Reinventing Myself in Osaka and Seoul: The Prefect Blend of Culture, Takoyaki and Korean BBQ

When life throws a curveball in the career department, and you find yourself sitting there thinking, well… now what? Yep, that was me. After 30 years in the same career, something sparked inside me: the urge to shake things up, try something new, and maybe (just maybe) eat and taste my way around the world while I’m at it.

Suddenly, my mind was a chaotic slideshow of travel dreams—returning to places I love, discovering new ones, and trying foods I hadn’t even heard of yet. So, I asked myself, what’s stopping me? (Besides the whole “no job” thing, of course.)

A few friends—clearly eager to live vicariously through my adventures—kept saying, "We love hearing about your travels! You should totally write about them!" And, well, they had a point. So here I am, ready to take you along for the ride!

A little research, a lot of investigating, and—let’s be honest—an absolute ton of YouTube tutorials later… here we are! Blog officially launched. Buckle up (or at least grab a snack), because things are about to get interesting!

Japan: Old Love, New Adventures

And where better to start than Japan?

Japan—a place that’s anything but new to me. My first visit was when my son was just three years old, which means I’ve been coming here for 20 years! And let me tell you, the thrill and excitement never fade.

Every time I land, I feel that same rush, that same can’t-wait-to-explore energy. Because Japan never feels like just “going back.” There’s always something new—a hidden alleyway whisky bar, a quirky café with a fun or bizarre theme (owl cafés? Hedgehog cafés? Japan’s got it all), or a festival I never knew existed. No two trips have ever been the same, and that’s what keeps me coming back for more.

Take my last two trips, for example—March 2023 and October 2024. Completely different experiences!

March 2023: Family, Motorcycles & Mountains

March was a trip with my husband and son, and naturally, if you know them, they needed to be at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show. (Seriously, it wasn’t an option—it was a mission.) Both of them are mad about motorbikes, so off we went, spending a few days admiring bikes, gear, and tech while surrounded by equally enthusiastic crowds. (That’s a whole other story for another day—let’s just say if it has two wheels and an engine, they’re there.)

After soaking up enough chrome, rubber, and revs to last a while, we escaped to the stunning Myoko Kogen, a beautiful mountain region where spring was just starting to take hold, and the last patches of snow were melting away. But this trip wasn’t just about nature—it was also about reconnecting.

We caught up with long-time friends who we had first met years ago, when my son was about five. Back then, we had stayed with them at their cozy Country Inn, Canadian House, and over the years, we’d kept in touch. Seeing them again, sharing stories, and reminiscing over how much time had passed made the trip even more special.

And the cherry on top—literally? The cherry blossoms were beginning to bloom in Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture, dotting the landscape with delicate pink petals. There’s something magical about watching spring unfold in Japan, especially in the peaceful mountain setting of Myoko. It was the perfect mix of crisp mountain air, fresh blossoms, and the warmth of old friendships.

Of course, no Japan trip is complete without a cultural deep dive, so we made our way to Kyoto, exploring shrines, palaces, and centuries-old traditions. Then it was time to swap tranquillity for the energy of Osaka, where neon lights, bustling streets, and vibrant food stalls filled our days and nights.

A Mother-Daughter Foodie Adventure in Japan

The October trip? A totally different pace. This time, it was just me and my mum—our very own mother-daughter foodie tour. And let me tell you, we savoured our way through every city we visited. From tucked-away ramen shops where the broth had been lovingly simmered for hours, to beautifully marbled Kobe beef in Kobe, each meal was a treat for the senses.

There were crispy takoyaki fresh off the hotplate in Dotonbori, cloud-like soufflé pancakes, and an endless parade of strawberry desserts—from parfaits layered with sweet berries to creamy ichigo daifuku (strawberry mochi). If something looked delicious, we were more than happy to try it.

Between meals (because yes, we did take breaks from tasting our way around), we explored Japan’s rich culture and iconic sights. We wandered the peaceful deer-filled parks of Nara, took in the dazzling lights of Osaka’s Dotonbori, and even caught a traditional Maiko performance in Kyoto. We shopped, laughed, and took a ride on the Hep Five Ferris wheel for sweeping city views. But the real highlight? Experiencing it all together—at our own pace, with no rush, just a shared sense of curiosity and discovery.

A New Chapter: South Korea

And then, in March 2025, I decided to switch things up. South Korea was calling, and I was more than ready to explore! Seoul and Busan became my playgrounds (oh, and my husband came along to keep me company!)—two cities rich in history, full of culture, and yes, home to some truly unforgettable food.

Seoul was a whirlwind of towering skyscrapers, traditional hanok villages, bustling markets, and music echoing through the streets. One moment I was sipping a beautifully crafted coffee in a trendy café, and the next I was sampling spicy tteokbokki or enjoying a warm, flavourful bowl of kimchi jjigae at Gwangjang Market.

An Unexpected Family Reunion

And then—one of those happy travel surprises! Just before our trip, we found out that my brother and sister-in-law would also be stopping over in Seoul at the same time.

So what do you do when you unexpectedly reunite with family in South Korea? You head out for Korean BBQ and a night of karaoke, naturally. We grilled tender meats at the table, wrapped them in crisp lettuce with a bit of garlic and ssamjang, and caught up over shared plates and laughter.

Next stop: noraebang (karaoke)! In our private room, we sang our hearts out—’70s hits, classic rock, and a few guilty pleasures—complete with tambourines and over-the-top performances. It was one of those nights that felt completely spontaneous and totally memorable.

Busan: The Laid-Back Seaside Escape

After all the excitement of Seoul, Busan offered a change of pace. Coastal breezes, fresh seafood, and relaxed vibes made it feel like a breath of fresh air.

We took the scenic coastal train and stopped by one of the local restaurants for barbecued king prawns by the water. The sea air, the sound of waves, and the simple pleasure of eating well in a beautiful spot—it was a perfect afternoon.

To take in more of the city, we hopped on a sightseeing bus, checking out a blend of modern buildings, traditional markets, and cultural sites. At Busan Tower, we were treated to panoramic views stretching from cityscape to ocean. The calm energy of Busan was the perfect way to end this part of our trip.

The Joy of… Booking Accommodation?

Now, I know this might sound odd, but one of my favourite parts of trip planning? Booking accommodation. Yep, really. While most people dread the endless search, I actually enjoy it. There’s something fun about the hunt—whether it’s a sleek hotel with a skyline view, a peaceful ryokan with an onsen, or a unique little guesthouse in a quirky neighbourhood. Call it a strange passion, but it’s part of the adventure for me.

If you’re planning your own trip and looking for great places to stay, check out my link to Agoda for some fantastic options. They’ve got something for every type of traveller, from luxury hotels to cozy stays.

The Journey Continues…

From cherry blossoms in Niigata to laid-back moments by the sea in Busan, from unexpected reunions to quiet mornings in Kyoto—this journey has become about more than just travel. It’s a fresh start, a rediscovery of the world (and myself), and a reminder that it’s never too late to follow a new path.

And this is only the beginning. Whether it’s Japan, South Korea, or somewhere entirely new, there are always more stories to share, more places to discover, and more meaningful moments to soak in.

Thanks for coming along for the ride—let’s see where we go next.