Eli Sooker

Sake Brewing in Saku

May 9, 2020

Check out my latest article published on the travel website “All About Japan”. Link below. I recently participated in a sake brewing and Japanese culture experience called “Kurabito Stay“. While not exactly cheap, it is certainly memorable if you want a unique way to experience authentic Japan. The best part is you’re supporting a lesser … More Sake Brewing in Saku

Mt Kurofuyama and the First Camp of the Year

April 26, 2020

Click here for full article I intended to climb Mt Asama the other day, but as I slept in and messed around in the morning I only got my butt to the trailhead around 11am. There are multiple trails to climb Mt Asama and I actually visited two during this weekend, both accessible from Komoro, … More Mt Kurofuyama and the First Camp of the Year

Shakusonji Temple: Hidden Crannies of Japan #1

April 9, 2020

I decided to start a separate series of blog posts for those surprisingly not-so-rare moments where I randomly stumble across something epic in the middle of nowhere in Japan. Let’s talk about going off the beaten path. The posts will be mostly photo-based with a brief paragraph or two about how and where I find … More Shakusonji Temple: Hidden Crannies of Japan #1

Backyard Birdies #1: 04/03/2020: Gay Woodpeckers

April 8, 2020

Gay woodpeckers?!? About a week ago I moved to a new apartment. (Even though I’ve been living in the same town for half a year now, this is the 3rd time I’ve moved within the town–not by choice but seems I can’t escape the nomadic life, sigh) From the front of the apartment there’s an … More Backyard Birdies #1: 04/03/2020: Gay Woodpeckers

A Barefoot Blunder: When Japanese Plasters Don’t Stick to Kiwi Feet (Extended Version)

June 10, 2019

This is the long/extended version of my story, originally published by Global Hobo. With their permission I have posted it here. If you’d like to read the short version, click this link. I’m 10 minutes into my 2.5 hour walk to get from the little empty station on the side of the little empty … More A Barefoot Blunder: When Japanese Plasters Don’t Stick to Kiwi Feet (Extended Version)