Listen: I am a city girl. I am a pavement queen. I love the hustle and bustle and I’m-walkin’-here energy. I thrive on it.

But I didn’t really thrive in Tokyo.

So, I’d like to preface this blog post by saying that most of my travel guides for digital nomads are helpful! Some even call them legendary. But today’s blog? I’m sorry to say there were a few things that really kept me from digging into Tokyo.

First, I was spoiled silly by Seoul, South Korea when it came to my favorite activities: writing in coffeeshops, drinking coffee in coffeeshops, living and breathing in coffeeshops. Seoul has an ungodly amount of cafes and coffeeshops that are cute, vibey, and feel like home to my writerly brain.

Tokyo — and Japan as a whole, with a few rare exceptions in Kyoto — hasn’t really embraced coffeeshop culture. Or, at least Western coffeeshop culture, where you sit outside on a patio (in Europe) or inside (in the US) and just read a book or work on your laptop and just vibe out for an hour or six. I remember being at a cafe in Milan where people just camped out with their friends all day going from drinking coffee to wine: the relaxed atmosphere and cozy seating open to all.

In Tokyo, coffeeshops are often small and cramped. It’s also rude to walk down the street and drink a coffee (scandalous!) or a drink of any kind, so you’re stuck awkwardly standing on the side of a busy road drinking your coffee in order to adhere to local etiquette. Not really my favorite way to start my morning.

Japan is also getting the full force of the hype train on social media. It feels like everyone and their cat is in Japan. Are you in Japan, too? If so, would love you to hit me up on Substack and let me know your honest thoughts.

I also want to say that Kyoto is probably one of my new favorite cities in the whole wide world, and I’ve been to quite a few places. So if you’re wanting to read an epic travel guide with some good writing vibes, maybe skip to that blog post instead.

But if you want some candid opinions on Tokyo, then read on.

Listen to this travel guide or read it here on my blog.

Happy travels!

-Amy

p.s. I create my newsletter voiceovers and my podcast episodes using the tool Wondercraft AI, a text-to-speech tool that speaks in YOUR voice. 🎙 Use my code SUTO50 or this link to get 50% off your Wondercraft AI subscription! (paid/affiliate link)

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/subscribe

Listen to my travel guide or read it on my blog!

p.s. I create my newsletter voiceovers and my podcast episodes using the tool Wondercraft AI, a text-to-speech tool that speaks in YOUR voice. 🎙 Use my code SUTO50 or this link to get 50% off your Wondercraft AI subscription! (paid/affiliate link)

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/subscribe

Hey friends — The Nomad Detective: Volume I is now available for pre-order on Amazon!

I’m writing to you from my hotel room in Taipei, Taiwan — and I couldn’t be more excited to share The Nomad Detective with you!

As a full-time digital nomad, there are so many stories and insane things that I’ve experienced and heard through the grapevine while on the road. From disappearances in jungles to murders in catacombs, it’s a wild world, y’all.

I’m also a big fan of elements from the Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot stories, and the Private Eye genre holds a special place in my heart.

If you feel the same, you’ll love The Nomad Detective.

You can pre-order your copy on Amazon Kindle below:

The book will be officially available on August 1st and will be auto-delivered to your Kindle or e-reader of choice.

Want a physical copy? Don’t worry — the hardcover will be available on August 1st as well.

Thanks for your support — every pre-order helps to boost The Nomad Detective closer to the top of Amazon bestseller lists.

I’ve spent hundreds of hours writing in coffeeshops from Buenos Aires to Seoul to Kyoto to craft something twisty and cool for you to read — and I hope you dig it!

Thanks for your vote of confidence. Can’t wait for you to experience the first book in the series!

-Amy

p.s. I create my newsletter voiceovers and my podcast episodes using the tool Wondercraft AI, a text-to-speech tool that speaks in YOUR voice. 🎙 Use my code SUTO50 or this link to get 50% off your Wondercraft AI subscription! (paid/affiliate link)

Get full access to From the Desk of Amy Suto: Make Writing Your Job at fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/subscribe

My new travel guide is live on my blog, Amy Suto.com! If you’re curious what a self-guided yoga and writing retreat looks like in Kyoto, look no further. I’ve got all of the best recs for where to stay, what to do, and what to eat in Kyoto!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/subscribe

📖 3-Minute Story: This is the Last Time…

To be honest, I had prepared a very different newsletter to go out today. Something more tactical about how writers can set up passive streams of income to fund their travel.

That’s still a post I will share — another time.

It’s my last day in Kyoto, Japan, where I’ve been working remotely for the last month. To be honest, I’m already nostalgic thinking about all of the things I’m doing for the “last time” today.

Walking through the Imperial Gardens in Kyoto for the last time…

Taking my favorite yoga teacher’s class for the last time…

Writing in a breezy coffeeshop built in a traditional Japanese building for the last time…

While I probably will be back in the future, it’s goodbye (for now!) to this timeless city.

As a digital nomad and full-time writer/traveler, there are a lot of “last times” in each place I visit. Whether I’m staying for a month or a few days, I’m constantly reminded to look around and enjoy.

