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