Hey folks—things are going to look a little different around here for the next month and a half. Instead of the usual posts on technology and libraries, I’ll be using this space to share something more personal: a return to Japan.
The past year has been a whirlwind. There’s been joy, heartache, and a lot of change. So this trip is about more than sightseeing—it’s about recentring, reconnecting, and maybe rediscovering a few things I’ve lost touch with, like my love for writing and reflection.
A familiar adventure
For many people, going to Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. For me… it’s becoming a once-every-few-years kind of journey. That feels a bit indulgent to say out loud, and I know how lucky we are to even have that option. But honestly, so much has shifted since our last visit, and we both felt now was the right time to return.
Losing Kaibean
In October, we said goodbye to Kaya—our grumpy, loving husky, affectionately known as Kaibean. She was 14, and we’d always said we wouldn’t travel far while she was still with us. She was our family, our kid, really. I don’t think I’ve fully grieved yet. Her absence is felt deeply, and this trip feels, in part, like a way to make space for that.
Health & Healing
Lately, I’ve also been dealing with some ongoing health stuff. Nothing major (we hope), but there’s been this lingering discomfort that no one can quite pin down. A CT scan and blood work all came back normal. One possibility that keeps coming up? Stress.
So we figured… maybe it’s time to step away for a while. Hit pause. Recalibrate.
The Itinerary
We’ll be gone for 23 days, hopping between Tokyo, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto. It’s a fast-paced itinerary, but we’ve packed in some unforgettable stops:
- The LOST Bar
- Miyajima Island
- Hiroshima Peace Museum
- A Hiroshima Carp baseball game
- Ghibli Park
- Super Mario World
The new Nintendo Museum(Japan loves their lotteries, and we just didn’t get access during the dates we are going to be there).
And yes—even Mount Kaya (how could we resist?)
I’m especially looking forward to soaking in an onsen or two. This body is not as spry as it once was, and I’ll take any help I can get. 😅
Why Not Somewhere New?
Fair question. The short answer? Japan still has a hold on me. My first solo trip there in 2018–2019 was transformative. Since then, the pull hasn’t lessened. During the pandemic, we escaped into Japan virtually—through YouTubers like Abroad in Japan and Rion Ishida. That kept the dream alive.
I also dove into the country’s culture through reading and research:
- Took a Japanese history course at work
- Read about the history of the Shinkansen
- Explored Shinto beliefs, kami, and yokai
Shinto, in particular, has shifted how I see modern Japan—especially its blend of spirituality, mascots, and kawaii culture. For a country with such deep traditions, there’s a wonderfully whimsical side to it too.
Planning Mode
We’re still finalizing details, but we’ve locked in our flights (Air Canada this time—sorry WestJet, even though we just learned they’ve been flying Calgary to Tokyo since 2022). Our hotels are booked thanks to Agoda, and the itinerary is starting to take shape.
I may post a few planning guides along the way—mostly for family and friends, but also for anyone who might find them useful. Truthfully, I enjoy the process of getting ready for Japan almost as much as the trip itself. So I’ll be documenting that here, just for the joy of it.
We’ll be posting photos and videos on social media during the trip, but this space will be a bit slower—a chance to write more reflectively, share insights, and maybe process everything this past year has brought.
Thanks for reading and I’m looking forward to recharging in May/June.
Header photo by Tianshu Liu on Unsplash