In the U.S. and around the world, bucket lists are becoming a part of how people experience life. Whether consciously or subconsciously, most of us have things we want to do, places we dream of seeing, and people we hope to meet. Personally, I’ve never been one to keep a strict bucket list. It felt a bit morbid—like admitting, “Before I die, I want to [insert dream here].” However, as my husband and I explore the possibility of starting a family, there are a few dreams I feel excited to fulfill, and this trip to Japan tops the list.
Growing up, my world was rooted in my cultural heritage. As a first-generation American with Caribbean roots, my community was richly Guyanese, so my experiences rarely extended beyond that circle. And while I had a typical American upbringing, my introverted nature meant I never strayed far from familiar people or places.
Then came my discovery of anime, specifically Inuyasha. I still remember the thrill of watching it as a teen, staying up late to catch episodes. Anime became the window through which I first glimpsed Japanese culture. My interest only deepened in college, though it did provide plenty of embarrassing moments thanks to fan service (IYKYK).
I even considered moving to Japan to teach English after graduation. But then, I met my husband, and our beautiful life together took priority. The question still lingered, though—Would I love Japan as much as I imagine if I experienced it in person?
Now, years later, my husband and I have a shared goal of visiting Japan before settling down. While we’ve enjoyed traveling within the U.S. and love the occasional cruise, Japan feels like a truly unique adventure. Combining our wedding anniversary with a travel bucket-list dream feels like the perfect way to celebrate our love and embrace something new together.
Japan is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and futuristic urban landscapes. In 2023, Japan attracted nearly 11 million international tourists (Japan Tourism Agency), drawn by iconic sights like Tokyo Tower, Kyoto’s temples, and the serene Mount Fuji. In fact, Japan consistently ranks as one of the top travel destinations globally, with visitors citing its unique blend of history and modernity, traditional and high-tech, as a major draw. This is a place where we can experience ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovation side by side—something I’m eager to witness firsthand.
We’re dedicating 17 days to this adventure, allowing us time to experience everything from bustling Tokyo to peaceful Kyoto, from Osaka’s culinary scene to Nara’s deer-filled parks. There’s plenty to consider when planning a trip like this, especially as this will be our first experience traveling abroad while observing the Sabbath away from home. Balancing our interests and travel styles will make this trip even more memorable—while my husband enjoys urban exploration, I lean toward the quiet charm of historic temples and natural scenery.
Over the next few posts, I’ll break down our planning process, from crafting our itinerary to budgeting, choosing hotels, and picking up some basic Japanese phrases. I’ll share how we prepared and why these details matter, especially for anyone thinking of taking a similar journey. Whether you’re an anime fan, a culture enthusiast, or simply curious about what a trip to Japan might be like, I hope our experience can offer some inspiration and helpful insights. So, stay tuned as we bring you along on our journey to Japan!
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