Next Stop: Tokyo

Hi, Everyone. I’m packing my bags and heading off for my next adventure in a few more days. Join me as I make my first visit to Japan!! I’ll be sharing stories, photos, menus, observations, and maybe a travel tip or two. I’ll be traveling with three friends—two from the US and a third coming from Australia who’ll meet us there. More on the traveling troupe in future posts. If they let me.

A quick current events update about an interesting coincidence, perhaps synchronicity…?

Japan’s (symbolic) Emperor Akihito abdicated today (in a long-planned ceremony). Tomorrow, his 59-year-old son Naruhito will ascend to the throne as the 126^th Emperor of Japan, marking the dawn of the “Reiwa Era.” Defined by the Japanese government (and shown over to the left), Reiwa is being interpreted as “harmony,” or perhaps “peaceful harmony.” An auspicious beginning for our visit to Japan, no?

So, while we’re not counting on an invitation to the Imperial Palace to meet the new Emperor and Empress, we will be ready. When in Tokyo, we will just be a few blocks from the Palace. Our travels will take us from Tokyo south through Kyoto and Koyasan to Miyajima Island, and north again to Takayama and back to Tokyo. Expect to hear about sushi, shrines, vending machines, sake, hiking, a stay at a Buddhist monastery, many miles on bullet trains, and a handful of onsens, or Japanese hot tubs. And from what I know of my travel companions, likely a ton of laughs. I’d love it if you joined us. Virtually, of course.  – L