We shot for a week on the Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, after which traveled down to Tokyo for 2 days, and over to Kyoto for 3 . It was fascinating as a result of I went to Tokyo as soon as once I was, like, 13 for a press junket [for Bridge to Terebithia]. This was my first time going as an grownup; I’ve idolized Japanese tradition—the meals, the model, the music—perpetually. So to lastly be [back] on the bottom was fairly particular.
What else made it particular?
It was additionally particular as a result of my girlfriend and her mother, Rosa, got here as effectively. It was superb as a trio. I imply, we’ve traveled collectively a minimum of 3 times a yr for 10 years now and it is at all times a very enjoyable, open vibe. Thankfully, we don’t over plan. It’s extra like: Here are some neighborhoods we wish to take a look at, possibly a restaurant we wish to go to. It’s not over-agenda’d. We principally simply float and see the place the day takes us. Sometimes, meaning sitting in a little park and watching life occur. None of us left [Japan] feeling like, “Shit, we didn’t see enough.” For us, experiencing a place is about seeing what it’s like to be there, only for a second. Also, they’re from Spain, I’m from the States, none of us converse Japanese, so we had been all leaning into that confusion collectively. We spoke, in all probability, 95% Spanish [during the trip].
And then there was being in Nikko, which feels such as you’re residing in a Studio Ghibli film. I introduced some rain gear as a result of they mentioned it will be wet, which it was, however it was at all times the proper variety, by which I imply heat water and lightweight. You may at all times go for a stroll in it. And there have been monkeys and deer all over the place. I grew up in Kentucky, and there are deer there, however there’s one thing about them in Japan the place their angles are sharper. Out there in nature, the magic of a Japanese forest, it’s so particular.
What I packed
The drugstore merchandise he by no means travels with out:
Advil. Always have Advil on hand. Before this journey, I had tiny journey dimension tubes, and there have been two left. I had to refill it with the large boy. Maybe you had a enjoyable night time the night time earlier than, possibly you’re sore from a exercise—no matter it’s, Advil. Especially touring overseas. In Spain, for instance, you don’t get Advil. You get, like, acetaminophen, however you will have to get a physician’s observe to get it.