AMBER – Work in Kyoto Japan – from United States

2024-04-21

Meet Amber, a dessert chef and Japanese language student in Kyoto, originally from the United States. Intrigued by Japanese ingredients during culinary school, she now shares her Japan adventures on YouTube. Kyoto’s temples and tea culture captivate her, fueling her dream to unveil Japan’s hidden treasures to the world.

STUDY JAPANESE IN JAPAN

Interview – Story in Japan

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

United States

WHAT DO YOU DO IN JAPAN?

In the mornings, I go to Japanese Language school, and in the evenings, I work as a dessert chef for a vegan tea house. I also make videos about “life in Japan” on my YouTube channel

“Chef in Japan” ^^

WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JAPAN?

When I was in culinary school in New York, I studied a lot about Japanese ingredients and fell in love with them. So really “food” is how I originally became interested in Japan.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STAY IN THIS CITY?

I chose Kyoto because it has a lot of temples and shrines, art events, and opportunities to experience Japanese tea (which I am slightly a tea otaku) 🙂 It’s also quite an international city, so there’s a chance to make friends from all over the world.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN THIS CITY?

I love the area near Philosopher’s Path.

There are a lot of nice temples to explore.

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST WHILE STAYING ABROAD?

Every day feels like an adventure. I’m always discovering new things and meeting cool people!

DID YOU EXPERIENCE ANY CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS AFTER YOU START YOUR JOURNEY?

I was working full-time as a chef in New York, but because of visa purposes, I had to teach English for a year. I actually enjoyed teaching English, but I felt it set me back on my career path for a bit.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?

My dream is to be able to share all of the amazing and hidden places I’ve found in Japan with people and to continue enjoying life here for a long time. ^^

MESSAGE TO OUR FRIENDS WHO WILL GO TO JAPAN.

Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path! There are a lot of hidden gems in Kyoto and Japan overall!