FINALLY posting some of my favorite photographs from our trip to Japan this past November. We made stops in Nagoya, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Miyajima, Takamatsu, and Nara.

Bulleted thoughts below because I have to go clean the house and make dinner!

Lego Land in Nagoya was AMAZING. Context: Jeremy and I both hate crowds and generally don't love amusement parks. Lego Land in Japan had no lines, was super clean, and the rides were so creative and well executed!!! GO!
Best part of the trip = visiting Jeremy's Japanese aunt (Tamami) who we adore. Getting to spend time with her and her family was by far the best reward of the trip. It was wonderful to see her boys wrestle with our monsters because Jeremy used to play with her boys the same way when they were little. Life is so crazy sometimes!
When we were in Nagasaki, Tamami got us tickets to the Nagasaki Okunchi festival - it's the most famous festival in Nagasaki and celebrates the local deity worshipped at Suwa Shrine. We had the most amazing seats where we were able to see the floats and performances. Each ticket reserved a little plot with a mat where a small family would fit on. Hats weren't allowed, so everyone had these little towels over their heads. It was amazing to see but we had to leave early because it was SO HOT and the kids were going to lose it.
I loved Miyajima - quaint and beautiful. The top 3 things the island produces are: lemons, oysters, and eel. YUM.
Takamatsu was not my most favorite and it rained almost the entire time we were there BUT their transportation/train people put on the cutest little festivals for the kids in the area. There were trains decorated with a celebrated cartoon character, there were booths with games and prizes. The transportation staff people could not be kinder. This was a case where they were invested in the community. I wish that happened here.
Japanese food is the best food. I am still craving mochi donuts from Mister Donut. Rice balls at the drug stores = best snack.
The end.

Po Chi Fung is a Ventura County Lifestyle Family and Newborn Photographer, also serving Ojai, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, and other surrounding areas. She captures real-life moments with a documentary approach on film to tell your family's story.