Japan 2026
Got back from Japan a few days ago. It’s been a really intense two years, and this felt like the first vacation away from the country where I could truly feel happy, relaxed, and present.
Highlights/Positives:
I feel relaxed, inspired, centered, and optimistic.
I’m proud of my husband, James (DarkUXAcademy) who hosted an event while we were there that was well-attended and they recieved great feedback on the value he and his friend Cory brought to the design community in Tokyo.
I got a chance to do nature things!
Lowlights/Negatives:
We stayed in Enoshima (beautiful) however since the island is enshrined, we weren’t permitted on their spa facilities, which meant no sauna, no pool, and no massages… So that was probably the biggest bummer, but we soaked up time in the surrounding area enjoying local food and sights. Bonus: no angry enshrined god. Yipee!
It rained/was cloudy in May the 2 weeks before we left for vacation… And it rained the duration of our trip in Japan. Oof! Rainy season is no joke!
Early in our vacation, I ruined a pair of expensive shoes (see above) and had a meltdown over it.
Coming home, my jetlag is lagging but I’m so happy for warm sunshine, seeing my friends, and my dog and cats, and frankly having the ability to drive my own car on my own schedule.
This was my… I don’t know… tenth? Visit to Japan? Every time we go, we make new friends, create new bonds, and I found a variety of ways to be humbled by my poor Japanese, large Western body, and awkward gangly limbs. And every time we go, I fall in love with a new art form (silk making, in this case, we visited the Tomioka Silk Mill) or a new shrine/temple (Ajisaidera), or find a new quiet spot in Tokyo to hide from the crush of the crowd (Todoroki Valley).
Onsen wear!
Victorian era equipment.
Inspiriation - Konbini.
Giant Buddha 13th Century.
Quiet wanderings.
Colors are turning in summer.
Inspiration - Akihabara.
Banana cake!
Jizo, a common sight in temples.
