Japan 2024

In October 2024, Kelsey and I finally made it to Japan. This trip had been on our list for years, and after plenty of planning, we spent two incredible weeks hopping around six cities, diving into a culture that felt like nothing we’d experienced before. We wanted to explore somewhere that was not just new, but completely different..otherworldly, almost.

We started in Osaka, with neon lights and great food as far as you could see. From there, we traveled to Hiroshima’s Peace Park, the endless red torii gates in Kyoto, the surreal landscapes of the Japanese Alps, and, eventually the electric streets of Tokyo. Every place had its own vibe, and the mix of city chaos and the quiet countryside was unlike anything else we've ever experienced.

Then, there was the food. We didn’t have a single bad meal. From street food to sitting in front of sushi masters at the counter, every bite felt like a new adventure. Japan knows how to do food, no question about that.

But, the biggest takeaway for us was the people. Everywhere we went, we were met with kindness and humility, people who just wanted to help, no ego involved. It was refreshing. Japan as a whole felt calm, organized, and clean in a way I can’t really describe. Like the whole country had this quiet rhythm to it. It’s something you have to experience to really understand.

If you’re even thinking about going to Japan, do it. You’ll come back with a fresh perspective, and you’ll probably leave a piece of yourself there, too. Japan just has that effect.