KIM SENDS

Category: Japan

  • Six Weeks in a Campervan: A Journey of Discovery

    A Road with No Real Route It’s been six weeks since I launched the final leg of my Japan trip in a campervan. I had a rough plan—to head south, chase the cherry blossoms north—but that evolved into a nearly full circumnavigation of the country. I didn’t plan every detail; I just kept a direction…

  • A weekend in Kobe

    This weekend in Kobe presented a blend of restful indulgence and invigorating challenges, offering insights into balancing relaxation with personal growth. After the excitement of strawberry picking earlier in the week, Saturday unfolded as a tranquil day. Feeling unmotivated, I embraced the opportunity to rest, indulging in naps and savoring local cuisine. The day culminated…

  • A Day of Rest and Strawberry Picking in Japan

    The other day, after Japanese class, I found myself in need of rest. I took a nap and, before I knew it, it was 8 PM. Part of me felt a twinge of guilt for not making the most of the day, while another part found humor in how comfortable I’ve become, almost as if…

  • Onigiri-Making and Childhood Memories

    Today, our after-school activity was crafting onigiri, which brought back a wave of nostalgia. In second grade, my Japanese elementary school teacher introduced us to onigiri and origami, sparking my fascination with Japanese culture. Now, two decades later, I’m here in Japan, learning the language and immersing myself in local traditions. Exploring Acupuncture After class,…

  • A Matsuri at Akashi Park and Slab climbing

    Monday arrived swiftly, marking the end of the weekend and the beginning of another week of classes. After today’s lessons, we headed to Akashi Park, where a lively celebration was underway for the Emperor’s Birthday, a national holiday in Japan. The park was bustling with craft stalls, an abundance of succulents for sale, and live…

  • A Slow Start and a Lucky Onsen Night

    Today I was feeling a bit in a slump. I woke up around 10:30 a.m. after getting plenty of sleep but didn’t feel like doing much of anything. Eventually, I rolled out of bed and found myself some food—tonkatsu. For a meal that was less than $10, it was definitely a winner.  Wandering and a…

  • Shoe Shopping in Kobe and a Night of Social Dancing

    Kobe is known for its leather and shoe craftsmanship, so I decided to go shoe shopping today. The boots I brought with me were great for the snow, but they weren’t exactly aesthetic. The insoles had also worn down quite a bit, and after days of urban exploration, I could feel the fatigue setting in.…

  • Making my first Japanese friend

    Today was a nice and relaxing day. School ended fairly early, and I went with some of the students to a cat café. The cats were all sleeping when we arrived, but over time, some of them woke up and came to play with us. It was fun watching them slowly get more active, stretching…

  • Practicing Japanese one conversation at a time

    I’ve been working to continue building my confidence in speaking Japanese. Today, after class, I went to get a massage. Determined to get more practice in, I started chatting with the masseuse. I decided to ease into the conversation with a bit of humor, asking if my shoulders were the hardest he’s ever worked on.…

  • Finding a climbing rhythm in Kobe

    It has been interesting to settle into the groove of things. Some parts of my day feel like I’m back home again—for instance, snoozing my alarm and taking the last possible train to get to class on time. Today, I returned to Kobe Rock Garden. I definitely miss my gym back home, and even more…