Best Japanese Drugstore Beauty Products + Where To Buy!

This post is looooong overdue! Two of the most common questions I get asked is where to buy beauty products in Japan and which ones I recommend, so I finally made a video about it!

Every trip I always buy a mix of Japanese, Korean and western beauty products, because there are just soooooo many brands and Japan-exclusive items that I just can’t get in Australia. Plus, they're A-MAZING. All an excuse to visit more often 😜

Watch the video below:

The Best Instagrammable Cafes In Tokyo [Pt. 2!] // Super Cute Photo Spots!

Since you loved the last Instagrammable cafes in Tokyo video from my last season of #hijessicaanneinjapan, I'm back again with part two!

From 3D latte art to GIANT pink donuts, and even a cafe dedicated to a character from one of my favourite childhood storybooks, have fun adding these adorable and totally insta-friendly spots to your Tokyo itinerary!

Watch the video below:

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// IN THIS VIDEO

☕ Aoyama Flower Market Tea House, Akasaka
☕ Paddler's Coffee, Shibuya
☕ Melting In The Mouth, Hiroo
☕ On The Way, Shimokitazawa
☕ Reissue Latte Art, Harajuku
☕ Alfred Tea Room, Aoyama
☕ Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe, Jiyugaoka

JAPAN GIVEAWAY! All Of My Fave Items From Japan 🎁✨

Hello from home!

This solo traveller is back in Melbourne, Australia, and as a thank you to everyone who watched along on my third #hijessicaanneinjapan vlog series, I brought back a bunch of my favourite Japanese items from my travels for a giveaway!

Want to know how to enter? Check out the video below!

Two Weeks Solo Travelling In Japan! 🇯🇵 | VLOG 2019

Three cities, 20+ hours of footage, two cameras and one girl, all squeezed into three minutes featuring all of my favourite moments from my sixth visit to Japan.

WHAT. A. TRIP.

A BIG thank you to everyone who watched along as every weekly episode of #hijessicaanneinjapan season three was released - I hope you enjoy looking back at the trip with me and for those travelling to Japan soon, I hope I've helped fill up that itinerary!

And stay tuned... there are still lots of Japan videos to come!

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Watch the video below:

HUGE Japan Shopping Haul 2019 + Last Day In Tokyo! | Solo Travel Japan Vlog

From fashion and beauty, to anime goodies and random items, I bought a LOT during my two week trip to Japan. And when I say a LOT, I mean I ended up having to pay $100+ in luggage overweight fees at the airport lololololol

To everyone who followed along on my sixth trip to Japan, thank you SO much! I've loved getting to know you through the comments and chatting about all things Japan with you, and even though this is the last vlog for this season of #hijessicaanneinjapan, there are still heaps of Japan videos on the way (including a giveaway - stay tuned)!

If there are any travel topics you'd like me to cover in a future vid, let me know in the comments below. For now, I'll catch you in the next video! ✨

Watch the video below:

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// IN THIS VIDEO

ANA InterContinental Tokyo Hotel Airport Shuttle // http://bit.ly/2G9Gq02
Aoyama Flower Market Tea House // http://bit.ly/2LLsYDi
Tokyo Blue Bottle Coffee // http://bit.ly/2Lh2QAG

A Day Trip To Tokyo's Coastal Town, Kamakura! | Solo Travel Japan Vlog

If you're looking for an easy little escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, just one hour away is the gorgeous coastal town of Kamakura!

Full of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to explore (and LOTS of delicious street food stalls to visit on the way!), Kamakura is a quick and culture-filled day trip spot. 

After six visits to Japan, visiting this seaside city was heavily underlined on my to-travel-to list, and I finally made that a reality for #hijessicanneinjapan season 3! And spoiler alert, it was 100% as lovely to visit as everyone says it is. 

Watch the video below:

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// IN THIS VIDEO

Komachi Dori // http://bit.ly/2NrMM0Y
Imoyoshi Yakata (Croquette Shop) // http://bit.ly/2Jjyn1E
Verve Coffee Roasters // http://bit.ly/2NxnA9i
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu // http://bit.ly/329xotl
Daibutsu Great Buddha // http://bit.ly/2XnGD5v

Thrifting, Cafes & Karaoke In Shimokitazawa, Tokyo! | Solo Travel Japan Vlog

Welcome back to Tokyo's hipster town of Shimokitazawa!

After visiting this super trendy area of Tokyo - known for thrift stores and great cafes - in season two of #hijessicaanneinjapan, I 100% couldn't resist coming back again. 

But this time, I brought Sammie (IG: @twinbuns) and Jemma (IG: @jemma_mae_) along with me for an amazing day out vintage shopping, arcade hopping and singing our little lungs out at karaoke! 

