Hello fellow wanderlust enthusiasts!

Grab your virtual passport and a cup of matcha, because we’re about to embark on a whirlwind tour of Japan that will have you booking flights faster than you can say “sushi.”

So, here’s the scoop: Last year, a motley crew of six friends decided to channel their inner globetrotters and set their sights on the land of the rising sun. 

Our planning sessions were like scenes from a spy movie—secret meetings online and in person, lists so long they’d make Santa blush, and hours spent glued to screens watching videos from influencers who could make a rice field look like a five-star resort. We had dietary dilemmas to solve (vegetarians and seafood restrictions),  but we persevered.

Japan promised us a smorgasbord of delights: Disney, Universal Studios, gaming museums, shrines, and festivals galore. And oh, the cherry blossoms! We were determined to chase those elusive pink petals from south to north like botanical bounty hunters. 

Budgeting was an exercise in fiscal acrobatics—some attractions demanded the ransom of a small kingdom, while others were as free as a bird. But fear not! We managed to navigate this financial minefield with the grace of a ninja. Fast forward to today, and we’ve whittled down to a fabulous foursome—Megan, Mike, Teresa, and yours truly. Alas, two comrades fell by the wayside, victims of the dreaded budgetary constraints.

Now, here’s the twist: This tale will focus on the escapades of Teresa and myself. Fear not, dear Megan and Mike fans—we crossed paths with our comrades several times, and those encounters will surely make guest appearances.

So buckle up for a saga filled with laughter, adventure, and maybe just one too many photos of cherry blossoms. We missed “peak” by maybe a week, but it was still awesome!.

Stay tuned for the day-by-day chronicles of our Japanese odyssey. Our trip took two weeks, getting these posts written up may take as long or longer. When finished, I’ll remove this statement.