tokyoterri's rebellion
tokyoterri’s rebellion is your weekly burst of creative motivation. Hosted by me(Terri) this podcast is a celebration of the late bloomers, the dreamers, and the artists who are just now stepping into their creative power—because it’s never too late to make the art that’s been waiting inside you.
In this podcast, I’ll share my personal journey of making art, writing music, and finding creative expression everywhere, including politics, society, in nature, and more. Each week, I’ll dive into topics like overcoming creative fears, how to make time for your art in a busy world, creating on social media, and the ways you can turn everyday moments into your most profound inspiration. Occasionally, I’ll bring in guests—fellow artists, writers, musicians, and creators—who share their own stories of creative rebellion, offering tips and encouragement for you along the way.
Whether you’re an artist trying to find your voice, a writer working through your next book, or simply someone who longs to live a more creative life, tokyoterri’s rebellion will leave you feeling hopeful, energized, and ready to create with intention.
Welcome to the rebellion.
tokyoterri's rebellion
Ep 003 - thinking about coming to Japan?
Today I’m sharing a bit about how I ended up in Japan, plus some curated travel tips for those of you who are thinking about visiting.
My Journey to Japan
I didn’t move to Japan decades ago specifically for the culture, though I definitely found it fascinating. But I find just about every culture fascinating, including my own. What brought me here was something a bit different—I came to continue managing a band called Pizzicato 5 (lots of links below), part of the Shibuya-kei genre of music, art, and film.
I came with someone who I still consider my Japanese brother to this day. We worked really hard to introduce the band to North America and Europe, and eventually expanded that work here in Japan as well. So, with my 13 boxes of belongings and my bicycle, I left New York City and made my way to Tokyo.
Fortunately I gained new family here. These folks are serious travelers and storytellers, and they helped shape my Japan experience whenever they could get me to leave the house.
Travel Tips for Japan
In a recent Good Trouble TikTok Live, there were lots of folks eager to explore Japan.
I should note: I’m a kind of non-religious hermit. So I’ve never been a good tour guide. That was true even when I lived in New York City, my hometown. But, what I am good at is curating resources. So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan, here’s my short curated list of go-to recommendations.
Food & Culture Tours
If you’re into food and cultural experiences, I have to shout out my sis over at Arigato Japan Travel. They’re not just a food tour company—they do full travel planning; pretty much everything for your trip. Definitely check their blog and sidebar for travel tips and connections to cool local folks.
General Travel Tips
For figuring out what’s happening in Tokyo, I recommend Tokyo Cheapo. Yeah, I know, the name’s a little funny, but it's super useful. They have detailed articles on all sorts of things; lots of people who actually live here use them for recommendations. Great way to enjoy Tokyo on a budget.
Another long-time favorite of mine is Metropolis Japan. It’s a magazine that’s been around for ages and is mostly digital now. They cover a wide range of topics, and you can find them online for insights into entertainment and more.
Embassies
If you’re a U.S. citizen, I recommend checking out the official Japan travel info from the US Embassy. It’s a good resource for travel tips and general information about visiting Jap
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https://tokyoterri.com/tokyoterris-rebellion/