And as much as I'm a tried and true fan of solo travelling, there are just some activities in Japan that are much more fun with friends - and this day was a LOT of fun! 

Watch the video below:

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// IN THIS VIDEO 

My First Visit To Shimokitazawa (My Most Popular Vlog!) // https://youtu.be/gpdoqYB258c
Sammie // https://www.youtube.com/user/SammieSp... 

Jemma // https://www.youtube.com/user/Jemminem 

Chabuton (they have vegan options!) // http://bit.ly/2YfbthY 

Trefac Style // http://bit.ly/2KErlrs 

Lemonade by Lemonica // http://bit.ly/2IPr4zT 

Las Vegas Arcade // http://bit.ly/31Ulm7b 

On The Way Coffee&Cupcake // http://bit.ly/2X1FWyD 

Chicago Vintage // http://bit.ly/2IK5gp0 

Karaoke Mac // http://bit.ly/2KCZpEh 

Curry House CoCo Ichibanya // http://bit.ly/2Ykmhf6

5 Shops I ALWAYS Go To In Harajuku & Takeshita Street! | Solo Japan Vlog

Whenever I go to Tokyo, I always ensure I make a stop in the fashion mecca of Harajuku!

Famous for everything kawaii and colourful, it's 100% a must-visit shopping destination, and I wanted to share some of my favourite fashion and beauty stores in the area with you!

Just make sure you go during the week before school's out for the day - trust me that the crowds will be too big to brave on a weekend!!

Watch the video below:

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// IN THIS VIDEO

WEGO // http://bit.ly/2ZuSqAs
WC // http://bit.ly/2Fm2IeF
Stylenanda // http://bit.ly/2WR18Y3
Laline // http://bit.ly/2IUXOGG
Ainz Tulpe // http://bit.ly/2Fg2ndB
Heiroku Sushi // http://bit.ly/2Y28KZa

My Tokyo Airbnb Apartment Tour! 🏡 | Solo Travel Japan Vlog

Welcome to one of the most gorgeous Airbnb apartments in Tokyo!

In this week's #hijessicaanneinjapan vlog, come along as I travel from Osaka to my new home base in Tokyo - a stunning, Japanese inn-style apartment in the business district of Akasaka. 

If you're currently looking for accomodation for your Tokyo trip, I definitely give props to this place - it's beautiful, central and super spacious. Watch to see the tour! 

And if you like ramen, stay tuned to the end for a unique and absolutely delicious take on the standard dish that you may not have experienced before. Apologies in advance if you get hungry 😜

Watch the video below:

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// IN THIS VIDEO

My Akasaka Airbnb Apartment // http://bit.ly/2ZgVgsX
Sign up for Airbnb & Get A$55 To Spend On Your First Trip! // https://bit.ly/2LfbpZO
Ganso Mentai Nikomi Tsukemen // http://bit.ly/2WYczl9

A Day Trip To Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine! ⛩️ | Solo Travel Japan Vlog

After 5 trips to Japan, this was actually my very first time visiting Kyoto's magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine!

I always imagined the hike through the thousands of the iconic red gates would be too crowded to be worthwhile, but I managed to skip past the crowds and enjoy a relaxing and peaceful morning climbing to the summit of Mount Inari!

If you have a half-day in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari is definitely a must-visit; the views from the mountain are spectacular, and if you arrive at the shrine early enough, you'll easily get a chance to get that famous Memoirs Of A Geisha photo opp (without ANY people in the background!).

Watch the vlog below:

A Rainy Day At Osaka Castle + Trendy Orange Street 🏯🍊 | Solo Travel Japan Vlog

In today's vlog, we're out and about in Osaka!

Come along with me to the city's number one place to see - the gorgeous Osaka Castle, of course! I also spend a relaxing, rainy afternoon exploring Osaka's top street-style shopping spot, Tachibana-dori (otherwise known as Orange Street).

And if you're a fan of cheesecake... lemme tell you, you need to hang around to the end of the video 🤤

Watch the video below:

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// IN THIS VIDEO

HOOD by Vargas // http://bit.ly/30PK7AT
Osaka Castle // http://bit.ly/30TWtIq
Orange Street (Tachibana-dori) // http://bit.ly/2VTtS24
BIOTOP Osaka // http://bit.ly/2MfarkQ
Rikuro's Cheese Cake Shop // http://bit.ly/2YWcqvH
Gyukaku Japanese BBQ // http://bit.ly/2WsWS4T

Taking The Shinkansen to Osaka, Airbnb Tour & Dotonbori! | Solo Travel Japan Vlog

Today we're leaving Tokyo and are off to the city of bright lights, unmissable street food and bustling nightlife - Osaka!

It's around a three to four hour trip on the Bullet Train from Tokyo to Osaka, and I definitely suggest booking a JR Pass (must be purchased before arriving in Japan!) so you can catch the Shinkansen for free - it works out very affordable if you plan on travelling between cities.

