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Mount Fuji is one of the most iconic and beloved symbols of Japan — a nearly perfect cone rising 12,389 feet into the sky. But what many people don’t realize until they arrive is that seeing Fuji is a bit of a gift. Because it’s so often shrouded in clouds or haze, catching a clear […]

Bowing, Fortunes, and Colorful Sake at Meiji Shrine Tucked right in the middle of Tokyo’s organized chaos and it’s 81 million population —is Meiji Shrine.  One minute you’re dodging teen fashionistas and anime, the next you’re strolling beneath towering torii gates into a peaceful forest that feels like it’s politely ignoring the rest of the

Why Cherry Blossoms Are So Special in Japan? 🌸 Cherry blossoms—sakura—aren’t just beautiful, they’re deeply woven into the heart of Japanese culture. The tradition of hanami (flower viewing) goes all the way back to the Heian period (over 1,000 years ago!), when poets and nobles would gather under the blossoms to reflect on life’s fleeting

After months of daydreaming, planning, research (and a few library overdue fines), we’re finally setting off on a nearly three-month adventure through Asia! That’s right—nine countries, one backpack each (hopefully…), and a whole lot of curiosity. Our journey begins in Japan and winds its way through South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore,