Good morning!

Last night we visited Umeda Sky and were treated to this unbelievable view of Osaka. It was an interesting contrast to the castle grounds of Himeji earlier in the day.

Today we're going to one of our favorite places: Nara! Hope the deer don't hit me too hard! 😂

Many have asked if we're okay after the earthquake. Yes, no worries! 🧡

We're quite far from the epicenter. Concern should go toward those in the northeast of Japan.

As for the talk of a potential megaquake, we're going to carry on with our travels and hope for the best. 🙏

Kokoen Garden at the base of Himeji Castle was transcendent. One of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

Good morning, Japan! ☺️

Today we're going to Himeji Castle! I've wanted to visit this place for years. As a fantasy writer, I love seeing Japan's fortresses so much. 🏯

Also, we got a cute Totoro pin from the Ghibli store, so the Canada flag now has a Japanese friend! 🌾🇨🇦🇯🇵

There was a ferret meet up at Dotonbori, Osaka last night 👍

Don't think there was much out of the ordinary but I wouldn't know honestly

Parco Osaka, super similar!

Jump Shop!

Pokémon Center!

Capcom store!

FromSoftware popup store!

80 years ago, the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima detonated above this exact building.

While most of the city was annihilated, this domed structure survived and remains as a reminder of what happened.

Standing in its shadow is an experience that stay with me for my whole life.

Matcha with warabimochi! It was my first time having this type of mochi and it was so good. It paired really well with the warm matcha and gave me the energy to climb the mountain to the monkey park. 🍵👌

Good morning, Japan! 🍁

It's a beautiful day on Miyajima and we're having momiji for the first time. We're Canadian 🇨🇦 so this maple leaf snack is perfect for us! 👀

Too true

Good morning, Kyoto! 😄

Today we're going to Arashiyama for bamboo and monkeys! I'm excited, I absolutely love the Japanese macaques. 🐒

(Unrelated photo dump from the past days!)

Since my hotel is in Gion, Kyoto's geisha district, I've been lucky to see many real geisha walking to and from their performances.

Obviously I've kept my distance and watched respectfully (hence why I have no photos), but it's been a treat every time I've spotted one. ☺️

It was a beautiful rainy day in Uji 🍵☔️

I went all the way to the top of the mountain! ⛩️🍃

I did! I made it to the top for the first time hehe 🦊

You too 🧡

I wouldn't know 😆

Good morning, Japan!

Today I'm exploring the magical Fushimi Inari shrine and then going to Uji, the birthplace of Matcha! ⛩️🍵

Kyoto's nighttime atmosphere is just perfect. 😌

Endless amazing aromas and food, so many talented street performers, a nice mix of nature and urban. I could spend every evening for the rest of my life here and not get tired of it.

Good morning, Japan!

Today I'm hopping on the Shinkansen and spending the day in Nagoya. It's my first time visiting this city; I'm stoked to check out the castle! 🏯

Kyoto, I love you.

Japan, I love you.

🧡🇯🇵

Ramen for lunch and pudding for desert ...

Two things Japan has utterly mastered 😩👌

Good morning, Kyoto!

Trying a few new combini items today 👀

A few favorite phone photos from my first days in Japan.

Remember, the really good DSLR photos are coming later! Please look forward to them. 😉

Kyoto Station 🤯