The end of the year has a way of making people rush.
Everyone starts talking about what’s next — goals, plans, resolutions, big ideas for the year ahead. But as I look toward 2026, I find myself moving in the opposite direction. Instead of speeding up, I keep thinking about slowing down. And once again, that instinct leads me back to Japan.
Continue reading “What Japan Taught Me About Slowing Down”
Christmas has a way of slowing everything down.
The year pauses for a moment. The noise fades a bit. There’s more quiet time — the kind that lets your mind wander whether you want it to or not. And this Christmas, no matter where my thoughts start, they keep ending up in Japan.
Continue reading “Japan Is on My Mind This Christmas”Why Traveling to Japan Continues to Shape How I See the World
There are places you visit, places you enjoy, and places you remember fondly. And then there is Japan — the place that never really lets you leave.
Continue reading “Japan Is the Place That Never Lets Me Go”I returned home a few weeks ago after spending two weeks in Japan, exploring Tokyo, Osaka, and several smaller towns along the way. It was one of most incredible trips I have ever had in my four visits to the Land of the Rising Sun.
The sites, the foods, the places I experienced and the people I met along the way will always hold a special place in my heart. Makiko, Kayoka, Ittaa, Yoshie, Yoshi, Hiro, Yumi, and so many more I can’t list all made my trip incredible. From the knowledge, the care, and stories each one shared along the way made the trip one of the best I have ever taken in my entire life.
My life has not been the same since I got back to the states, with my thoughts always on Japan and missing the world I was lucky enough to live in for two weeks. A piece of my heart is still in Japan and I miss it every day.
It’s hard to believe, but I’m just one week away from returning to Japan! My suitcase is packed (for now), my itinerary is mostly locked in, and my excitement level is officially off the charts. After nearly two years away — my last visit was in 2023 — it feels incredible to be heading back to a country that never stops inspiring me.
Continue reading “Back to Japan: One Week Until My Fourth Adventure Begins”The countdown is officially on—only 30 days until I travel to Japan! After months of planning and preparing, the trip I’ve been dreaming about is finally within reach. Japan has always held a special place in my heart after several visits, and I can’t wait to experience everything this incredible country has to offer once again.
Continue reading “The Final Countdown: One Month to Japan”Exploring Japan’s sacred sites is a unique and enriching experience, but it’s important to follow proper etiquette when visiting Shinto shrines. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to respectfully interact with shrines while embracing their traditions.
Continue reading “How to Respectfully Visit Shinto Shrines in Japan”In just two months, I’ll finally be boarding a plane to Japan—a trip I’ve been planning for months and one that feels like a dream coming true (once again).
From the moment I decided to go, I’ve been deep in research, organizing tours, and mapping out every detail. Now that all of my tours are officially booked, I’m in the exciting phase of final logistics and last-minute planning.
Continue reading “Two Months To Go: Final Countdown to Japan”The countdown is officially on. After months of dreaming, planning, and hoping, my trip to Japan this November is finally becoming a reality—and I couldn’t be more excited to share this journey with you.
Continue reading “The Countdown Begins: Japan in November!”If you’re walking through almost any city in Japan, you’ll quickly notice something unusual—something that’s missing: public trash bins. Unlike many Western cities where you’ll find garbage cans on nearly every street corner, Japan takes a different approach. So, what should you do with your trash as you explore the country?
Continue reading “Why Are There So Few Trash Bins in Japan? A Tourist’s Guide to Managing Waste”Welcome to Shibuya, Tokyo’s pulsating heart where tradition intertwines seamlessly with modernity, and every corner tells a story of vibrant urban life.
In this guide, we’ll unveil the quintessential places to explore in Shibuya, including the newest addition to its skyline, Shibuya Sky. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, prepare to be captivated by the kaleidoscope of experiences awaiting you in this dynamic district.
The Japanese countryside is always incredible to see, especially seeing it from the window of a bullet train. Everyone always thinks about the hustle and bustle of the big cities, but you often forget the quiet countryside that is just a few miles outside of the city (like of Tokyo). Taken with with an Iphone 10 in 2019.
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