A new year, a new trip to Japan! It’s always just as exhilarating to be back. The food alone is good enough a reason to return; I usually prepare a “must eat” list in advance, leaving enough empty slots for improvised eating and family events. The trips would be a bliss if only the flights were not so long, the two extra hours really hurt. The older I grow, the more I dread the lengthy journey. I’ve never been able to sleep in economy class. Usually after 8 hours of being packed like a sardine, my back muscles form an alliance and start an outright mutiny against me.

Aging has also some unexpected perks; it's not just about waning health and increased backaches. It turns out, I've evolved into a museums enthusiast. Previously, I could spend endless hours wandering the streets and stores of Akihabara, but now, it just bores me. Instead, I noticed that the museums and historic sites have become the most captivating part of my trips. I also discovered that for a museums enthusiast, visiting Japan at the end of the year is the worst timing—everything seems to be closed!

My father-in-law had planned and booked us a family trip to Tsushima and Iki islands. I did my share by studying the history and geography of the islands by playing Ghost of Tsushima on PS5. I was so pumped I might’ve accidentally taken flight. Unfortunately, the divine winds intervened, just like with the Mongolian fleet 750 years earlier. We had to scrap our plans due to heavy winds and snowfall. I felt… deflated. Fortunately we were able to pivot quickly, and headed towards Lake Biwa region instead. I got to explore the Sekigahara battlefield and Hikone castle, both truly fascinating visits. My wife and I also spent an extra night in Kyoto because I insisted on indulging in more historic touristy activities.

Now, I have an unpopular opinion that I can't keep to myself any longer. Kyoto is stunning; it can be compared to the likes of Rome, Athens, or Cairo. Spared in WW2 by almost like a divine intervention. Then, why, oh why, for the love of everything beautiful, is Kyoto's skyline marred by an atrocity that belongs in the Las Vegas Strip?! In a city with Zen gardens where the placement of every single stone is thoughtfully considered? Why? I’m talking about the Kyoto Tower. ひどい! Please take it down! And while you’re at it, scrap that impractical maze called Kyoto central railway station too! It's an eyesore!

I might not be on Kyoto's welcome list for a while. 😁

While we were enjoying our January 1st in Tokyo, Noto peninsula was hit by a strong earthquake. It’s been a while since my phone’s quake alarm has gone off the last time. Earthquakes are one thing I will never get used to. A tragic event for those who lost their lives or homes. A good reminder why I shouldn’t take our annual trips for granted, or complain too much about flying in coach.

That’s it, thanks!