I’ve just come back from my vacation in Japan, and even though I truly want to write about the many things that happened, I feel like I’d leave out thousands of details. Fifteen days of travel mean countless meals, cities, temples, and new experiences. So without going into too much detail, I’ll share a few of the things that left a mark on me.

I have to say that I hate flying. Airport procedures drive me crazy, and I honestly think any flight longer than 8,000 km should come with a sedative. Maybe I should just stop flying economy and move to economy plus or something better to have a bit more space.

The Sky

The most beautiful thing upon arrival was seeing those late winter sunsets that remind me so much of my home country. The orange skies creating a spectacular glow, especially with Mount Fuji in the background, were incredible. In Tokyo, you could see Fuji-san from almost anywhere. Sometimes it was covered by clouds, sometimes completely clear, but it was always there. Even from the plane.

Temples

I was born Catholic, but I’m no longer a practicing believer, so I don’t consider it heresy to enjoy other religions like Japanese Shintoism, which I truly love.

I drew a fortune slip (after making the proper donation) and the gods granted me excellent luck. So I never got tired of visiting every temple I could and offering my gratitude to each deity I encountered. I hope that every time I return, I can bow again and make donations to help preserve those temples and their religious traditions.

Food

I ate everything. I was always eating, and I won’t stop saying that Japanese cuisine is my favorite, (although I don’t want to leave Mexican and Spanish food out), but Asian food just gets me. The rice dishes, the soups, the teas, everything was delicious, from the simplest soba noodles to the most elaborate ramen. Going to a sushi restaurant with a conveyor belt of plates is an experience you never forget. And so affordable.

Sentos

I love Japan’s bathing culture. Every house has an ofuro, and if not, you can always go to a sento. I like the idea of bathing without prejudice in a public place, scrubbing your skin thoroughly, and then enjoying about ten minutes in hot thermal water in complete peace. You walk out feeling renewed and ready for a nap.

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I’m in love with Japan. I know being a tourist is not the same as being a resident, which is why I have a plan to live there for at least a year, to truly experience the Japanese way of life and become part of yet another country. I’ve done it before, and I’m willing to do it again.