We’ve been in Tokyo for 3 days and I think one more day would have been too much. There’s so much amazing food, places to go, and things to see but to try to cram in as much as you can in a limited amount of time is overwhelming. From Joanna’s point of view we needed to leave because she was starting to run out of luggage space from all the shopping.
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
Today was our travel day out of Kyoto and further into the more rural part of Japan. We had a 2 hour shinkansen ride and then an hour bus to Lake Kawaguchiko, an area to the foot of Mt. Fuji. I was anxious about whether we’d have good weather where we were staying so we could get a clear view.
https://i0.wp.com/loosyourselfabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/0S2A6989.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&ssl=110001500Andrewhttp://loosyourselfabroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Logo-v3-300x138.pngAndrew2026-02-13 21:01:152026-02-13 21:39:07Couldn’t Have Timed Seeing Mt. Fuji Any Better
It Snows in February?!
Asia, JapanWe’ve been in Tokyo for 3 days and I think one more day would have been too much. There’s so much amazing food, places to go, and things to see but to try to cram in as much as you can in a limited amount of time is overwhelming. From Joanna’s point of view we needed to leave because she was starting to run out of luggage space from all the shopping.
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.
Couldn’t Have Timed Seeing Mt. Fuji Any Better
Asia, JapanToday was our travel day out of Kyoto and further into the more rural part of Japan. We had a 2 hour shinkansen ride and then an hour bus to Lake Kawaguchiko, an area to the foot of Mt. Fuji. I was anxious about whether we’d have good weather where we were staying so we could get a clear view.