In 2025, I set out on a long-awaited adventure to Japan with one of my closest friends — a trip that turned out to be everything I had hoped for and more. From the neon glow of Tokyo’s bustling streets to the quiet serenity of Kyoto’s temples, every moment felt like stepping into a dream. We spent our days exploring hidden alleyways, tasting food that redefined the meaning of flavor, and getting lost (in the best way possible) among the chaos and calm that coexist so effortlessly in Japan.
What struck me most was how seamlessly tradition and modernity intertwined — a tea ceremony one day, and the bright hum of Shibuya Crossing the next. The trip reminded me how important it is to slow down, to be curious, and to savor the world around us. More than just a vacation, it was a shared experience that deepened our friendship and left a lasting imprint on how I see the world.
“Travel far enough, you meet yourself.” — David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas