On my second day in Seoul, I joined a fascinating Airbnb Experience called “Gangnam Tour on Youth and Society.” It wasn’t your typical guided tour, instead it was a deep dive into the complex, high-pressure world of South Korean education and priorities — one that left me thinking about the true cost of success (hope […]
What is Expo 2025? When I was mapping out Osaka, Japan plans I wasn’t aware of Expo 2025, but my brother mentioned it to us right before leaving for our trip. Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan was a must-visit! We had never been to anything like this so we had no idea what to expect
Passport to the Future: Our Nighttime Journey Through Expo 2025 Osaka – 4/24/25 Read More »
A Day Trip from Osaka to Nara: Bowing Deer, Ancient Temples & Parks Just under an hour from Osaka by train lies one of Japan’s most fun (and touristy) escapes—Nara. It was the perfect day trip to leave the big city behind. When you step into Nara Park, you are greeted by over 1,000 free-roaming
The Famous (and Occasionally Feisty) Bowing Deer of Nara – 4/23/25 Read More »
Hiroshima: A Story the World Must Not Forget Visiting Hiroshima will be unlike any other travel experience on our trip. It’s not just about seeing a place—it’s about feeling it. This city, forever marked by the events of August 6, 1945, has turned unimaginable tragedy into a powerful message of peace. Our day began at
Walking Through Silence: Hiroshima’s Message to the World – 4/22/2025 Read More »
A Shrine Steeped in Centuries of Spirit If there’s one place in Kyoto that feels straight out of a dream, it’s Fushimi Inari Taisha—home to those iconic orange torii gates that seem to go on forever. Nestled at the base of Mount Inari, this Shinto shrine is one of Japan’s most photogenic and spiritual destinations.
A Morning Among 10,000 Gates: Visiting Fushimi Inari in Kyoto – 4/21/2025 Read More »
1. Slurp Like You Mean It Forget everything your parents taught you about polite eating—in Japan, slurping is not only accepted, it’s encouraged. And we’re not talking delicate, shy slurps. We mean full-volume kind of slurping. It’s considered a sincere compliment to the chef, a sign you’re enjoying the meal, and honestly… it’s kind of
Delightful Cultural Surprises in Japan – 4/20/2025 Read More »
Mount Fuji is one of the most iconic and beloved symbols of Japan — a nearly perfect cone rising 12,389 feet into the sky. But what many people don’t realize until they arrive is that seeing Fuji is a bit of a gift. Because it’s so often shrouded in clouds or haze, catching a clear
Mount Fuji — A Symbol Etched in Japan’s Sky – 4/15/2025 Read More »
Bowing, Fortunes, and Colorful Sake at Meiji Shrine Tucked right in the middle of Tokyo’s organized chaos and it’s 81 million population —is Meiji Shrine. One minute you’re dodging teen fashionistas and anime, the next you’re strolling beneath towering torii gates into a peaceful forest that feels like it’s politely ignoring the rest of the
Torii Gates & Serenity: A Spiritual Timeout at Meiji Jingu – 4/13/2025 Read More »
Why Cherry Blossoms Are So Special in Japan? 🌸 Cherry blossoms—sakura—aren’t just beautiful, they’re deeply woven into the heart of Japanese culture. The tradition of hanami (flower viewing) goes all the way back to the Heian period (over 1,000 years ago!), when poets and nobles would gather under the blossoms to reflect on life’s fleeting
Sakura Season: Tokyo’s Prettiest Distraction – 4/11/2025 Read More »
After months of daydreaming, planning, research (and a few library overdue fines), we’re finally setting off on a nearly three-month adventure through Asia! That’s right—nine countries, one backpack each (hopefully…), and a whole lot of curiosity. Our journey begins in Japan and winds its way through South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore,
Wander Far, Eat Well: Our Asia Expedition Begins – 4/9/2025 Read More »
