We woke up bright and early, intending to take a ferry with friends to another island to explore, only to pull up exactly as the ferry was leaving the port. Rather than allowing crushing disappointment to overtake us, we quickly came up with an equally awesome plan B. First up, Shurijo Castle! A World Heritage…

One of the top activities we’d heard about in Okinawa was the Churaumi Aquarium, billed as the second-largest in the world. So one gray morning, we set off in our rental car and traveled a couple hours north to check it out. At the entrance, there was an epic playground, full of ropes courses perfect…

After a few weeks of drizzly rain and chill, we took an opportunity to hop down to Okinawa. We boarded our flight, awaited the incredible views of Mt. Fuji among the clouds we’d been forewarned to look out for and then napped the whole rest of the way. It was quite possibly the easiest flight…

One of the many things I’ve been impressed by in Japan is their willingness and true delight in sharing their culture with Americans. One of my favorite events so far has been the wonderful opportunity to be dressed in traditional kimono, hosted by the local Japanese spouses organization. They invited us in, told us to…

Sankien Gardens in Yokohama had been high on my to-do list in Japan after a friend who’d lived here years ago named it one of her top Japanese experiences. High praise indeed from another adventurous spirit who spent years exploring the country with a toddler in tow. I couldn’t wait for the weather to warm…