About me

Born in Tokyo and raised on both sides of the Pacific, I love introducing people to Japanese language and culture. I wrote “Living Abroad: Japan” (4th edition, 2017, Avalon Travel Publishers) as a guide to navigating and thriving in Japan, from an insider’s perspective.

After teaching Japanese, linguistics, and ESL for many years. I discovered the joy of cycling and became a bicycle travel consultant for Bike Friday in Oregon. In 2006 I started Japan Cycle Tours LLC and led annual tours to Japan on two wheels. 

When not traveling, I enjoy hiking, biking, gardening with native plants, and tutoring Japanese. Currently I live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where I’m learning Pennsylvania Deitsch, my father’s first language.