Selena Hoy

A day trip tour to Hakone and Fuji

Feature story in En Voyage, EVA Airways' inflight magazine, on 48 Hours in Tokyo.

10 Best Airbnbs in Kyoto

Zen monk and garden designer Shunmyo Masuno on clearing the mind.
Words Selena Takigawa Hoy
Looking at a garden is a way to feel and realize certain things. The reason monks started engaging in garden creation is rooted in the original ideals of Zen. Ideally, one would build a small hut in a natural and abundant setting—in the midst of a forest, or near a river—and contemplate life. As natural surroundings disappeared, it prompted monks to create gardens to bri...

How to visit Japan's shrines and temples—with respect
Why are there Buddhas hidden in some Shinto shrines? Why do temples and shrines often share the same grounds? These sacred spaces have a compelling history.

Centuries of Japanese folklore inspired ‘The Boy and the Heron’

Chasing powder? Check out these spots for your snowy getaway in Japan.
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Fluffy powder, hot springs, and cold sake — if that sounds like a good day on the mountain, then Japan is a perfect ski destination for you. The country is ridged with volcanic mountain ranges, and its latitude and weather patterns mean it's blessed with plenty of fine, dry powder — and the ski resorts to go with it.
The season runs from December to April or possibly beyond,...

A longtime Tokyo resident shares her tips for 7 of the city’s best museums.

Sure, I’ve lived in Tokyo for more than 15 years, but I'll never run out of museums to check out here. The city's museums have almost every theme and subject covered, from contemporary art to anime to history to eye-popping digital works. And while there’s no shortage of fancy, multi-story galleries worth visiting, I also love the tiny ones showcasing niche obsessions.
But bef...

Using Story Circles, Art, and Play to Support Children’s Responses to Stress and Trauma

This flavorful soup—made with alkaline wheat noodles, a rich broth, and a seasoning sauce known as tare (plus a variety of toppings)—has quickly become one of the country’s most famous foods. Ramen can be eaten as a quick lunch, a satisfying supper, or a late-night snack, and there are a variety of ramen shops in every part of the city. Tokyo’s signature style is flavored with a soy sauce (shoyu) tare, but look around the city, and you’ll also find versions from pretty much every other part o...

Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines are everywhere in Japan. Selena Hoy reveals her pick of 9 deservedly famous holy structures you have to see for yourself.
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Shrines and temples are an integral part of Japan’s history and culture and visiting them is a wonderful way to understand important aspects of Japan. Even for Japanese people who aren’t overtly religious, Shinto and Buddhism are woven into everyday life, and influence aesthetics, diet, holidays, rituals, and celebrations. For me,...

Where to eat in Fukuokua, Japan, for Cathay, Cathay Pacific Airways' inflight magazine.

Kimpton Shinjuku: Relaxed, Contemporary, Stylish
The Kimpton Shinjuku opened its doors in 2022 and brings a contemporary, stylish offering to Tokyo’s hotel scene. District, where afternoon tea is served, has a relaxed vibe, including a breezy balcony with rattan furniture.. Rather than including savories in the presentation, guests are given a salad starter and invited to choose a main dish from a brunch/lunch menu as an alternative to the usual mini quiches and cucumber sandwiches, before th...