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Introduction

Welcome to the story of our travels. Since we lived in Japan for almost two years, we had the opportunity to visit many iconic locations such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa as well as lesser known places like Kumamoto and Takachiho (in Miyazaki prefecture). Hopefully, in the future, we will be able to return to Japan and travel to even more locations – like Hokkaido. During our adventures we were able to visit many wonderful locations, witness unique landmarks, and devour delicious foods. Hopefully the highlights and photos ahead will give you a taste of what Japan has to offer.

Interactive Map

Highlights in Japan

Tokyo

When I went to Tokyo, it was the first time that I had ever left North America. An exciting, once-in-a-lifetime adventure that we will remember for the rest of my life. In Tokyo, Andy and I got to explore famous districts like Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku. We were also able to experience all the rides at Disney World and Disney Sea!

Welcome to the lair of the mouse overlord.

Welcome to the lair of the mouse overlord.

Osaka and Nara

There is plenty to do in Osaka! I (Just me) was only there for several days, but we managed to fit numerous events in. My friends and I, of course, went to Universal Studios, where we got to drink Butterbeer and experience walking around Diagon Alley. There are also plenty of castles to see. Not to mention the friendly deer at Nara Deer Park – who are absolute sweethearts, as long as you remember not to leave food in your back pocket.

Where all the magic happens.

Where all the magic happens.

My deerest friend.

My deerest friend.

Kumamoto

I lived in Kumamoto for a year and a half as an Assistant Language Teacher. It was also here where I met my future husband! It’s not as famous as many of these other locations, but if you ever want to experience the day-to-day life of Japan, I definitely recommend checking out Kumamoto. A lot of farms, an active volcano and an island guarded by five bridges.

Our futures were even brighter than the contrast in this photo.

Our futures were even brighter than the contrast in this photo.

Takachiho

Coming from Toronto, a relatively flat place, I had never quite experienced mountains before. Driving through Takachiho changed all of that. Driving through the mountains is definitely one of the most gorgeous scenic scenes that I have ever viewed in my life. Not to mention that I got to kayak through the incredibly large, impressively beautiful gorge!

You could say I was falling in love with Takachiho.

You could say I was falling in love with Takachiho.

Okinawa

I went to Okinawa for my Christmas-Birthday vacation at the end of 2018. This is the first big trip that I undertook by myself, and it was incredibly exciting. In Okinawa, I went snorkeling for the first time and saw plenty of exciting and colorful fish. I ate margarita pizzas and sipped mojitos by the beach – I know, not exactly the height of Japanese cuisine! However, it was just as delicious. Despite it being December, it was warm and tropical. I had loads of fun and made plenty of memories.

Traditional Japanese meal at a traditional Japanese place.

Traditional Japanese meal at a traditional Japanese place.

Where to next?

Thank you so much for reading. Please stay turned to further insights into Japan, and additional articles about our adventures in Korea, New Zealand, and Canada. Our journey is only just beginning and we still have so much more to see, eat, and explore!

Citations

D. Kahle and H. Wickham. ggmap: Spatial Visualization with ggplot2. The R Journal, 5(1), 144-161. URL http://journal.r-project.org/archive/2013-1/kahle-wickham.pdf