Japan

This year I embarked on one of the most important trips of my life: Japan.  I was off to find my people.  I was also traveling with my boyfriend and his family.  The ultimate goal of the trip was to climb to the top of Mt. Fuji, and since we were climbing a little off season, we had to pray for good weather.  We toured Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone, Kyoto and Hiroshima with GAP Adventures and then spent the last couple of days on our own in Osaka.  Now what can I say other than this was the most amazing trip EVER.  I absolutely love Japan and felt at home.  I loved the big city vibe and style of Tokyo, the quiet shrines of Nikko, the food in Kyoto, the history in Hiroshima and the youth of Osaka.  We made it to the top of Mt. Fuji, where my boyfriend proposed by the crator.  The journey was surreal to say the least.  I found my people, and I can’t wait to go back.

Check out my essay on sushi here

Bento box – Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan

Ramen with Duck – Tokyo, Japan

No Me Ho Di – Shimbuya bar, Tokyo, Japan

Horse Sashimi – Shimbuya, Tokyo, Japan

Seafood bar on Nishikiyamachi-dori – Kyoto, Japan

Shrimp Tempura Udon – Nikko, Japan

Tsukune – Nikko, Japan

Hiroshima-Yaki (Okonomiyaki) – Hiroshima, Japan

Sashimi with Smoked Tuna – Hiroshima, Japan

Traditional Sashimi Dinner – Hakone, Japan

Traditional Japanese Breakfast – Hakone, Japan

Train to Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan

Tosho-Gu – Yomei-Mon (Sunset Gate), Nikko, Japan

Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

Shimbuya, Tokyo, Japan

Harajuku Gals – Shimbuya, Tokyo, Japan

Shimbuya Station, Tokyo, Japan

Transformers Are Real! – The Gundam – Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan

We Are All Replaceable – Tokyo, Japan

Never Forget – Peace Memorial Museum, Hiroshima, Japan

Rolly Polly Fish Eyes – Osaka, Japan

Green Giant – Giant [Ferris] Wheel, Osaka, Japan

Aurella Limbata – Osaka Aquarium, Japan

Watchful, Waiting – Nikko, Japan

Golden Touch – Nikko, Japan

The Climb – Mt. Fuji, Japan

Alone – Mt. Fuji, Japan

The Land of the Rising Sun – 7th Station, Mt. Fuji, Japan

Time to Rest – Mt. Fuji, Japan

An Artist’s Space – Senjo-kaku hall, Miyajima, Japan

Descent From Mt. Misen – Miyajima, Japan

Refresh – Shingon Sect Temple, Daisho-in, Miyajima

Only Some Shall Pass – “Floating Torii” (Shinto Shrine Gate), Miyajima, Japan

Kinkaku-Ji “Golden Temple”, Kyoto, Japan

Kinkaku-Ji “Golden Temple”, Kyoto, Japan

Rainy Season – Ginkaku-Ji “Silver Pavilion”, Kyoto, Japan

Through the Sunset – Fushimi-Inari Taisha shrine, Kyoto, Japan

Closing Time – Fushimi-Inari Taisha shrine, Kyoto, Japan

Mysterious Air – Fushimi-Inari Taisha shrine, Kyoto, Japan

Astro Boy Takes the Tower – Kyoto, Japan

Ghosts – Hiroshima, Japan

The Memory Remains – A-Bomb Dome, Hiroshima, Japan

Kannon Hall – Daisho-In, Miyajima, Japan