Japan – Fukuoka & Hiroshima & Miyajima

Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Miyajima delivered a seamless blend of culture, cuisine, and unforgettable moments. In Fukuoka, we lucked into tickets for a sumo championship (an electric atmosphere made even more memorable by meeting some of the wrestlers), and visited Nanzoin Temple to stand before the world’s largest bronze reclining Buddha, an awe-inspiring figure tucked into…Continue reading Japan – Fukuoka & Hiroshima & Miyajima

Japan – Karatsu

The Karatsu Kunchi Festival in early November is sensory overload in the best possible way, where centuries of tradition meet an infectious, high-energy atmosphere. The festival’s 14 lacquered floats, each over 150 years old, glide through the streets like living works of art, pulled by teams in striking traditional outfits that add to the spectacle.…Continue reading Japan – Karatsu

Japan – Matsumoto & Takayama & Shirakawa & Kanazawa

The Japanese Alps offer enchanting mountain villages and scenic towns steeped in tradition. This week, we traveled through Matsumoto, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa—places that felt like stepping into Japan’s living history. Here, ancient traditions and modern life blend seamlessly, with centuries-old customs, architecture, and cultural practices still woven into everyday routines. Matsumoto captivated us with…Continue reading Japan – Matsumoto & Takayama & Shirakawa & Kanazawa