A journey told in chapters

Memoir Journal

An ongoing memoir organized by destination and volume — read at your own pace.

Japan

Chapter 1 · Japan

Why Japan

Where every journey begins — with grief, with hope, and with a dream worth chasing

The Japan journey began during one of the hardest seasons of my life. My husband and I started planning our trip to Japan while my…

Read the Chapter
Chapter 2 · Japan

Our First Night in Tokyo

Shinjuku at midnight, lucky turtles, and the kudzu connection between Georgia and Japan

Our first night in Tokyo went by in a blur of lights, movement, and quiet amazement. We spent a couple of hours walking through Shinjuku,…

Read the Chapter
Chapter 3 · Japan

Ukiyo — Living in the Moment

Day one in Tokyo: matching shirts, breathable cotton, and a word that changes everything

Our first day in Japan, I made Amin wear matching Tokyo souvenir shirts with me. You know — the winner from HeatherbugLiving on Etsy that…

Read the Chapter
Chapter 5 · Japan

Temples, Markets & Magic Toilets

Day three in Tokyo: Senso-ji, the Meiji Shrine, wagyu steak, and Japan's greatest gift to the world

3rd day in Tokyo, we toured all over the place. It’s not hard to walk 8 miles a day. We’ve also been in the habit…

Read the Chapter
Chapter 6 · Japan

Arriving in Kyoto

Mountain views, ocean on one side, and a hotel that already felt better than Tokyo

Today’s adventure was the equivalent of a “rest day” during our travels — though in Japan, even the slower days somehow still turn into unforgettable…

Read the Chapter
Chapter 7 · Japan

A Day in Osaka

Dotonbori River, takoyaki, a ferris wheel at sunset, and a city that doubles in size after dark

Just when I thought we were finally getting used to sleeping in, I beat the alarm and woke up at 6:30 a.m. Lord, I don’t…

Read the Chapter
Chapter 8 · Japan

Bamboo, Gold & Gion

Kyoto day two: the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the Golden Pavilion, and the geisha district at night

After waking up around 5 a.m. every day because our sleep schedule was completely confused, we finally managed to sleep in until 8 this morning.…

Read the Chapter
Chapter 9 · Japan

The Gates of Fushimi Inari

Last day in Kyoto: thousands of torii gates, a new friend from Poland, and a burger worth the nap

Today was our last day in Kyoto. We got an early start, but not too early since we only had one place we wanted to…

Read the Chapter
Chapter 10 · Japan

The Last Day

Back in Shinjuku, soaking in every last moment — and why part of me already misses it

Our last day in Japan. I can feel home calling. We’re back in Tokyo, strolling through Shinjuku revisiting streets we walked at the very beginning…

Read the Chapter
Stay on the journey

Journey Notes, delivered to your inbox

New destinations, kit releases, yoga updates, and community stories — all in one place.