magical Disneyland and DisneySea were, where Saumya had a therapeutic experience.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#2 - Surprise Hentai, New Years, and a Cat Garden

January 06, 2020 13:45 - 30 minutes - 41.9 MB

We're shocked to find some hentai, have a drunk New Years, and are pleased to find some cats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#1 - Introduction, First Week, and a low-key Christmas

January 01, 2020 16:30 - 23 minutes - 31.7 MB

Our first impressions of Tokyo, getting settled, and having a low-key Christmas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.