Plus, the 300km/h ride is suuuuper comfortable and it's lots of fun watching your surroundings zoom past!

This is also my third visit to Japan's second-largest city, but it's the first time I've featured Osaka in a #hijessicaanneinjapan vlog. I can't wait to share some of my favourite spots with you! 

This trip I stayed in one of the most unique, and BEAUTIFUL, Airbnbs I've ever seen, which was situated in the very local neighbourhood of Nakatsu. 

It was a gorgeous mix of old and new Japanese architecture, and if you're looking for a fantastic place to stay in Osaka, it comes with a glowing recommendation from me!

Stay tuned, more Osaka vlogs are on their way!

Watch the video below:

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// IN THIS VIDEO

BIO - Batonship Inn Osaka (Osaka Airbnb) // http://bit.ly/2W9BJNd
Chibo Okonomiyaki // http://bit.ly/2Vzl0hL

Inside The Studio Ghibli Museum + Tokyo Cat Cafe! | Solo Travel Japan Vlog

Even though you may not be allowed to film or take photos inside the Studio Ghibli Museum, I found an a-okay way to still share with you a little of what's inside of this notoriously-hard-to-get-tickets-to museum - watch for the reveal!

What I will say now, is that if you're a fan of Studio Ghibli, this Tokyo-based museum NEEDS to be on your travel itinerary (just make sure you buy your tickets well in advance - like MONTHS in advance!). 

You can watch an exclusive museum-only short film in their cinema, wander through room replicas of Hayao Miyazaki and his team's animation studios, and even see a lifesize Cat Bus and eat Ghibli-themed meals in their cafe.

If that wasn't cute enough, I also visited an adorable cat cafe in the nearby neighbourhood of Kichijoji - it is seriously a super kawaii way to spend an afternoon! 

Let me know what your favourite Studio Ghibli film is in the comments! Mine is Spirited Away, but I also love Howl's Moving Castle and My Neighbour Totoro 🌱 

Watch the video below:

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// IN THIS VIDEO

Paddlers Coffee // http://bit.ly/2JlRomt
Ghibli Museum // http://bit.ly/2w3bSI2
Cat Cafe Temari no Ouchi // http://bit.ly/2JnbpZW
Delicaondoru Shin Okubo // http://bit.ly/2Ee3lX6

The “Girl’s Akihabara”, Otome Road + Pokemon Mega Centre Tokyo! | Solo Travel Japan Vlog

Calling fans of manga, anime and video games! Akihabara may be known as Tokyo's top destination for pop culture, but if you're a female fan or girl-gamer, head to Ikebukuro!

Ikebukuro's "Otome Road" - otherwise known as Maiden Street - is a treasure trove of fandom goods all aimed towards girls.

You can find plushies, doujinshi fan art books, accessories, stationery and SO much more; I found merch from My Hero Academia, Fruits Basket, Persona 5, The Tales Of Series, Fate... it felt endless!

We also headed to The Pokemon Mega Centre Tokyo - the largest Pokemon Centre in Japan! 

Let's just say, stay tuned for a video later on in the #hijessicaanneinjapan series where I'll be sharing a haul including everything I bought in this vlog (it's a LOT)!

Watch the vlog below:

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// IN THIS VIDEO

K-Books Ikebukuro // http://bit.ly/2WCQaXa

Animate Ikebukuro // http://bit.ly/2Vqy3XN

Mutekiya Ramen // http://bit.ly/2V6D6HO

Pokemon Mega Center Tokyo // http://bit.ly/308M9fa

Designer Brands, Kiddyland & Shopping in Omotesando, Tokyo | Solo Travel Japan Vlog

...Aaaaand the annual #hijessicaanneinjapan episode where I get my hair done in Tokyo and visit Kiddyland is here 😂 After six visits to Japan, it's tradition!

In today's vlog I headed (lol) to Number76 Nalu in Omotesando to get my hair cut and coloured, before popping into my favourite coffee spot in Tokyo and buying waaaaay too many nerdy knick-knacks at Kiddyland.

Plus, stay tuned to the end for a lil toy unboxing and a sticker haul!

Watch the video below:

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// IN THIS VIDEO

Haruka Breads // http://bit.ly/2PEn46Z
Number76 Nalu Hair Salon // http://bit.ly/2XXMI9E
76 Cafe // http://bit.ly/2V61s9F
Vintage QOO Tokyo // http://bit.ly/2vxVaAa
Cafe Kitsune // http://bit.ly/2IUmz8q
Kiddyland // http://bit.ly/2LcdDgh
B-Side Label // http://bit.ly/2LtSqin
Harajuku Gyozaro // http://bit.ly/2vvzPrl

Visiting Tokyo’s “Little Europe”, Jiyugaoka | Solo Travel Japan Vlog

Tokyo is a city full of unique neighbourhoods, that each have their own individual personalities, vibe and aesthetic. 