Enjoy the soft breeze in a beautiful park, enjoy the sounds of a rushing river cutting through a city steeped in history, enjoy moving through a yoga flow first thing in the morning.

Each of these small things feels important. Weighted with presence. That’s why travel is so important in our lives: it slows us down, forces us to be here because we only have so much time to enjoy a place.

A month might be unremarkable if you’re stuck in a daily routine that never changes, but a month could be emotionally full and bursting with life if we’re present for every moment of it — and you don’t even have to travel to be mindful of the little things (although travel certainly helps!)

Everything in life is fleeting. We are only here for a short period of time. Writing helps us capture the beautiful moments, reminds us of what it means to be here — and helps us enjoy everything before our own “last time” comes.

How are you being present in your own life?

Here are more posts of mine you may find interesting:

✨ 2 Things I’ve Read and Loved This Week…

* Throne of Glass books #7 and #8 by Sarah J. Maas. Almost done with this series. Book reviews coming soon on my blog AmySuto.com!

* Age-Fluidity by Mari Andrew. I love this piece on aging. I’m about to turn 30 soon, and I’ve been contemplating what it means to age joyfully, and this article had some great ideas in it.

✍️ 1 Journal Prompt

* Checking in on your writing goals. We’re almost halfway through 2024! Reflect on your writing progress so far. How are your writing goals going? Are there any projects you’re blocked on or are neglecting?

Feel free to share your reflections in the comments:

💻 New Blog Posts on AmySuto.com

* Book Review: Everybody Knows by Jordan Harper

* Working Remotely in Seoul, South Korea (Digital Nomad Travel Guide)

* Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

📸 Photo of the Week: Cats of Kyoto

The cats who live amongst the shrines are unbothered, chill, all good vibes as they nap in the sunshine and sniff select tourists with curiosity. Big fan.

Follow me on Substack Notes or Instagram for more!

Sending creativity and good writing vibes your way,

-Amy

p.s. I create my newsletter voiceovers and my podcast episodes using the tool Wondercraft AI, a text-to-speech tool that speaks in YOUR voice. 🎙 Use my code SUTO50 or this link to get 50% off your Wondercraft AI subscription! (paid/affiliate link)

Get full access to From the Desk of Amy Suto: Make Writing Your Job at fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/subscribe

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more. 

Visit my website: AmySuto.com (https://AmySuto.com)

Get 50% off WONDERCRAFT AI using my code SUTO50 or go to this link: https://www.wondercraft.ai/?via=amy (https://www.wondercraft.ai/?via=amy). (Disclaimer: This is an affiliate link. I’m eligible to receive a commission for — thank you for your support) 

Subscribe to my newsletter, ✍️ FROM THE DESK OF AMY SUTO ✍️ on Substack: https://fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/ (https://fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/)

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Originally Published On: 3/10/24

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/subscribe

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more. 

Visit my website: AmySuto.com (https://AmySuto.com)

Get 50% off WONDERCRAFT AI using my code SUTO50 or go to this link: https://www.wondercraft.ai/?via=amy (https://www.wondercraft.ai/?via=amy). (Disclaimer: This is an affiliate link. I’m eligible to receive a commission for — thank you for your support) 

Subscribe to my newsletter, ✍️ FROM THE DESK OF AMY SUTO ✍️ on Substack: https://fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/ (https://fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/)

Follow me on all platforms @Sutoscience

Originally Published On: 3/3/24

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/subscribe

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more. 

Visit my website: AmySuto.com (https://AmySuto.com)

Get 50% off WONDERCRAFT AI using my code SUTO50 or go to this link: https://www.wondercraft.ai/?via=amy (https://www.wondercraft.ai/?via=amy). (Disclaimer: This is an affiliate link. I’m eligible to receive a commission for — thank you for your support) 

Subscribe to my newsletter, ✍️ FROM THE DESK OF AMY SUTO ✍️ on Substack: https://fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/ (https://fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/)

Follow me on all platforms @Sutoscience

Originally Published On: 2/18/24

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/subscribe

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more. 

Visit my website: AmySuto.com (https://AmySuto.com)

Get 50% off WONDERCRAFT AI using my code SUTO50 or go to this link: https://www.wondercraft.ai/?via=amy (https://www.wondercraft.ai/?via=amy). (Disclaimer: This is an affiliate link. I’m eligible to receive a commission for — thank you for your support) 

Subscribe to my newsletter, ✍️ FROM THE DESK OF AMY SUTO ✍️ on Substack: https://fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/ (https://fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/)

Follow me on all platforms @Sutoscience

Originally Published On: 2/14/24

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/subscribe

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more. 

Visit my website: AmySuto.com (https://AmySuto.com)

Get 50% off WONDERCRAFT AI using my code SUTO50 or go to this link: https://www.wondercraft.ai/?via=amy (https://www.wondercraft.ai/?via=amy). (Disclaimer: This is an affiliate link. I’m eligible to receive commission for — thank you for your support) 

Subscribe to my newsletter, ✍️ FROM THE DESK OF AMY SUTO ✍️ on Substack: https://fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/ (https://fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/)

Follow me on all platforms @Sutoscience

Originally Published On: 2/11/24

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fromthedeskofamysuto.substack.com/subscribe