Sarah Chen
Destination & Culture Writer
Travel journalist and cultural explorer who has lived in four countries. Sarah focuses on destination deep-dives, local culture, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Sarah spent three years living and working across Southeast Asia before relocating to Europe. Her writing draws on deep local knowledge and a genuine curiosity for how people live, eat, and celebrate around the world.
Areas of Expertise
- Southeast Asia, Japan, and East Asia travel
- European city guides and cultural travel
- Food tourism and local culinary experiences
- Budget and mid-range travel planning
Writing Approach
Sarah goes beyond surface-level travel tips. Her destination guides include cultural context, local etiquette, and the kind of neighborhood-level recommendations you only get from someone who has spent real time in a place.
Articles by Sarah Chen (95)
Discover astonishing facts about Japan
Surprising facts about Japan's resilience, cultural traditions, diverse geography, and global influence that go well beyond Tokyo and bullet trains.
Read more
Legal drinking age in Japan
Japan's legal drinking age is 20. Learn the enforcement rules, ID requirements, cultural context, and drinking etiquette for travelers.
Read more
Pokémon Center Japan: a must-visit for fans
What to expect at Japan's official Pokemon Centers, from exclusive merchandise and rare trading cards to seasonal items in Tokyo and Osaka.
Read more
Japan: Past, Present & Bullet Trains
Plan your Japan itinerary with top things to do in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima, plus culinary experiences and Shinkansen travel tips.
Read more
Japan's Cherry Blossoms: Fleeting Spectacle
Find the best times and places to see cherry blossoms in Japan, from Tokyo and Kyoto to Mount Yoshino, plus hanami tips.
Read more
USA vs. Japan: Crossing Cultural Lines
Understand the key cultural differences between the USA and Japan in business etiquette, communication styles, and public behavior.
Read more
White Day in Japan: Beyond the Chocolate
What is White Day in Japan? Learn about this March 14th gift-giving tradition, its origins, evolving customs, and popular gift ideas.
Read more
Safely Explore Japan's Outdoors
Season-by-season guide to hiking safely in Japan, covering winter gear, spring trail conditions, wildlife encounters, and more.
Read more
Savvy Japan Exploration: Master Shoulder Seasons and Discover Free Gems
Travel Japan on a budget by timing your trip to shoulder season, using the Japan Rail Pass, finding free cultural events, and leveraging discount apps.
Read more
Japan's Wild Heart: From Hokkaido's Wildlife to Okinawa's Whale Sharks
From Hokkaido bear watching to Okinawa whale shark snorkeling, plan Japan nature tours across four seasonal highlights.
Read more
Mastering Japanese Etiquette: From Shoes to Chopsticks
Essential Japanese etiquette for travelers: bowing, removing shoes indoors, chopstick rules, table manners, and public behavior tips.
Read more
Explore the Heart of Japan
Plan a Japan trip with guided Mount Fuji hikes, Tokyo food tours, cultural experiences, and private English-speaking drivers.
Read more