In today's video, I took a trip to Jiyugaoka, one of the trendiest areas in Meguro, which is known as Tokyo's "Little Europe"! 

There I visited the Peter Rabbit Cafe, which is probably the cutest themed cafe I've ever been to in Japan, and pop into Jiyugaoka's super photogenic La Vita - a mini replica of Venice! 

AAAAAAND as you'll soon find out, there was a little bit of drama in this video... RIP cam!! 

Hope you enjoy episode 3 of #hijessicaanneinjapan season 3! 

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// IN THIS VIDEO 

Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe // http://bit.ly/2IyHu0v 

La Vita, Jiyugaoka // http://bit.ly/2UucTmn 

BAKE Cheese Tart // http://bit.ly/2IJJWjT 

Bic Camera // http://bit.ly/2UJfpKe 

Daimaru Tokyo // http://bit.ly/2IuZKYB

A Sunday In Tokyo's Sleepy Little Suburb, Ebisu | Solo Travel Japan Vlog

It's day two of #hijessicaanneinjapan season 3!

Come along on a super chill day in Tokyo's sleepy suburb of Ebisu, which is around a 15 minute walk from central Shibuya. 

It's a laidback little residential neighbourhood full of hidden-away cafes (and home to my favourite burger joint in Tokyo!) and the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon. 

Plus, there's a tour of my cute lil Tokyo Airbnb at the beginning of the vlog! 

It's located in Hatagaya in Shibuya (two stations from Shinjuku) and was a lovely base to explore Tokyo from. 

Enjoy the vlog! ビデオをお楽しみ！

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// IN THIS VIDEO 

The Airbnb I stayed at in Hatagaya, Shibuya // http://bit.ly/2KD2swS

(Sign up for Airbnb & Get A$55 To Spend On Your First Trip! // https://bit.ly/2LfbpZO)

Burger Mania // http://bit.ly/2IyOh9q

Melting In The Mouth // http://bit.ly/2ZavOGe

Nail & Eyelash Max Kelly (Ebisu) // http://bit.ly/2IwEssN

Shabu Shabu On-Yasai (Shinjuku) // http://bit.ly/2UWLcXE

The First Day Of My 6th Trip To Japan! | Solo Travel Japan Vlog

Welcome to the very first episode of #hijessicaanneinjapan Season 3!

After five trips to Japan, I returned to Tokyo for the SIXTH time - I CLEARLY cannot stay away from the place - for a two week stay during cherry blossom season. 

Watch to find out what I got up to on my first day back and stay tuned... there are heaps more daily travel vlogs to come! 

ALSO! I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who watched the first two seasons of my Japan solo travel vlogs - I love your excitement, enthusiasm and absolutely appreciate all of the support, comments and messages you've sent me over the past two years. I hope you love watching and coming along with me on this new series, as much as I did living it! 

If you have any questions about travelling to Japan, let me know in the comments below! I'd be happy to answer them and help a traveller (or traveller-to-be!) out. 

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// IN THIS VIDEO 

Lush Lab // https://bit.ly/2UOAceH 

Curry Udon Senkichi // https://bit.ly/2UtGiSu 

Alfred Tea Room // https://bit.ly/2uXmJms

Hot Springs, A Cute Picnic & Fancy Japanese Food! // Birthday Weekend Vlog

What's better than your birthday falling on a weekend? Your birthday falling on a long weekend!

Thank you to everyone who helped me celebrate, and hope you guys enjoy this short and sweet birthday weekend vlog!

Watch the vlog below:

What To Know Before Solo Travelling In Japan // Tips & Advice

Curious about what it's like to solo travel in Japan?

I receive a lot of questions and DMs about my experience trekking it to Japan alone, so I put together a video of all the common things you need to know before jumping on a plane by yourself! 

From choosing single-friendly accomodation and eating out alone, to how to take photos by yourself and my tips on managing stressful situations solo, I hope this video helps any soon-to-be solo travellers!

Watch the video below:

Top 7 Best Instagrammable Cafes In Tokyo, Japan // Super Cute Photo Spots!

Tokyo is home to some of the cutest cafes in Japan, so it's no wonder that all of these shops make for some adorable Instagram photo opps!

If you're planning a trip to Tokyo, add these cafes to your must-visit list - not only are the food, coffee and ice-cream at these hidden gems DELICIOUS, but you'll also easily get a cute pic for Insta. And why not do it for the 'gram? 😜 

ALSO! I'm heading back to Japan very soon, so if there are any cafes you think I missed - or any other cute spots! - let me know in the comments and I might visit it in a future vlog!

Watch the video below: