When you see images or videos online of over tourism in Japan. Gion is one of those places that gets packed with people throughout the day which is why I haven’t prioritized seeing it the last two visits I’ve made to Kyoto. I was determined to go today to get some photos of the small traditional streets and the pagoda. We managed to wake up early before sunrise and get there just as other people were also showing up with their cameras and selfie sticks.
In fall 2022 I decided I wanted to formally learn Japanese and not just try to scrounge up what I remember from watching hundreds of hours of anime when I was a teenager. I signed up for online classes at the U of M twice a week for the fall semester. It was pretty intense trying to balance everything but I managed with an A and what I learned that semester was really beneficial for us going to the more rural parts of Japan.
https://i0.wp.com/loosyourselfabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/0S2A6793.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&ssl=110001500Andrewhttp://loosyourselfabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Logo-v3-300x138.pngAndrew2026-02-12 10:35:512026-02-12 10:35:51I’m Trying My Best
As I had Japanese class this morning, I had a late start to the day but I didn’t want to prevent my schedule from interfering with Joanna’s family’s ability to see the rest of Kyoto on our last full day here.
https://i0.wp.com/loosyourselfabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/0S2A6805.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&ssl=110001500Andrewhttp://loosyourselfabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Logo-v3-300x138.pngAndrew2026-02-13 09:44:272026-02-13 16:49:07Time Limited to Three of Three Things
Our hotel included breakfast and dinner so we got back in time for our 6:30 reservation. On the way to the hotel restaurant, I noticed this poster in the elevator and jumped at the opportunity since it was going to be a clear night. The tour was $130 per person and the guide would take us to 3 different locations starting at 8:30 and dropping us off around midnight. I REALLY needed to catch up on sleep especially after a travel day, but the weather report said tonight was going to be clear. I didn’t want to risk the opportunity of a cloudy night tomorrow and risk missing out on a great photo opportunity.
https://i0.wp.com/loosyourselfabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/0S2A7050.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&ssl=110001500Andrewhttp://loosyourselfabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Logo-v3-300x138.pngAndrew2026-02-14 17:55:092026-02-14 17:55:44Definitely Not AI Slop
I had Japanese class this morning so I had to rush down to the hotel restaurant to get an early breakfast before class at 9. We had another sunny and clear day today and I asked if I could sit next to the window to get a direct view of Mt. Fuji. I don’t think I could get sick of this view. It only made my breakfast taste better.
https://i0.wp.com/loosyourselfabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/0S2A7173.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&ssl=110001500Andrewhttp://loosyourselfabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Logo-v3-300x138.pngAndrew2026-02-15 08:08:422026-02-17 09:55:38I Argued with a Taxi Driver in Japanese
Good Thing We’re Cold Weather People
Asia, JapanWhen you see images or videos online of over tourism in Japan. Gion is one of those places that gets packed with people throughout the day which is why I haven’t prioritized seeing it the last two visits I’ve made to Kyoto. I was determined to go today to get some photos of the small traditional streets and the pagoda. We managed to wake up early before sunrise and get there just as other people were also showing up with their cameras and selfie sticks.
I’m Trying My Best
Asia, JapanIn fall 2022 I decided I wanted to formally learn Japanese and not just try to scrounge up what I remember from watching hundreds of hours of anime when I was a teenager. I signed up for online classes at the U of M twice a week for the fall semester. It was pretty intense trying to balance everything but I managed with an A and what I learned that semester was really beneficial for us going to the more rural parts of Japan.
Time Limited to Three of Three Things
Asia, JapanAs I had Japanese class this morning, I had a late start to the day but I didn’t want to prevent my schedule from interfering with Joanna’s family’s ability to see the rest of Kyoto on our last full day here.
Definitely Not AI Slop
Asia, JapanOur hotel included breakfast and dinner so we got back in time for our 6:30 reservation. On the way to the hotel restaurant, I noticed this poster in the elevator and jumped at the opportunity since it was going to be a clear night. The tour was $130 per person and the guide would take us to 3 different locations starting at 8:30 and dropping us off around midnight. I REALLY needed to catch up on sleep especially after a travel day, but the weather report said tonight was going to be clear. I didn’t want to risk the opportunity of a cloudy night tomorrow and risk missing out on a great photo opportunity.
I Argued with a Taxi Driver in Japanese
Asia, JapanI had Japanese class this morning so I had to rush down to the hotel restaurant to get an early breakfast before class at 9. We had another sunny and clear day today and I asked if I could sit next to the window to get a direct view of Mt. Fuji. I don’t think I could get sick of this view. It only made my breakfast taste better.