Oh, Japan. I Have Notes.
Updated: 1 day ago
Seven days, three cities, two women and a few things we need to discuss.
I'd been dreaming about Japan for months.
Imagining the beauty, the energy, the mysteries. The quiet of the mountains, the intimacy of the gardens, the electricity of the cities.
I had plans, y'all.
I wanted to wander unfamiliar streets, get lost in forests, eat everything in sight and dance until the sun came up. I wanted ancient traditions and modern indulgences. Stillness and chaos. A little spiritual enlightenment and, naturally, a little ratchetness.
And I was bringing my Lady along for the ride.
Seven days. Three cities. Two women and an itinerary that, in hindsight, may have required a small team of professional athletes.
But I was ready.
Or so I thought.
I'd researched the neighborhoods, studied the train routes, bookmarked the restaurants and planned enough activities to keep a small tour group occupied.
I had visions of myself wandering through ancient temples, meditating in the mountains and enjoying the kind of cultural immersion that would leave me feeling deeply connected to somewhere entirely new.
I also had visions of myself turning tf up in Tokyo.
I'm multifaceted, what can I say?
But Japan? Japan had a few surprises of its own.
Somewhere between the excitement of arriving and the exhaustion of trying to experience absolutely everything, I began to suspect that my meticulously crafted itinerary might have been a touch ambitious.
Just a touch.
There were unexpected adventures, spectacular changes of plans and a few moments that had me questioning both my research skills and my decision-making abilities.
There was laughter. There was frustration. There was an extraordinary amount of rain.
And there was my girlfriend, who deserves an honorary degree in patience and perhaps a small commemorative plaque.
Let's all take a moment to send her some love: Amen.
But there was also beauty I hadn't anticipated. Moments that stopped me in my tracks. Experiences that challenged my expectations, stirred something in my spirit and reminded me why I'd wanted to make this journey in the first place.
And somewhere along the way, Japan started showing me a few things about myself that I hadn't exactly requested
Some were delightful.
Others?
We'll discuss.
What surprised me most wasn't necessarily what Japan had to offer. It was how I responded to it, depending on what I expected, what I needed and whether I'd had a decent night's sleep.
I'd come looking for adventure, beauty, culture and spiritual connection.
I found all of those things.
Just not always where, when or how I'd planned.
Funny how the universe works, isn't it?
Oh, Japan.
I'm telling on you.
The trip at a glance
Where | Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Tokyo |
With | My beloved |
The plan | Nature, culture, incredible food, spiritual connection and a little lesbian nightlife |
The reality | All of the above, plus a typhoon, snake sake, questionable food and a few unexpected revelations |
The Japan Diaries
01 · TOKYO
Love, Lezzies & Questionable Decisions
Tokyo and I got acquainted rather quickly. Some introductions are best made after dark.
02 · KYOTO
I Came Looking for Zen. Girl, Where Is It?
I had a very specific vision for Kyoto. Let's just say the universe wasn't particularly interested in my itinerary.
03 · OSAKA
Girl, We're Getting Too Old for This
Osaka had the energy I'd been looking for. Unfortunately, we had some scheduling conflicts.
04 · THE PRACTICAL GUIDE
Seven Days in Japan: What I Planned vs. What Actually Happened
Every hotel, train, booking and lesson learned. Including a few things I wish someone had told me before I left.
Bloom & Board Field Notes
Seven days. Four hotels. Three cities. Approximately a thousand lessons learned.
City | Where we stayed |
Tokyo | Book Tea Bed Shinjuku |
Kyoto | Apartment Hotel 11 Gion |
Osaka | Mercure Osaka Namba |
Tokyo | ILLI Sen Oshiage |
For the full breakdown of our accommodations, transportation, experiences and costs, see Seven Days in Japan: What I Planned vs. What Actually Happened.
Where did you bloom?
Every journey holds up a different mirror.
Sometimes we recognize our wildness. Sometimes our resistance. And sometimes we discover a part of ourselves we didn't realize needed tending.
Think about a place you've visited. What did it reflect back to you? What challenged you, nourished you or helped you see yourself differently?
Tell me about a place that changed you. I'd love to hear your story.
Go where you grow. Bloom as you go.
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