Home / Jess Esa | Freelance Writer | Editor | Trip Planner

Hello! I'm Jess, a freelance travel and culture writer, and editor

Born in the UK, I'm currently based in Los Angeles and regularly travel to Asia for research. I'm a professional writer, script writer, and photographer with over six years of experience writing engaging and informative content.

My specialisms include travel writing with a focus on Japan and the UK, arts and culture, including book and theatre reviews, food writing, and immigration.

I craft engaging and thoroughly researched articles, itineraries, scripts, SEO-optimized blog posts, and social media content. See more of my published writing here. This includes internal linking and a round of edits if needed. I'm also an experienced editor and web publisher.

My work has been featured in publications such as DK, TripAdvisor, The Culture Trip, Fodors Travel, and TripSavvy. I'm passionate about using my writing skills to tell stories, inform audiences, and connect people.

I'm currently available for one-time commissions, press trips, and long and short-term writing contracts.

Contact me today to learn more about my services or commission an article.

Use the form below or email me at: jesawriting@gmail.com

Websites and newsletters I've founded include

Books and Bao | World literature and cultural travel website
Ensemble LA | Local Los Angeles theatre and creative events newsletter

Culture Trip

Shizuoka: A Culinary Journey Through Nature's Bounty

In Shizuoka, you can trace the path of ingredients from their source to restaurants all over Japan within an ecosystem of passionate farmers, artisan producers, and visionary chefs. Here are some of the best ways to explore this region’s delicacies, including coastal ingredients, mountain-sourced produce and, of course, sake. The waters of Mt. Fuji are inseparable from the produce of Shizuoka, which is no better exemplified than at Shimoyama Fish Farm. Akira Shimoyama has mastered raising am...

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Konoshimajinja Shrine, Kyoto

Brandts Museum, Odense

Blenheim Palace, UK

Blenheim Palace, UK

Fukushima, Japan

Taipei, Taiwan

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Metropolis Japan • 19th December 2024

10 Must-Read Japanese Novels of 2024 - Metropolis Japan

From family dramas to thrilling mysteries and historical fiction, Japanese authors (and their translators) have brought something for everyone this year. Here are the ten must-read Japanese novels of 2024 that you shouldn’t miss. A sequel to The...

Culture Trip • 17th January 2025

Two Days In Hyogo's Historic Harima And Awaji Regions

In the southwest of Hyogo lies Harima, a region where traditional crafts still thrive in its inland areas. Further south across the sea is Awaji Island, which holds cultural significance as both Japan’s mythological birthplace and the historical heart...

Kiyosumi Fukagawa, Tokyo's Artist Heaven

Morning Calm Magazine (Korean Air) Spring 2023

Tripadvisor • 8th April 2024

3 days in Kyoto: The perfect itinerary

Morning: Greet the dawn at two amazing temples Morning: Get lost in the bamboo groves of Arashiyama Afternoon: Eat your way around Nishiki Market There are more than 100 vendors here, each with a story and a specialty. Many offer bite-sized...

Tripadvisor • 20th March 2024

3 days in Osaka: The perfect itinerary

MORNING: Step into the past at Osaka Castle There are plenty of ways to spend your night in Dotombori. Start with a stroll along the alley of Hozenji Yokocho. Splash some water on the Buddha statue at Hozenji Temple for luck, then check out the bars,...

Greatist • 13th January 2021

The Cauliflower Recipe So Good Even Sworn Cauliflower Haters Love it

Cauliflower: bland and inferior to broccoli in every way. Or so I thought. For a long time, even cauliflower cheese (the florets baked and smothered in cheese sauce) wasn’t enough to convince me otherwise. We were often served mushy boiled...

TripSavvy • 13th January 2021

Your Trip to Hokkaido: The Complete Guide

There is nowhere in the world like Hokkaido, let alone just in Japan. The nation’s north most island is an expansive landscape of snow-capped mountains, crystal blue lakes, and endless fields of lavender come summertime. Its capital city of Sapporo is...

Japan Objects • 13th January 2021

Haori: How to Choose the Best Japanese Jackets

As haori are loose fitting, they are very easy to wear, slipping easily over bare shoulders, layers of kimono, thick winter jumpers, or any other outfit. When purchasing a haori, it will mostly come down to personal preference in terms of how...

TripSavvy • 23rd May 2020

Ghosts, Demons, and Shapeshifters: An Introduction to Japanese Yokai Culture

Japan offers a rich tapestry of folklore, inspired by Shinto myths and traditions, and with that folklore come tales of ghosts and creatures—known in Japan as yokai—who play tricks on or help humans who cross their paths. These yokai have been around...

Culture Trip • 8th May 2020

The Story of Kitakata's Ramen and Where To Eat It, According to an Expert

If you don’t know where to commence your Kitakata ramen journey, consider trying Genraiken because – as Hanami says – it is “said to be the ‘original Kitakata Ramen restaurant’” and is the descendent of the original street cart mentioned above. Close...

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) • 23rd March 2020

4 Tokyo “Yokocho” Where You Can Experience the 1950s | Travel Japan | JNTO

1950s Tokyo was a place abundant with small hideaway izakayas and taverns tucked into narrow alleyways behind the bustling streets. And it was in these taverns and izakayas that the people of Tokyo could fill their bellies, enjoy local food, chat with...

Learning a Foreign Language from Home

This is harder than you might imagine but could very well be the secret to you pursuing your language to a higher level. It’s very difficult to carry on with a language that you don’t have some sort of passion for or a specific goal in mind. Have you...

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) • 13th March 2020

Head North! 3 Discrete Hot Springs to Visit This Winter | Travel Japan | JNTO

A cornerstone of Japanese culture, bathing in hot springs (onsen) restores the body and mind and offers a relaxation experience like no other. There’s nothing better than escaping into nature and enjoying a discrete onsen experience surrounded by...

13th March 2020

Six Master Sushi Chefs in Tokyo

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Japan Objects • 9th March 2020

Choosing the Best Zabuton Cushion: All You Need To Know

You will be surprised to learn that zabuton have more uses than you would first assume! Here are a few ways you will see zabuton being used in Japan and also how you can incorporate them in your day-to-day life. Chairs: Although zabuton are...

TripSavvy • 26th October 2019

9 Places in Myanmar That You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Bordering Thailand, this Kayah state boasts gorgeous hill scenery, pagodas set into limestone mountains, and a rustic village feel that charms anyone who visits. Many different tribal cultures live here, making for a culturally fascinating visit...

TripSavvy • 31st January 2020

How to See a Maiko Show in Kyoto

Geisha (known as geiko in Kyoto) are strongly associated with Japanese traditional culture and history. While you will likely see women dressed in traditional costume walking in the Gion district of Kyoto, they are very rarely a fully-trained...

Culture Trip • 5th January 2020

7 Places To Stay in Beijing For Luxury-Loving Culture Seekers

Chao is more than just a hotel. A stay here gives you admission to the exclusive Clubhouse where you can meet like-minded people and have access to the excellent roster of exhibitions and events. As for the hotel itself, the ultra-modern space feels...

16th November 2019

Find Tranquility in Shanghai's Tea Houses

One of the oldest teahouses in Shanghai, serving tea since 1855, Mid Lake Pavilion Tea House (also known as Huxinting Tea House) can be found at the entrance of Yu Gardens. It certainly looks the part with its two-storey traditional wood design, the...

Japanese Film Festival • 10th December 2018

The world of Japanese saké as seen in Kampai! For the Love of Sake

Anyone who has tried good sake (pronounced sah-keh) can attest to the initial simplicity behind the drink giving way to depth and flavor. Drinking sake is an ancient tradition amongst the Japanese people, and can be found mentioned as far back as the...

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